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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA–LINCOLN

COLLEGE OF JOURNALISM & MASS COMMUNICATIONS

ALUMNI MAGAZINE WINTER 2005

MEDIA CREDIBILITY | GO TO PAGE 10 C ONTENTS VO1. 14 • NO. 2 From the Dean

Cover Journalism students tackled the state of Franco-U.S. relations and will ALUMNI MAGAZINE WINTER2005 Jschool partners with produce a documentary film and a magazine that will analyze their findings and impressions, much as an earlier group of students analyzed Cuba after a trip there in January 2003. Ethiopians, Norwegians 32 UNL in Paris: Four faculty and 11 students from the University of Nebraska- J Alumni News is a biannual Lincoln traveled to Paris, France, on an 11-day depth-reporting mission in publication of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications September 2004. In an effort to apply the principles of media convergence students at NU in cooperation with the College By W ILL N ORTON J R . from all three majors in the college — advertising, broadcasting and news-editorial of Journalism Alumni Association.

— were present on the trip. Dean Cover photo by Alyssa Schukar Will Norton Jr.

CoJMC Editor 3 From the dean: J school joins forces with Ethiopians, Norwegians Charlyne Berens 4 Seeds are planted in Ethiopia Art director New faculty Marilyn Hahn 6 Pamela Morris: Advertising success leads Morris to UNL Photographer 32 UNL IN PARIS 8 Carolyn Johnsen combines skepticism with curiosity Mike Nichols Media spotlight 10 John Seigenthaler writes on media credibility Journalism Alumni Association 12 Nebraska tradition: Turmoil nothing new at dear old Nebraska U Board of Directors 14 Rimington’s plaque survives 9-11 President Alumni spotlight Brian Noonan, Lincoln 17 Sriyani Tidball: People helping people Second vice president 18 Tsunami disaster: “Life will never be the same” Marilyn Hahn, Lincoln

20 Chris Anderson succeeds Husker legend UNL International Affairs, Quadriplegic activist dies at 49 Secretary/treasurer 21 William Rush: Jane Gustafson, Lincoln 22 Dispatch from Baghdad: 22 Grad develops appreciation for “sacrifice” National board representative 25 Deanna Sands sees journalists as stewards Thom Kastrup, Lincoln 27 E.N. Thompson Forum series brings world to UNL Board members 4 Seeds in Ethiopia 28 Chip Haskell: used cars, lab rats and Snowbears Rhonda Gerard

29 RED GALA recognition of winners Barry Kriha Photo by Peter Levitov/ Donna Kush Student spotlight Kristi Routh Dean Norton, Peter Levitov, Dr. Asrffa Medhane, dean, and Zenebe Beyene. 30 “In Cold Blood” Dara Troutman Students seek answers at scene of the crime Kevin Warneke Dean’s Note: The Norwegian Addis Ababa University — who died in 32 French dispel stereotypes Ashley Washburn embassy in Ethiopia reported that Dr. December 2004 — and Mesfin 34 Student photographer captures Czech culture Past president Asrffa Medhane, dean of the Graduate Belachew, assistant director of distance 36 Study abroad: Students visit China, Argentina and Europe Peggy Rupprecht School of Journalism and Communi- learning at the school. The three of 38 Capstone class Chemistry puts sizzle in advertising campaigns Student representative cation and its first director, died of a them talked in Amharic as I soaked in 40 Persistent ad major takes home field advantage in Angel Jennings heart attack Dec. 28, 2004. He was 66. the sounds of the evening. 42 Child actor studies broadcasting at UNL College representative Assistant Dean Zenebe will serve as There is something haunting about College notes Rick Alloway 44 APME study: Newspaper credibility is in decline interim director until a new person African nights, and I reflected on the 44 Richard Chapin endows scholarships Foundation representative is selected. fact that I was in the land of Lucy, 30 ‘In Cold Blood’ 46 Press freedom is essential to democracies Steve Hill whose remains are those of the oldest J News & Notes Letters to the editor should be sent to: human. This is the cradle of 48 Faculty notes J Alumni News he sound of waves lapping humankind, and Africa is a continent 48 Broadcaster inducted into NBA Hall of Fame College of Journalism and against the shores of Lake that brings one face to face with his Mass Communications T 50 College implements new curriculum 147 Andersen Hall Awassa accented the lilting sounds of a roots. 51 UNL Mortar Board chapter honors three J school faculty P.O. Box 880443 flute from the veranda of the hotel bar My thoughts went back to my Lincoln, Neb., 68588-0443 52 Alumni notes as the sun set beyond the western shore childhood in the Belgian Congo in the Student notes Phone 402-472-3041 of this resort in the Great Rift Valley in 1940s: the names of Congo friends and 56 Brazilian blog: How to earn 16 credit hours of foreign-language FAX 56 Brazilian photographer communicates through images 402-472-8597 southern Ethiopia. the chaos many of them face each day. E-mail I sat in a wicker chair next to Abiyi My father’s former students and their 58 Student notes [email protected] Miscellaneous notes Ford, a professor in the department of children struggle daily to provide edu- 59 90.3 KRNU has a birthday College Web site: film at Howard University and a cation and medical help to the people http://journalism.unl.edu/ 36 Studying abroad 59 Letter to the editor Fulbright Fellow at Addis Ababa of the Equatore Province of Web site: University. Nearby were Dr. Asrffa Republic of Congo. http://www.unl.edu/DailyNeb/ Medhane, dean of the Graduate School The University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not discriminate based on gender, age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran’s of Journalism and Communication at DEAN | go to page 4 status, national or ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 33 From the Dean From the Dean

DEAN from page 3 | But the price isn’t the nation, and Nebraska’s Norton and Now I have been introduced to only problem with news in Oyvind Aadland, director of interna- Ethiopian education through the Ethiopia. Years of repres- tional programs at Gimlekollen, acquaintance of Oyvind Aadland, sion by a socialist military worked out the details. another former student of my government created a cli- Last August, the president and the father’s. Through his initiatives, the mate of fear and censorship dean of the Graduate School of Norwegian Ministry of Foreign that is only now beginning Journalism at the Addis Ababa Affairs had provided funding for 10 to ease, 12 years after the University as well as Aadland and the years to establish a graduate school regime was ousted. president of Gimlekollen came to the of journalism and communication Journalism in Ethiopia is United States to make final arrange- at Addis Ababa University. developing along with ments for the second year of the pro- The first cohort of students democracy, and the College gram. began classes in March of 2004, and of Journalism and Mass Dean Norton was scheduled to I was asked to join a team of Communications is one of teach the principles of journalism to instructors to teach the introduction the factors in that develop- bright, experienced people who had to journalism class for the second ment. not taken journalism courses. It was- cohort. The college is working n’t long before the plan turned into The 27 students were men and with the Gimlekollen action. women from all regions of Ethiopia School of Journalism in Norton spent three weeks in and from a variety of tribes and Norway to develop a pro- Addis Ababa at the end of October ethnic groups. Many were experi- fessional graduate journal- and beginning of November, teaching enced journalists with exceptional ism program at the Addis 30 Ethiopian students who had been intellect. They were selected from Ababa University in the accepted into the graduate program. 188 applicants, and their goal was Ethiopian capital. It’s an “They are the best and the brightest to enhance the movement of interesting combination: a in a country that has many of the Ethiopia toward democratic struc- Nebraska school working best and brightest students in Africa,” ture and processes. with a Norwegian school to Norton said. During our time in Ethiopia, improve journalism in He explained that Ethiopia is an Peter Levitov, associate dean of Africa. ideal place for a cooperative program international affairs at UNL, and I, It all started, Norton like the one at AAU because of the visited Aksum, the capital of the said, when a graduate of nation’s history: It is the only African ancient Kingdom of Aksum. It had Wheaton College Graduate nation never colonized by a European been an empire as grand as the Inca School in Illinois state. Although the Ethiopians have and Aztec empires of Latin approached Norton’s suffered under repressive regimes at America. It is now at the southern father, who had been the various times in their nation’s history, edge of the United Nations buffer man’s teacher during his “there’s an independent spirit there,” zone between Eritrea and Ethiopia. undergraduate years. The Norton said. One evening Peter and I walked By ERYNN HERMAN Wheaton graduate, now Ethiopia, he said, is “moving up a mountain toward an ancient J Alumni News staff working with the United toward democracy.” UNL’s participa- Ethiopian Orthodox monastery on Nations Commission on tion in the journalism program at the edge of the city. Halfway to the Human Rights, told the AAU means the students can become top, we stopped and looked north senior Norton that acquainted with American principles and east. In the distance the setting Seeds planted in Ethiopia Gimlekollen was working of free expression and mass commu- sun was shining off the Adwa to develop journalism pro- nication so the students “can develop Mountains where the Ethiopian grams in Africa and asked an Ethiopian version of free expres- forces were the first in Africa to Photo by Peter Levitov/International Studies, UNL the senior Norton what American sion as a model for Africa.” Students walk to school in the ancient capital of Aksum while Orthodox believers repel a European invasion when oys stand on the busy streets university Gimlekollen might work Terje Skjerdal, academic coordi- return from an early morning service at a church on the hill. General Ras Makonnen led his Bof Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with on the project. nator of the AAU journalism pro- forces to victory over the Italians. Not having submitted to colonial We are energized by the every day, offering newspapers for Will Norton Sr. recommended gram that began in March 2004, also This battle is only one of the many oppression has positioned Ethiopia for Ethiopians’ commitment to enhancing sale to drivers and pedestrians. But UNL, where his son is dean, and the expressed optimism about the impact achievements of the Ethiopian peo- leadership as African nations steadily journalism. We believe the sun is rising the newsboys have few takers. It’s not planning began. The Norwegian the students can have in their nation. ple. They form a confident and move toward democracy. Clearly, the on a new day for Africa and that that people don’t want the news. It’s attaché in Addis Ababa convinced the “I hope the program will equip proud nation that, with the possible journalism college at the University of Ethiopian leadership is preparing the just that newspapers are too expen- Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Ethiopia with much needed journal- exception of Liberia, is the only Nebraska-Lincoln is fortunate to be a best and brightest of that nation for a sive for the average Ethiopian’s budg- Affairs to provide a $15 million grant African nation never to submit to partner with our Ethiopian and new kind of African journalism. et. to situate the premier program in his ETHIOPIA | go to page 6 colonial rule. Norwegian colleagues. ❑

4 4 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 35 From the Dean new faculty

ture of Chicago. The unique positioning of her Journey to advertising hometown allowed Morris to experi- ence both city and country living. A short ride on the train allowed Morris success leads to UNL to “go down to the city and go to the By JILL HAVEKOST art museums and see the Cubs.” Three J Alumni News staff blocks in the other direction took her to her grandparents’ farm where she could “milk the goats and feed the hen Dr. Pamela Morris chickens …” Wapplied for an entry level Morris’ creativity flourished in this position at Foote, Cone & Belding, her unique setting as it was nurtured by résumé could not have looked more her loving and innovative parents, impressive if it had been embossed in Robert and Gretchen Morris. Morris gold. The young applicant had it all. She was also close to her younger sister, possessed enthusiasm, talent and a stellar Jennifer. Morris’ caring family would education. Yet she almost didn’t get the serve as a compass during her journey, job. providing her with guidance but never “In those days,” Morris said, “you forcing her to choose a path. had to start at the bottom. And I had to “My childhood was about creating, type. And I couldn’t type.” being independent and seeing your Bet Giyorgis (the place of Typing was the one skill the recent own way in life,” Morris said. George) is the most famous of graduate had not acquired at California Morris kept her childhood philoso- Photo by Luis Peon-Casanova 11 rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, State University, but she would not let a phy as she sped down the highway of PAMELA MORRIS the capital of Ethiopia during the 12th little keyboard stand in her way. Morris life, always on the fast track. She grad- and 13th centuries. This church is considered to made a promise that left the interviewer Morris brings her passion for art and her uated from Downers Grove South have the best workmanship from this era. Its size can be with such an impression that she got the knowledge of business to the University Public High School in 1976 after just estimated by noting the people in the right-hand corner of the trench. job. of Nebraska-Lincoln this year as an three years of study. “I told the personnel person that I assistant professor. It is the latest step in The next phase of Morris’ journey would practice typing over my lunch her journey to advertising success. took her to Long Beach, Calif. As a hour,” Morris said with a smile. Morris began her creative journey college student at California State Morris never has been one to let when she was born in LaGrange, Ill., in University, Morris’ artistic versatility obstacles discourage her from pursuing 1959. She was raised in nearby Downers would have made Michelangelo jeal- her goals. An advertising trailblazer, Grove, a village situated between the ous. Morris painted signs, boats, serenity of the countryside and the cul- posters for fraternities, sororities, busi- Photo by Peter Levitov/International Studies, UNLx ETHIOPIA | from page 5 that other Nebraska nesses and college associations, made faculty will teach in flyers and table clothes and worked on ists who can critically assess the state the program, some- ETHIOPIA | from page 6 preparing people for a more open the student newspaper. and the civil society,” Skjerdal said. “I hope the program will equip times by distance and, media in East Africa,” Norton said. “It never really seemed like work,” Tsegaye Tadesse, a research asso- he hopes, sometimes In addition, beginning in fall 2005, Norton and Aadland met on the Morris said, “because I was always ciate at UNL’s School of Natural Ethiopia with much needed journalists on site. two Ethiopian students will come to last afternoon before Norton returned lucky to do what I wanted to do.” Resources and a native of Addis The experience Nebraska and enroll in Nebraska’s to Nebraska. The two men, both of Morris continued to do what she Ababa, said he thought the program who can critically assess the state will have benefits on master’s program. UNL, which does whom were born in Africa, talked loved as she continued to blaze new would be a boon for his nation. and the civil society.” both sides of the not offer a Ph.D. in mass communica- about all the pieces that had fallen trails with impressive speed. After Ethiopian journalists, Tadesse Atlantic, Norton said. tions. In addition, another student will into place to make the collaboration earning her bachelor of art degree in possible and how pleased they were said, operate under standards that are — Terje Skjerdalxx “It will broaden our enroll in a Ph.D. program in the fine arts in 1979, she immediately with the potential impact it could very different from those applied by Academic coordinatorxx college as our faculty United States. The intent is to enable entered an MBA program. After finish- American journalists. Sometimes Addis Ababa University journalism programxx experience new cul- the Graduate School of Journalism at have. ing her business education in 1981, quotes are taken out of context. tures.” the Addis Ababa University to have an “Nebraska has an opportunity to Morris was advised to go into advertis- Sometimes information presented as Norton said he thoroughly Peter Levitov, associate dean of Ethiopian faculty as soon as possible. be good stewards of the skills and ing. fact conflicts with other information enjoyed his opportunity to teach at international affairs at UNL, accom- Norton and Aadland hope the development we’ve experienced in Fueled by her new purpose, Morris presented as fact. Because citizens are AAU where he and his students dis- panied Norton to Ethiopia last fall, program under way in Ethiopia is only journalism and to pass them along to continued to gather speed on her cho- confused by differing accounts of the cussed issues related to public dis- helping to cement the connection the beginning. Plans are under consid- African professionals who will lead a sen career track. After some smooth news, they are unable to hold their course and the role of media in a between the two institutions and eration for similar programs in other free media in African form that will talking and vowing to learn to type, government accountable, he said. democracy. The dean said he plans develop other partnerships. African nations. “We’ll be part of enhance Ethiopia’s democratic move- planting the seeds of democracy there, ment,” Norton said. ❑ MORRIS | go to page 8

6 1 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 17 new faculty new faculty

In 1984, Johnsen began working as The class became popular with special report; this year, her report will Johnsen combines a writing coach for various media out- both types of students. Johnsen said discuss water issues. lets, including the Lincoln Star. She the class filled quickly when registra- “It sounds easy, because it’s water,” coached public employees, including tion began for spring 2005 courses. she said. “It’s something everyone judges and attorneys, who needed help The registered students included a knows. But actually, there’s a lot more skepticism, curiosity with writing in their fields. mixture of journalism, physics, com- to it than someone might think.” By JOEL GEHRINGER exchanges create a strange connection In 1994, Johnsen became a general puter science, agronomy, biochemistry Johnsen is asking students from her J Alumni News staff between two fields that lie on seeming- assignment reporter for Nebraska and fisheries and wildlife majors. class to help with the report and is ly opposite ends of the academic spec- Public Radio. She specialized in cover- Johnsen said UNL science profes- hoping to publish it in a local maga- trum. ing environmental stories and even had sors have also expressed interest in zine or newspaper. eep in the classrooms of Blame it all on Carolyn Johnsen. her work broadcast by National Public helping their student to develop better Johnsen is also helping the univer- DAndersen Hall, journalism Johnsen, the newest new-editorial Radio and the BBC. writing skills. sity develop workshops for science students rhythmically punch keyboards professor at the University of However, Johnsen still harbored a “Students in the sciences are sur- writers. She has scheduled a workshop and telephone buttons, gathering Nebraska-Lincoln College of love for teaching. prised at how much they have to on the science of water for April 7 and quotes and writing stories, hardly Journalism and Mass “I always liked to teach,” she said, write,” she said, “so there does seem 8, which will feature Knight Center for thinking about how these machines Communications, brings a new dimen- “and I wondered, ‘Where can I return to be a lot of enthusiasm across the Environmental Journalism head Jim work so quickly and efficiently. sion to the college by coupling the to teaching?’” board in the science department for Detjen. Imagine the looks of bewilderment on technical aspects of science with the Photo by Luis Peon-Casanova Johnsen returned to teaching last the class.” “He’ll be talking about the role of their faces when computer science and explanatory concepts of writing. CAROLYN JOHNSEN fall. Bringing an understanding of the John Janovy, a professor in UNL’s journalism in framing environmental engineering majors invade their class- “There’s a reason to put journalism sciences and a skill for reporting to her School of Biological Sciences, said he debate,” Johnsen said. “It should be rooms and, while sitting in class, try to and science students together,” lor’s degree in education in 1966. After position, she introduced a science writ- thought Johnsen’s class was “a won- interesting for both the scientists and explain the science behind the technol- Johnsen said. “Both are curious about earning a master’s degree in English, ing course for journalism and science derful idea.” the journalists.” ogy. the world, and both have to be skepti- Johnsen taught high school English majors. “I think that scientists in general Janovy said he, as well as others in When grouped together in a new cal about what they hear and see. It’s one year in Iowa and five years in Hay “I still have the instinct and skills need to learn to communicate better the sciences, appreciates Johnsen’s writing class, science majors explain these two ideas that draw scientists Springs, Neb., before accepting a posi- of a reporter, and I’m interested in get- with the public,” Janovy said. “I’ve work. the sciences for aspiring journalists, and journalist together.” tion at Lincoln Northeast High ting students to develop these skills,” already informed my biology class that “I think her efforts are very laud- and, in exchange, the journalism Born in Sioux City, Iowa, and School. After four years at Northeast, she said. “I wanted to help them focus the course is available.” able,” Janovy said. “Any effort to bring majors help the aspiring scientists to raised in Cedar County, Neb., Johnsen Johnsen traveled to England to teach on communicating complex science to In addition to the science writing the sciences and writing together is to ❏ express themselves in writing. The attended UNL and earned her bache- as part of the Fulbright Exchange pro- readers. It can be hard, but it’s a skill class, Johnsen will release a yearly be encouraged.” gram. to learn.”

MORRIS | from page 7 So Morris took a slight detour from and curator, Rolf Achilles. With similar the Chicago business world for a college Associate Award. Morris also pursues a wide array of the fast track. She opted to take a posi- interests and like drives to succeed, library. In 2004, after working for three research interests, which, according to she was hired by the prestigious adver- tion as account director with Bauerline Achilles and Morris have been racing “I wanted to go back for education,” years as she “had never worked before,” her curriculum vitae, include effective tising agency Foote, Cone & Belding in Advertising in New Orleans, La., in down life’s highway together for 11 Morris said. “It was something I had Morris earned the title of doctor of phi- advertising, determinants for advertising Los Angeles in 1982. 1989. years. They simply have not been able to always planned to do.” losophy in mass communications. With content, international advertising, poli- During her tenure with Foote, Cone “It was an amazing experience,” slow down enough to get married. So Morris went east to Syracuse her experience and a Ph.D., she could cies and regulations, global media and & Belding, Morris worked with such Morris said of her time with Bauerline. After working with Imaginings for University in New York to pursue her do anything and go anywhere. She branding implications, and internation- major brands as Universal Studios Tour, But when the Gulf War forced several about a year, Morris took a new job as doctorate. While Morris was pursuing chose the University of Nebraska- al consumer cultures and behaviors. Yosemite Park, Universal Amphitheatre, clients to consolidate, she decided it a product manager with Health-O- her doctorate at the University’s S.I. Lincoln Besides an incredible resume, Morris California Milk Advisory Board, would be a good time to slow down and Meter/Mr. Coffee, which was followed Newhouse School of Public When a flyer advertising her current brings high aspirations to Nebraska. Embassy and Orion Pictures, Mattel take in the scenery she had been blazing by a job as an account supervisor with Communications, she met friend and position came in the mail, Morris said She wants to “make advertising better. and Pizza Hut. past. Gams Advertising. After a year with colleague Kathy Hughes. she initially laughed. But after doing Bring it back to the standard (where) it She traveled from exotic Mexico to With art and architecture books and that agency, Morris took another dra- “She’s a great individual,” Hughes some research, Morris said “the combi- started.” She wants to do away with the historic England as well as to other maps Xeroxed from National matic turn. said as she described Morris’ intelli- nation of professional skills and aca- “cheap advertising that promotes stereo- intriguing locales many people see only Geographic, Morris trekked across In 1996, Morris took a job with gence, work ethic and affability. “She demic research” at UNL won her over. types — just ugliness, aggressiveness. It on the Travel Channel. Morris’ job was Europe. For one year, she absorbed vari- Draft Worldwide in Chicago, one of the was extremely hardworking. She always She was also smitten with the appear- doesn’t have to be that way.” not a vacation, though. She worked on ous European cultures while she premier advertising agencies in America. had her nose to the grindstone,” ance of the university and with its per- Morris also hopes to educate adver- film shoots, researched, managed explored her interests in art, architec- She would eventually become the Hughes recalls. sonnel. “When I came here, I loved the tising’s future practitioners. She hopes account efforts, marketing and more. ture, music, language, food and wine. agency’s vice president. Morris worked Hughes said Morris was very buildings and the offices, the facilities to provide them with “a glimpse, sort of Though Morris enjoyed her job, she was When she returned to the U.S. in with famous brands like Kellogg’s, the focused during her doctoral candidacy. and the other faculty,” she said. a link to the real advertising world and ready for a change after seven strenuous 1992, Morris resumed forging ahead. United States Postal Service, Morris was busy, serving as a teaching This fall, Morris continues to stay what it’s like.” years. She began as a product manager for Nintendo/Pokémon and Disney. assistant in 2001, a teaching associate in busy as she races ahead. During the first Morris’ students follow a woman “I didn’t want to be in Los Angeles Imaginings 3/Diamond Publishing in Morris left Draft Worldwide in 2000 2002 and a research assistant in 2003 semester, she taught visual and aural lit- who has always believed the purpose of anymore, period. I loved my job, but I Niles, Ill. to work as a marketing manager with and 2004. For her service during the eracy, advertising media strategy and life is “to forge a new trail, not to follow didn’t want to be in L.A. anymore,” she In the same year, Morris met her B2BWorks. After a year with the dot- 2002-2003 academic year, Morris advertising and public relations cam- people but to respect people, to make said. current boyfriend, architecture historian com company, Morris decided to leave received the Outstanding Teaching paigns. up your own mind.” ❑

8 WINTER 2005 1 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 19 media spotlight media spotlight

weakened news coverage. viewers and readers who understand brush aside or ignore criticisms that, — The suggestion that the screen- the difference between news and in the past, have been disregarded as Dark shadow falls ing and training of journalists by opinion and satire. niggling or needling press bashing. news organizations have been faulty. In fact, the problems that journal- Public opinion polls make it clear: — The suggestion that all of the ism confronts in 2005, for the most The bashers have made their case. over media credibility above have contributed to what’s part the result of multiple self-inflict- News organizations in recent months wrong. ed wounds of the last two years, all have helped them make it. Damaging wounds are self-inflicted The search for other answers goes boil down to a crisis of credibility. A case can be made in the present on. Some experts are convinced that, Effectively responding to that cri- news media environment that public in a nation so sharply divided along sis is the challenge facing the news criticism of the news media — press By JOHN SEIGENTHALER behind a “Sixty Minutes” story sup- political differences, successful news industry. bashing, if you will — can provide a Founder posedly based on President Bush’s organizations will move toward niche Journalists seeking to answer vital curative even if the critics are ill- First Amendment Center National Guard records, acknowl- marketing concepts that feed the ide- questions must evaluate whether the informed or common scolds. Vanderbilt University edged that it had relied on dubious ological convictions of viewers and changing culture of an evolving, mul- Press bashing, more appropriately documents provided by a disgruntled readers. tifaceted, all-pervasive communica- called “news media bashing” in and unreliable source. Other communications theorists tions marketplace has caused a creep- today’s wired world, is an American hat’s gone wrong with More recently, express confidence that the answer to ing erosion of traditional journalistic tradition dating back to the day the American journalism? Services fired its syndicated colum- W many of these difficulties will be values within themselves or in their very first newspaper hit the street sin Professional journalists ask the nist Armstrong Williams after he found in the evolution of the “new newsrooms. . As every young and old stu- question today more than chronic accepted $240,000 from the U.S. Courtesy photo media” world of the Web. Both con- They must examine whether their dent of journalism must know, critics of the news media do. That is Department of Education to promote JOHN SEIGENTHALER cepts are enticing. The first depends news organizations, dedicated to Publick Occurrences, published Sept. hardly surprising, given the damag- the agency’s programs on “The Right searching by most major news organ- upon political and ideological atti- communicating effectively and 25, 1690, was immediately bashed to ing, self-inflicted wound the news Side,” his radio/television talk show. izations, an observer has little trouble tudes to remain static, unmoved by insightfully with the reading and death by Colonial government critics. media have suffered in the too-recent That touched off investigations finding a litany of expert opinions economic or generational shifts. viewing public, somehow have failed A story about the king of France past. inside Congress and the detailing what’s wrong: And, for all its promise, much of to find ways to communicate effec- sleeping with his daughter-in-law and First and Administration to discover whether —The suggestion that the drive the most reliable news content now tively and intelligently inside their another about Indian allies of the then USA Today disclosed separately other news organizations had been for larger audiences of viewers, lis- found on the Internet is produced by newsrooms. British brutalizing French captives that they published news stories that tainted by similar situations. teners and readers, combined with a traditional news organizations, pre- They must acknowledge that the provoked authorities to kill the news- were fabricated and plagiarized. While individual journalists penchant for titillation, has replaced sented on their Web sites — and role of editor or producer as “gate- paper. A “good news” feature about After separate independent investiga- and/or individual news organizations hard news with infotainment. often relied upon by other Weblog keeper” is understood, appreciated Christianized Indians celebrating a tions, these two daily newspapers were responsible for these episodic — The suggestion that cable tele- entrepreneurs. and supported. day of Thanksgiving was not enough acknowledged that two staff mem- events, the effect of it all cast a long, vision news outlets with their perva- The current edition of Nieman They must make sure that the to save it. Benjamin Harris had bers (Jayson Blair of the Times and dark shadow over the credibility of sive 24-hour news cycles that include Reports asked 15 journalists from First Amendment mandate to moni- planned Occurences as a monthly Jack Kelley of USA Today) had relied the entire news industry. contentious news/talk programs with diverse news media backgrounds to tor public and private institutions in publication, but its demise after a on “confidential sources” that were For most of the last decade, pub- their instant “expert” opinions that respond to the question of whether society is honored and protected. single edition farcically marks it as invented — which is to say they sim- lic opinion surveys already had are often ill-informed have changed journalism can survive “this era of They must understand that under American history’s first “daily.” ply did not exist. reflected growing reader and viewer public perceptions of “news.” punditry and attitude.” For the most the rubric of “the news media” there It was 14 years before another In each case, the disclosures disenchantment with the news media. — The suggestion that changes in part, the contributors conclude that now are “journalists” who do not publisher risked starting a newspaper seemed all the more disturbing Triggered by massive news coverage the culture of newsrooms have it can but offer a fascinating array of subscribe to their values, standards in America. Then, in 1704, John because staff members on each paper of such events as the O.J. Simpson demeaned traditional values of fair- ideas as to how — and why. and codes of conduct — and they Campbell launched the Boston News had sought to warn news executives trial, the child abuse allegations ness, accuracy, balance and propor- They suggest that technological, must seek to draw clearly defined Letter. Anxious to escape Harris’ that the two reporters were dishon- against Michael Jackson, the Jon- tionality. generational, cultural and political lines between themselves and those fate, Campbell proclaimed high on est. The warnings, for too long, had Benet Ramsey murder and the — The suggestion that an out- changes all will play a role in shaping who are not bound by enduring stan- the News Letter’s front page that it been ignored. Clinton-Lewinski presidential moded model of newsroom manage- the journalism that survives. Perhaps dards of professionalism. was “Published by Authority.” He Any theory that the problems impeachment scandal, almost half of ment has inhibited communications the most intriguing projection comes They must listen more seriously submitted copy to the government for were limited to these two high-circu- the citizens interviewed two years ago — often even conversation — from Michael X. Delli Carpini, dean to concerns about bias and balance; pre-print censorship. And the News lation dailies with large, difficult-to- expressed the opinion that the news between those who report the news of the Annenberg School for about whether a news story that is Letter survived for 72 years. manage staffs was knocked down by media enjoyed too much freedom. and those who edit and produce it. Communications, who concludes factual meets journalistic standards That hardly saved Campbell from further revelation that some two More than 40 percent of those ques- — The suggestion that public with the thought — “only a little bit of fairness; about whether errors are press bashing by readers. He had dozen other newspapers serving com- tioned opposed news media criticism perceptions of news “bias” have of an exaggeration” — that “tomor- corrected in a thorough and timely promised to provide timely news munities both large and small also of the military. eroded trust in journalistic objectivi- row’s journalist will need to be a way; about whether confidential from Europe, but sometimes reports had published fabricated or plagia- Faced with that obvious lack of ty. blend of , Chris sources are relied on excessively or of events in London and Paris rized news articles. trust in their work, no wonder jour- — The suggestion that economic Matthews and Jon Stewart.” frivolously or fraudulently. appeared a year late, and readers had There was more. At the height of nalists finally joined the chorus, ask- pressures and tight newsroom budg- Perhaps she will. But she will have This last “must” means, of reason to complain that they were the 2004 presidential campaign, CBS ing “What’s wrong?” ets have put undue stress on news- to be credible. And her credibility course, that journalists, at least for News, after standing for too long Looking at months of soul- rooms, resulting in diminished and will depend upon an audience of the present, cannot afford to simply SEIGENTHALER | go to page 12

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TRADITIONS | from page 12 Colorado would mean no bowl bid The Athletic Board served as Changing scene: Nebraska athletic traditions for the Huskers for the first time governing body for the athletic coach. since 1968. department from the 1890s until Turmoil nothing new at dear old Nebraska U Finally, in January, after many anx- The “20 somethings” among 1953, when it was abolished after a ious and nerve-wracking news reports, Nebraska’s football fans have never player revolt against Coach Bill athletic director Steve Pederson and experienced this kind of statewide Glassford. The board’s records 2001 when Colorado upset Nebraska, Big 12 North division. After taking By DON BRYANT Chancellor Harvey Perlman announced jitters over the status of the pro- reflect the sometimes painful 62-36, in Boulder. Despite that stun- the Huskers to a 31-22 victory over that Bill Callahan, recently fired coach gram. But a look at history indi- growth of NU’s program. Bryant is the retired NU sports ner, Coach ’s Huskers Colorado at Boulder, Solich was of the Oakland Raiders, would be cates this isn’t the first time Today, of course, NCAA legisla- information director and associate finished number two in the Bowl fired, and the defensive coordinator, Nebraska’s new head coach. Nebraska athletics have struggled. tion demands institutional control athletic director. He currently teaches Championship Series standings and new assistant coach , was Callahan, who took the Raiders to Since 1890, the university has expe- of athletics, but no such restrictions part-time in the J school. wound up in the Rose Bowl where named interim head coach for the the Super Bowl in 1992, and his new rienced joyous years, decades applied in the early years of they lost the national title to a strong Alamo Bowl game, which saw staff went to work in February and of disappointment and Nebraska football. The first men- Miami team, 37-14. Nebraska whip Michigan State, 17-3. started installing a new and little- plenty of problems, tion of any kind of mandate came o you know what the Still smarting from that late-sea- Nebraskans have seldom been understood West Coast offense to successes and in 1896 when the Athletic player revolt was about son tailspin that took them from an exposed to turmoil, surprising coach- D replace Nebraska’s time-honored failures. Constitution was amended by the that ended with the Athletic Board 11-0 record to 11-2 in 2001, ing changes or divided opinions in option offense (lots of running, little board to read, “Permission for any being abolished? Nebraska finished 7-7 and fourth in regard to Husker football. After all, passing) employed so successfully by team to leave town must be Historians know that college the Big 12 North Division in 2002, the coaching turnovers from Bill Osborne and Solich until 2002. obtained by (I’m sure the secre- football started at the University of prompting Solich to shake up his Jennings to in 1962, As the 2004 season wound down, tary meant ‘from’) the Nebraska in 1890. Historians of the coaching staff before the 2003 sea- from Devaney to in fans were still worried. The Huskers Chancellor.” future will also note that the athletic son. Net result was a 10-3 recovery 1973 and from Osborne to Solich in had piled up a 5-5 record and a 3-4 The most department and the football team, in but one that could not have been 1998 had been smoother than artifi- North Division record after 10 influential particular, have not always had foreseen when the Big Red won five cial turf. But the fans reacted to games. Adding to the tension member smooth sailing. straight games before losing at Solich’s firing with amazement, was the prospect of having to of the Current Cornhusker fans and the Missouri, 41-24. cheers, anger, support, opposition beat Colorado at home in board in state and national media have been Subsequent road losses at Texas and worry that carried through a the final regular-season to those early uneasy about the changes on the (31-7) and Kansas State (38-9) lodged month-long search for a new head have a chance at the years appar- football scene that had their start in the Huskers in the No. 2 spot in the North title and to avoid TRADITIONS | go to page 12 ently was Dr. a losing season for the Roscoe Pound. first time since 1961. According to leg- SEIGENTHALER | from page 11 ambivalence because “there is so centuries since Ben Harris and John Winning the North much good and so much bad …” Campbell started it all and point to end, Dr. Pound and also meant a his sister, Louise, not getting what they had paid for. As always, Rooney pulled no the dramatic progress that has rematch with punches when pointing to the flaws wrought a communications wonder- also a distinguished News Letter readers also had rea- Oklahoma at faculty member and son from time to time to doubt what that have become so obvious. But he land capable of timely reporting of Kansas City offered a considered opinion that important events by talented journal- active in the movement they read — as when the paper’s for the con- for women’s rights, had a Piscataqua correspondent was duped “reporters, editors and producers of ists from virtually any point on the ference news are more concerned with ethical globe. disagreement. He was a into running a false story about a champi- strong proponent of college young servant woman who reportedly standards of their profession than the Whatever societal changes shape onship, people in other businesses on earth the nation’s technology, culture and football and a strong opponent was the victim of a kidnapping. In while a of the women’s movement; she truth, she created the fiction to con- …” politics, a widespread public demand loss And he praised the work of most will remain for professional journal- opposed football in return. ceal a romantic encounter. to Fund-raising was important in Reporting fake stories, then, did journalists, with both newspapers ists who provide informed, insightful, and networks, who perform with enlightening news, information and the early days as it is today. At one not begin with Jayson Blair of the meeting, Roscoe Pound persuaded New York Times or Jack Kelley of unappreciated journalistic integrity. (clearly labeled) opinion. As to the future, he saw hopeful The challenge for those who work the chair of a committee to “work USA Today. The lesson of the recent up a benefit show for the football past is to make certain that such signs. Journalism educators, he in the news media 301 years after found, are doing a good job, and “the John Campbell founded the nation’s team.” Another item worth noting: scandals end with them. “The financial secretary was And it can happen. , young people coming into news are first viable news company is to make brighter and better educated than the media more credible than ever authorized to spend $5.00 for CBS’ thoughtful and provocative smoothing of the track for the “Sixty Minutes” pundit — a profes- they have been in the past.” before. Every professional journalist As disheartening as the past has a stake in that — and very jour- The sophomore-freshman contest on sional journalist in the finest sense of Omaha Oct. 7.” the word — was asked last fall by the months have been to caring news nalism educator and student as well. World-Herald professionals, the news industry legit- An important cornerstone was editors of Quill to assess the state of reprints program laid in an 1899 meeting — the inau- American journalism. He confessed imately can look back over the three ❏ covers from Nebraska’s 35 bowl appearances. Courtesy Omaha World-Herald TRADITIONS | go to page 14

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TRADITIONS | from page 13 ball. The committee would probably Nebraska beat the Irish for the third TRADITIONS | from page 14 through 1917 under Jumbo Stiehm lost to Stanford, 21-13, at Pasadena, have found the size of today’s foot- time in four years, 17-0. The series and E.J. Stewart, and won three but a hunger to become a bowl-class guration of a “training table.” Dean ball budget incomprehensible. did not resume until 1946. for college athletics in 1906. straight titles under Fred Dawson, program was sparked in Pound moved to “allot $10 a week As the 20th century unfolded, After the turn of the century, col- As the years passed, colleges 1921-23. Nebraskaland. for a training table for the football Nebraska began to receive national lege football started to capture the began forming conferences, and the In 1928, Nebraska, Missouri, Nebraska struggled throughout team,” and his motion was approved. acclaim with victories over Notre interest of the nation, and as the University of Nebraska became a Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State and the World War II years but managed In November, “Mr. Colette (football Dame in 1922 and 1923, the sopho- game grew, so did violence and member of the Missouri Valley Oklahoma departed from the MVC to keep football and basketball afloat manager) “reported a very successful more and junior years of the immor- excesses — on the field and off. Conference in 1907. The to form the Big Six Conference. D.X. with the aid of 18-year-old freshmen season financially and anticipated tal “Four Horsemen.” But the President Theodore Roosevelt Cornhuskers remained in the MVC Bible led NU to seven of the nine and physically impaired students from $50 to $75 profit for the sea- Horsemen came back to whip stepped into the controversial foot- through 1927, except for a two-year titles the Huskers won before World who received draft deferments. son.” Nebraska, 34-6, in 1924, the year ball arena and demanded national sabbatical in 1919 and 1920. War II with Ernie Bearg’s 1928 team Following the war, most schools in That same year, the board they were given their nickname by reform. As a result, the National During the Mo-Valley years, winning the first and ’ the nation began to rebuild toward approved “Mr. F.H. Yost’s bill for Grantland Rice. Nebraska returned Collegiate Athletic Association was Nebraska won nine championships, Huskers winning the last in 1940 pre-war levels, but Nebraska trailed $340 for coaching the 1898 football the favor in 1925. Led by Ed Weir, formed to serve as a governing body including five straight from 1913 enroute to the Rose Bowl. Nebraska in providing athletic scholarships. team.” Yost’s team went 8-3, and he And then Chancellor Reuben departed for Michigan where his Gustafson, a nuclear scientist on the 1901 team became a legend as the A-bomb project, became a leader in “Point-a Minute Team,” insuring the movement to de-emphasize col- Fielding Yost charter membership in lege athletics. Nebraska would not the Football Hall of Fame. win a conference championship in In 1900, Lincoln sportswriter football until 1963, 23 years after its Charles “Cy” Sherman started calling Rose Bowl season. the Nebraska team the “Corn- , a former huskers” after Iowa switched to the Husker and star of the Chicago “Hawkeyes.” That same year the Bears, tried to get things rolling with board selected Walter C. Booth from little success in 1946-47, and George Princeton to become Nebraska’s “Potsy” Clark, who had coached the coach on a unanimous vote. Minutes 1945 team after Navy service, show “Dr. Lees moved to offer Mr. returned to lead the 1948 team. He Booth $500 and railroad fare one- remained as athletic director when way,” and approval brought a real the Athletic Board enticed Bill bargain to Nebraska. Glassford, former Pittsburgh All- Revered today as “Bummy” American guard under Jock Booth,” the coach compiled the sec- Sutherland, to move to Lincoln from ond-best record in Nebraska history. the University of New Hampshire During his six-year stay, his and take over as coach. Cornhuskers won 46 — including a Glassford brought the Huskers 24-game win streak — lost only eight into the national spotlight in 1950, and tied one. His 1902 team was 9-0 Photo by Luis Peon-Casanova thanks to a veteran-studded squad and unscored upon, and Bummy’s that featured halfback Bobby .845 winning percentage is behind Bryant could add it to as president of Rimington honor survives 9-11 the Cornhusker mem- the Boomer Reynolds. The Grand Island sopho- Jumbo Stiehm’s .913 and ahead of more led the nation in rushing, scor- Tom Osborne’s .836. orabilia on display at Esiason Rimington, who thought they would the stadium. Foundation. ing 157 points, and earned All- In another 1900 move, the board had an office in the never recover any American honors. raised ticket prices for the Bryant, retired Pictured are took some hits when World Trade Center, items they had left sports information the plaque When Colorado joined the con- Thanksgiving Day game to 75 cents he played center for was in Omaha to there. ference in 1947, it became the Big for general admission and $1 for director, teaches a itself, Don the Cornhuskers in attend a high school But Rimington got class on sports and the Bryant and Seven, and Oklahoma and Nebraska reserved seats. And the board estab- the late 1970s and reunion on the day his plaque back in were its most successful teams. The lished a 50-cent charge to park “vehi- media at the J school, associate early 1980s, but they the terrorists struck November after it was and he showed his dean Sooners won all 12 titles, while the cles” to watch the games and decided were nothing com- the twin towers, and recovered by the New Huskers finished second three times, to increase the price of football letter students the battered Linda pared to the hit his his employees had York Police remains of Rimington’s Shipley and the third twice and fourth twice. The sweaters from $13 to $15 for the sea- Academic All gone to a seminar. Department’s property Huskers’ 1954 runner-up finish son. plaque during a class plaque in the NYPD American plaque took Their office was department. He sent it in early December. wrapper in which earned the team a trip to the Orange A fund-raising committee report- on Sept. 11, 2001. empty, but they to Don Bryant so ❏ ed “about $60” was raised for foot- Rimington now serves it arrived. TRADITIONS | go to page 16

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TRADITIONS | from page 15 seasons at Wyoming and who would for improved graduation rates. bring his top assistants with him to But Osborne also had Bowl, Nebraska’s first post-season Nebraska. speed bumps to clear during his game since 1940. A player revolt after People helping people In 11 years, Devaney would win career. He was slowed by open heart the 1953 season ended when the nine Big Eight titles and two champi- surgery, and his teams suffered dis- Regents backed Glassford and abol- onships (1970 and 1971) and play in tress when tragedies struck. By BROOKE METSCHKE ished the time-honored Athletic nine bowl games. He also became the Quarterback Brook Berringer died in J Alumni News staff Board. athletic director and played a huge a plane crash. Quarterback Tommie , an assistant at role in building the Nebraska athletic Frazier battled blood clots. Other Michigan, was named athletic direc- program after the advent of Title IX, players were seriously injured. not about tor in 1954, and the strong-AD which mandated that women’s sports And Osborne endured the fans’ “It’sme,” model continues at Nebraska. be funded and supported equitably. displeasure over his teams’ inability says UNL alumna Sriyani Glassford followed the 1954 success His men’s and women’s teams won to beat Oklahoma during his first Tidball. So who is it about, you with a disappointing opening loss to conference all-sports titles before his five years as head coach. Fans were wonder? It’s about people help- Hawaii in 1955, and after a tough retirement. also unhappy over seven consecutive ing people. In the slums of Sri struggle led the Huskers to a 5-5 sea- Even though Devaney wound up bowl losses. Osborne concluded his Lanka, to change the world one son and another second-place finish in the College Hall of Fame and won coaching career with an unbeaten person at a time, you just have in the conference. numerous Coach-of-the-Year awards, season and a conference champi- to be available. Orwig then recruited his tenure was not without its tense onship in the second year of the Sri Lanka is an island just from Bud Wilkinson’s Oklahoma moments. There were legislative bat- newly-formed Big 12 and handed the south of India, a Third World staff, and he brought Bill Jennings tles to gain funds for what would reins to assistant head coach country where Tidball grew up. with him as backfield coach. Elliott become the Bob Devaney Sports and running backs coach Frank She remembers beggars digging lasted one season and then made a Center, and fans launched a petition Solich. in her trash and knocking on fast exit and headed for California. to get Devaney fired when the A former Husker star under her door, asking for food. Her Orwig promoted Jennings to the Huskers went 6-4 in 1967 and 1968. Devaney from 1963 to 1965, Solich concern for people in the head coaching post in 1957, and He also battled to gain funds for coached the Huskers for six years depths of poverty inspired Jennings led the Huskers to the low- continued Memorial Stadium expan- (1998-2003), posted a 58-19 record Sriyani and her husband, Tom, water mark of their history: a 1-9-0 sion, Coliseum renovation, the Ed and won the Big 12 title in 1999. to found the Community season record. Weir Track and Buck Beltzer Field. Solich’s teams went to post-season Concern Society, a child-cen- Jennings would not have a win- After the 1971 national champi- bowls every year and, in 2001, got the tered, Christian, non-govern- ning season during his next four onship season, Devaney announced BCS nod as the nation’s number two mental organization in 1980. years in what had become the Big 1972 would be his last as head foot- team and played for the national The Tidballs became CCS Eight Conference with the addition ball coach and tabbed assistant head championship against Miami in the when they encountered a 2- of Oklahoma State. But Jennings’ coach and receivers coach Tom Rose Bowl. year-old Sri Lankan girl who teams pulled off some unforgettable Osborne as his successor. That deci- Like his predecessors, Solich did was nearly starving. When they Photo courtesy Tidball Photography upsets before he was replaced by Bob sion came up aces in a big way. not have clear sailing all the way. asked a friend where they could find Sri Lankan survivors seek shelter after the Dec. 26 tsunami. Devaney in 1962. The 1959 team Osborne had one of the most A 62-36 loss at Colorado, a series of food for this child, the friend told shocked Oklahoma in Lincoln, 25-21, phenomenal careers in the history of road losses, a 7-7 season and a shake- them they would be eligible to receive Centre, Lotus Buds Children’s Home, Tidball loves people and consid- ending OU’s 74-game conference win college football: a 255-49-3 record for up of his veteran coaching staff free milk packets through the Red Power House, Save Lanka Kids, Lak ers serving and ministering to them a streak and 36-game overall win .831 percent. He was the only coach ended in his departure with one Cross — if they were an organiza- Daruwo Child Sponsorship privilege. streak, and the Huskers beat the to record 250 wins in 25 years, 13 game left in the 2003 season. tion, not just private individuals. So Programme. Each has a mission to “I have so much fun it is unfair. Sooners again in 1960 in Norman. conference championships, three Enter Bill Callahan and some they became an organization. empower people through education, Don’t pat me on the back; I am just Jennings’ teams also beat Penn State national titles, 25 consecutive bowls tough sledding in 2004 as the From its humble beginnings in a rehabilitation, vocational develop- doing the best I possibly can,” she and Pittsburgh in 1958, Minnesota in (17 major) and numerous individual Cornhuskers continued to meet mis- Sri Lankan beach slum, CCS has ment, communication, intervention, said with a laugh. “I need to question Minneapolis in 1959 and Texas at awards for his players. The record fortune on the road. grown to reach more than 1,000 Sri mobilization and direct assistance. myself every once in a while and ask, Austin in 1960. Osborne compiled in his last five Fans may think the current foot- Lankan people. It also reaches the Tidball considers how mass com- ‘Am I using my time efficiently or Years of frustration came to an years — 60 wins and only three loss- ball team’s struggles are unlike any- hearts of many around the world, munication concepts she studied in effectively?’ Sometimes you can be so end in 1962 with the arrival of es — was the best in college football thing else that’s ever happened in provoking foreign volunteers to join the College of Journalism can be busy you are not getting anything Devaney from the University of history. Nebraska athletics. But as prior ath- the Tidball family to make a differ- used to inform people. done, but I am having fun.” Wyoming. Chancellor Clifford Throughout the Devaney- letic directors Bill Orwig, , ence in the lives of others. “When they make decisions, they This family is guided by spiritual Hardin, spurred by Regent Clarence Osborne years, other Husker teams Bob Devaney, Bill Byrne and present “CCS is committed to make a are making an informed decision lessons. Govinda Tidball, Sriyani’s Swanson, a former Husker and Hall and athletes also won championships AD Steve Pederson — as well as all loving difference, and we are blessed rather than an emotional decision, son, explains one of them: “To of Famer, sought a winning head and individual honors, and NU ath- the football coaches since 1890 might to be a part of the team,” Tidball because every decision has a conse- whom much is given, much is expect- coach to succeed Jennings and found letes set records for the largest num- observe — “Not much is new at dear said. quence. You need to use the knowl- ed.” the right fellow: a former Michigan ber of Academic All-Americans and old Nebraska U!” ❏ Five outreach programs cater to edge you have to inform the people,” State assistant who had five winning different needs: Dehiwela Outreach Sriyani said. TSUNAMI | go to page 18

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TSUNAMI | from page 17 TSUNAMI | from page 18 “When I think of a journalism Sriyani sells advertisements for The degree, it is a lot more than just writ- Lied, a magazine for performing “She is an amazing woman; I have work. ing; it is kind of communicating any- arts. She also publishes Lincoln yet to meet a woman who can take “I was being published, and I felt thing you want, any message.” she Today, an annual magazine that on as much as my mom,” Govinda kind of strange about it being pub- said. received a 2004 award. said. lished when I didn’t feel trained,” It takes six months for Sriyani and Tidball takes her passion for Sriyani Tidball uses her gifts in Sriyani said. Tom to make enough money in people to two different continents. development, planning, grant writ- She graduated from the J school Lincoln to go back to Sri Lanka and However, the foundation is the ing, publishing, copywriting and with a master’s degree in 1991. volunteer for CCS. While in Lincoln, same in both of her home cities: journalism, supplementing her hus- people helping people in word and band’s photography talents. deed. “She loves people; it is what God But Tidball doesn’t want has given her to do,” Govinda said of the credit for the success of his mother. “Her satisfaction in life is CSS. “If you take one thing given without expectation, investing from this, it is not about life into someone else.” me,” she said. Her experiences have shaped her family, bringing them closer through ❏ shared experiences as they lead two lives in different worlds. They live for LEFT: A destroyed village in six months each year in Lincoln and Sri Lanka. OPPOSITE PAGE: A woman six months in the slums of Sri Lanka. attempts to sort through the “Many people are afraid of expo- debris left by the tsunami. sure to different world views. I grew up with that,” Govinda said. “You have a responsibility to your recently been compound- community and to the world on more ed by the arrival of mon- issues than what makes money for soon rains on the East you,” Sriyani Tidball said. Coast. Sriyani’s father, Reggie Those who survived all Candappa, was the first executive have amazing stories to president of CCS from 1982-2003. tell. The successful chairman of two The themes are always major American advertising agencies, heartbreaking tragedy, he is known as the father of Sri Photos courtesy Tidball Photography Photos courtesy Tidball heroism and miraculous Lanka’s advertising industry. After he escape. The people of our died, Sriyani and her sister stepped up in the morning, bracing island, which is one-third up their sleeves and fishing village lived in into his footsteps running the largest for another 24 hours of the size of Nebraska. answering the cry for water’s-edge shanty huts agency in Sri Lanka, the fifth largest living in a bad dream that The fishing and tourist help, highly reminiscent of along the coast of Mount in the world. ‘Life will never just won’t go away. industries are devastated; New York citizens during Lavinia, just south of But family involvement does not The loss is colossal. countless other businesses the Sept. 11 tragedy. That Colombo. Every one of stop there. Sriyani’s daughter is now Finding the lifeless, are on the brink of col- is very encouraging on the makeshift homes working in advertising as well as vol- bloated bodies and bury- lapse. every level because ethnic, along a two-mile stretch unteering at CCS in Sri Lanka. be the same’ ing them, sometimes in But the order of the political and religious pride was swallowed by the sea. Govinda, Sriyani’s second son, mass graves, is ongoing. day is saving lives. has polarized these people However, not a single earned the master’s degree in adver- BY TOM TIDBALL Community Concern COLOMBO, Sri Lanka An accurate death count Refugee camps have been for a long, long time. life was lost. Though the tising at UNL in December. The fam- Lincoln Journal Star Society. Tom Tidball — Sri Lanka is still will never be known set up all around the In addition to the degree of difficulty of ily’s oldest son, Rama, met his wife first sent the Journal reeling from the because they have island. Government and immediate task of burying these poor lives has been at UNL and now lives in Indonesia, Tom and Sriyani Star and others an e- effects of the giant stopped keeping track. international aid organiza- the dead, locating and multiplied, a wave of grat- teaching English at a University in Tidball divide their mail a few days after tsunami that slammed Some estimate a final toll tions have made them- delivering food, water and itude has swept over their Surabaya. Luke, the youngest, is 14 time between Lincoln the tsunami. He sent the island one week of 100,000 in Sri Lanka to selves visible, appealing medical help to stranded camp. They realize they all and attends school in Sri Lanka. and Colombo, Sri this update and pho- ago. be conservative. for funds. But so far, the survivors is ongoing. The were spared that day. Sriyani herself decided to earn a Lanka, where they tos a week after the Life here will never One million are said to most apparent and effec- difficulty of these efforts graduate degree to help support her operate the disaster. be the same. It has have been directly affect- tive aid has come from — with time becoming a ❑ become hard to get ed by the disaster on this indigenous locals rolling crucial factor — has TSUNAMI | go to page 19

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information director. “I was the one J grad follows who had to deal with the media during Quadriplegic activist dies at 49 that time,” she said, “and it was really hard.” By MATTHEW HANSEN Husker great When Bryant retired in 1997, Lincoln Journal Star Anderson again took over for Bryant when she assumed a second role with in storied UNL the athletic department as assistant illiam Rush once athletic director for communications. Wwrote about the In 2003, she was promoted to associate overwhelming desire to get out tradition athletic director of communications, on the dance floor and shake it and in August 2004, she stepped down for all he was worth. By JOEL GEHRINGER as sports information director after He was always writing. J Alumni News staff holding both positions for 15 months. He contributed articles and “It’s pretty amazing that she man- wrote op-ed pieces and letters to ers other people more than it aged both jobs and did such a great job the editors of the Omaha World- bothers me. widely respected and well- at both,” said Keith Mann, who took Herald, the Lincoln Journal and “But the band was playing known University of over as sports information director after the Lincoln Star. rock ‘n’ roll and I wanted to

A Photo by Mike Nichols Nebraska-Lincoln legend retired in Anderson stepped down. In print, he fought for accessi- dance. … 1997, leaving enormous shoes for his CHRIS ANDERSON and KEITH MANN As associate athletic director for ble Lincoln schools, movie the- “Push me out on the dance successor to fill. In order to continue communications, Anderson oversees aters, bars, restaurants, hotels, floor.” the storied UNL tradition, the UNL Anderson’s connections to Bryant ball,” she said. media relations for all varsity sports. buses and sidewalk curbs. Rush died Dec. 13, 2004, at athletic department needed to find started long before she went to work At the time, Anderson said, she She also organizes media events and He sat, strapped in his wheel- age 49, falling victim to pneumo- someone who had the experience and for the UNL Athletic Department. was one of a few females in a field takes requests for athletic department chair and wearing something nia and severe neck injuries origi- drive to fill the gap. Born and raised on a farm near dominated by males. interviews. resembling a welder’s helmet, and nally sustained when he was Luckily for the department, that Panama, Neb., Anderson first experi- Bryant agreed. “There just “I felt that in recognition of the struck one letter at a time with a struck by a car, according to his legend had someone in mind. He enced the world of journalism while weren’t a lot of women sports writ- work Chris had done as sports informa- stick attached to his forehead wife, Christine Robinson. knew his successor would do well. working as a high school stringer for ers,” Bryant said, nor were there tion director that she was the logical until he finished an autobiogra- He didn’t live or die a victim of After all, the Husker great had Bill Bryant — Don Bryant’s son — at many women on the other side of the choice for communications director,” phy, “Journey out of Silence,” cerebral palsy, she says, despite worked with this person for years, the Hickman Voice, a weekly paper microphone and note pad. “When I said Steve Pederson, UNL athletic direc- published in 1986. the inability to walk, move or talk passing along his wisdom and experi- in nearby Hickman. was sports information director, tor. “Chris has done a great job. She’s The first quadriplegic to gradu- normally since birth. ence to a new generation. After graduating from Norris there were probably 200 of us, all well respected, honest and straight-for- ate from the University of Instead, he kept typing with So when former associate athletic High School, Anderson had no diffi- males. Now, there are probably over ward, and I think those are qualities Nebraska-Lincoln, the guinea pig the stick attached to his forehead. director Don Bryant stepped down, culty choosing a major. 1,000, and a large number of them that people in the media respect.” for voice synthesis technology “He wanted to use the power he knew his successor, Chris “I always knew I wanted to go are women.” Anderson said she is enjoying the allowing him to speak, the subject of language to show they're not Anderson, would do just fine. into journalism,” she said. “When I As sports information director, new arrangement and the extra time she of a Life magazine cover story saints and not subhuman,” Anderson, a 1983 graduate of the came to Lincoln, Don started me in Anderson worked on a number of now has to focus on her work. and the most well-known Lincoln Robinson said Tuesday. “Just UNL College of Journalism and the sports area, which I always knew campaigns, including three national “It gives me a chance to think more activist for the disabled was first a human.” Mass Communications and a 19-year I wanted to do.” championship football seasons and a in the future rather than just day-to- writer. The humanity of people with veteran of the UNL athletic depart- Anderson worked as a student campaign to promote Eric Crouch day,” she said. But a dancer? disabilities wasn’t well understood ment, stepped into Bryant’s shoes assistant in the sports information for the Heisman trophy. Anderson said her job can make it Bill Rush’s cerebral palsy, which in the late 1970s, she said, when when she became assistant athletic office under Bryant for four years. Not that Crouch’s Heisman was a hard for her to find time for her hus- could cause him to shake violent- Rush’s mechanized wheelchair director in 1997. Recently, though, After earning a bachelor’s degree in direct result of the university’s sales band, Don, and two children, Jake, 9, ly, “a muscle spasm throughout first rolled onto the UNL campus. she took another step along her journalism, Anderson worked as pitch. The credit goes to the quarter- and Daniel, 3. my body,” as he put it, gave him The Omaha native had gradu- career path, leaving her job as sports assistant sports information director back and his performance on the “Sports information doesn’t take pause during a 1984 article about ated from J.P. Lord School, done information director to devote all her at Kansas State University for two field, Anderson said. All the universi- place 9 to 5, Monday through Friday,” sexuality and people with disabili- well on the SAT and then entered time to her position as associate ath- years before returning to work in the ty did was make sure everybody she said. “It demands a lot of time. We ties. a world where no one like him letic director of communication, to UNL athletic department in 1986. noticed. miss a lot of things as a family, but we “I wondered why I was try- had previously succeeded. which she was promoted in May In 1993, she became sports infor- “We did what we could to get also have a lot of family fun at events.” ing,” Rush wrote then. “After all, In print, Rush remembered the 2003. mation director, taking over for him the best interviews and the best Bryant said he is confident in a dance floor was the last place then-head of affirmative action at “It’s been difficult following a leg- Bryant a first time when he moved to publicity.” Anderson’s abilities to manage her new some people would expect to see UNL telling him he’d be the first end like Don Bryant,” Anderson said. associate athletic director of commu- But her job as SID wasn’t always position. me. … I had always tried to be and last quadriplegic to attend the “He’s known across the country in nications.“As sports information easy, as Anderson found out early on. “Chris has a wealth of experience,” careful not to alarm others around university. sports information. But he was help- director, the majority of my time was Husker quarterback Brook Bryant said. “She’s highly respected me too much; my disability both- ful and so positive. I owe him every- spent coordinating media relations Berringer died in a small-plane crash across the nation. She’ll do a very fine RUSH | go to page 23 thing because he taught me how to and publicity for the sport of foot- during Anderson’s first year as sports job.” ❏ do my job.”

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Grad develops appreciation for ‘sacrifice’ there are no warnings for mortars. Our camp gets hit daily. If you’re lucky, you RUSH | from page 21 can actually hear the “thud” as the shell He remembered the stares wanted to be a husband and is fired. That gives you approximately 10 By AARON WYATT jobs and make life easier in the sand. from classmates, frustration at the father. seconds to run for cover. I’ve made the inability to communicate and the “We got the first one done,” dash once. Never heard an explosion. First Lieutenant Aaron Wyatt belief that his cerebral palsy Robinson said, taking a break “My time in the Middle East Several people laughed at me as I hud- would never allow him to find from her late husband’s viewing earned a broadcasting degree from dled close to the foundation of a build- the J school in 2003. He writes about love. at Roper and Sons Funeral Home. ing. Rookie mistake. But the university was also Rush, of course, will be his experiences in Iraq, where he has Our lives over here depend so much been stationed since June 2004. has not been a bad experience. It’s where he met Mark Dahmke, a remembered as more than a on variables we have no influence on: shy computer analyst who family man. peace talks, elections, changes in mis- approached him in the Selleck He wrote a manual for the sions and other fronts in this war. Most remember fearing for the 18- Quadrangle and told him he’d like nation’s newsrooms, instructing opened my eyes, and I now see soldiers I talked to did not vote. The to help design a system so Rush them on how to refer to people Iyear-olds I knew at the time recent surge on Fallujah slowed down when Operation Desert Storm began could speak. with disabilities. the mail, for instance. Pile on the Dahmke’s computer wizardry He fought to allow people in 1991. Would they have to go fight changes in our lives from the way we in a war? What would that be like? I how blessed we truly are as a and Rush’s cooperation eventually with disabilities to get married lived back home and this place can resulted in a modified voice syn- and keep their Medicaid — the never imagined 13 years later I would quickly drive one into another state of be living firsthand what I previously Courtesy photo thesizer that allowed Rush to type resulting Nebraska legislation is 1st Lt. Wyatt (left) poses with Spc. Spangler (second from left), Pfc.Rufo (third from left) and mind. We face plenty of other chal- words phonetically and have them one-of-a-kind, his wife says. wondered about. Spc. Eastman (far right). Spangler and Rufo built a grill out of scrap metal, and Eastman estab- lenges each day that can influence our I joined the Nebraska National lished himself as the resident cook. emerge from a speaker for others He testified before Congress attitudes as well. to hear. about the Americans with Guard in 1997, motivated by the Getting a hair cut can be a nerve- tuition assistance program. I complet- It was hard to find certain things I carry an M16A2 rifle with me Finally, he had a voice, albeit Disabilities Act. wracking experience. Well, maybe not one that fast friends agreed His autobiography served as ed basic training at Fort Leonard here, so we made friends with other everywhere I go. Chow. Shower. To that bad. But how many of you have Wood, Mo., and accepted a two-year people and crafted “drug deals” to sleep. It gets old carrying that thing sounded somewhat Swedish. “sort of a handbook about how had a foreign national hold a sharp In 1983, he graduated from to live independently,” Dahmke ROTC scholarship at Kemper get things. We also would “relocate” around. And you need to clean it object close to your head as you sit Military Junior College in Boonville, things. It got really exciting one day every five minutes because the wind the university’s journalism college said. defenseless, trying to explain how you with honors. And always, the William L. Mo. After receiving a commission in when we found an extension cord. constantly blows dust, dirt and sand want your hair cut? But first you have to the Army and an associate’s degree in Living in the desert during the into it. I don’t get the wind. “What he was doing then, it Rush newspaper pieces with find the barber. Posted hours of opera- just wasn’t done,” Dahmke said headlines like “Bus not meeting 1999, I returned to UNL to pursue a summer months is a constant catch- Sometimes it blows hard and the sand tion are merely a guideline and not set broadcasting degree. 22. Obviously it’s hot here, so I must sits still. It’s close to what the Tuesday. “People like him didn’t everyone’s needs,” “Getting to in stone. go to college or make it through cabaret not easy,” “Failure to pass As my May 2003 UNL graduation drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. Reverend Billy Graham once said (I And if the communication between date approached and the U.S. involve- However, if I drink too much water, think he’s the one who said it.): I’ve college. He did, of course.” Americans with Disabilities Act barber and soldier weren’t enough of a The story drew Life editor too costly,” and “‘Selleck Quads’ ment in Iraq deepened, I knew it I’m up every two hours during the never seen God. I’ve never seen the challenge, maintaining relationships would be just a matter of time before night (when I’m trying to sleep) back wind. I’ve seen the effects of the Anne Fadiman to campus a year not so different from most stu- back home is another whole story. before Rush’s graduation. She dents.” I landed in the Middle East. After in the john. And john doesn’t have a wind. There’s a mystery to it. Baghdad is nine hours ahead of months of Army training and an night-light, so I’m fumbling around in Definitely is mysterious to me. found a 24-year-old man making That last story shows the simi- Nebraska. When I wake up, you all are classmates’ howl with laughter larities and differences of three assignment to Fort Riley, Kan., I the dark — and I have to pinch my A fellow soldier once told me, going to sleep. When you’re waking up, learned in May 2004 that I would be nose. “Every time we go out (outside the even though they sometimes had quadriplegic students all living in I’m going to sleep. Mail is inconsistent, to wait minutes for him to type Selleck the year after Rush's grad- deploying in June. The showers here smell as bad as gate), we accept that we could die at though we do get mail on Sundays if the We arrived in the desert of Kuwait the latrines. The showers are OK, any moment. And we’re OK with the punch line. uation. mail truck gets through to us. She also found a UNL student The goal is the same as a T- on June 18. I quickly forgot what though I took only three showers in that.” That’s reality. That’s how I’ve Finally, there is the electronic war- trees looked like. Vegetation sparsely the first 12 days. No one here to lived for six months. who was still convinced no shirt Rush wore for the Life photo fare — the battle of 110v and 220v woman could love him. shoot. The words “No I’m Not” covered the sand and dirt. The wind impress. Plus, it’s just a pain. I My friends always ask, “Are you appliances. I recently blew a radio blew all the time, and, of course, it remember looking forward to a safe over there?” I don’t know how to Then, in 1988, he went to are stenciled above a picture of because I plugged it into the wrong out- Disneyland. Superman. was hot. We lived in canvas tents that COLD shower because all the water answer that. A soldier’s definition of let. did have air conditioning. It wasn’t was hot from baking in the sun all safe and a civilian’s definition are not A conference there about He wanted readers to realize So many things I overlooked during alternate ways to communicate that people with disabilities were perfect, but it was better than noth- day. I guess hot water is better than the same. Roadside bombs and mor- a day back in the states now catch my ing. We used showers located in trail- nothing at all. Just never thought I’d tar shells pose the biggest threats to led to a chance meeting with just regular people, his wife says. eye. Try going through a major city Robinson, a presenter at the con- He just wanted to be a regular ers and portable johns. One nice be complaining about a hot shower. us. Growing up in Unadilla, Neb., intersection without functioning street- thing about the desert is you’re guar- Now that the temperatures have part of tornado alley, I could expect ference. guy, too. Problem is, he wasn’t. lights. Or driving down a major street Two years later the Canadian “He really was the voice for anteed a warm toilet seat. dropped dramatically, I’m complain- several times a summer to be in a tor- without the lanes marked and no shoul- In the early days, we ran around ing about the cold showers that typi- nado watch. Serving in Iraq, I’m in a moved to Lincoln, eventually the voiceless.” all day trying to get things to do our cally await me in the mornings. constant “mortar watch.” However, wedding a man who always ❑ BAGHDAD | go to page 24

