From Greening of the Great Lakes on Impact Radio: Fred Poston is MSU’s vice president for finance and operations and treasurer. Poston leads MSU’s sustainability initiatives.

“Sustainability is the program for the moment or almost a fad at many universities, but we’ve taken a different approach,” says Poston. “We’re looking for significant and sustainable changes in the way we do business.”

MSU is working on a long range energy plan.

“We’re constantly looking at alternative energy sources like a new shallow geothermal system for our nursing building addition that will help us conserve steam,” says Poston. “And we’re exploring a variety of wind, solar and nuclear options to help us meet our renewable energy goals.”

Poston says the buildings going up on campus these days are all LEED-certifiable at various levels.

“We don’t certify all of them because it costs money to do that, but we do certify a few as we go.”

Poston is always working on MSU’s transportation fleet.

“The flex-fuel and hybrid vehicles are very popular with our staff,” says Poston. “And we’re keeping our eye on the development of electric vehicles to see if we can add some of those to our fleet.

“We’re also looking at a car sharing program, and we’ve expanded our bicycle shop on campus for people to rent when they’re on campus.”

Hosted by Kirk Heinze.

Hear the Conversation 32:07 – 18.4 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Scott Westerman is the executive director of the MSU Alumni Association.

“The alumni association is the original social network,” says Westerman. “We talk a lot about the importance of Facebook and Twitter, but in reality it’s still about those face-to-face connections.

“In the old days, social media was a tailgate party when people would come back to campus for Homecoming or a football game and they would talk face-to-face and the instant connection was a long-distance telephone call. Now our networks are incredibly diverse, but it still comes back to MSU and the relationships you develop here.”

Westerman says one of the things that makes MSU unique and the alumni association special is the network of nearly a half million Spartans around the world.

“If you call a Spartan and say you’re a Spartan, they’ll take your phone call.”

Westerman is passionate about MSU and its impact on the world.

“The real magic about MSU is our world grant mission to make the world a better place,” says Westerman. “MSU touches people in so many ways, and it’s such a positive for our state that MSU is around and involved.

“I think the next big idea will be envisioned in Spartan hearts, designed in Spartan minds, built by Spartan hands, and the next great chapter in the American dream will be written at Michigan State University!”

Hosted by MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon and MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis.

Hear the Conversation 23:07 – 13.2 mb mp3

From Greening of the Great Lakes on Impact Radio: MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon makes her annual visit to the radio program she co-developed with News/Talk 760 WJR president and general manager Mike Fezzey.

Simon often says that being green is in MSU’s DNA. This fall, MSU launches a specialization in sustainability studies that will bring together students from various majors and backgrounds.

“We don’t see sustainability as a separate set of skills that you put as a separate major,” Simon says. “But if we can grow the number of students who understand these issues at a very complex level and then can use their deep content knowledge to be able to think about those issues in their employment context and in their community, we believe they have a better chance of finding those complex solutions.

“Part of what we have done in all of our programs is try to imbue cutting edge science and to put that in the context of how best to implement public policy and you have to put the two of those together in order to address sustainability,” Simon says.

“Students today have to live with the consequences of the world we’ve created; they really do understand that,” says Simon. “And they don’t see those consequences necessarily as ones that create prosperity.

Hosted by Kirk Heinze.

Hear the Conversation 19:15 – 11 mb mp3

From MSU News on Impact Radio: Heather Swain is MSU’s assistant vice president for University Relations. She is leading MSU’s branding initiative.

“Brand is the focal point of communicating who you are and what matters to you, and it’s the way you narrow down that communication so that you can really get a fine point on it so people can understand who you are,” says Swain.

“It’s not what you think you are; it’s what everyone thinks you are.”

Swain says MSU has had a brand for a long time; now the university is trying to communicate it clearly in a way that people can grasp quickly and easily.

Spartan Sagas is a key part of the initiative.

“Spartan Sagas is taking our people and featuring them and really digging into the stories of how our students, faculty, staff and alumni are contributing in ways big and small making a difference in the world,” Swain says.

“Spartans have so much enthusiasm and identify so strongly with the institution, and we really want to let that bloom and take off.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 11:13 – 6.4 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: As Spring Semester 2010 winds down, MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon visits MSU Today.

“Universities are very special in that when we work on the campus in the years ahead to continue to improve the value of a Michigan State education and the value of Michigan State to the state of Michigan, the nation and the world; that rebounds positively to the benefit of the graduates,” says President Simon.

“And what the graduates do anywhere in the world to make a difference, not simply by the amount of money they make, but in that historic land grant – now world grant – spirit to use their talents to assure that cutting-edge knowledge is supplied to the world’s wicked problems is what makes a difference in their work and in their community, and in the way in which they think about their responsibilities to the next generation.

“And that rebounds as they do that work around the world very positively back to Michigan State in building reputation and value. So it’s a unique proposition and one we take very seriously and we’re very excited because we think the 2010 graduates are prepared to make that difference.”

President Simon says the Big Ten has been transparent about its potential expansion.

“If you think about the academic characteristics of the Big Ten and our pride in being a conference with institutions, all of which have global reputations and are viewed by the public as among the best institutions in the country, that’s something that we’re really proud of,” President Simon says. “And in every communication we’ve issued as a conference, we’ve made it clear that that’s something that we intend to hang on to very tightly in the future.

“I must underscore that not doing anything is an option. We’re in a stage where we’re carefully looking at alternatives. Since there are a limited number of Division I institutions in the country who fall into the general academic profile of the Big Ten institutions, anyone can figure out the possible pool of institutions that we might consider and then you can eliminate some by geography.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 21:11 – 12.1 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: One of the most acclaimed composers of contemporary concert music, John Corigliano, is holding a weeklong residency at the MSU College of Music April 19-24.

Corigliano received a Pulitzer Prize of Music in 2001 and an Oscar in 1999 for his musical score in the 1998 film “The Red Violin.” He is also a three-time Grammy Award recipient.

“I enjoy working with students because they love music and want to learn; that interaction nurtures me, too,” says Corigliano. “I hope they learn from me that today’s composers are living, natural, normal and down-to-earth people.”

Corigliano’s visit to campus will conclude with “An Evening with John Corigliano: MSU’s Tribute to the Man and His Music.” The concert will be held 8 p.m. April 24 in Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall. Corigliano will host a 7:15 p.m. preview lecture, commenting on the works that will be performed.

The concert will feature five of Corigliano’s most well-known works performed by the MSU Symphony Orchestra, University Chorale, State Singers and Wind Symphony. Corigliano will host open rehearsals with the groups.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 13:41 – 7.8 mb mp3

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

Wharton Center recently announced its highly anticipated 2010-2011 season, letting eager fans know the amazing entertainment offered by Michigan’s largest presenter of performing arts. There is something for everyone’s taste, including the high flying extravaganza Disney’s Mary Poppins and the 2006 Tony Award-winning best musical, Jersey Boys, both Broadway shows will have extended runs at Wharton.

“We are committed to bringing the best of Broadway and the performing arts to Wharton Center,” says executive director Mike Brand. “We are consistently in touch with top Broadway producers and we are excited to bring mega-musicals such as Jersey Boys and Mary Poppins to mid-Michigan. We are also lowering the entry point for most of the performing arts attractions making it easier for families to see the high quality attractions this coming season.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 7:21 – 4.2 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Construction for MSU’s Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum began March 16 with a groundbreaking for the building, designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

The facility is named in honor of Eli and Edythe Broad, longtime supporters of the university who provided the lead gift for the museum. The Broads’ gift of $28 million, with $21 million designated for construction of the building and $7 million to be used for acquisitions, exhibitions and operations, was the catalyst for the world-class project.

“Mr. Broad has spoken of the importance of knowing the art of one’s time so we may know ourselves better,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. “And he and Edythe have made it something we look forward to doing – entering a vibrant space filled with visual delights to ponder and explore. This Zaha Hadid design will send the message we want – that great art deserves great architecture.”

