It was late fall, if memory serves, when I first met with a group of student telecasters from Michigan State University's College of Communication Arts & Sciences.Andrea Kovac, the college's alumni relations coordinator, recruited Ryan Alloway, an energetic and intelligent senior who, were the telecasters an actual corporation, might have been its executive producer. He pulled together a talented team, comprising a cameraman (David Cooper), editor (Ryan Hurst), and director (Veronica Jackson). Anson Mulville and Nick Tootalian worked to ensure quality sound, lighting, and whatever else goes into the myriad complexities of video production.
Most of them graduated this past spring, which left Hurst to wrap things up on his own. To say that his work was admirable would be an understatement. He gave up much of his summer to finalize our project, and though we'd gone through multiple revisions, he was steadfast and an absolute joy to work with. Mark my words, these guys and gal are going places. Why, they've even got Hollywood-style names to match their talent.
Oh, and I almost failed to mention, they did it all for free.
My job, for which I was eminently unqualified, was casting. But how hard could it be, really? It would be a cinch to get MSU's movers and shakers in a video – all of whom were sure to give testimonials for how their degrees or affiliation with MSU had contributed, at least in part, to who they are, the dreams they've fulfilled, their jobs, and the paths upon which they walk today.
So I pursued those at MSU whose names and profiles were sure to result in a successful messaging campaign. But we were repeatedly told that Tom Izzo, Mark Dantonio, and Suzy Merchant were busy with recruits, donors, practices, meetings, games and the demands of the media, not to mention their own families' needs.
Not a problem, I thought. Besides, Michigan State University has a lot more going for it than athletics alone, which is the whole point of the "We Dare You" message.
And yet, the academicians weren't returning my calls either, nor were they responding to my e-mails, though that, too, was forgivable, since some of them – Dr. Andy Amalfitano, for example, who is doing amazing things in microbiology and molecular genetics – were busy conducting research and saving the world.
Clearly, I had a problem on my hands. Was there no one available to issue our dare to Michigan State University's 460,000-plus alumni?
It was my alumni association colleague, Tim Bograkos, along with his pal, Kaleb Thornhill, MSU psych student and Gran Torino actress Choua Kue, MSU mascot Sparty, and College of Music assistant professor, jazz singer and international recording artist Sunny Wilkinson who came through for me by agreeing to tell our story.
Speaking of which, the purpose of the video is to promote the MSU Alumni Association's value to alumni and friends. Our message, as told by our friends, highlights that which makes MSU so great: athletics, academics, arts, culture, students. It's about everything we, as Spartans, have to be proud of, and everything that makes our connection to MSU, including membership in our alumni association, so important.
But I don't need to tell you about it. Check it out for yourself!
Accept the dare and belong to your MSU Alumni Association
Join our Facebook group
Join our LinkedIn group
Laurie Robison is director of marketing and membership at the Michigan State University Alumni Association. There, she overseas the acquisition and retention of members. She is an alum of MSU, having earned a master of arts in public relations in 2007. Her blog, Ramen Noodles, serves as a personal journal through which she periodically shares her observations, opinions and insights.
