At Michigan State University, creative inquiry and expression are integral to advancing knowledge, the cornerstone of our mission. Spartans illustrate every day the varied ways that the arts are an essential part of the MSU experience. Arts MSU’s Spartan Portrait Series shines a spotlight on students who are doing amazing things in the arts during their time here on campus.

Jazz Studies major Sam Gucwa is an entrepreneur, ethnomusicologist and sonic storyteller.

She researches the crucial role of businesswomen artists in Jazz history, turning her findings into a TED Talk, and now an album in collaboration with Quinetta Roberson, distinguished professor of management and psychology in MSU's Eli Broad College of Business.

Her startup, Own Ur Sound LLC, supported by the College of Music's Running Start Competition, empowers student musicians to own their careers. By day Sam works with the Running Start Program, advancing the MSU College of Music's mission of growing students' entrepreneurial skills beyond the classroom. Sam's work honors women in jazz history while building a better future for all musicians.

"There's no campus in the world like Michigan State just for as much cool stuff as is going on," she said. "And a lot of the work I've done has only been possible through collaborations with people who I never would have met unless I just randomly showed up to that club or randomly showed up to that event."

Learn more about Gucwa in this video:

The Running Start Program is supported by Dortha J. and John D. Withrow Career Building Endowment in the College of Music, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and the MSU Federal Credit Union Entrepreneurial Musical Artist in Residence Endowment. Special thanks to the MSU Federal Credit Union for their support of other Running Start programs, including the Running Start Competition and Ed Engagement Residency.