“I wanted to have a PAY 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 pay it forward on August 8.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 15:55 - 9.2 mb mp3

A series of events the week of June 8 helped MSU dedicate a major expansion of its National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory and celebrate the coming of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.

Here is a sampling of voices from some of the people involved in the week’s events.

Reported by Russ White.

Hear the news report 19:14 - 11 mb mp3

Koonin discusses scientific priorities of the Obama Administration and about what we need to do to get on a more sustainable path to meeting our energy needs.

Koonin also highlights the most compelling applied benefits associated with investing in the cutting edge of basic nuclear science, of the type that will be done at FRIB. And he details how investing in basic science is related to long-term economic growth, an issue that’s top of mind in Michigan and across the United States.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 9:06 - 5.2 mb mp3

And here is the audio of Koonin’s June 12, 2009 address at MSU:

Hear the Address 30:52 - 17.6 mb mp3

MSU will expand its presence in Southeast Michigan this fall, establishing Community Music School Detroit with classes for area youths and adults and a new headquarters for College of Education teaching interns and programs in Detroit schools.

Community Music School is the outreach arm of the College of Music. The college initiated CMS Detroit in response to the community’s desire for enhanced music education and performance opportunities, says Buckley.

“The programs are built on the knowledge that exposure to music dramatically enhances learning, life skills, cognitive development, social awareness and problem solving – all skills that are transferable and necessary in these changing economic times,” Buckley says.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring the energy of our MSU faculty and students into the rich cultural heritage that Detroit is - the place where Motown started and where techno music developed,” Buckley says. “To be able to go to Detroit and offer this richness to other young people and to share that gift is extraordinarily exciting.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 10:05 - 5.8 mb mp3

Kramer talks about Crain’s and its mission covering business in the Detroit area. She also talks about the “state of flux” in the journalism world and about how solid journalism skills can benefit anyone in any career. She also state her optimisim about Detroit’s eventual rebirth.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 8:52 - 5.1 mb mp3

On video: Kramer on journalism and PR in 2009:

“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

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

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

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

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: