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  • Greg and Dawn Williams make historic $401 million commitment to Michigan State University and Spartan Athletics

    Greg and Dawn Williams make historic $401 million commitment to Michigan State University and Spartan Athletics
    2025/12/05
    Michigan State University has received a historic $401 million commitment from Greg and Dawn Williams. Made through the university’s “Uncommon Will, Far Better World” campaign and in support of MSU Athletics’ FOR SPARTA initiative, this is the largest single commitment in the history of MSU and one of the largest single amounts in college athletics history. Their generosity will dramatically transform Spartan Athletics and fuel academic excellence across multiple disciplines, reinforcing MSU’s mission to empower students and serve communities across Michigan and beyond.Here is the December 5, 2025, event and press conference announcing the gift.(0:00) – Remarks from MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz (introduced by Matt Larson)(7:01) – Remarks from MSU Vice President for University Advancement Kim Tobin(9:43) – Remarks from MSU Athletic Director J Batt(14:25) - Remarks from Spartans Basketball Coach Tom Izzo(29:33) – Remarks from Greg WilliamsQuestions from the media(47:02) – When and what made you fall in love with MSU, Greg?(49:02) – Greg, can you give us the timeline of making the decision to make this gift?(50:38) – For Greg and Kevin, how did your Pittsburgh backgrounds play into your relationship?(53:26) – How do you want this gift to be commemorated, Greg, and how is Izzo on a lawn mower?(54:58) – For Kevin, how do you decide how to allocate these funds?(56:45) – For J, before and after this gift, where is does this gift put MSU in the landscape of private giving?(57:45) – For J, how much of the gift is going toward upgrades to facilities? Event Transcript:Matt Larson (00:00):Good morning and welcome to a truly historic day for Michigan State University and Spartan Athletics. Please welcome to the stage President Guskiewicz.Kevin Guskiewicz (00:18):Good morning. Good morning and thank you all for joining us here in the Breslin Center. This is the site of so many Spartan triumphs from epic basketball games to joyful graduation ceremonies, and today is a historic day for Michigan State University. It's one of those moments in the life of a university when the horizon suddenly opens wider. As a proudly public leading global research institution, Michigan State is defined not only by our proud legacy and what we've inherited, but by what we dream and build for our future together as one team. When we launched our $4 billion Uncommon Will Far Better World campaign earlier this year, we did something bold. We said out loud that Michigan State was ready to take on the toughest challenges of our time and that we were going to seek what it takes to do it. Facing tough challenges is what we do.(01:30):We are built for this from preparing students for the careers of the 21st century perhaps for jobs and careers that don't even yet exist today to squaring off against complex problems like cancer and the impact of climate change on global food security. These are the challenges that can only be addressed as a team by committed people willing to step in, roll up their sleeves and work together. Greg and Dawn Williams, in fact were one of the first couples that my wife Amy and I met after having accepted the opportunity to become Michigan State University's 22nd president about two years ago. They welcomed us warmly and we appreciate all that they have done for Michigan State University and for the surrounding communities and for us personally. Thank you. Their personal belief in this campaign in the possibilities for Michigan State University has been unwavering. From day one, they saw a vision, a university that leans forward, that pushes boundaries, that meets students where they are and takes them farther than they thought ever possible. That generates ideas that shift industries strengthens communities and shapes lives, and Dawn and Greg have done more, and we are here today to acknowledge and celebrate their vision and their generosity. Today I am proud to announce Michigan State's largest private financial commitment ever. Greg and Dawn Williams are committing $401 million to Michigan State University.(03:35):This is a gift and an investment that will shape the future of our athletic and academic programs for generations to come. Not only is it the largest in our university history, it is one of the largest to any athletic program in the nation and one of the largest to any university in the nation. It reflects Greg and Dawn's belief in what Michigan State stands for, opportunity grit and a shared responsibility to lift one another. And I'm so excited to share this milestone with them. It's not often that we get to celebrate something of this magnitude, something that will support students, faculty, staff, and students, student athletes for generations to come. This gift impacts many areas at Michigan State University and it sets a great example for other donors and supporters that you can be engaged in so many different ways to support Michigan State University, giving ...
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    59 分
  • Meet New Michigan State University Spartans Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald

    Meet New Michigan State University Spartans Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald
    2025/12/02
    photo credit: The State NewsMichigan State University introduced new Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald to Spartan Nation at an introductory press conference on December 2 in the Greg and Dawn Williams Lobby of the Tom Izzo Football Building on the MSU campus.Conversation Highlights:(0:00) – Opening remarks from Athletic Director J Batt(3:59) – Remarks from President Kevin Guskiewicz(8:58) – Remarks from Coach Pat FitzgeraldQuestions from the media:(18:05) – How hungry are you to succeed?(19:45) – How are you prepared to handle the changing and evolving landscape of college football?(21:04) – When is the first time you thought about coaching MSU?(22:10) – For J Batt – how early on did you identify Pat as the guy? How quickly will we see his impact on the field?(23:17) – What did you learn from your Northwestern experience and how will that make you a better coach at MSU?(24:30) – What are the resources available to you, and what resources do you need to succeed?(25:25) – What’s your message to MSU students?(26:58) – For Kevin and J – When and how did you decide to change coaches?(29:08) – How important are these next five days for you?(31:35) – What traits will you look for in your coaching staff?(33:26) – When did it click for you that MSU was the place for you?(35:23) – Was it an advantage in a way to be away from the game for awhile?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows. Conversation Transcript:J Batt (00:00):Well, good afternoon. Good afternoon. Welcome to everyone today, our head coaches that are with us, our donors, our athletic department staff, media members, so glad to see you and many of our special guests in particular. Welcome to the Fitzgerald family. We're so glad you're here. Welcome. It is indeed a great day to be a Spartan. We are excited you're here and ready for a tremendous start to the next chapter of Michigan State Football. Before I get into today's news, I'd like to thank Jonathan Smith for the first class manner in which he represented Michigan State and the professional classy manner. He's handled this transition. We certainly wish him well and his family well and their future endeavors, but as I said, today marks the start of a new era of Michigan State football. Spartan football has a proud history of national championships, big 10 Championships, rose Bowl, CFP appearances and much of that success is recent. (01:08):More importantly, Spartan football is defined by its people, the student athletes and coaches that have built this program and the loyal passionate fan base that fill Spartan Stadium each and every week is with them in mind that I set about making sure we had the right coach to lead our program. Transitions are always difficult and throughout the process I continually focused on what I believe was in the best long-term interest of our programs. I wanted a coach who was a proven winner, a coach of integrity and intensity, someone with a formula for success on the field and a plan of attack in a continually evolving landscape, someone who could effectively and efficiently use the resources they were provided. Fit was also important as we set out on this search. Someone who understands the Big 10 and has relationships through the Midwest, a coach who embodies the values on which our program was built. (02:07):Perhaps most importantly, someone who shares our standard of excellence and aggressively pursues that excellence each and every day. I was looking for someone who would partner as we continue to elevate not just Michigan State football, but our entire athletic department, someone who would share our fundraising vision. Some of you may have seen we launched a $1 billion capital initiative today, so a few renderings of the east side of Spartan Stadium. Pretty excited about that and it certainly gave me chills to see that rendering for the first time and hopefully he did the same for you as we went through this list of criteria. Pat Fitzgerald met every criteria. He's a passionate winner. He understands the Big 10 in college football here in the Midwest. We have a shared vision for building championships and returning this program to its elite level of success. At the same time, we have an obligation as a department to the football program. (03:02):We are fully committed to providing the resources and infrastructure required to compete at the highest lever. Nearly six months ago, almost to the day, I stood in this exact same spot and shared that my vision for reestablishing Michigan State Athletics as a top 10 athletic department. I also spoke about the importance of Michigan State football and what is required for us to reach that goal. To reach that level of success requires alignment at every level. I'd like to publicly thank President Gussy and our board of trustees for their support of our department through this transition and ...
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    38 分
  • Meet Phillip Bahar, new director of MSU’s Broad Art Museum

    Meet Phillip Bahar, new director of MSU’s Broad Art Museum
    2025/11/20
    Phillip Bahar is the new director of Michigan State University’s Eil and Edythe Broad Art Musuem.Bahar shares his background and tells why he wants to lead The Broad. He talks about the museum’s evolving mission and shares his short- and long-term goals for The Broad. He discusses challenges and opportunities ahead for The Broad and for the entire arts industry.Conversation Highlights:(0:20) – What’s your background?(1:22) – Is there something unique about a museum in a university setting?(2:03) – Do you have any experience with MSU, the state of Michigan, and/or The Broad?(2:46) – What attracted you to leading The Broad at MSU?(3:39) – What’s the mission of the museum, and what’s your vision for evolving the mission?(4:56) – What are some of your short- and long-term goals for The Broad?(6:15) – What are some of the challenges and opportunities ahead for The Broad and the entire arts industry?(7:05) – What are some current or future exhibits you’d like to put on people’s radars?(8:14) – What are some of the Broad’s priorities in MSU’s Uncommon Will. Far Better World campaign?(9:53) – How would you like faculty, staff, student and the public to interact with the museum?(11:27) – Final thoughts.Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.Conversation Transcript:Speaker 1:On this episode of MSU today, it's great to welcome the new director of the Eli and Edith Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University. Phillip Bahar. Phillip, great to meet you and welcome to the university and the program.Speaker 2:Thanks so much for having me. I'm excited to be here at MSU and at the Broad,Speaker 1:Could you start, give us a little bit of your background that's led you to MSU?Speaker 2:Sure. I've had my entire career in the arts and museums. I just came from Chicago where I led the Chicago Humanities Festival. We'd put on about a hundred programs a year, artists, authors, journalists, policy makers, other thinkers from across the world, and a lot of academics. So I'm very close to working with the university systems and working with thought leaders in their fields. And before that, I was at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, which is one of the great contemporary art museums in the world. Film Series performing arts series. Really amazing exhibitions in certain ways. Very similar to the Broad, really thinking about the museum as a multidisciplinary space, a space for artists to spread their wings and do new work, but also an opportunity for audiences to really experiencing experience, things that are new and that might change how they think about the world.Speaker 1:And is there something unique about a museum in a university setting?Speaker 2:Absolutely, because MSU has a faculty, they have faculty with such a wide array of experiences and knowledge, and I think that's one of the things that actually makes the broad very special, is that we do a lot of partnerships with faculty. So they bring their research, they bring their areas of inquiry into our space with us, and then we get to play with the collection and with artists to figure out, okay, how can we tell a story that's through the lens of what they're thinking about, but very much true to who we are and to who the collection is and the artists we present.Speaker 1:And do you happen to have any past experience with either MSU, the state of Michigan or maybe the broad itself?Speaker 2:I hadn't had direct experience, but obviously I'd been following the broad from its founding. The Zaha Hadid building was a big deal when it was first built, the first free standing building by that architect in America. And then also the exhibitions over the last 12 years, I've periodically dipped in and seen what's been going on there from afar. There have been a lot of actually Chicago artists that have passed through the Broad. So along the way I've kind of been in Chicago seeing Chicago artists kind of starting to expand their reach and many of them have ended up here. Yeah,Speaker 1:That's cool. So what attracted you to leading the broad here at MSU?Speaker 2:Certainly I think museums are magical spaces, and I think the broad from the exterior to the experience inside is really special. The collection is a historic collection, but we're a very much contemporary institution, and that's what drew me to it. As a museum, we're focusing on issues that really matter to us as individuals as a society today, but we have this lens and this ability to dip into our past while looking at our present. One of the great things I think of the humanities, but certainly of museums is that ability to bring the present to life through a different lens and maybe give you a different perspective on how to think about things or how to see things.Speaker 1:And you've been discussing it, Phillip, but talk a little bit about the mission of the museum and then your vision for ...
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    13 分
  • Selecting, maintaining and properly disposing of a real Christmas tree

    Selecting, maintaining and properly disposing of a real Christmas tree
    2025/11/10

    Bert Cregg is a professor of Horticulture and Forestry in Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    Cregg talks about the Christmas tree industry’s place in Michigan’s economy and says there are plenty of trees available for those who want them this season. He talks about the latest MSU research on Christmas trees and says that climate change is likely already impacting the industry. And he shares his tips for selecting, caring for, and properly disposing of a real tree.

    Conversation Highlights:

    (0:29) - Talk about Michigan's Christmas tree industry and its economic impact in the state.

    (1:27) - What's your background, and how did you originally become interested in studying Christmas trees?

    (2:31) - What are your and MSU's research interests and activities in this area?

    (6:25) - How's the supply this year? Are there plenty of trees to go around for all who want them?

    (8:25) - Is climate change impacting the industry? If so, how?

    (11:30) - Compare and contrast real and artificial trees and their respective impacts on the environment?

    (14:53) - What are your tips for selecting, maintaining, and properly disposing of a real Michigan Christmas tree?

    (20:04) - What is the Michigan Christmas Tree Association?

    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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    23 分
  • MSU Green and White Council addressing state’s biggest challenges

    MSU Green and White Council addressing state’s biggest challenges
    2025/10/31

    The Green and White Council at Michigan State University includes some of Michigan’s foremost business and civic leaders coming together to champion bold initiatives that amplify MSU’s role as Michigan’s state university and address the state’s biggest challenges. The Council is one of President Guskiewciz’s signature initiatives.

    Harnessing MSU’s distinctive assets and the unparalleled expertise of its members while focusing on what matters most for Michigan, the Council will:

    • Develop talent for in-demand jobs across the state and equip Spartans with skills of the future.
    • Connect Spartans to great companies and careers in Michigan.
    • Leverage MSU’s cutting-edge research and intellectual property to propel Michigan’s economy.

    One of the members of the council is Ancor CEO Jose Flores.

    Conversation Highlights:

    (0:52) – Meet Jose Flores

    (1:31) – What’s the history and mission of Ancor?

    (2:13) – What made you accept the invitation of President Guskiewicz to join the council?

    (3:08) – Is there a disconnect between higher education and employer needs?

    (3:56) – What are the challenges and opportunities ahead?

    (4:54) – Have you seen some examples of regional or statewide collaborations that have been successful?

    (6:24) – How will we know if the council is successful?

    (6:47) – How do we go about keeping Spartans in Michigan when they graduate?

    (7:57) – How does Ancor go about talent development?

    (9:56) – What should we keep in mind about the Green and White Council and what it’s trying to do?

    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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    12 分
  • MSU Shares and United Way provide a “hand up” for local charities

    MSU Shares and United Way provide a “hand up” for local charities
    2025/10/30

    MSU Shares is a fundraising campaign to help local charities provide services to students and residents right in our own community. Donations from faculty, staff and students support charities that serve more than 120,000 people annually in our tri-county region. With the assistance of the United Way, employee volunteers from across campus seek donations from their peers and help spread awareness of this annual campaign.

    Here to discuss MSU Shares are MSU’s Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Bill Beekman and United Way President and CEO for United Way of South Central Michigan Chris Sargent.

    Conversation Highlights:

    (0:15) – Bill introduces Chris. Why is United Way important for our community?

    (2:14) – United Way supports young people who are interested in a college education.

    (5:41) – This is an important time to launch MSU Shares. What are the giving options?

    (9:35) – It’s really easy for MSU employees to give to the United Way through EBS.

    (11:30) – The name of the campaign - MSU Shares - is appropriate.

    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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    16 分
  • Tom Izzo previews the 2025/2026 Spartan Basketball season

    Tom Izzo previews the 2025/2026 Spartan Basketball season
    2025/10/16

    Michigan State University Spartans Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo met with the media on October 16 to preview the coming college basketball season.

    Conversation Highlights:

    (0:00) – opening remarks

    (11:30) – How do you keep your team focused in the ever-changing world of college basketball?

    (15:24) – In college athletics today, are the expectations to win unrealistic?

    (17:09) – Is there a Jase Richardson on this year’s roster?

    (19:32) – Did last year’s success rejuvenate you?

    (22:23) – Compare and contrast Trey Fort and Kur Teng.

    (24:15) – Do you feel like with the guys you have returning that you’re being slighted?

    (28:06) – What makes this group of four captains special?

