College of Communication Arts and Sciences
The Alumni Service Award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated service to MSU and/or meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level.
She is a storyteller, a mentor and a Spartan.
For Robin Miner-Swartz, being a Spartan isn’t simply a label — it’s an identity, a connection to a community and an opportunity to give back.
Robin has a lifelong connection with MSU, beginning as a child accompanying her mother to work at WKAR studios and she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from MSU. Her dedication to public television and radio has persisted through the years as she continues to volunteer at WKAR and engage future generations in media. Professionally, Robin played a significant role in creating WKAR’s stakeholder report and various communication pieces that have uplifted the studio. She has also made contributions to MSU’s strategic plan, works closely with MSU Athletics communication team and volunteers to promote MSU women’s basketball.
A committed volunteer, Robin is known for her active involvement and constructive feedback. She served on the Wharton Center’s Advisory Council for 11 years, including a term as president. During her tenure, she helped develop a young professionals program and guided the council through the COVID-19 pandemic. She also helped design NextGen@Wharton, a program that introduces new audiences to Wharton Center and makes the arts more accessible to all. Additionally, she has been an active role model at Suzy Merchant’s empowHER Leadership Retreat, inspiring hundreds of young girls through mentorship.
Robin's community involvement extends beyond MSU. She supports the arts in Lansing by hosting "Arts Roll Call," a bi-monthly show featuring interviews with local artists and educators. Her professional background includes roles with the Lansing State Journal and the Capital Region Community Foundation, highlighting her dedication to the Lansing area. In addition to her volunteerism in the Lansing region, Robin and her wife, Betsy,co-direct the Sage Lake Firecracker 5K, an annual event supporting local improvement projects. Drawing on her experiences as a journalist and lifelong trivia buff, Robin is also a two-time “Jeopardy!” champion.
Robin’s contributions to MSU and the wider community illustrate her commitment to service and altruism, going on to shape MSU’s voice and influence. She is an illustrious example for future Spartans who wish to be in service to others.
“I honestly feel like my professional career started in the eighth grade when I started a newspaper for my eighth grade class – that's what set me on this path. I wanted to be able to tell people what I thought, and I wanted a lot of people to read about it… I will always be grateful for the people who have trusted me and believed in me and opened doors for me and allowed me to be part of the story of Michigan State, it's been an honor.”