From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Scott Westerman is president of the National Board of the MSU Alumni Association. He talks about the evolving mission of today’s MSU Alumni Association.

“Today’s MSU Alumni Association is the perfect way to stay connected to the Spartan magic that helped get you where you are today,” Westerman says. “Every MSU Spartan’s life has been fundamentally changed based upon his or her relationship with MSU.

“That relationship doesn’t have to end at graduation.”

Westerman talks about trends in technology and cable televison from his perch at Comcast.

Westerman is the father of Spartan Podcast; thanks, Scott!

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 15:30 – 8.9 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Michael Patrick Shiels hosts “MPS in the Morning” on WJIM-AM 1240 in Lansing and around the state on the Michigan Talk Network.

He reflects on his time with the late, great J.P. McCarthy at WJR and talks about how he models his show after J.P. and attempts to “leave out the boring parts.”

He discusses the current and future state of the journalism and media industries and talks about how he got started as an author.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 24:59 – 14.3 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: MSU alumna Shannon Shelton covers Spartan sports for the Detroit Free Press.

She reviews the Spartans’ spring football practice sessions and sizes up the outlook for Mark Dantonio’s 2009 squad.

She also looks back on the great 2008/2009 men’s basketball season and talks about the outlook for Coach Izzo’s 2009/2010 Spartans.

Shelton also talks about the beleageured newspaper industry and the skills necessary for journalists to thrive in the new media world.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 23:16 – 13.4 mb mp3

On video: Shelton talks about the best way for PR people to pitch to journalists and about the blurring of journalism and public relations in the multimedia era: