From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Ron Dzwonkowski is associate editor of the Detroit Free Press.

Ron discusses Governor Granholm’s final State of the State address, the future of Detroit’s Big Three, and the state and future of newspaper journalism.

“We haven’t yet figured out yet what newspapers or journalism will look like a year from now or five years from now,” he says. “At the Free Press where we’ve reduced home delivery and raised prices in the interest of protecting the resources we have for journalism, we’re going to continue to look for ways to reduce our expenses for delivering the ink on paper product so that we can increase and enhance our ability to gather news.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 17:45 – 10.2 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Scott Monty is Ford Motor Company’s Global Digital and Multimedia Communications Manager. Scott is a marketing and communications professional focused on the digital industry — specifically on social media.

“Social media is really just people talking to each other online,” Monty says. “It’s happening more and more these days and brands have an opportunity to gently and respectfully take part in that conversation – not to market at people, but to really become another party to the conversation.”

He is a strategic advisor on all social media activities across the company, from blogger relations to marketing support, customer service to internal communications and more, as social media is being integrated into many facets of Ford business.

“Ultimately we want people to understand that there are real people just like them working at Ford,” says Monty. “We strive to humanize the Ford Motor Company as we talk about our strong business plan and great products. And we need to do that from a position of humanity not from a position a corporate top-down message.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 11:48 – 6.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: News/Talk 760 WJR and Michigan State University have reached an agreement to extend their current contract 10 years, making News/Talk 760 WJR the flagship station for Spartan football and basketball through 2020. The extension was announced Tuesday, Jan. 19 during “The Paul W. Smith Show.”

“A relationship that began with WJR becoming the voice of MSU football and basketball has transformed into a great partnership that encompasses athletics, academics and everything in between,” said WJR President and General Manager Mike Fezzey. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with President Lou Anna Simon, Athletics Director Mark Hollis and MSU on and off the field.”

WJR and MSU began their current contract in 2006. Since then, their partnership has evolved to include athletics, academic programs, alumni relations and more. They have even joined forces to advance environmental awareness through the weekly show “Greening of the Great Lakes,” heard Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 16:39 – 9.6 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Wharton Center’s Bob Hoffman is organizing his third Pass It Forward event at Dublin Square in East Lansing on January 23.

“I wanted to have a PASS IT FORWARD party (P.I.F) to DO SOMETHING that makes a difference,” Hoffman says. “The idea is to come together and create an energy of excitement; enthusiasm that creates continuous momentum! This isn’t a fundraiser, a religion or political in nature. It’s just you and me helping someone else who then, hopefully, will do the same.”

Hoffman gives all the details on how those interested can help him pass it forward on January 23.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 10:13 – 5.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Daniel Howes is business columnist and associate business editor of The Detroit News.

As the 2010 North American International Auto Show gets ready to open in Detroit, Howes talks about the state of the automotive industry around the world, but particularly in North America. And he discusses what automakers hope show attendees will take away from their visit to this year’s show.

“The situation for automakers is certainly more optimistic than it was a year ago at this time,” Howes says. “They want consumers to know that they’re building world-class automobiles despite their recent troubles on the business side.”

Howes also talks about the overall Michigan economy and where he sees it going in 2010 and the challenges and opportunities facing the newspaper journalism industry. And he weighs in on the higher education funding issue.

“The less that Michigan finds its way clear to support higher education, the more other people are going to prey upon Michigan’s lack of direction in this regard,” Howes says.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Show 22:15 – 12.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Nancy G. Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and one of the world’s best-known breast cancer advocates, addressed the MSU graduates at the commencement ceremony on December 12.

“As one of the nation’s premier institutions of higher learning, MSU is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its curriculum and for the noteworthy contributions Spartan alumni have made in so many important fields of endeavor,” Brinker said.

Brinker founded the nonprofit group in 1982 after her sister, Susan G. Komen, died from breast cancer. It is now the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, operating in 125 American cities and several foreign countries.

The organization’s trademark fundraising event is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a series of 5K runs and walks around the world. Each year, more than 1.5 million people participate in 130 races around the world. Thanks to such races, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has generated more than $1.3 billion, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.

“Whatever you do, follow your own path,” Brinker advised the graduates. “And you must live your passion. If you are not passionate about what you do, don’t do it. Life is too short to waste on pursuits that don’t inspire you.

“When you wake up every morning, have a reason to swing your legs over the side of the bed and be excited to get to work. Listen to your heart, find your passion, and then pursue it with reckless abandon.”

Hear the Address 11:54 – 6.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Federal funding is moving forward, hiring is under way and conceptual design and research and development are progressing at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams Project one year after the U.S. Department of Energy announced the selection of MSU to design and establish FRIB.

Brad Sherrill is Chief Scientist for the FRIB project.

