Honored and Engaged, Naturally

President Mark P. Becker

As Georgia State University prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2013, there are countless people working harder than ever to increase the value of a GSU degree. We invite you to meet some of them in this issue.

First, follow the amazing life and career of Andrew Young, civil rights icon, former mayor, congressman, U.N. Ambassador and namesake of Georgia State's acclaimed school of policy studies. You'll get an inside look at his involvement with GSU and his eponymous school, the important role of policy and civic engagement in effecting positive change and his legacy (cover story, see page 24).

You'll also learn how a handful of undergraduates formed the largest and among the most influential student groups on campus — in less than a year. See how the Student Alumni Association — at more than 1,400 members strong — works to broaden the college experience, strengthen tradition and help build a loyalty to GSU (page 30).

Finally, go inside associate professor of biology Ritu Aneja's lab, which takes a holistic approach to investigate molecules in plants with promising anti-cancer properties. You'll see how Aneja's team is using natural, non-toxic initiatives to uncover the anti-cancer properties of sweet potato greens and how their work could have far-reaching results in the future (page 34).

This is an exciting time at Georgia State University, and this issue is a salute to the people who make that a reality in everything they do.

Sincerely,

Mark P. Becker
President