MSU Canadian Studies Center

With news of the indefinite postponement of the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting and , James Blanchard, former governor of the state of Michigan, former U.S. ambassador to Canada, and chair of the Canadian Studies Center's external advisory council, spoke this week with Detroit's Local 4 news about the bridge and the current state of - relations.

Hear his full comments at the link below 👇

Former US ambassador to Canada, Michigan governor reflects on long road to Gordie Howe Bridge opening Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada and former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard is calling the Gordie Howe International Bridge the most important infrastructure project in North America as the long-awaited Detroit-to-Windsor span nears its opening.

Best of luck to Asher Printzen of Las Vegas and Jullia Gross-Turkey of Hamilton, Ontario, as they head to the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League draft! 🏒

Read more about their accomplishments and thoughts on women's hockey at the link below 👇

Two Michigan State alums in PWHL Draft, highlight women’s hockey neglect at MSU - The State News Recent Michigan State graduates Asher Printzen and Jullia Gross-Turkey will attend the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft with hopes of hearing their names called on June 17, 2026. They are two of 236 players in the draft pool, including 23 Olympians. Printzen and Gross-Turkey both play...

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At the heart of Pride is a celebration of collective resilience. We celebrate this month with all Spartans. 🌈

The MSU Canadian Studies Center was pleased to host colleagues from Université Laval last week as we continue building on our memorandum of understanding supporting collaborative teaching and research between our two institutions.

During their visit, François Gélineau, vice rector for international affairs, sustainable development, EDI, and philanthropy officer, and Julie Dionne, director of sports and recreation services, toured MSU athletic facilities and met with leadership from University Outreach and Engagement, International Studies and Programs, the Department of French, and MSU Athletics, including Athletic Director J Batt.

A highlight of the visit was a meeting with several CSC core faculty engaged in active research partnerships with colleagues at ULaval, along with, of course, a visit to the iconic MSU Dairy Store! 🍦

The Canadian Studies Center was pleased to host Peter Johnson of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP) last month for a day of on-campus meetings and a lecture on the Great Lakes Compact and Agreement.

Thank you to the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and MSU Water Alliance for co-sponsoring.

You can learn more about the GSGP's work and see a recording of the lecture at the link below. 👇

Canadian Studies Center highlights Great Lakes binational cooperation On April 6, 2026, the Canadian Studies Center hosted Peter Johnson, deputy director of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP), for a day of campus meetings and an afternoon lecture on the Great Lakes Compact and Agreement.

Last month, the Canadian Studies Center was honored to host the Honorable Caroline Mulroney, president of the Treasury Board of Ontario and minister for Francophone Affairs, and Earl Provost, Ontario agent-general in Chicago, for a productive visit to MSU focused on strengthening partnerships between and .

The visit included a stop at the Center's office in the International Center, a meeting with President Kevin Guskiewicz at the Hannah Administration Building, and a campus tour featuring Beaumont Tower.

We look forward to deepening our research, teaching, and engagement partnerships with Ontario for the benefit of students, researchers, and communities on both sides of the border.

Canadian Studies Center hosts Ontario Delegation for meeting with MSU President On April 8, the Canadian Studies Center was pleased to host the Hon. Caroline Mulroney, president of the Ontario Treasury Board and minister for Francophone Affairs for the province of Ontario, for a visit to the Center's office in the International Center, as well as a productive conversation with....

We're excited to keep cheering on , including our Canadian and American players! 🏒 🇨🇦 🇺🇸

"The transfer portal is wide open and college hockey has officially concluded, along with the NCAA’s first season with Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players.

"Michigan State’s freshmen forwards Porter Martone, Cayden Lindstrom and Anthony Romani were three players to arrive from the CHL. While MSU fell short of the Frozen Four — which featured nearly 20 CHL players, including all four starting goaltenders — the trio was impactful throughout the season. Each played a role in helping MSU to its Big Ten regular-season title."

CHL players impacted MSU hockey’s success - The State News Michigan State’s freshman forwards Porter Martone, Cayden Lindstrom and Anthony Romani were the three players to arrive from the CHL, and while MSU fell short of the Frozen Four — one that saw almost 20 CHL players, including all four starting goaltenders — the trio was impactful throughout th...

Attention Students 🚨

The Canadian Studies Center is partnering with the Canada-United States Business Association (CUSBA) to recruit an MSU student for a paid, hybrid position. The successful student will draft a biweekly trade and business newsletter targeted to business leaders on both sides of the border.

Applications are due Wednesday, April 29. Full details at the link below (or search Handshake for job #10971479). 👇

app.joinhandshake.com

Congratulations to Anish, Ethan, and Grace — part of the next generation of leading efforts to strengthen U.S.-Canada relations.

Congratulations to Dr. Armando Benitez on this well-deserved award! We are excited to celebrate Armando and the other awardees at the International Awards on Thursday.

We hope to see you there!

Michigan State University alum Armando Benitez has been named the 2026 recipient of the Joon S. Moon International Distinguished Alumni Award — honoring international Spartans making a difference worldwide.

Benitez credits MSU’s welcoming community for helping him thrive, both academically and personally. Today, he continues to strengthen the Spartan network in Toronto as president of the Toronto Spartans, carrying on his late wife's legacy.
👉 Read more: https://www.isp.msu.edu/news_article/24258