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MSU Today with Russ White

MSU Today with Russ White

By: Russ White
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 MSU Today is a lively look at Michigan State University-related people, places, events and attitudes put into focus by Russ White. The show airs Saturdays at 5 P.M. and Sundays at 5 A.M. on 102.3 FM and AM 870 WKAR, and 8 P.M. on AM 760 WJR.© 2025 Russ White Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Michigan State University announces record fundraising year

    Michigan State University announces record fundraising year
    Jul 15 2025
    Uncommon Will in Action: A Record Year for a Far Better World Michigan StateUniversity has announced it raised a record $380.1 million during the fiscal year that ended June 30. MSU is also in the early stagesof its Uncommon Will. Far Better World. campaign. The public phase of the campaign was launched in March of 2025. Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz and MSU Vice President for University Advancement Kim Tobin discuss fundraising’s role in MSU’s dynamic future. Conversation Highlights: (0:43) - President Guskiewicz, you’ve now completed your first full fiscal year at Michigan State—and what a year it was. Over $380 million raised with more than 65,000 donors contributing to MSU’s future. What does that level of philanthropic support say to you about the MSU community? (1:52) - Kim, you’ve been leading University Advancement through transformational growth. Can you walk us through what made this particular year stand out—and what it took behind the scenes to reach this milestone? (3:20) - The campaign title—Uncommon Will. Far Better World. —is bold and aspirational. What does ‘Uncommon Will’ mean to each of you? And how is that playing out across the Spartan community? (4:07) - How are you helping donors see themselves in this campaign—not just as financial supporters, but as co-creators of that ‘Far Better World’? (5:41) - This campaign is about more than dollars—it’s about impact. What are some of the ways this momentum is directly benefiting students, research, and MSU’s mission right now? (7:47) - This past year included 5 gifts of $5 million or more, totaling $138M—which is remarkable. What are you hearing from donors at that level that gives them confidence in investing at MSU? (8:59) - What role has collaboration between faculty, deans, advancement officers, and university leadership played in this success? (11:28) - How are you fostering a culture of philanthropy not just among donors, but across MSU’s internal teams—from students to staff to alumni ambassadors? (13:19) - The campaign has a bold $4 billion goal. As you look ahead, what’s the next frontier for MSU fundraising and engagement? (14:55) - As you continue your presidency, what do you hope people will say about this moment in time—this record-breaking year—and how it shaped the future of MSU? (15:59) - If you could speak directly to the 65,474 donors who made this year possible—what would you want to say to them? (16:44) - What does it mean to you—personally and professionally—to lead MSU during a time of such historic philanthropic support? (17:43) – What should we keep in mind as the Uncommon Will. Far Better World. campaign progresses? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.Conversation Transcript:Russ:Michigan State University has announced it raised a record $380.1 million during the fiscal year that ended June 30th. MSU is also in the early stages of its Uncommon Will. Far Better World. campaign. The public phase of the campaign was launched in March of 2025. Michigan State University, President Kevin Guskiewicz and MSU Vice President for University Advancement, Kim Tobin, join me to discuss fundraising's role in MSU's dynamic future. Kevin and Kim, great to have you back on MSU Today.Kevin Guskiewicz:Thanks for having us, Russ. as always, I enjoy catching up with you.Kim Tobin:Thank you.Russ:Kevin, you've now completed your first full fiscal year at Michigan State, and what a year it was with over $380 million raised with more than 65,000 donors contributing to MSU's future. What does that level of philanthropic support say to you about the MSU community?Kevin Guskiewicz:Well, I think it reflects extraordinary belief in Michigan State University's leadership, the direction that we're headed, and our purpose as a leading global public research university. And we have amazing stories to tell, and that's what successful philanthropy is all about. I think it underscores our identity as a people-powered institution; our community is all in. And I think that incredible number that you mentioned there, from this past year, I think reaffirms our shared commitment to building a future grounded in access, excellence, and impact. And I think it's a clear sign that Spartans don't just believe in the mission, they invest in it.Russ:Kim, you've been leading University Advancement through transformational growth. Can you walk us through what made this particular year stand out and what it took behind the scenes to reach this milestone?Kim Tobin:Thanks, Russ. I think really at the heart, it's the team that's worked together. They've been disciplined. We created a strategy three years ago to elevate our success, and people have been committed to that strategy throughout the last three years, and we have also built on the foundation of strong relationships for...
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    19 mins
  • MSU Launches New Technology Engineering Degree Program in Response to Industry Demand

    MSU Launches New Technology Engineering Degree Program in Response to Industry Demand
    Jul 9 2025

    The Michigan State University College of Engineering has launched its new Technology Engineering program. (TechE) [pronounced Tech – “E”]

    The TechE bachelor of science degree program was developed from the ground up with extensive input from industry. It blends mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering with computer science to prepare students for modern engineering challenges in a multidisciplinary, interconnected world.

    Students choose from concentrations in mechatronics and embedded cybersecurity or a smart agricultural systems minor. Courses in hardware cybersecurity, electronics and embedded systems, sensors and signal processing, and robotics, automation and controls are taught in state-of-the-art teaching labs and designed to leverage hands-on, real-world projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies with a strong foundational engineering mindset.

    The TechE degree program was launched in the fall of 2024 and offers a unique blend of engineering and computer science, tailored to address the engineering challenges of coding and computer science integrated into modern engineered systems. It serves as the college’s latest response to industry demand for practice-ready engineers and aims to bridge the gap between engineers and computer scientists across product development teams.

    Janet Brelin-Fornari, Ph.D. is TechE program director. David Sanders and Heather Dashner are MSU College of Engineering alumni and Technology Engineering Industry Advisory Board members. Sanders is with Microsoft, and Dashner is with Ford Motor Company.

    Conversation Highlights:

    (1:17) - What is Technology Engineering? Describe the areas of concentration within it.

    (3:04) - What will this program offer that can’t be found elsewhere?

    (4:34) - Why was it important for you to get involved with the Technology Engineering program?


    (5:57) – What about coding and artificial intelligence?

    (6:30) - What current industry needs does this program meet?


    (7:39) - How would your company utilize a graduate with this type of skill base?


    (8:44) - How did the idea for this program come about?


    (10:41) - How will a degree like this one help improve the talent pipeline in Michigan and the Midwest region moving forward?


    (13:06) - Why is Michigan State the best place to launch a new discipline like this?

    (13:40) – Spartan Engineers are ready to hit the ground running.

    (14:18) - What kind of facilities will be available to the students?

    Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.
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    17 mins
  • What to know when choosing a college

    What to know when choosing a college
    Jun 25 2025

    “MSU helps students learn to pivot, persevere, and overcome challenges.”

    Michigan State University Executive Director of Admissions John Ambrose talks about the challenges and issues facing higher education admissions.

    MSU students Ryan Weingarden and Quiana Kelly join the conversation. They talk about why they chose MSU for college, the pressure points they felt during the application and admissions process, and factors to keep in mind when choosing a college.

    The trio reinforces facts and dispels myths about the college admissions process.

    Conversation Highlights:

    (0:43) – Ryan and Quiana introduce themselves.

    (2:15) – John on the challenges and issues in the higher education admissions world today.

    (6:36) – Quiana and Ryan on why they chose MSU.

    (8:29) – What were your pressure points when going through the admissions process?

    (10:16) – What are the key factors to keep in mind when choosing a college? What should I do, and when should I do it?

    (15:49) – Why did you change your major the first week of school?

    (16:59) – What about the application process? What tips would you offer? What about the essay?

    (21:53) – What are some facts you would like to reinforce and some myths you would like to dispel?

    (27:21) – What have you learned about yourself since coming to MSU?

    (30:03) – What do you want to be remembered for here at MSU?

    (31:30 – Rapid fire questions: Favorite place to study on campus, best food on or near campus, one tradition every Spartan should try, most unexpected thing about college life, and one word to describe your MSU experience.

    (32:51) – Summary and closing thoughts.

    Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.
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    38 mins

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