    (30:43) – What are your expectations for Coen Carr?

    (32:06) – Talk about your relationship with your players?

    (35:21) – What has surprised you about Cam Ward and Jordan Scott and what do you see their roles being on the team?

    (36:55) – What do you hope to learn about your team from the two exhibition games?

    (38:40) – How are the transfers settling in with the team?

    (41:34) – What traits do you look for in your players?

    (44:15) – 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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    46 分
  • 2025 State of the University address from Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz

    2025 State of the University address from Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz
    2025/09/30
    Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz delivered his 2025 State of the University address at the faculty investiture on September 30, 2025.SUMMARY KEYWORDSState of the University, new professors, leadership initiatives, enrollment record, US News rankings, federal policy changes, Jennison fund, budget adjustments, comprehensive campaign, experiential learning, strategic plan, One Health, research innovation, community partnerships, athletics.SPEAKERSSpeaker 1 00:00State of the University. Speaker 1 00:19So good morning again, and congratulations once again. I think they deserve another round of applause to our 2025, newly endowed professors and chairs. Your excellence truly elevates the capacity of our university to drive our work toward achieving our aspirations as a leading global public research university, and thanks to all my Spartan colleagues for joining us today, including several of our Board of Trustees members one year ago, almost to the day at my presidential investiture here at Wharton Center, I shared a Vision for Michigan State University, not just my own, but one shaped by conversations and collaborations with so many people around our campus and around the community and many of you who are here today together, we outlined big, bold goals, making Michigan State University the most inclusive, welcoming and safe environment it can be tackling grand societal challenges head on, and transforming Michigan State University into a truly next generation University. We also launched several leadership initiatives aimed at achieving those goals, and today, I'm excited to share the progress that we've made and a glimpse of what's ahead. Let's start with some great news, and there's so much that we could talk about and celebrate today, but I want to touch on a few things. First, we entered the new academic year, enrolling more undergraduate students than ever before in our 170 year history of Michigan State University, it's clear that students and families place their trust in us to provide an education that is practical, exceptional and accessible. Students come to us from 139 countries, all 50 states, and all 83 counties across the state of Michigan, we remain the top choice for in state students, with over 8200 Michiganders as part of this new class. And that's why I say that we are Michigan's State University and over 600 highly achieving incoming students join the Honors College, 30 of whom represent our inaugural class of the Williams scholars. 02:52Second, some good news from US News and World Report Speaker 1 02:58US News and World Report rankings just placed six of our undergraduate programs among the nation's top 25 two more than last year. Supply Chain Management ranked number one for 15 consecutive years. Service Learning and Education Abroad ranked number one among public universities, learning communities ranked number two nationally, and the list you could go on and on and on, but there's a lot to celebrate with regard to the incredible academic achievements and opportunities provided through our undergraduate and graduate students here at MSU. And I want to offer a huge congratulations to the faculty and staff who make these programs run, you know, on a daily basis, and, more importantly, to shine on a daily basis. So we're grateful for all that you do. However, not all developments this past year have been easy. Everyone here knows that federal policy changes have disrupted our operations and impacted our core mission of teaching, research and outreach. 04:05But Spartans don't back down. Speaker 1 04:09We mobilize teams to respond swiftly, to protect our research, support our people and continue serving the public, a responsibility that we hold and take very seriously as a leading global public research university, as we always have and will continue to do, I've taken our message to Washington DC and invited lawmakers here to see firsthand the value we provide through research, education and outreach. We've also taken action here at home, through the Jennison fund, we're investing $5 million per year for three years to support affected research programs. Just last week, we notified 37 recipients of this funding, and their work is nothing short of inspiring agricultural economist kajil Galati will be able to pivot from her international work in food safety and security toward applications in the United States, including examining lead testing policies on children's health and educational outcomes. The history department's Professor Walter Hawthorne can complete data integration, supporting scholarly and public access to the names and stories of more than 33,000 historically enslaved individuals on the unique MSU based enslaved.org platform. And graduate student Melina Ortez can continue preparing for a research for a career in research, a cancer research. Jennison funding will support 24 graduate students and restore our fellowships, allowing our continued ...
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    31 分