Def Jam record founder Russell Simmons was the special guest at the University of Rochester's Strong Auditorium Wednesday night. He helped launch the careers of artists such as LL Cool J, Run DMC and the Beastie Boys. However Simmons may best be known for his Def Comedy Jam series on HBO.

“We're a place that's about the confrontation of ideas and exchange of ideas,” said UR vice president Paul Burgett. “So in the environment, the academic environment, we want to hear from people who have something to say, we want to hear what they have to say even though it might be controversial.”

Simmons is considered one of America's most fascinating entrepreneurs. He shared his ideas for success with an audience of aspiring business people who come to a place like the U of R to establish a more traditional business network.

"Not so much from just an economic stand point,” explained UR student Anthony Ploczynski. “But from an idea of risk taking, from an idea of making decisions that affect your life everyday, making decisions that are going to be turning points in your life.”

Prior to addressing the sold out audience at the U of R, Simmons met with seventh grade students from Jefferson Middle School.

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