EMU Today

YPSILANTI --  The latest episode of EMU Today TV takes viewers on an inside look into preparations for the fall 2021 semester as students, faculty and staff prepare for the return of in-person classes and campus activities. The special guest for the first segment is Ellen Gold, assistant vice president of student affairs and dean of students.

Gold discusses the comprehensive plans in place for a safe return to campus this fall – and what students, faculty, staff and guests can expect when they arrive on campus. Among the active planning efforts underway is a strong promotional campaign to encourage vaccinations, as well as hosting a series of “pop-up” vaccination clinics on campus in cooperation with the Washtenaw County Health Department.

The second segment features Zach Wigal, recently named EMU Outstanding Young Alumni and founder of Gamers Outreach and Gamers for Giving. He also has been recognized as a CNN Hero and by Forbes in its 30 under 30 list.

Gamers Outreach is a charity organization that provides recreation to children in hospitals through the power of video games and the gaming community. To date, Gamers Outreach programs enable an estimated 1.5 - 2 million play sessions for patients across 200 healthcare facilities each year. The organization also hosts one of the largest local area network parties in North America - Gamers for Giving - which brings together gamers and esports enthusiasts in support of hospitalized families

Now in its fourth season, EMU Today TV highlights positive programs, events and initiatives at Eastern, and provides opportunities for viewers to learn more from University deans, faculty, students, administrators and alumni about activities at the University.

Mark S. Lee, host of CBS Radio’s Small Talk with Mark S. Lee, is the host of the special edition of EMU Today TV. Lee is an Eastern Michigan University alumnus, and part time lecturer of Marketing at Eastern. He is an entrepreneur, Crain's Detroit blogger and frequent contributor to various Detroit-area media outlets on business topics.

In addition to viewing on the University's YouTube channel, the program airs on the following days/times through the month on Xfinity On Demand:

• Thursdays @ 8:30 pm
• Saturdays @ 8:00 am
• Sundays @ 10:30 am
• Tuesdays @ 9:30 am
• Wednesdays @ 4:00 pm

Xfinity customers can access the program by the following: Using their remote press Xfinity>On Demand>XFINITY Services>Get Local.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.