MSU Today with Russ White

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 [https://farbetterworld.msu.edu/]. 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 [http://go.msu.edu/listen] and through Spotify [http://go.msu.edu/Spotify], Apple Podcasts [http://go.msu.edu/ApplePodcasts], and wherever [http://go.msu.edu/podcasts] 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. [https://farbetterworld.msu.edu/] campaign. The public phase of the campaign was launched in March of 2025. Michigan State University, President Kevin Guskiewicz [https://president.msu.edu/] and MSU Vice President for University Advancement [https://advancement.msu.edu/], 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 [http://go.msu.edu/episodes]. 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 many years before that. So, the teamwork by the Advancement staff and the strong collaboration across the colleges and units have really been our secret to success. And I want to give a special thanks to our deans and the senior directors of development in the colleges and units. We partner with 28 units on campus to realize this mission and launching the Uncommon Will. Far Better World. campaign also created visibility for what we are doing at the university, and all the positive programs that are happening. And one of the things that was evidence of people's belief in us is our historic success with our Give Green Day, [https://msualumnipodcasts.transistor.fm/episodes/msu-give-green-day-is-march-11] back in March. It's a single day where we celebrate gifts of all sizes, and in that single day we had 7,716 gifts made totaling $2.2 million for many different funds across campus. So, it just showed the energy and excitement and the teamwork at play. Russ: The campaign title, Uncommon Will. Far Better World. is bold and aspirational. Kevin, maybe you first, what does Uncommon Will mean to you, and how is that playing out across the Spartan community? Kevin Guskiewicz: Well, I think it means that we do the extraordinary and the uniquely MSU things that distinguish us. And I think it's the relentless drive to push boundaries in research, teaching, and outreach. Kim Tobin: I would add that our donor community has shown that they choose action over apathy, and they want to make a difference. It's not just about doing more but doing it boldly and intentionally. I think our Spartan spirit, leading with purpose and perseverance is really evident. Russ:

The Michigan State University College of Engineering has launched its new Technology Engineering program. (TechE [https://engineering.msu.edu/about/departments/TechE]) [pronounced Tech – “E”] The TechE [https://engineering.msu.edu/news-events/news/2025/04/17/msu-launches-new-technology-engineering-degree-program-in-response-to-industry-demand] 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 [http://go.msu.edu/listen] and through Spotify [http://go.msu.edu/Spotify], Apple Podcasts [http://go.msu.edu/ApplePodcasts], and wherever [http://go.msu.edu/podcasts] you get your shows.

“MSU helps students learn to pivot, persevere, and overcome challenges.” Michigan State University Executive Director of Admissions [https://admissions.msu.edu] 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 [http://go.msu.edu/listen] and through Spotify [http://go.msu.edu/Spotify], Apple Podcasts, [http://go.msu.edu/ApplePodcasts] and wherever [http://go.msu.edu/podcasts] you get your shows.

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR [https://ippsr.msu.edu/]). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy. Bryan Beverly [https://education.msu.edu/people/beverly-bryan/] is director of the Office of K-12 Outreach [https://education.msu.edu/k12/] in MSU’s College of Education. He and members of the team join the conversation to talk about their work on how school districts are responding to expiring COVID-19 funds. Conversation Highlights: (1:12) – Beverly introduces his team and describes the research. (2:47) – Tyler Thur adds his perspective. (6:11) – Abigail Bies adds her perspective. (7:02) – Are districts having to cut back on programs? (9:37) – Are there examples school districts can point to that was successful due to temporary funding? (13:40) – Closing thoughts Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio [http://go.msu.edu/listen] and through Spotify [http://go.msu.edu/Spotify], Apple Podcasts [http://go.msu.edu/ApplePodcasts], and wherever [http://go.msu.edu/podcasts] you get your shows.

In a bold demonstration of philanthropic leadership and long-standing commitment to Michigan State University, the MSU Research Foundation [https://www.msufoundation.org/] has designated $75 million over the next eight years to support the university’s comprehensive campaign, Uncommon Will, Far Better World [https://farbetterworld.msu.edu/]. The nonprofit foundation’s $75 million of financial support to MSU [https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2025/msu-research-foundation-far-better-world] reinforces its decades-long partnership with Michigan State University, advancing research, innovation and student success through strategic funding over the next eight years. Conversation Highlights: (0:39) - David Washburn [https://www.msufoundation.org/blog-team-bios/dwashburn] is CEO of the MSU Research Foundation.  (1:52) - Randy Cowen [https://cal.msu.edu/news/college-of-arts-letters-graduate-receives-distinguished-alumni-award/] is chair of the MSU Research Foundation board. (2:32) - Dave, what motivated this support for MSU at this time? (3:38) - Kevin Guskiewicz [https://president.msu.edu/], president of Michigan State University, on the impact of this generosity.  (4:39) - Kevin sees the $75 million being used across all three campaign pillars (Talent Activated, Synergies Imagined and Futures Built). (6:08) - What else should we know about the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign? (7:00) - Randy Cowen is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Arts & Letters, College of Social Science, and Honors College. And he is a 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, which is among the highest awards MSU bestows on its alumni. He demonstrates a continued commitment to MSU by investing in the Physics and Astronomy Department through endowments. The Jerry Cowen Endowed Chair in Experimental Physics honors the memory of Cowen’s father, Professor Jerry Cowen, who was a distinguished researcher in the MSU Physics and Astronomy Department for more than five decades.    Michigan State University formally launched the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign on March 9, 2025. With a $4 billion goal, it is the largest campaign in the university’s history and aims to accelerate discoveries, expand access to education, and create the infrastructure needed to empower Spartans to lead in every field.  For more, visit president dot msu dot edu and/or msu foundation dot org. Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio [http://go.msu.edu/listen] and through Spotify [http://go.msu.edu/Spotify], Apple Podcasts [http://go.msu.edu/ApplePodcasts], and wherever [http://go.msu.edu/podcasts] you get your shows.