Meet your new MSU DPPS Community Liaison Coordinators

September 28, 2023

EAST LANSING, Mich. --- The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) is excited to introduce its new Community Liaison Coordinators. This team of individuals will work to engage with members of the Spartan community while advancing the mission of MSU DPPS. You can meet the team below.

Jaclyn Sayen, Community Engagement Supervisor

Office Location: MSU Union, Room 61

Background: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management from Grand Valley State University; Master of Arts in Education from Michigan State University

Favorite College Class: Leadership and Organizational Development

Previous Roles: Food services for the Lansing Lugnuts and MSU Concessions; Environmental Health and Safety Inspector for MSU’s Division of Student Life and Engagement

Goals: Broaden perspective and help other MSU DPPS employees showcase their passions to Spartan community

What Led Jaci to MSU: “I came to MSU for the chance to build community and connect with Spartans on campus.”

What Jaci Wants People to Know About Her Role: “Through community engagement, we intentionally create interactions that build and strengthen trusting relationships and give those we serve a glimpse at our humanity, vulnerability, passion, and values. I’m looking forward to sharing that through my role.”

Contact: SayenJ@dpps.msu.edu

 

Marissa Raterink, Community Liaison Coordinator

 

Office Location: Brody Hall, Room 125 (Brody Neighborhood)

Background: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University

Favorite College Class: Topics in Criminal Justice (Mental Health and Crime)

Previous Roles: Intel analyst, juvenile court intake, juvenile alternative education

Goals: Help foster a community that supports student’s success in all aspects of life during and beyond their time at MSU.

What Led Marissa to MSU: "I came to MSU to expand my perspectives and to engage in the all the opportunities the campus has to offer. I have been able to build relationships with a diverse group of people and have been humbled by everything I have learned from them."

What Marissa Wants People to Know About Her Role: "I am excited help students get the most out of their experience at MSU. Everyone has a unique story; sharing our stories and being vulnerable allows us to find common ground and build relationships rooted in authenticity and empathy. Community engagement is driven by these relationships and benefits all stakeholders in the MSU community."

Contact: rateri15@dpps.msu.edu

Wasenka Hewage, Community Liaison Coordinator

Office Location: Student Services Building, Suite 113 Room 126 (River Trail Neighborhood)

Background: Bachelor's degree in psychology from Michigan State University

Favorite College Class: Community Psychology

Previous Roles: Community Mental Health

Goals: Inclusivity, relationship building and empowerment

What Led Wasenka to MSU: “My journey in community engagement began with a strong commitment to try to make MSU as inclusive as possible. Over the years, I have honed my skills in relationship building and communication, which are crucial for effective community outreach and collaboration.”

What Wasenka Wants People to Know About Her Role: “I believe that successful community engagement is rooted in active listening, empathy, and a genuine commitment to addressing the unique needs of each community. I will work hard to ensure that the voices of community members are heard and respected.”

Contact: HewageW@dpps.msu.edu

Mike McGinnis, Community Liaison Coordinator

Office Location: Holmes Hall, Room C-115 (East Neighborhood)

Background: Bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University; Master of Arts in Administration from Central Michigan University; Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Central Michigan University; currently ABD in pursuit of a PhD in Higher Education at the University of Toledo

Favorite College Class: The History of Higher Education and Student Development Theory

Previous Roles: Accounting Clerk at Sparty’s; Student Service Advisor at Central Michigan University; Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Lansing Community College

Goals: Encourage healthy and safe practices on campus for students, faculty, and staff; help students succeed

What Led Mike to MSU: “Look around you, who wouldn’t want to be here?! MSU is a beautiful place full of incredible students, staff, and faculty. It’s an honor to come to work here each day and I look to learn something new each day.”

What Mike Wants People to Know About His Role: “Know that I am here to help! I may not always have an immediate answer, but I am going to listen and will get you an answer. I am excited to be on campus and work with DPPS and our campus community.”

Contact: McGinnisM@dpps.msu.edu

 

Donnie Sams, Community Liaison Coordinator

Office Location: Wilson Hall, Room W10 (South Neighborhood)

Background: Organizational Leadership, Trine University

Favorite College Class: Recognizing and Mitigating Unconscious Biases

Previous Roles: Operation Manager at Sparty’s Retail Shop; Assistant Concession Manager 

Goals: Build relationships with Spartan community

What Led Donnie to MSU: “I began working at MSU as a student in 2002. Over the course of my career, I have had people help me to become the person that I am. I enjoy being given the opportunity to do the same for others.”

What Donnie Wants People to Know About His Role: "I have previously been tasked with organizing interviews, facilitating hiring endeavors, and facilitating the onboarding process for new staff members within my former roles. These experiences have given me a unique insight into the MSU student experience and the needs of community partners.”

Contact: SamsD@dpps.msu.edu

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Media Contact:  

Dana Whyte, Communications Manager and Spokesperson, Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety  

517-282-3711 | WhyteD@dpps.msu.edu