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BAGHDAD | from page 23 ducks, prone to getting attacked. lessness. The looks we get from the locals It’s amazing to me to watch 18- to Sands sees journalists as stewards ders. There is trash everywhere. And differ. The children usually applaud 22-year-old men and women perform the amount of carbon monoxide is and smile. The women look on with the jobs they perform. With such little unreal. curiosity and wonder. And the men experience of life, they are laying By MARY KAY QUINLAN them.” As I drive through Baghdad, I’m mostly glare with resentment. I can’t theirs down so you can continue to News-editorial faculty Sands sees her rural Great Plains humbled to see all the western bill- help but sympathize with them to an enjoy the freedoms you have. These upbringing as practical training for boards mixed in with their culture. extent. While we romp through their soldiers operate and maintain pieces Mary Kay Quinlan, for- her journalism career. It’s also amusing to me to see busi- streets, I often wonder how our fore- of equipment worth millions of dol- mer Washington correspon- “I just understood a long time nesses seeking out English-speaking fathers felt about the Red Coats lars. And sometimes they’re only 19. dent for the Omaha World- ago that I’m a farmer. I like to grow customers on the streets of Baghdad. roaming through the villages in the 13 Only 19. And I could be sending this Herald, teaches journalism as things,” she said. And just as she I can take a “taksi” to grab some colonies. young man or woman into a situation the University of Nebraska- beams over the fields of corn, she “take away” food (not take-out) but I’m sure we’ve maybe ruined a few that may or may not turn out well. I Lincoln. She and Deanna delights in the accomplishments of the “taksi” can’t park by the restau- street curbs and taken out some bush- fail to remember that I myself am Sands have been friends for promising World-Herald interns and rant because there is a “No Anytime es in the medians to deserve unkind only 25.It’s easier for me to relate to 35 years, since their student other young staffers. “I like to help Parking” sign posted. And there is looks, but we are doing a lot for this those soldiers younger than I. But it’s days at UNL. This story people grow,” she said. very little color here, mostly a drab place. One street in Sadr City I’ve also important for me to realize the appeared in the fall 2004 issue Jena Janovy, assistant sports edi- sand color. Kind of depressing. The seen is typically covered with raw responsibility I have to guard their of APME News, the publica- tor at the Charlotte (N.C.) Observer, bright colors I do see are usually sewage and water. One of the main lives.And I’m only 25. tion of the Associated Press knows that firsthand. spray-painted on the herds of sheep projects of my battalion is to suck up Each day I develop a greater Managing Editors, the organi- “She’s just an incredibly nurturing grazing in the medians and on the waste and water to clean the streets. appreciation of the word “sacrifice.” zation Sands heads as presi- person,” said Janovy, who worked at polluted sidewalks. I guess they’ve The Muslim holiday Ramadan I recently missed my best friend’s dent for 2004-05. It is reprint- the World-Herald for 13 years, three never heard of ear tags. recently ended. Some of my guys wedding. I called him the morning of ed by permission. Courtesy photo of them in sports. “She’s helped I’ve been on the road a lot the went into Sadr City to give away his wedding to wish him good luck DEANNA SANDS water me along the way, and thrown past couple weeks. No matter what sheep and chickens. At the end of and tell him how much I wished I a little fertilizer on. … She has had a orn stalks 8 feet huge impact on my career.” part of the city we drive through or Ramadan, Muslims celebrate with a could be there for him. He asked me lack of it, can lay waste to a hoped- tall tower over the mini- Janovy described Sands as an edi- what time of day, the lines for gaso- huge feast. So we helped feed them. to call him later that evening at the C for bumper crop. mum-maintenance county road that tor who gets out of her office and line blow my mind. I’ve seen lines Baghdad could be a beautiful city, reception. With the help of a tele- A nearby farmer handles the day- separates two of the fields on trolls the newsroom, talking to stretch at least a mile, with two rows but there is so much trash on the phone and microphone to Kyle’s ear- to-day field work for Sands. But she Deanna Sands’ farm southwest of reporters, taking interest in what of cars waiting to fill up. I learned streets. People dump their trash on piece, I toasted him and his new bride comes home nearly every weekend to Nebraska City in Otoe County. It’s they are doing and asking the kind of this morning that there is a lot of the sidewalks, burn trash in the from Baghdad. It was one of the see her mother, who still lives on the mid-July and Sands’ maroon pickup focused questions that help craft price gouging at the pumps and what streets, herd sheep through the greatest honors I’ve ever had. At least home place, and to rejuvenate her truck bumps along the ruts. good stories. one pays depends a lot on who you streets. As we drive along, groups of they didn’t have to see the tears in my spirit among the fields of soybeans “It’s a pleasure to be out driving Women in newsrooms, especially are. I think I’m going to quit the boys play soccer on dirt fields. Like a eyes that evening. and corn. On a still night, she said, around this year,” Sands said, paus- if they work in sports, occasionally Army, move back to Baghdad and child living in the South who has While there are plenty of other you really can hear the corn grow. “It ing to soak in the glossy greens and run into what Janovy called “great open up a chain of Seven Elevens. never seen snow, those boys have things I’d rather be doing, my time in sounds like a breeze through the golds of her farm fields. It’s the first challenges.” But Sands has served as Any willing investors out there? probably never seen a field of grass. the Middle East has not been a bad fields.” time in four years that drought hasn’t a mentor and colleague, Janovy said, While the layout of Baghdad’s Some streets are lined with tall palm experience. It’s opened my eyes, and I Sands, 52, is as much in her ele- stunted the crops in the southeast and shines as “one of the most major roads is OK, I finally noticed trees. The Tigris River is wide like the now see how blessed we truly are as a ment here as she is in her newsroom corner of Nebraska, where Sands’ thoughtful, purposeful women in the earlier this week why the traffic is so Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. nation. I don’t know if anyone wants in the state’s largest city, 50 miles to great-grandpa sank roots in the fer- industry I’ve met.” terrible: There are no traffic signs. In Plant some green grass and get rid of to be over here, but I know I’m will- the north on U.S. 75. And she is just tile soil her family has called home Karen Magnuson, editor and vice the states, we have a decent arterial the trash and this place would be very ing to return to protect the lifestyle I as comfortable talking about differ- for 112 years. president for news at the Rochester layout combined with traffic signs to nice. cherish back home. ences in hybrid corn varieties as she Farmers in this part of Otoe (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle, tell us about one-way streets, right- In our company headquarters, we As I approach the halfway mark is running a newspaper. County might average 100 bushels of echoed Janovy’s views. Magnuson, turn only, no U-turns and other signs monitor the radio traffic in our bat- of my tour, however, I’m beginning to Indeed, colleagues and friends corn to the acre in a reasonably good the incoming secretary of APME, I’ve already forgotten about because I talion. Some traffic is daily business, relate to Bill Murray’s character in remark repeatedly on her ability to year, and production has been as said she has benefited from Sands’ take them for granted. Also, there are but other traffic details the patrol “Groundhog Day.” During the first understand the nuances of a thriving high as 130 bushels. But Sands, who ability to sense when colleagues are no traffic lights that function over missions. One morning I listened in several months I was here, each metropolitan area as well as on her is managing editor of the Omaha under stress. here either. as a tank in our brigade was hit with morning brought with it a new rural roots. World-Herald and the incoming pres- “She’ll give you a call out of the Chaos! Rolling down the streets of a mortar round. Different crews were curiosity. Now routines have been “She’s got common sense. That’s ident of APME, knows better than to blue to kind of take your pulse and Baghdad and Sadr City is. If there is a transmitting aspects of the attack, established, and each new dawn the long and short of it,” World- count her corn until it’s in the bin. see if you’re OK,” she said. traffic jam, we simply jump the curb trying to figure out what was going seems to be a repeat of the day Herald publisher John Gottschalk Farmers understand that their for- Magnuson said she delights in and go against oncoming traffic in on.Thoughts began rustling through before. said. “She has a keen sense of who tunes can change in five minutes, as Sands’ dry wit, high personal stan- the other lanes. We do what we want, my mind as I listened in: “Do I know Maybe tomorrow I’ll get lucky our readers are.” And she uses that when we want and how we want. But anybody on that tank? Did they get and wake up back home. ❏ hail, wind and untimely rain, or the “to help us edit a newspaper for SANDS go to page 26 we have to. Otherwise we are sitting hurt? What if …” A feeling of help- |

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SANDS | from page 25 department meetings and made sure who don’t cut and run.” “A rt Sweet was 65 then, and I was a staff knew about news-side changes Like generations of rural young wet-behind-the-ears 19,” she said. “He E.N. Thompson Forum dards and unfailing reliability. “She’s that would affect their ability to serve people, descendants of those who did took me in tow and decided he was a very down-to-earth kind of per- customers: Where is the puzzle now? not cut and run, Sands attended a going to teach me about journalism. He brings world to UNL son,” Magnuson said. “She has a real Is a feature running on a different one-room school from kindergarten decided, by golly, I was going to learn sense of people and what makes day? through eighth grade. Maple Grove how to do it right.” them tick and how to inspire them to Troy Niday, now circulation man- School, District 29, is about a mile She tramped around corn fields, do better work.” ager for the Daily Oklahoman, west of her farmhouse. It’s another covered the county fair and the sheriff’s Magnuson said a critical element worked in circulation at the World- family’s storage building now, but its beat, pinch-hit for Mrs. Duffy on the of Sands’ leadership is her ability to Herald for 14 years, and he, too, outward appearance hasn’t changed society page and even delivered papers listen. Sands is also well-organized credited Sands with breaking down much from the days when Sands and if that was what needed to be doing. and seems to be “very calm in the traditional walls between the news- her classmates put their lunch pails “One of the most interesting things middle of any storm,” room and other departments. “She on shelves near the door, got water was watching Art deal with people who Magnuson said. was a true partner,” he said. from a well and were blessed with a came in off the streets,” Sands recalled. Gottschalk agreed with The World-Herald, which takes handful of good teachers who His door was always open, and he Magnuson’s characterization of pride in what it calls its 500-mile focused on basic skills and also on always listened thoughtfully to every- Sands. “She seems to be unflap- Main Street, has unique circulation opening the wider world to their one. pable,” he said. In a breaking-news challenges, Niday said. Its earliest young charges, with frequent field “I think he taught me how to be situation in which someone else Midlands edition, which goes to trips to Omaha and Lincoln, the committed to something,” she said. might panic, “she just seems to play press at 6:45 p.m., is trucked west- state capital. It’s a lesson she’s never forgotten. through.” ward from Omaha for 14 hours, all Sands attended high school in What’s important to keep in mind, That voice of confidence and the the way to the Wyoming border, to Nebraska City and then, like many she said, is that newspapers “are ser- ability to remember to ask what serve readers in the western two- young Nebraskans, headed for vants of our readers in the best sense of readers are going to care about helps thirds of the state. That can compli- Lincoln, where she earned a bache- the word. … We’re not there for us; keep the staff focused, no matter cate things when a Nebraska football lor’s degree at the state university. A we’re there for them.” what challenges the paper faces, he game is played at night or when win- history lover, she chose journalism The cacophony of voices, conflict- said. ter weather emergencies create driv- for her major because journalism ing agendas and lack of civil discourse Photo courtesy Nebraska Humanities Council/Susan Ranta Gottschalk recalled the night in ing hazards. struck her as “living history.” in public life make it difficult for news- David Halberstam, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, visits with Marian 2001 when the World-Herald began “She could be stubborn some- After graduating in 1972, she papers to get at the truth, but that’s Andersen at the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues Sept. 9 at the publishing in its new format (the times,” Niday said. “I’d usually draw went to Iowa State University, where their job, she said, adding that she’s University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Halberstam’s lecture was the first of design of which Sands had led) on the short straw in having to go up she received a master’s degree in jour- looking forward to offering APME the five lectures in the 2004-05 Thompson Forum Series, “The United new presses in its multimillion –dol- and talk to her when we needed more nalism. In 1974, she signed on as a perspective of someone from an inde- States in a Divided World.” His topic was “War and the Modern lar Freedom Center. The old presses time” on the nights a blizzard was in night copy editor/reporter at the pendent newspaper, not a large corpo- Presidency.” were shut down for good, and several the making. Omaha World-Herald. ration. hundred VIP guests were there to Sands always focused on making She hadn’t especially wanted to “We [at the World-Herald] talk a lot watch the initial run of the new ones. sure readers got the best product pos- work at the World-Herald, and she about stewardship because we’re here Pulitzer journalist It came off without a hitch. sible, he said. “She wasn’t just an edi- hadn’t especially wanted to be a copy for the long term,” she said. “You have discusses lessons “She’s really good in managing tor. She saw the whole playing field.” editor, but she worked her way up the franchise — or the farm, for that what could be chaotic situations,” he Sands is convinced that her farm thorough the ranks. She spent time matter — for only a short time before of Afghan conflict said. background taught her the impor- on the wire and regional desks, you pass it on. You honor it, protect it Sands remembers that night, too. tance of hard work, self-discipline, including as a slot editor, and then and hopefully improve it while it’s your oy Gutman, a Jennings She’d spent most of a year on the adaptability and perseverance. became Sunday editor, assistant daily responsibility. It’s personal.” RRandolph senior fellow at the redesign, reveling in the challenge. “I “Work is just something you do,” news editor, night managing editor; That perspective has won Sands her U.S. Institute of Peace and for- remember walking out that door at she said. “You need to have enough then, in 1993, she was appointed colleagues’ respect and admiration. eign editor at Newsday, spoke 2:30 in the morning when everything self-discipline to just do the stuff you managing editor. “She’s a great professional and she on “Afghanistan and Lessons was running,” and she recalled think- need to get done. You have to be a And although she recalls good loves this business,” her publisher said. Learned” Nov. 8 at the E.N. ing: “We did it. We really did it.” self-starter about it.” editors from her early years at the Moreover, said Niday, the former Thompson Forum on World Willie Barney, who was consumer And news people, like farmers, World-Herald, her highest praise is circulation official, she has a passion Issues at the University of marketing manager at the World- need “a certain elasticity of mind” for the late Art Sweet, owner and for the state of Nebraska and the read- Nebraska-Lincoln. Photo courtesy University Communications Herald during that period, credited when things don’t go the way they publisher of the Nebraska City ers of the World-Herald. “Deanna has a He met with the media at the ROY GUTMAN Sands with establishing links between hoped they would. “One thing about News-Press, a six-day-a-week after- love for its history, its culture and its College of Journalism and Mass reporting for “A Witness to the newsroom and the circulation growing up on a farm in Nebraska noon paper. Sweet gave Sands her people,” Niday said. “It’s a fire that Communications prior to his Genocide,” a compilation of his department. “She created some ties — or any of the prairie states — it first paying newspaper job as a sum- glows from within. lecture appearance. reporting in Bosnia. A book- that weren’t there before,” he said. teaches you to endure,” she said. mer intern during college and gradu- “She’s truly a Nebraskan.” Gutman won the 1993 signing followed his lecture. Sands attended circulation “The people who make it are those ate school. ❏ Pulitzer Prize for international

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Used cars, lab rats and Snowbears Congratulations to Haskell’s creativity takes him down the non-traditional road John Gottschalk,

By DANA N. SAYLER Haskell, a Burwell, native, gradu- Haskell found his way back into Omaha World-Herald J Alumni News staff ated from the University of advertising by working at several Nebraska-Lincoln in 1994 with a agencies around the state. He eventu- publisher, major in advertising. But getting to ally moved to Utah where he ran into nsane. I’m pretty sure where he is now definitely wasn’t a Tracy Crowell and Crowell First Recipient of “Ithey’d say that.” simple task. Advertising. Chip Haskell, creative director at “It hasn’t been the traditional “He (Tracy) is an interesting cat. The RED Crowell Advertising in Salt Lake City, road, I guess. Bumpy at times. But He has a great vision and a good Gala Utah, says that’s the word co-workers fun,” he said. This bumpy road did- business sense. … he’s just super Founders’ Medallion Award would use to describe him. And n’t start with a focus in advertising honest. There isn’t a client we have maybe that’s not such a bad quality. either. that doesn’t appreciate that,” Haskell February 18, 2005 Being creative director for an “I was going to join the Army. … said. agency that was included in the year- (But) I thought I’d give college a try. I And their clients love the fact that Omaha Hilton ly Advertising Annual of Communi- went to Wayne State College and got Crowell Advertising is making a cation Arts (CA) for radio isn’t easy kicked out. Not because of academ- name for itself in the business, not to do. Especially when only 15 entries ics but other things.” just by winning awards but also by are chosen from 12,000. Insanity may Haskell then took the road to taking a non-traditional approach to be a necessary attribute for someone UNL and met Chuck Piper, then advertising. in Haskell’s job. member of the advertising faculty. Two of Crowell’s clients that Congratulations to Piper’s passion for copywrit- Haskell works with include Utah ing rubbed off on Haskell, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Juanita Page, and he discovered what he and the Utah Cancer Action December 2004 wanted to do. Network. These two clients have seri- Chip Haskell is the creative director at Crowell Advertising in Salt Lake City, Utah, Courtesy photo “He is an excellent writer ous messages to bring to their audi- and a College of Journalism graduate. broadcasting graduate, and was a very good advertis- ences, and Crowell has presented sun suit will. The Utah Cancer He credits a lot of his skills and ing student. He has a very those messages in a comical, straight- First Recipient of the engaging personality,” says forward and yet successful way. Action Network’s television ads drive to the faculty at the College of Piper, now vice president of Featuring an escaped lab rat, which is feature a man walking around in a Journalism. Giving him guidance Undergraduate strategic services at Bailey actually a fat man dressed in a rat large yellow foam cutout sun, and a road map in life, the faculty Lauerman & Associates in suit, the Utah Tobacco Prevention & telling people he meets that he’s and advisers shaped him to the per- Achievement Lincoln. “We will e-mail a Cessation ad sends the message that giving them skin cancer. Again, this son he has become. couple times a week — or people already have enough problems comical approach to the topic has As for the future, Haskell said Award three months will go by. If I in life and don’t need to add another won awards for Crowell and put the he is spending many sleepless nights have something funny to share one by smoking. Haskell is very agency on the map. thinking about his agency’s latest with him or vice versa or he proud of the ads the agency does for Haskell finds many challenges client, the Utah Snowbears, the new has something he has done or this client. The Utah Business associated with the work he does. American Basketball Association an award, he’ll keep me post- Magazine thought the ads were good, One of these is educating new (ABA) team in Salt Lake City. The College of Journalism ed, and I appreciate that.” too; the magazine voted this cam- clients that creativity is the number Educating the audience on what the and Mass Communications Haskell held several differ- paign the Best Advertising Campaign one key to a successful campaign. ABA is all about, having a limited is proud to be a part of Courtesy photo ent jobs after graduation, in Utah. “The only thing that differenti- budget and working with a not-so Angela Heywood Bible, a 1998 news-ed grad, including a job with his “(The campaign is) just different. ates one agency from another is the intimidating name — “Snowbears” caliber of their thinking. Utah is — are all emerging challenges with took her husband, Chris, to class with her at friend’s lawn care business When they first started this smoking reali zing educatat theional dreams Duke University Law School in September as and as a car salesman. thing, other ads were all just about fairly conservative, like Nebraska, this new client. Trying to make peo- part of “Bring Your Significant Other to School “It was just for something death and preaching about why you but what I find is, smart people are ple aware the team exists may be University of Nebraska-Lincoln Day.” They are pictured with other Duke Law to do,” he said. “I really did- shouldn’t smoke. And I was like, ‘I very eager to learn about that, and the biggest problem, Haskell said. students during an intellectual property law n’t sell any cars, though, used to smoke, and that won’t work I’m pretty eager to discuss that with But he has an idea. class. The Bibles’ shirts leave no doubt that them and work that out creatively. “Right now it borders on a 40- journalism.unl.edu Angela is enrolled at Duke, despite an alumni because I was just telling peo- with me,’” Haskell said. It’s a challenge but a labor of love,” year old Chinese guy as our note in the summer issue of this magazine that ple what a racket it was. So And if a guy in a rat suit doesn’t listed her as a student at a rival school. that didn’t really work out.” work for you, maybe a guy in a foam Haskell said. spokesperson or ABA action fig- ures.” Insane? Maybe they’re right. ❏

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Suites in Garden over,” Lee said. “But he was more usan Gage and Jerry Sass City, Kan., just east open than I thought he would be.” Sread Truman Capote’s “In of Holcomb. Lee interviewed Rupp for more Cold Blood,” they watched Richard On Sunday, stu- than two hours about his emotions Brooks’ 1967 movie of the same dents conducted after the murders and about the name and they spent months study- group interviews Holcomb community 45 years later. ing newspaper clips and black and with Holcomb and Gage said the interview provid- white photographs of the 1959 mur- Garden City resi- ed a morale boost for students. ders in Holcomb, Kan. dents who had spe- “In 45 years since the killing, he When the University of cial ties to the mur- has never spoken publicly,” Gage Nebraska-Lincoln journalism pro- ders. said. “It was quite a coup, and it fessors took 11 UNL students to The students was a great way to end the trip.” Holcomb in October for a depth talked to a former Sass said it was fascinating to reporting class, they were almost Garden City see how Holcomb residents dealt surprised to find the town in color. Telegram reporter with the Clutter murders — and “You sort of get this image in whose husband had Capote’s famous book that made your mind from reading the book been the Clutters’ the murders a tourist attraction — and watching the movie,” Gage lawyer, a radio almost half a century after the said. “It’s a much more bright, reporter who was crime. vivid, lively place.” the first journalist He said some members of the Capote’s “In Cold Blood,” a on the scene in 1959 community thought “In Cold critical and commercial success and a woman who Blood” had a lasting effect on the when it was published in 1966, lived in Holcomb for community. Others said it did not. helped create the bleak image for 30 years. They also “There’s some truth to both,” Gage. interviewed the Sass said. “Life goes on, but it Capote’s narrative journalism attorney who prose- would be crazy to say Garden City chronicled the November 1959 mur- cuted Hickock and and Holcomb have been unaffected. ders of Herbert and Bonnie Clutter Smith, current The way they grapple with it as a and two of their children, Nancy Holcomb high community is interesting.” and Kenyon, in the Clutter family school students and Sass said pictures of early home in Holcomb, a small town in a UNL graduate Holcomb residents covered the southwest Kansas. The family was who works for the walls of a government building in murdered during an attempted rob- Telegram. the town. One early leader was bery by Perry Smith and Dick On Monday, stu- missing: Herb Clutter, who was an Hickock, who were later captured, dents pursued inter- appointee to the Federal Farm convicted and executed. views for their indi- Credit Board under the Dwight About 45 years after the mur- By JOSH SWARTZLANDER vidual stories while Eisenhower administration. ders in the Clutter house, Gage and J Alumni News staff Gage and Sass man- Sass said he thought Holcomb Sass brought UNL students back to aged a Rubik’s cube residents didn’t want to mention Photo by Kris Kolden scene of the crime to talk to com- of scheduling. the killings while some people still munity members, to capture untold “We got some had a direct link to them. stories and to find out the impact of people who had “It’s just a missing chapter of “In Cold Blood” on Holcomb resi- Students seek answers at scene of the crime never talked before,” the community, which is a shame,” dents. Gage said, “so it was he said. It was a project that Sass and tracking down leads in Holcomb. It but the students got to walk around former Clutter property. worth it.” Chris Bainbridge, a UNL jour- Gage said they were volunteered for was the culmination of a project on the land. Bright flowers and an expansive, One of the people who had nalism and mass communications by Will Norton, dean of the they had been working on since the Sass said a long, tree-lined lane green yard surrounding the Clutter never talked to reporters was Bobby graduate student who went on the College of Journalism and Mass beginning of fall semester. flanked the property, just as it did house contrasted with the dreary Rupp, Nancy Clutter’s boyfriend in trip, said that on the surface the 45- Communications. Both professors “If anything, I think students 45 years ago. The brick house was images brought to mind by “In 1959 and the last person to see the year-old murders did not seem to said they were excited to lead the would have liked to start earlier,” still in good shape. Some of the old Cold Blood,” he said. Clutters alive. Rupp was briefly a affect Holcomb. But it’s an underly- project. Gage said. barns had rotted away; others still The depth-reporting trip began suspect in the murders. ing issue in the community that Seven reporters, one photogra- On Monday morning — two stood. Holcomb has grown from a two days earlier on Saturday morn- Senior news editorial major people have silently agreed not to pher and three documentary stu- days into the trip — the group went few hundred people to more than ing. After a seven-hour car ride Melissa Lee interviewed Rupp discuss, he said. dents spent fall break, Oct. 15 to the former Clutter property. 2,000 since 1959, and Sass said the through Kansas, the group Monday evening. Partly, Bainbridge said, the mur- through 19, talking to sources and Another family lives in the house, town now comes to the edge of the unpacked at AmericInn Lodge and “I was so nervous on the way ders are remembered in Holcomb

0 3 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 31 student spotlight student spotlight and Garden City because people These depth-reporting beginning at 9 a.m. and con- wander into the towns daily to see French dispel stereotypes projects began when associ- tinuing until 9 p.m. He said the Clutter tombstones and to talk ate professors Joe Starita the hard work paid off in to residents about the murders. from news-editorial and the end with the number of “They’re not marketing this at for journalism students Jerry Renaud from broad- valuable experiences the all. The thought has never casting collaborated on a group had. occurred to them,” project five years ago on the “(The trip was valuable) Bainbridge said. “But if you Battle of the Little Bighorn. I think because it was a drive into town and ask ques- What followed has been a challenge, and most of us tions, they’ll answer them.” yearly project that gives stu- will never do it again,” he Gage said she and Sass dents an opportunity to said. “It’s one thing every still find themselves talking showcase their talent and journalist should aspire to about Holcomb. develop their journalistic be a part of.” “We’ve gotten a little skills. Despite the long days obsessed by it,” Gage said. “Working on a docu- and hard work, members of “There are just so many mentary in a foreign coun- the group echoed their threads to pull at.” try looks good on a appreciation for the time Depth reporting students résumé,” Hansen said. “I they spent in Paris. are still pulling at threads, hope it gets me a good job!” “I’d never been to searching for more sources To prepare for the trip, Europe before; it was all a and more stories about students spent six months new experience for me,” Holcomb. Many of the sto- researching various topics, Renaud said. “Most of what ries will be published in the like the difference between we thought we were going Omaha World-Herald, Gage American and French cul- to find we didn’t at all. We said. The group also will cre- ture and various positions didn’t find one of the typi- ate a magazine-formatted on the war in Iraq. During cal stereotypes we thought publication containing all of this time students also lined we would. The French aren’t the students’ 14 or more sto- up in-depth interviews with rude.” ries. Photos by Alyssa Schukar Parisians. The American boycott of French citizens held a vigil outside a government ministry building because two French jour- Students are still trying to con- nalists had been kidnapped in Iraq in September. “We had a chance to see French goods when France tact the two surviving Clutter what another culture refused to join the United daughters, who had moved out of thought of America,” said States to invade Iraq doesn’t By BRITTANY REIDER to Paris, France, for a depth-reporting the family home before the mur- Dirk Chatelain, a senior anger the French. They even J Alumni News staff project. ders, Gage said. news-editorial major. “It have an interesting outlook “I think (the Paris trip) was once- Lee is trying to contact Nancy was a more educational 10 on “freedom fries.” in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Carrie Clutter’s best friend, who found the days than I could have “They’re bemused by it,” he “rude French” stereotype Johnson, a senior broadcasting stu- bodies 45 years ago. imagined.” Alloway said. came tumbling down when dent. “It’s an amazing opportunity to Bainbridge is working with a T Once overseas, the stu- Renaud added, “They UNL students sat in a French woman’s have as a college student.” group of students to create a docu- dents found a typical day just think that’s a hoot!” home asking her why she chooses to The trip was designed to produce mentary about the lasting impact of filled with group meetings Alloway also said the remain in France while her brother an in-depth report on the current state the Clutter murders and Capote’s and interviews on all sorts ABOVE: The Louvre; BELOW: A woman adjusts lace curtains. French don’t hate Americans lives in the United States. Her respons- of French-American relations. The “In Cold Blood” on Holcomb and of topics. Rick Alloway, an or America. They consider es and attitude were enlightening and work the students produce will fill a Garden City residents. assistant professor of the United States their polite, even though they were made magazine, produced by news-editorial Bainbridge said the trip to broadcasting, said the group brother — and while sib- through an interpreter. Afterwards, majors, and will be the basis for a Kansas was productive for students. would stay up very late and lings sometimes argue, she even invited her interviewers to documentary, made by broadcasting “It was hard work — demand- get up at 6 a.m. every day. they’re still brothers, he stay for lunch. majors. ing and exhausting work,” Their mornings began with said. “(Lunch with the French woman) This year also marked the first Bainbridge said. “But it was quality a group meeting, and then The trip was largely was one of the best meals we had in time all three majors in the college — work.” students and faculty would made possible by money Paris,” Kristen Hansen, a UNL gradu- advertising, broadcasting and news- Gage agreed that the trip was a spread out across the city given to the college from ate broadcasting student, said. “The editorial — were present on a depth success. Students had fun, and the “like cockroaches when the outside sources. Renaud said French don’t smile or wave when they reporting trip. Amy Struthers, assis- writing they produce will be com- lights flick on.” Dean Will Norton Jr. also see you walk by. They want a reason tant professor of advertising, and petitive journalistically, she said. Chatelain said a typical raised some private funds to talk to you. They’re more personal Casey Griffith, a senior advertising “It’s a great group of students, day for him consisted of for the trip, and the students — not rude.” major, represented the advertising and it’s a fun thing,” Gage said. “It three to four in-depth inter- contributed toward their From Sept. 2 to 12, four faculty department and are responsible for was a blast.” ❏ views on various topics, own expenses. and 11 students got a chance to travel marketing and selling both the maga- zine and documentary.

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In order to participate in the Paris trip, students needed to be majors in the journalism college. They also had to write a one-page essay detailing their Student photographer qualifications and why they should be selected to go. Students were chosen based on their abilities. Renaud said faculty were also looking for an inter- captures Czech culture esting mix of people to go. The students who traveled to Paris in addition to Johnson, Hansen, Chatelain and Griffith included: Kevin Abourezk, news-editorial graduate student; Erin Hilsabeck, Erica Rogers, Rachael Seravalli and Alyssa Schukar and Patti Vannoy, all news-editorial; and Laura Schreier, broadcasting. Students and staff who traveled to Paris remarked about the beauty of the city and the things they liked about the people they met. “Paris’ beauty and history were pretty remarkable,” Chatelain said. “It catches your attention.” Alloway said, “(The stu- dents and staff) loved being in By JOE LOMICKY Paris. Every little item that’s J Alumni News staff built architecturally has some sort of flair, but being in Paris Photo by Carina McCormick Photo by Carina McCormick was second to talking to Parisians.” The Homolka family, who lives in Wilber, Neb., came from Pelh_imov A cross adorns a building in the T_ebí_ (Trebic) city cemetery where Drozda’s ancestors are buried. Joseph Drozda, now 92, of Wilber, Neb., is the last surviving sibling of seven from the Czech Republic. The projects aren’t finished yet, but students (Perlimov), a Czech village. and staff are putting in a tremendous amount of me out a lot.” heritage through stories that had for America,” an organization dedi- time to finish by deadline with what they hope will McCormick spent much of her been passed down over generations. cated to eliminating educational be an award-winning project. ast spring, Carina widened to incorporate even traveling time clutching her Czech- “I wanted to take what the fami- inequity in America’s inner city “This is something Carrie (Johnson), Jerry LMcCormick packed her Nebraska’s Czech capital, Wilber. English dictionary. However, taking lies had told me about their heritage schools. (Renaud) and I are putting every spare minute to,” bags, loaded her camera and took “I wanted the project to look an introductory Czech class at UNL and try to display that lifestyle in the “The Czech Republic does have a Hansen said. a step into an unfamiliar world at how the younger generations of prior to her trip made a big differ- photographs. To the Czech people, lower standard of living than the Hansen said the group hoped to have a good — the Czech Republic. Czechs view their heritage and ence. family life is very important, and I U.S.,” she noted. “I learned how to rough draft of the documentary by winter break When she returned three culture in today’s world,” she “Going there with a basic knowl- wanted to show that.” be thrifty, using only what I need. I’d and to finish by late February or early March. months later, she brought back a said. edge of the language really helped She added that the traditional love to do something with my experi- These final deadlines coincide with the entry dates lot more than a love for kolaches. McCormick traveled through my skills improve over the months,” stereotypes that many associate with ence and learning instead of letting it for the Academy Awards, Student Emmys and the Her 24-photograph exhibit that 12 Czech communities, taking she said. “I did learn that you should Czech society aren’t necessarily true. lie idle.” Hearst journalism competition. opened the school year at UNL’s hundreds of photos. never go into another country assum- “Things are much different there She hopes to go back to the The vast amounts of time required and the diffi- Rotunda Gallery demonstrated “The photography wasn’t as ing that everyone speaks English, now than what most care to realize,” Czech Republic someday, but in the culty of the project didn’t deter students, however. not only her skills in photojour- difficult as getting used to Czech because they don’t.” she said. “Czech civilization hasn’t meantime, she’ll put her experience “There are so many challenges in life,” Johnson nalism but also her love for a peo- public transportation,” The class opened other doors for been frozen in 1890; it’s a very mod- to work in her own country. said. “This project just shows you what you’re ple. McCormick said. “I had imag- McCormick, too, as she met with ern world over there.” “Being over there really made me made of. It’s a culmination of my four years at McCormick, a senior psychol- ined my travel there would families from Wilber who would McCormick’s photographs look at what has value, and in the UNL.” ogy and news-editorial major, involve a leisurely drive in a rent- become key components of her proj- include typical family scenes of daily U.S. there are students in low-income The students understand the value of an experi- said her photography project, ed car, but authenticity was ect abroad. life as well as pictures of churches areas that desperately need help,” she ence like this. which researched the Czech cul- important so I chose to take the McCormick focused on families and cathedrals. said. “We could stand in a classroom for three to four ture and traditions in modern bus or train. Fortunately, people with roots in the Czech Republic. Graduating this May, the senior ❏ years and not pick up the experience of this proj- society, started out small but later there were really nice and helped These families had learned of their plans to take her talents to “Teach ect,” Chatelain said. ❏

