Trustees end calendar year by taking several actions In its final board meeting of the calendar year, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees authorized the university to proceed with the next phase of the T.B. Simon Power Plant Modernization Project. During this phase, the university will improve the plant’s natural gas infrastructure to complement the reciprocating internal combustion engines currently under construction. Installing separate electric- and steam-production equipment will result in higher overall plant efficiencies, reducing fuel expenses and carbon dioxide emissions. The project cost is $17.7 million. Trustees and President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., also recognized 29 students with the Board of Trustees Award for achieving a 4.0 grade point average at the close of their last semester.