Incredible Journeys

Georgia State University is home to students from all over the world, and I am always interested to hear how our international students select our university among the thousands around the globe. Perhaps one of the most compelling stories is that of Mesfin Yana, who came to GSU to study respiratory therapy after suffering a series health problems as a child in Africa that left him near death and without hope. In this issue, you'll follow Yana's amazing and inspiring journey of illness, intervention and, finally, healing. And you'll meet some wonderful people at GSU and elsewhere who helped transform Yana's life of helplessness into one of giving back to a community that saved him.

Earlier this spring, I was delighted to take part in the ribbon-cutting and dedication of GSU's new Parker H. Petit Science Center, a 350,000 square-foot facility that will advance scientific understanding, health innovation and health education. The facility, located at the intersection of Decatur Street and Piedmont Avenue, will house laboratories, offices and classrooms, and will be home to a variety of university research and education programs in the sciences, as well as the Neuroscience Institute. I am particularly grateful to Pete Petit and the other generous donors and partners who helped make this world-class facility possible.

Finally in this issue, you'll follow the stories of three musicians from the GSU School of Music -- an alumnus, a faculty member and a student - who have parlayed their successes into the music industry's highest honor. You'll meet Coy Bowles, Andrew "Dru" Castro and Mace Hibbard, whose separate and very distinct paths landed them on the winner's stage at the 2010 Grammy awards.

As you'll see in this issue, and if you visit our campus, this is an exciting spring at Georgia State, a time of growth and prosperity and high hopes for an even brighter future.

Sincerely,

Mark P. Becker

President