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had. He discovered that the slave trade had nothing to do with Students sample the world firsthand Argentinean culture, because mer- chants had founded the country. Study abroad takes journalism majors to all corners of the globe Gorman also learned about the By JILL HAVEKOST TONY GORMAN Argentinean media. “It’s much more explicit,” he said. J Alumni News staff research, the two college students Gorman’s experience in set out to sojourn through several Broadcasting and history major Argentina provided him with a countries. Tony Gorman also packed a camera broader perspective on the world, he columns near Fiedler hoped to experience for his two-month South American changed hypotheses about South TMemorial Stadium are as European culture both as a photo- adventure last summer. He expected America, exposure to another cul- close as many UNL students have journalist and as a tourist. There he would want lots of pictures of ture’s media and experience living ever been to Roman architecture. were days he worked to hone his Argentina and Uruguay. He did not abroad. Whether he chooses to go Taco Tuesdays at the Harper- artistic vision, such as when he shot expect that Argentina and Uruguay into sportscasting or to become an Schramm-Smith cafeteria constitute a picture of a worn and rusty lock would want lots of pictures of him. international reporter, Gorman their most daring experience with beside a fluttering mass of colored “They thought I was Shaq!” the thinks the experience has prepared food originating in a distant land. paper in the Czech Republic. He tall, athletic-looking senior said him for whatever comes next in his And their closest encounter with a said he thinks the picture captures with a laugh. Gorman even posed Photo by Josh Fiedler career. foreign culture is a conversation the essence of communism. for a photograph with a woman with an Oklahoma Sooner. Then there were days when and her children in Mar del Plata. SUZANNA ADAM Students whose appetites for Fiedler sat back with what he calls While Argentina was observing adventure cannot be satiated by his “touristy camera” and enjoyed Gorman, for two months last sum- News-editorial and English major cafeteria tacos often decide to go the sights. “Some days,” he said, “I mer, he was observing Argentina as Suzanna Adam prayed she was pre- abroad and see, hear and taste the wouldn’t even take my main camera a part of the Lexia International, pared before she went to China last world for themselves. with me. That’s like sacrilege to Ronald McNair and UNL Summer summer. She was eager to meet peo- Some turn to UNL’s some photographers.” Research Programs. Gorman hoped ple. She was set to gain a new per- International Affairs Office, which Fiedler took in many of the typ- to investigate how Catholicism and spective of the world. She was ready offers students a variety of study ical European attractions: the Eiffel the slave trade had influenced for anything. Anything except the abroad opportunities in countries Tower in France, Stonehenge in Argentinean culture. squid. from Austria to Australia. Others England, the Prague Castle in the While he studied the culture, “The food was a little too alive find their own way to experience Czech Republic and the canals in Gorman also took several classes for me,” she said with a smile. But the travel channel firsthand. Amsterdam. He also visited places for college credit, met people from she still loved China. Three such students are UNL off the tourist-beaten path, observ- around the world in his dormitory, Adam was surprised by Chinese seniors Joshua Fiedler, Tony ing European villages and country- absorbed the sights and learned food and many other aspects of the Gorman and Suzanna Adam. Each side. about a foreign culture. culture when she visited the country returned to Nebraska with new Fiedler conversed with European Gorman took discs full of pic- with a UNL organization. While skills as journalists, a broader natives as he trekked across the tures to illustrate the story of his Photo by Tony Gorman there, she studied the Chinese lan- world perspective and a story to continent, meeting colorful subway trip. He has pictures of stunning guage, conversed with Chinese stu- tell. riders and opinionated food ven- Mar del Plata, photographs of the dents studying English and experi- dors. Contrary to the nightly news, colorful architecture lining the enced Chinese culture firsthand. JOSHUA FIEDLER “Europeans don’t hate Americans,” streets of Buenos Aires and a shot “It was like another planet,” he said. Fiedler found the majority of himself smiling with a graceful Adam said. She witnessed the flurry If a picture’s worth a thousand of Europeans to be kind and hos- tango dancer. of activity in crowded Beijing, words, news-editorial major Josh pitable. “I’ve gotten more cold Like Fiedler, Gorman was also watching in surprise as old men Fiedler could tell a story longer shoulders in Omaha,” he said. impressed by the kindness of with brooms swept the streets. She than War and Peace with the 5,500 When Fiedler returned to the strangers in a foreign land. The observed the beauty of the Chinese photographs he snapped in Britain, United States, he had a new per- Argentineans were warm, hos- countryside, taking in the grace of France, the Czech Republic and the spective on the world and the equiv- pitable and patient with Gorman’s the gently rounded mountains. Netherlands during the summer of alent of 229 rolls of film on his dig- rough Spanish. Gorman said he felt The people were also different 2004. ital camera. The photographer relatively at ease there. “It was safer from what Adam expected. Initially, Fiedler and his fiancé organized believes both will be helpful in his than Chicago,” he said. she thought they were rude. Then the three-week trip with the help of career. Fiedler’s work, including During his trip, Gorman con- she learned the Chinese are distant the most convenient and affordable some of his European photographs, cluded Catholicism had influenced travel agent available to them: the was on exhibit at Zen’s Martini Bar Argentinean culture, though not to Internet. After careful planning and in Lincoln in December. the extent he originally thought it STUDY ABROAD | go to page 38 Photo by Suzanna Adam

6 3 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 37 student spotlight student spotlight Chemistry puts sizzle in STUDY ABROAD | from page 37 with strangers until they get to know them. Once that happens advertising campaigns “they would do anything for you,” By SARAH HERMSMEIER on chemistry. she said. J Alumni News staff “It’s about relationships,” said The government is not nearly Pam Morris, assistant advertising pro- so hospitable. As a journalist, fessor at UNL. Adam learned “to appreciate the t was a Murphy’s Law situa- For example, the chemistry among First Amendment.” She watched as Ition. teammates can hold relationships the TV went black for several min- “Anything that could go wrong, did together in crises as big as one vital utes during a CNN broadcast. The go wrong,” said Tyler Grassmeyer, a team member’s emergency appendec- Chinese government was censoring 2003 graduate of the J school about tomy. The relationships between a report about SARS. Adam also his senior year experience in the adver- advertising campaigns students and met a young Chinese woman who tising campaigns class. the college or community can have wanted to become a journalist not “We had a girl who was supposed just as profound an impact, providing because she wanted to report the to be doing most of our presentation “outreach for the university into the truth, Adam said, but because she end up having an emergency appen- community,” Signal said. Photo by Luis Peon-Casanova longed “to know the truth herself.” dectomy the day before we were sup- And finally, student-client relation- ABOVE: Students who worked on the White House Commission on Remembrance Adam found the whole experi- posed to present. … We had a com- ships are “largely about chemistry,” campaign pose with Dorothy Anderson, fifth from left, of Sen. Hagel’s office. To the ence eye opening. It gave her new puter crash that had our whole plans according to Rich Bailey, chairman right of Anderson is Tyler Grassmeyer, advertising alum and formerly an employee at knowledge she believes will help the White House Commission on Remembrance. Students, from left, are Chelsea book on it.” of Bailey Lauerman Marketing/ Fitch, Annie Deatrich, Jodi Long, Ryan Gross, Dane Lenhard, Nate Custard, J.D. her in her career as a journalist. “I But, he recalls, “It turned out OK. Communications, a local agency, Westering and Becky Mockelman. learned more than I thought I We had to shuffle around our presen- “The client may forget about strat- AT LEFT: Sloane Signals’ campaigns class developed an art poster for the Great would,” she said. tation, but the client (the Nebraska egy and content,” Bailey said, “but Plains Collection. Whether they journey abroad Lewis and Clark Bicentennial they’re concerned about chemistry BELOW: Frauke Hachtmann’s campaigns’ class developed one of five posters for the as part of a university program or Commission) really liked it and ended because the client is always thinking, Lied Center for Performing Arts. by other means, many traveling up using our tagline.” ‘Do we want to work with these peo- More that 50 clients have worked with UNL’s campaigns courses since 1991. journalism students share Adam’s In fact, the committee went so far ple?’” last sentiment. Christa Joy, direc- as to copyright the tagline, according For Grassmeyer, building relation- tor of UNL’s International Affairs to Sloane Signal, assistant professor of ships and networking with profession- Office, also believes study abroad advertising and a campaigns course als in the community were some of programs help students more than instructor. the greatest things he took from his they know. “The governor wrote a letter to undergraduate career and his experi- “Students who travel abroad department chair Nancy Mitchell ence as an advertising campaigns stu- have doors opened. They can see thanking her” for the work the stu- dent. In fact, it’s what got him a job new opportunities, gain new skills, dents did, Signal said. with one of this semester’s campaigns see how things work in different The Omaha World-Herald also course clients. places. They come back with sto- reported it took only two days for the “I got a lot of real world experi- ries,” she said. August 2004 Lewis and Clark ence,” including leaving classes at And those stories benefit the Bicentennial festival to surpass its UNL for a semester internship in rest of Nebraska. When journal- four-day attendance goal of 40,000. Washington, D.C., Grassmeyer “They were lacking any sort of paign for the commission. Student Teammate Melissa Stewart, a ism students travel abroad, the While it was not the only factor, the explained. formal media plan or PR plan. They Erynn Herman became account media director for the campaign, experience gives them a window advertising produced by the CoJMC’s “I interned for Sen. Hagel in col- just needed help, but they didn’t have executive for one of the campaigns agrees. She says assisting the commis- beyond the columns at Memorial campaigns teams most likely affected lege, and I kept in contact with him,” the money to get it professionally teams. sion is important, especially to her Stadium, the cafeteria and that outcome. The teams’ efforts are Grassmeyer said. “Then he got me a done,” he said. “Since it was Sen. “The fact that the White House personally, because so many not-for- Midwest. It gives them a view of what Signal might call “another feath- job with the White House Hagel who started the commission, I has chosen a group of students in profit organizations support worth- the world. er in the cap,” for the commission, for Commission on Remembrance.” thought it would be good for the Nebraska to work on this campaign while causes but don’t have a lot of “And what happens in the Grassmeyer and his campaigns team Last spring, Grassmeyer found a commission to give a little back to is very special,” Herman said. “I money for publicity. world,” Joy said, “really does and for the college itself. way to link his college experience with Nebraska. I know Nancy’s always think it’s also motivational for stu- “It’s great that we’re able to get matter.” So what makes the campaigns his work at the Commission on looking for clients, and so I took it dents here at the university to see us their name out, get the public courses so successful from year to Remembrance. He approached the next step.” working on a project that will hope- involved,” Stewart said. “Our client’s ❑ year? Many of the CoJMC’s advertis- Mitchell with the proposition that the Mitchell took Grassmeyer up on fully have a large impact nationally, goal is for all Americans across the ing faculty think the success of UNL’s commission become a client for her the offer, setting 20 of her advertising because I think Nebraskans often feel capstone advertising course depends campaigns course. students in motion to develop a cam- they’re overlooked.” CAMPAIGNS | go to page 40

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CAMPAIGNS | from page 39 for the Lied Center for Performing Arts, is working with assistant pro- utive in order to build his logo was.When he told them that it country to stop for the National fessor Frauke Hachtmann’s students Persistent ad portfolio. He taught him- was Nebraska and that was where he Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. to develop a campaign theme for the self software programs was from, they were impressed that on Memorial Day, and we aim to try Lied Center’s season brochure. Levy major gains during his spare time. someone from such an unfamiliar to make that goal happen.” said her organization, too, has limit- When he felt he had state was so ambitious. Grassmeyer believes that “if it ed time and resources and looked to enough knowledge, he He told them he was going to be goes well, it will show to the nation the UNL advertising students for home field began to think about in New York City over his spring the work that the students in the help. internships. He looked break and that he would like to visit journalism college at UNL are “We gave them a good challenge, online for positions in them. He got interviews with eight doing.” she said, “and it’s going to be excit- advantage Nebraska, Arizona and agencies. CoJMC faculty members agree ing to see the students stretch their Los Angeles, but he Jarrett could not afford to fly into that the students’ work, especially minds. We get to see through their By RACHEL ENGLAND noticed there were more the main airport. He spent his last work produced for not-for-profit eyes what they think we could be J Alumni News staff than 300 agencies in New cents on a plane ticket to Long Island organizations, often has a deep doing better. Yo rk City. He began to and a three-hour train ride into the influence on the community. “So far I have seen great think about what it center of Manhattan. He spent 30 “It’s outreach for the university research, information and insight. I ootball isn’t always the biggest would take to get an minutes trying to find his way out of into the community, as well as a see energy, excitement and profes- Fchallenge. internship in New York, the subway but eventually came out great learning experience for stu- sionalism in what they’re doing.” “There had been days so hard that I but the concept of a big in the middle of Times Square. He dents,” Mitchell said, “so we try to Thanks to Levy and more than thought my heart was actually going to city was unnerving. found his way to his hotel and stayed be very careful in the campaigns 50 clients who have worked with explode out of my chest. There were “New York scared me. up all night studying maps of the clients we select so both the students UNL’s campaigns courses since days I had to be hooked up to an I.V. I had never been farther city. and the community can benefit 1991, many of the CoJMC’s adver- after practice. I lost eight pounds of east than Missouri,” That week, Jarrett made it to his from them.” And that is usually tising students walk away from the water in one day from sweating alone. I Jarrett said. interviews at several of the largest, what happens. course with a real world experience knew hard work. But Dr. Bender’s mass He was nervous, but most well-known agencies in the “Something must be working,” and the knowledge and skills to media law was a different type of hard he was driven to succeed. world such as DDB, BBDO and she said. enter the workforce. work. At the University of Nebraska, I From the American McCann Erickson. He also managed Mitchell recalls that she used to Rich Bailey said, “It (the course) didn’t have home field advantage.” Association of to get seven more interviews by call- contact businesses saying, “Here’s is one of the best potential real Paul Jarrett had been a starter on Photo by Mike Nichols Advertising Agencies’ ing agencies, telling them he was in what we want to do, and would you world experiences available to ad the Iowa State football team. After two PAUL JARRETT Web site, Jarrett chose 75 town, and asking if they could meet be our client?” Now potential students today because it does simu- years of feeling like a game piece, he agencies. He began mak- with him. clients often call her. late, to the greatest degree possible, wanted out. He needed something to you want in the business world.” I ing cold calls to each agency. After He got an interview at Grey “Our work has certainly begun what you’ll find in the industry. stake his future on. He was interested in felt like he was speaking right to being refused by the first 15, he real- Worldwide by sitting downstairs and to speak for itself,” Signal said. “Without giving the students the advertising, but he wanted to do every- me,” Jarrett said. ized that he needed a new strategy. calling a representative more than 10 “Most of the client requests we get value of this opportunity in a real thing right. He wanted to devote as The next day, he walked into the He researched the human resources times, asking if someone would now have come from people who world setting, the students wouldn’t much attention to advertising as he had advertising office of the Iowa State directors at each agency, then called please just talk to him. When he got have seen our work or know a client be adequately trained when they to football. He wanted to be the best. Daily newspaper and filled out an and asked for them directly. When he inside, he was escorted to an inter- who has worked with us.” offer themselves in the job market,” As he sat in his first meeting of Iowa application. They responded three was able to get through, he asked view room, which had stacks of This semester is no different. All he says. State University’s Advertising Club, months later, offering him a position where to send his résumé. resumes two feet high lining the three clients — The Great Plains “In campaigns, what the student Jarrett noted everything he heard. Brian as an account executive. He created 35 large envelopes out walls. Art Collection, Lied Center for puts into it is absolutely what the Rooney, a fellow student, had come to If Jarrett were going into adver- of layers of bubble wrap and filled “I didn’t even know that there Performing Arts and White House student gets out of it,” Signal said. talk about his summer internship in Los tising, he wanted to do everything as them with resumes, cover letters and were that many people in the field, Commission on Remembrance — “The facilitators are there to give Angeles, where he worked on a cam- well as he could. He began research- professionally printed work samples. but it made me feel really lucky to have decided to work with UNL’s guidance, but it’s the students’ proj- paign for Taco Bell. ing various advertising programs. He developed his own brand with a even be there,” Jarrett said. advertising sequence because they ect.” “This is what you need to do to get The Lincoln native was surprised to logo, letterhead and business cards. He had rescheduled his interview “have seen our work or know a For Mitchell, the value of this ahead in advertising: study hard; go to see that the University of Nebraska- His brand was BBTP, or “Baby Blue with a smaller agency, Renegade client [or student] who has worked course is that “students get the con- Ad Club meetings and soak in every- Lincoln’s program was among the Trailer Productions,” and his logo Marketing Group, in order to inter- with us,” Signal said. fidence of knowing how the com- thing you hear; get a job with your best was a cross between a mobile home view with the more prestigious Grey Signal’s campaigns students are munications process works … of school paper or somewhere else where Jarrett enrolled in the advertising and the state of Nebraska. He sent Worldwide. After the Grey interview, currently working with the Great knowing that even though you don’t you can get real experience and build program at UNL, bringing with him out the packages. And waited. he realized that he wanted to work in Plains Art Collection. “So many of know all of the answers to advertis- credibility; then, you’ll be ready for an a GPA of 2.13. When he hadn’t heard from any a smaller agency, where he could have our clients, because they can’t afford ing and public relations, you know internship. Shoot high,” the speaker He was used to hard work, but company, he began calling them, one more hands-on experience and an agency, get communications how to go about finding those said. Jarrett sat in the front row, taking his first semester at UNL, he put by one. Several people remembered become familiar with every part of plans that they can use and often do answers.” in every word. more effort into academics than he his package because it was unusual the process. use in some form,” she said. Even if the question is how to “He might as well have been saying, ever had. That semester he earned a and had caught their attention.They Laura Levy, director of audience trouble shoot an emergency appen- ‘Paul, this is what you do to get what 3.75 GPA and began to work at the asked him what the picture on his JARRETT | go to page 42 development and communications dectomy. ❑ Daily Nebraskan as an account exec-