“This is a new window on the universe,” Sherrill says. “It’s a new research tool that no one has had before, and it will be the centerpiece of a research enterprise for the nation.”

Construction of FRIB is scheduled to begin in late 2013. The project is expected to bring $1 billion in economic development to the region and is expected to be completed in 2017.

“FRIB will be a place where scientists from all over the world will come to do forefront research that isn’t possible anywhere else in the world,” says Sherrill. “We’re going to learn exciting things here about how nature behaves and about how the universe has changed over time, and we’ll learn new ways to diagnose and treat diseases.

“Great scientific discoveries are going to take place on the MSU campus because of FRIB.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 11:41 – 6.7 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Programs that offer film students a blend of theory and production technique, such as MSU’s new film studies major, could help budding filmmakers take advantage of Michigan’s burgeoning film industry, says Emmy Award-winning documentarian Ken Burns.

In April 2008, Michigan enacted a law to provide tax credits for film production companies that shoot their movies in Michigan.

“In tough economic times, it is even more critical to have a rigorous film studies program to prepare the legions of young people who will have to be conversant in the language of our new visual culture,” Burns says, “and be able to reflect the values and ethics so these new forms of communication do not control us, but rather continue to reflect our highest ideals.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 18:51 – 10.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: MSU senior Lindsay Allen is the dynamic president of the MSU Entrepreneurship Association.

The group was started in the Spring of 2007 by a group of MSU business students who wanted to start an organization that would promote entrepreneurship throughout MSU.

“We’re there for anyone who has considered entrepreneurship or who wants to learn more about it,” Allen says. “We help people feel more comfortable about becoming an entrepreneur, and we offer connections to resources for existing entrepreneurs who want to expand their businesses.

“We work to educate, aide, and inspire students of any age to create, nurture, and follow through with their entrepreneurial ideas and to take advantage of opportunities.”

Allen also candidly discusses her recent bipolar disorder diagnosis.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 13:57 – 8 mb mp3

MSU Today on Impact Radio: The job market for college graduates has bottomed out – falling some 40 percent in the past year– as the market undergoes a colossal shift that demands graduates be flexible and entrepreneurial in the rapidly evolving global economy, according to Michigan State University’s latest Recruiting Trends survey.

Job growth in electronic commerce illustrates this shift. Employers are hiring critical-thinking graduates with the skills to capture more Internet business and help the company continually redefine its operation, says Phil Gardner, director of MSU’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute, which conducts the annual study.

“Employers want to be much more flexible; they want to be agile,” Gardner says. “They’re bringing in employees who can slide in multiple directions depending on what transpires over the next year. And that opens the door for students from a variety of academic backgrounds.”

Ultimately, while many employers tell Gardner they hope to see the economy rebound, he says folks need to understand things will not return to “normal” – that is, a labor market in which college graduates have their pick of high-paying jobs. The recession, combined with increasing global competition, means graduates will continue competing for fewer jobs with lower salaries and benefits.

Kelley Bishop, MSU’s career services director, says it’s imperative that students get aggressive about their futures early in their college careers by networking with prospective employers, landing internships and developing critical thinking skills. He said this cuts across all majors – from engineering to liberal arts – because employers are worrying less about a student’s major and more about whether they can solve problems and think outside the box.

“The premium is being placed on flexibility and adaptability,” Bishop says, “because this change in the labor market looks like it’s permanent. And those who can quickly adapt are the ones who are going to survive through this and prosper through this.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 22:13 – 12.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Jeff Mason is Executive Director of Michigan’s University Research Corridor.

“The URC is a collaboration between Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University to really try to leverage the strengths of the three institutions to grow and diversify Michigan’s economy,” Mason says.

Mason discusses a November visit to Ann Arbor by representatives of the National Institutes of Health.

“The URC is helping to bring NIH representatives to Michigan to spend time with university faculty and entrepreneurs to help them understand how to access NIH funding,” Mason says.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 5:37 – 3.2 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: MSU alumnus Jim Cotter is the director of the Office of Admissions at MSU.

Cotter discusses the profile of the 2009 class at MSU.

“Despite the challenges we’re facing as a state and a nation, things are good at MSU right now in terms of enrollment,” Cotter says. “We’re larger than we’ve ever been before in terms of the aggregate population, which is somewhere just slightly north of 47,000.

“Our freshmen target was 7,200, which was intentionally a little smaller than a year ago,” Cotter adds. “This year we came in at 7,208 with about 21 percent out-of-state students, and students of color are very well represented in this very diverse class that includes about 685 international students.”

He analyzes overall trends in university admissions, and he talks about the office’s Detroit outreach efforts. He talks about how the college admissions process has changed over the years. And Cotter gives his vision for MSU’s Office of Admissions.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 17:20 – 9.9 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Matt Larson is associate atheltic director for athletic communications at MSU and is sports information director for Spartan basketball.

