Portrait

"The paramedic said my name," says Whelan. "Having someone say your name in a situation like that is amazing. It was a student I had helped a couple times years before, and there he was, right there for me when I was in desperate need." Ann Kammerer has the story.

In the third of a series, ELi's Ann Kammerer profiles East Lansing High School graduates who live, work and retain ties in EL. From now through early June, we'll feature their reflections and informal advice to the graduating class.

In the second of a series, ELi's Ann Kammerer profiles East Lansing High School graduates who live, work and retain ties in EL. From now through early June, we'll feature their reflections and informal advice to the graduating class.

In the first of a series, ELi's Ann Kammerer profiles East Lansing High School graduates who live, work and retain ties in EL.  From now through early June, we'll feature their reflections and informal advice to the graduating class.

According to his mother, one East Lansing man is "using the charactersitics of his autism as his strength" in starting a bottle and can recycling service. Ann Kammerer has the story.

What brings a teacher back from retirement after 28 years, and what's the wisdom he wants to pass on to students? Evan Dempsey has the answers.

Andrew Wells' path from inner-city Detroit childhood to the East Lansing High School principal's office includes basketball with Magic Johnson, working as a lunch room monitor, and a lot of supportive adults. Ann Kammerer reports.

Whether the experience starts in 1979 or 2007, getting a first job (often a summer job) has meant a lot more than a paycheck to these East Lansing residents.  Ann Kammerer brings you their stories.

Did you know that a real, live, local artist creates all the art at the East Lansing's Whole Foods Market? Here, she talks with ELi's newest reporter, Sarah Spohn, about art, passions, and finding a calling in life.

Luke Hackney, President and CEO of downtown business RetroDuck.com, calls East Lansing "the City I love," and has worked to support everything from the arts to downtown parking solutions.  Rosalind Arch reports.

As the City's Finance Director retires, she's planning to become more politically active. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem tell ELi why Mary Haskell has been so valuable to East Lansing, and why she will be missed.

MSU Masters student Eileen Stefansky was homesick for the farm where she grew up, so she decided to start a business that would surround her with animal love.

"Dave and I have always felt that adoption would be a part of our way to grow our family. We both have a deep-rooted faith in God and believe all Christ-followers are created to serve and love others." Rebecca McAndrews describes for ELi's Julie Rojewski the family's long but determined struggle as they became parents to three children from Haiti.