Lauren Talley reports

Hear the Report 4:09 – 7.6 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio and TalkLansing.net: David Gift is MSU’s chief technology officer; his official title is vice provost for libraries, computing and technology.

Scott Westerman – the father of Spartan Podcast – talks with Dave about a variety of MSU technology issues from the bandwidth MSU consumes each month, to the future of broadcasting and the growing popularity of MSU’s library system.

“Our library foot traffic at Michigan State is increasing year over year and has been for the last 15 years,” Gift says. “For a while we were bucking a national trend as people were going to the library less and less.
“Now nationally visits to libraries are beginning to increase.”

Hosted by Scott Westerman.

Hear the Conversation 16:47 – 15.3 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

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: 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: 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: Dr. Beth Alexander is MSU’s University Physician.

MSU administration and health officials are monitoring the H1N1 flu (swine flu) outbreak and working closely with local, state and national public health officials. MSU urges faculty, staff, students and parents to stay informed of the latest developments regarding H1N1.

“The most important thing is to stay informed,” says Dr. Alexander. “We can expect the situation to change like it has weekly all summer. The CDC and WHO sites are good places to go to stay up to date.”

And Dr. Alexander says the best way to avoid getting the virus is to “wash your hands a lot with soap and warm water, and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw out the tissue. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

“And if you are ill, please stay home to avoid infecting others. We’re all part of a community. What we do to deal with the virus impacts other people around us.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 18:03 – 10.3 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Dan Rather, host of HDNet’s “Dan Rather Reports” and a former “CBS News” anchor and “60 Minutes” correspondent, addressed candidates for advanced degrees on May 8 at MSU.

He received an honorary doctor of humanities degree.

Rather spoke with Jim Peck before he addressed the degree candidates. He comments on the state of journalism today.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation and the Address 26:13 – 15 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: MSU’s undergraduate convocation on May 8, 2009 featured commencment speaker Desmond Tutu, the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and South African anti-apartheid activist; he received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.

Tutu’s involvement in commencement exemplifies MSU’s strong relationship with Africa.

Jim Peck talks with Tutu and we hear his comments to the graduating Spartans.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation and Address 33:42 – 19.3 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Dr. Mary Nettleman chairs the MSU Department of Medicine.

Dr. Nettleman says sexually transmitted diseases are increasing. There are 19 to 20 million new cases each year in the United States. She talks about how common STD’s are in the modern era and describes the facts and myths associated with them.

“No one is immune to STD’s,” says Dr. Nettleman. “There is a great deal of chance involved, and the risk is there for everyone.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 10:06 – 5.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Gary Reid is the general manager of MSU’s award-winning student radio station, 88.9 FM The Impact. The Impact celebrates its 20th birthday on February 24, 2009.

Reid talks about how WDBM got started and discusses the station’s mission. He talks about how the Impact – and the radio industry in general – has changed over the 20 years WDBM has been on the air.

And Reid looks ahead to the Impact’s next 20 years and looks into his crystal ball to predict where the radio business is headed in the future.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 28:38 – 16.3 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Fewer MSU students than ever are drinking and driving in 2008, and nearly 70 percent fewer report driving after having five or more drinks compared to 2000 data, according to information released Oct. 9 by the university’s Olin Student Health Center.

“The data shows that progress is being made in helping MSU students make choices about their health that will support them as they strive to attain both academic and social success,” says Dennis Martell, health education coordinator at Olin. “Our students are making more informed choices in many areas of health. They are doing this because we at the university have committed ourselves to providing them with access to health education and resources.

The findings are part of MSU’s involvement in the National College Health Assessment Survey.

Since 1998, MSU has attempted to bridge the gap between what students think is normal behavior and what actually is with the university’s Social Norms Marketing Research Project. The program aims to challenge the perceived environment of drinking on campus.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 21:02 – 12.1 mb mp3