Matt invites all Spartans to Midnight Madness at Breslin Center on Friday October 16. Admission is free, and doors open at 9:30 p.m.

Larson reflects on the Spartans’ electric drive to the 2009 Final Four in Detroit and on the positive green and white vibes that permeated the State of Michigan last spring. And he analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the 2009/2010 Spartans. And he describes technology’s impact on the field of sports communication.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 22:40 – 13 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Clifton R. Wharton is MSU’s 14th president.

His major achievements were his successful efforts to maintain the quality of MSU’s academic programs despite budget reductions, his commitment to the education of the economically and educationally disadvantaged, and the integration of the School of Osteopathic Medicine with MSU’s other medical schools.

Wharton’s most lasting contribution to the University was the completion of Wharton Center for Performing Arts. The building, dedicated in 1982, was named in honor of Wharton and his wife Dolores, in recognition of the strong support, which they gave the project.

Wharton Center is celebrating the completion of an $18.5 million expansion and renovation project and the launch of a new season with an open house on October 11.

Dr. Wharton reflects on Wharton Center’s origins and also talks about his legacy as MSU’s 14th president. And he gives his views on the challenges facing higher education in 2009.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 14:38 – 8.4 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Mike Brand is executive director of MSU’s renowned Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

Wharton Center is celebrating the completion of an $18.5 million expansion and renovation project, and the launch of a new season with a free public open house on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from noon to 4:00 p.m. The event will begin with a ribbon cutting at noon with Clifton and Dolores Wharton, and other dignitaries.

“We’re excited to reintroduce Wharton Center to the MSU and greater communities,” says Wharton Center’s Executive Director Mike Brand. “This project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our university leadership and greater community. I have no doubt everyone will be pleased.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 16:31 – 9.5 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Dr. Dean Sienko is the Director of the Ingham County Health Department.

“There is some H1N1 flu virus activity in our community,” Sienko says. “There isn’t a lot, but we have found that virtually all of it is being caused by this virus.”

MSU administration and health officials are monitoring the H1N1 flu (swine flu) outbreak and working closely with local, state and national public health officials.

Sienko expects the vaccine to arrive in the area by mid-October and to have it all distributed by the end of December.

In the absence of the vaccine, Sienko advises that we all practice careful personal hygiene.

“Wash your hands often, and stay home if you’re sick,” Sienko says.

Sienko advises that those who contract the virus should stay away from school or work for at least 24 hours after one’s fever begins to subside.

“It’s been a mild illness so far, and we hope it stays that way,” Sienko says.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 9:16 – 5.3 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Mike Cherenson is the Chair and CEO of the Public Relations Society of America.

He talks about what public relations is in 2009 and about how social media and technology have impacted the industry.

“Social media and technology have amplified our voice,” he says. “We can reach more people than ever before and truly engage in two-way communication.”

Cherenson talks about the challenges and opportunities facing public relations. He also offers his thoughts on the skills one needs to possess to succeed in PR and offers his advice for young people who want to enter the profession.

“PRSA is really about empowerment and helping people build their careers,” Cherenson says. “And it’s about helping people network and advance the profession.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 10:30 – 6 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Trevor Nill is a sophomore forward on the Spartan hockey team. And he’s a mechanical engineering major at MSU.

“I’ve always been interested in engineering since I played with Legos as a kid,” Nill says. “I want to be able to help people and solve problems.

“The college has an unbelieveable support cast and really wants to see students succeed.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 6:50 – 3.9 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Mark Marabate was raised in Michigan and now makes his living as a screenwriter in Hollywood. He talks about how books translate to the big screen.

Marabate talks about his experiences working for various film companies on the west coast and explores the ways that books become films, using examples from “The DaVinci Code,” “Angels and Demons,” “Twilight” and “No Country for Old Men.”

“Books and films have always gone hand in hand,” Marabate said. “To understand how books are turned into movies is really a way to understand the thought process of Hollywood itself.

“Hollywood is a bubble, but the decisions made there effect millions of people, and learning how and why they make those decisions may influence others.”

Marabate visited East Lansing in conjunction with this year’s One Book, One Community program.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 27:28 – 15.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Gary Morgan is the director of the MSU Museum.

Morgan, a native of Australia, has more than 25 years of experience in museum leadership and administration, research and collections management, and wildlife conservation.

“Good museums are about the ideas and excitement they generate in diverse audiences,” says Morgan. “The MSU Museum can be a gateway to what the university embodies – that means the core values of excellence in scholarship and learning,” he observes.

“What excites me most is the MSU commitment to making that scholarship readily available, meaningful and relevant to the broadest of communities, within the USA and abroad.” adds Morgan.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 12:33 – 7.2 mb mp3