From the language of diplomacy to the history of environmental conservation and the fight against disease, Mississippi State’s 2025 Humanities Summer Scholars have been exploring what it means to be human across cultures and centuries. Their research will be shared Wednesday [Oct. 22] during presentations hosted by the Institute for the Humanities, part of MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Mississippi State graduate Ginny Walker Shurlds debuts her first children’s book “Mississippi State From A to Z,” with a special signing at Starkville’s Book Mart on Main Street Friday [Sept. 5] 2–5 p.m. She’ll continue signing copies Saturday morning when the store opens at 9:30 a.m.

For Lourdes Cardozo Gaibisso, “home” is more than just a place—it’s something people create. “I believe el lugar lo hace uno: ‘the place is made by the person,’” she said. “My mom taught me this when I was a child, and I carry that lesson with me. I try to foster a sense of belonging for students who are far from home by creating a welcoming environment where they feel valued and respected.”