Podcasts

February 24, 2010
Why History Matters
We might all be rich if we had a nickel for every time we’ve heard someone say, "I didn’t like history in school and I still don't." Kevin Graffagnino, U-M Clements Library Director rebuts that stubborn sentiment as he explains how and why history matters to everyone—heritage buffs and naysayers alike—helping to build community ties between natives and newcomers through shared knowledge of local history, enhancing our sense of identity, and contributing to a better future for coming generations.

January 27, 2010
Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias . . . New Insights
Dr. Henry L. Paulson, M.D., Ph.D., U-M is the Lucile Groff Professor of Neurology at the U-M Medical School, Associate Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and an internationally recognized physician scientist. He reviews where things stand now regarding the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, and discusses how scientific advances could lead to better treatments for and prevention of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

January 20, 2010
Adventures Down Under . . . the District 6380 Australia GSE Team
Every year we host an inbound Group Study Exchange Team that has come to District 6380 from another country.  It’s always a valuable learning opportunity for both our members and our visitors, but we don’t always get a comparable opportunity to hear about and learn from the District’s outbound GSE Teams.  Last year one of those teams had an enlightening adventure in Australia, and Canadian Rotarian Team Leader Barry Fraser and team member Susanna Thomashefski told us all about it.

January 13, 2010
The Role & Challenges of Ann Arbor’s Lead Economic Development Agency
According to the Detroit Free Press (in an article last April): "Ask most entrepreneurs and venture capitalists why they set up shop in Ann Arbor and you will repeatedly hear two reasons: the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor SPARK." In the fourth of a series of presentations on incubation and realization of new-business spin-offs from U-M research, Michael A. Finney, CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK provides a from-the-front-line insight into SPARK’s role and challenges as lead agency for regional economic development.

January 6, 2010
Great Lakes Threats and Promises...Especially the Asian Carp
Efforts to keep the Asian Carp out of Lake Michigan have been much in the news recently, and National Wildlife Federation Regional Director Andy Buchsbaum has been in the forefront of those efforts, including possible legal action to close the Chicago Shipping Canal. He explains how and why this monster fish is one of the most dangerous of a multitude of invasive species threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem, but also bring good news about the promise of remedial action funded by the $475 million Federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

December 2, 2009
2009 Club Assembly
The Annual Club Assembly is a time to reflect on where we've been and where we are going as a club. Officers and Directors will be elected. The 2008-09 Annual Report will be presented, including a review of club finances and highlights of club activities and service projects. Don't miss the treasurer's report at 13:00!

November 25, 2009
What is the Future of Newspapers?
With the demise of The Ann Arbor News and birth pangs of AnnArbor.com fresh in our minds, what could be more timely than an expert’s view of the future of American newspapers?  With almost thirty years of print journalism experience, including a long stint at The Detroit News, and a journalism professorship at Wayne State University, WUOM commentator Jack Lessenberry is ideally situated to help us understand, if not solve, all the issues imperiling the print wing of the fourth estate.

November 18, 2009
The Role of Entrepreneurship in Building a Regional Innovation-Based Economy
Thomas Kinnear, Entrepreneurial Studies Professor, U-M Business School, is the Director of the Zell-Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at the Ross School of Business. He discusses the vital role of entrepreneurship – and the study and teaching of entrepreneurial leadership – in this process.

November 4, 2009
The Road to Sustainable Transportation
Christopher Grundler, the Deputy Director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality at the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory speaks about work being done at the lab located on Plymouth Road in Northeast Ann Arbor. A senior EPA executive with decades of experience, Chris Grundler highlights recent accomplishments and current challenges in creating a more sustainable transportation system.

October 14, 2009
Challenges & Opportunities for District 6380 in 2009-10
Do you know what RI’s Future Vision project is? Did you know that District 6380 is one of 100 Future Vision Pilot Districts worldwide? Do you know what that means for district and club projects and activities? When District Governor Judy made her official visit she answered these questions and discussed her own vision, goals and plans for District 6380 in her gubernatorial year. 

October 7, 2009
Spurring Innovation & Growth through Tech Transfer
Ken Nisbet, Executive Director, U-M Technology Transfer, talks about how world-class innovations at the University of Michigan are transformed into promising opportunities for economic growth and improvements in quality of life. He explains the process of evaluating and developing these ideas, including partnership formation targeting existing businesses and helping to create start-ups; discuss exciting initiatives currently under way to help revitalize our region and our state; and welcome your questions and suggestions.

September 23, 2009
Zero Trends-Health as a Serious Lifespan & Economic Strategy
Dee Edington, Director, U-M Health Management Research Center, a world leader in pioneering health maintenance research, discusses how health choices influence productivity, vitality, and health care economics throughout our lives. Learn what makes a “healthy person” and how work, social, and family environments interact to affect health management and your quality of life.

September 9, 2009
Orchestrating Leadership in the World of Music
As summer draws to a close, Rotarians’ hearts quicken in anticipation of the skillful efforts and triumphant glories of a team of talented players on six upcoming Saturdays – not the Wolverines (although they quicken our hearts too), but the Ann Arbor Symphony, led by Arie Lipsky in his 10th season as Music Director. Learn the secrets of his success in making the A2SO the musical leader and best.

 September 2, 2009
Think Local First… and Watch Out for “Local Washing”
Think Local First was formed in 2004 to advocate for small, independently owned businesses about their importance in keeping our community a unique, vibrant, interesting place to live and visit. Ingrid Ault, Executive Director, will discuss its mission, goals and strategies, with a focus on combating large companies’ marketing efforts to co-opt the term “local.”