President Richard Rush was recently inducted into the Minnesota State University (MSU) Athletics Hall of Fame & Distinction, which honors those who have made significant contributions or brought honor to MSU athletics. Dr. Rush, who was MSU president from 1992-2001, was recognized for the establishment and support of athletic programs, his concern for and creation of gender equity guidelines, and his fund-raising efforts that resulted in more than $18 million for the renovation and design of the university's athletic center.

Austin Dias, a senior business major, recently spent a week on Wall Street as one of twenty top young entrepreneurs honored by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship. Dias participated in seminars and business plan strengthening sessions, and heard guest speaker Tim Armstrong, vice president of advertising and sales for Google. He also won a third place prize of $1,250 in an entrepreneurial competition.

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors recently presented a resolution to Barbara Thorpe, associate vice president, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, for her contributions to the Medical Integration Subcommittee, her work with community stakeholders, and attracting funds to initiate the county's first generic baccalaureate nursing degree. She also contributed to the development of the Medical Education Loan Forgiveness Program that provides assistance to deserving nursing students in the county.