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JARRETT | from page 41 The team at Renegade was Nebraska ties bring child actor diverse but had no one with a Midwestern viewpoint.The position paid travel expenses and provided a to UNL for college degree stipend of $250 per week; all the other internships he had applied for By CAITLIN BALS were unpaid. Jarrett said he had a J Alumni News staff great interview at Renegade and immediately felt a connection with the team. elevision was an influential When he arrived home in Tpart of many a broadcast- Lincoln, someone from Renegade ing student’s childhood, but it’s a little called to be sure he made it home different for Shawn Toovey. This OK.The firm offered him an intern- broadcasting student was not watch- ship, and he accepted it the next ing television, he was on it. day. To ovey, a senior broadcasting In New York during the sum- major at UNL, played Brian Cooper, mer, Jarrett paid $750 a month to Jane Seymour’s youngest adopted son sleep on an air mattress in a base- on the television show “Dr. Quinn: ment in Queens — a 90 minute Medicine Woman.” subway ride from Renegade on the “Dr. Quinn,” set in the 1860s, was subway line rated worst in the city. about a refined female doctor who He woke up at 6 a.m. every morn- moved to a frontier town in Colorado ing and sometimes didn’t get home to start her own medical practice. She Photo by Mike Nichols the other for science and math. Photos courtesy Shawn Toovey/”Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman” until 3 a.m. But he said it was adopted three children after their To ovey graduated from high school at Broadcasting major Shawn Toovey played Jane Seymour’s youngest adopted son, Brian, on the television show “Dr. Quinn: Medicine worth it. mother died of a rattlesnake bite in the age of 15 in 1998 during the last Woman.” The show ran from 1993 to 1998. “Paul was one of the strongest the pilot episode. The show ran from season of “Dr. Quinn.” work with,” he said. “We had a really sports, especially football,” Toovey the program,” Rick Alloway said. interns that we have worked with. 1993 to 1998. California law requires a parent or good time.” said. On balance, though, the benefits Alloway is an assistant professor of He readily accomplished any To ovey got his start in the enter- guardian to be on the set with child Even though “Dr. Quinn” was can- of his acting career outweighed what broadcasting and has been Toovey’s assignment given to him. He con- tainment business while shopping at actors at all times. However, Jim said celled in 1998, the Toovey family he might have missed out on had he teacher and academic adviser. Toovey stantly demonstrated an ability to Gap Kids in San Antonio at age 5. He that Cynthia Toovey, Shawn’s mother, stayed in Los Angeles until 2000. gone to school like a traditional child, has a “real thirst for information, find a solution on his own,” said was approached about being a freeze would have gone with him anyway. During those years, Toovey filmed he said. knowledge and skills,” he said. Trip Hunter, senior vice president, model in the store window. He Besides getting to know the cast of three commercials and a “Dr. Quinn” Even so, “coming to college was He is “amazingly unaffected” by and guerilla services director at enjoyed modeling, and it led him to the show, Toovey also met a variety of television movie. After moving back to quite a shock,” he said. his acting career, Alloway said. Renegade Marketing. “He was audition for television movies.He other Hollywood personalities when Lincoln, he also filmed a Pepsi com- When he came to the university, Though Toovey doesn’t call attention always willing to do whatever it acted in three or four. they appeared as guest stars on “Dr. mercial that aired during the 2001 To ovey started in general studies. He to his TV experience, he is willing to took to get the job done.” To ovey and his parents spent 10 Quinn.” Johnny Cash and his wife, Super Bowl. took an acting class at the university answer technical questions about how Jarrett saw every part of the days in Los Angeles, going to audi- June Carter Cash, guest starred a few To ovey’s parents decided to move but didn’t like it because theater was things were done on the set. advertising process. He made valu- tions during the pilot season in 1991. times on the show. Toovey said he back to Lincoln because their son had so different from the screen acting he Trina Creighton, a broadcasting able connections, and he worked as On his last day in Los Angeles, he remembered Mrs. Cash as “one of the been away from his grandparents, who had been accustomed to. instructor, said Toovey is very low key. an account executive for Nike. He heard that he had earned his part on nicest ladies I’ve ever met.” live in Seward, most of his life, and he He switched to film studies the Creighton said she wouldn’t have was offered a position when he “Dr. Quinn.” He said he was “big into Star Trek was going to begin college at UNL. first two weeks of his sophomore year, known about his acting role at all if graduates. The Toovey family decided to at the time,” so he enjoyed meeting To ovey said he decided to study at took a broadcasting class as part of other students hadn’t brought it up. Experience is important. move to Los Angeles where the show Denise Crosby, who played Tasha Yar the university because he was born in film studies and discovered he enjoyed With graduation approaching in Internships give students experience was filmed even though no one knew on “Star Trek,” though he said “it’s Lincoln and had always wanted to it. May, Toovey is focusing his attention not only in copywriting, strategy, for sure that the show would be kind of nerdy.” come back. “Once a Husker, always a His role on “Dr. Quinn” didn’t on his schoolwork and his job as a event planning, and design but also picked up for the next season. Jim Some members of the cast Husker,” Shawn’s dad said. necessarily point him in the direction production assistant at Lincoln’s in persistence, tenacity and just To ovey, Shawn’s father, said.“We took watched the episodes when they ran To ovey was home schooled before of broadcasting, he said. But his act- Channel 10/11. Though he is not plain hard work. Paul Jarrett took a chance.” for the first time, though Toovey said he got into acting and never attended ing experience fostered an interest in doing any acting right now, he plans the perseverance he had learned in Child actors could be on the set he tries not to watch them now. “We a traditional school before college. the entertainment business, which to move back to Los Angeles after he football, added knowledge and con- nine-and-a-half hours a day with three were so cheesy,” he said. That meant he missed out on many helps him now, he said. graduates to pursue acting again. fidence to the equation and had hours allotted for school work. To ovey said he really enjoyed his activities that are part of a high school Professors at UNL confirmed Whether it is behind the scenes or courage to compete on a field not To ovey and the other child actors time on “Dr. Quinn,” and after six experience. To ovey’s interest in broadcasting and in front of the camera, Toovey said he covered with Astroturf. And win. ❑ shared a tutor on the set. As the chil- dren got older, they had two tutors, years, the cast was kind of like a fami- “If I could change one thing about his eagerness to learn. would like to work in entertainment. one for Spanish and language arts and ly. “Everybody was a lot of fun to it, I would have liked to have played “He is a real unassuming, hard- The television influence continues. working young man who blends into ❑

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foundation of radio,” Chapin said. Dick Chapin They have gotten rid of the competi- UNL students help tion, which makes radio better, and endows fund now local radio stations simply retransmit programs distributed by with credibility study for students satellite, he said. The many changes to the industry did not stop Chapin from leaving a By MARY KAY QUINLAN AND ity coverage, crime and safety issues, interested in prominent mark. He held numerous GLORIA BUCCO education and youth concerns to offices for his contributions to the environmental and growth topics and broadcasting broadcasting field. In 1956 and 1979 general credibility of the media. he was elected the president of ifteen College of Journalism By late 2003, APME project lead- Nebraska Broadcasting Association, Fand Mass Communications ers sought to assess the effectiveness Voice of the Huskers making him one of the few who has students got a unique peek at the of the roundtables. Omaha World- Lincoln Journal Star served two terms as president of the newspaper industry last spring when Herald managing editor Deanna says Chapin is the association. He was also inducted they worked as interviewers for the Sands, then APME’s president-elect, into the NBA’s Hall of Fame in 1972, Associated Press Managing Editors suggested UNL’s journalism college father of his career not only for his contributions to the

(APME) Credibility Roundtables might provide the manpower to con- Photo courtesy industry but also in recognition of Project. duct such a study, which an APME By REBECCA MATULKA RICHARD CHAPIN the people he has positively influ- The students, including freshmen consultant designed. CoJMC lecturer J Alumni News staff enced. Until a year ago, Chapin was through seniors in all three CoJMC Mary Kay Quinlan and graduate the only person to have been elected majors, conducted in-depth tele- assistant Gloria Bucco agreed to mold students into professionals. its lowest ebb, when TV was coming chairman of both the National phone surveys with editors at 94 supervise the project and write the on’t expect what you When Chapin was the president of into its own,” said Roger Larson, who Association of Broadcasters and the newspapers that had sponsored com- final report. “Ddon’t inspect” is the Stuart Enterprises of Lincoln, which works for Wells Fargo in community National Advertising Bureau. munity roundtable discussions aimed The 15 student interviewers were motto that helped Dick Chapin become owned radio stations, newspapers relations and is also a longtime friend In 1974, Chapin received the at improving newspaper credibility. selected from a pool of nearly 50 a prominent figure in broadcasting. and an outdoor advertising company, of Chapin’s. Most people thought the National Association of Broadcast- What they found was eye open- applicants. Two more students were For Chapin that meant inspecting he said he was always looking for invention of the TV spelled the end ers’ Distinguished Service Award, the ing. Editors said the roundtables led added later to enter survey data. The the radio stations he managed every 10 good salesmen because they are of radio, Larson said. industry’s highest award and also the them to: students conducted the interviews days to make sure they were running up always in demand. He also said most From 1957 to 1974, Chapin award he is most proud of. —focus on improving accuracy of from late January through the end of to par. broadcasting students don’t realize bought seven radio stations for Stuart Chapin is also considered one of names, street addresses and basic February. Chapin spent 51 years of his life there is just as much money, if not Enterprises and helped start Imperial the 75 people who have made a differ- facts; More than half of the newspa- working in the broadcasting industry. more, to be made in the sales side of Outdoor Advertising. Chapin also ence in radio for the FCC deregula- —expand sources to reflect all pers surveyed had circulations of Now he wants to help further broad- the business than in front of the cam- acquired two newspapers, in 1966 tion movement he instigated in a elements of the community; 60,000 or less, and most of the rest casting students’ interest in the field in era. That is why he hopes to get more and 1967. During this time, Chapin speech to Nebraska broadcasters. —handle corrections in a more had circulations of less than 200,000. which he made his living. students interested in business aspects was also named president of Stuart After the speech, Chapin and Dean straightforward manner; The students discovered that editors This year Chapin began a $75,000 of broadcasting. Enterprises. Burch, then the chairman of the FCC, —improve efforts to provide are so busy and often so focused on endowment for scholarships for broad- Chapin himself didn’t start off in In 1985, DKM bought out Stuart set up a committee to look at the community background for young, the day-to-day work of supervising casting students interested in the sales broadcasting. He was a graduate of Enterprises, and Chapin stayed on for FCC’s rules. As a result, the FCC entry-level reporters who form the their newsrooms that they had little and the management side of broadcast- the College of Business Administra- a year as president. But when DKM removed more than 500 old-fashioned ever-changing backbone of small time to reflect on the long-term ing. He also gave $25,000 to the College tion in 1946. He then went on to Broadcasting Corporation of Atlanta rules. Chapin was also responsible for newsrooms. implications of their credibility round- of Journalism and Mass Communica- work for the Chamber of Commerce, began to break up what Chapin had moving the NAB convention to Las The APME launched its Credibility tables. tions for two display cases, which will first in Iowa and then in Lincoln. created, he chose, at the age of 62, to Vegas, which helped NAB make its Roundtables Project in 2001 with While the roundtables themselves hold historic broadcast equipment in the In March 1953, Chapin began go on to a new venture as a media highest profit to date. support from the Ford Foundation as often served more to reinforce exist- J.C. Seacrest Lecture Hall. working for Stuart Enterprises at broker. Now he is co-owner of five Marty Riemenschneider, the presi- a way to investigate reasons for ing policies or practices, such as hav- “For years the broadcast industry in KFOR as a salesman. He was also radio stations, one of which he and dent and executive director of declining public confidence in news- ing reader representatives serve on general has tried to focus on content responsible for sales for Stuart his partner are in the process of sell- Nebraska Broadcasters Association, papers and to test ways to address editorial boards, nearly three-fourths and not on the business side,” said Rick Enterprises’ television station KFOR. ing. said, “[Chapin] ran an extremely suc- public concerns about newspaper of the editors said the community Alloway, a UNL broadcasting professor. Within nine months, Chapin took Chapin has seen plenty of changes cessful organization with Stuart accuracy, fairness and values. discussions led to significant changes Yet UNL has been on the cutting edge over as manager of KFOR. As man- in the radio business. In the 1990s, the Broadcasting and was recognized all Using trained group leaders and a in the everyday practice of journalism because for the last 30 years it has pro- ager, he decided to sell KFOR-TV, change was from local ownership to across the industry as one who ran a roundtable discussion format, news- in their newsrooms. vided business classes for broadcast which was the only VHF television ownership by large corporations tight ship, hired good people and papers invited select community Those changes often took the majors, Alloway said. Chapin told station in U.S. history to go dark. whose stock is publicly traded. drove profits to the bottom line.” members to talk about specific issues form of: Alloway the college was offering the “Chapin is a unique individual in “[Large corporations] have elimi- of local concern, ranging from minor- right kinds of classes to help train and that he got into the radio business at nated much of localism, which is the STUDY | go to page 46 CHAPIN | go to page 47

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CHAPIN | from page 45 STUDY | from page 44 nalists to return to the fundamentals of the profession. Yet survey respons- Chapin jokingly said he always —reemphasizing accuracy; es stress this result again and again.” ran a benevolent dictatorship, —seeking news sources outside The editors’ insights — or, occa- always demanding perfection from the mainstream of government and sionally, lack thereof — were not lost his staff. All he ever asked of his politics; on the student surveyors. employees was that they work to —being more responsive to the “These roundtables were a very their full potential, which helped needs and sensitivities of diverse good start to holding news organiza- give many people a chance to grow, groups. tions accountable to the public, he said. Nearly 90 percent of the editors, which perhaps one day can raise the It was Chapin’s dedication to however, said the credibility roundta- reputation of journalists and the jour- excellence that helped him give bles did not lead them to hire more nalism profession,” freshman Michele many people their start in the staff to address any of the issues Brown, a news-editorial major, wrote broadcasting industry. One of those community members highlighted or in a summary of her experience as a was Jim Rose, now the voice of the serve as reader advocates or ombuds- project interviewer. Huskers and also the morning man men. Budgetary constraints across “I think that there was a general on KFAB in Omaha. the board prevented such staff openness on the part of participants “I am convinced that I wouldn’t increases, the editors said. … to really listen and not take a be in this career without Dick,” The survey also found that lack of defensive stance on what community Rose said. “He is the guy that I owe time, energy, staff and money pre- members had to say,” she added. everything to and is the father of vented nearly two-thirds of the news Freshman Adam Drey said the my career.” organizations from scheduling addi- editors he interviewed described their Helping people get their start is tional community roundtable ses- roundtable experiences as ranging one of the things that Chapin has sions. In cases where the editor lead- from “total reconsideration of how to enjoyed most throughout his career. ing the roundtable effort had left the present the news to unhelpful and He said his networking has paid off paper, no one picked up the ball, and obnoxious community members to Dean Will Norton; Malcolm Kirschenbaum, Freedom Forum board member; and helped him make contacts all the roundtable never happened or complete no-shows due to blizzards Kirschenbaum’s son Joshua; and Al Neuharth, Freedom Forum founder. over the North American conti- nothing came of it after its main and other unexplainables.” Press freedom and Japan have been, and still are, Underlying the democratic sys- nent. It is with these contacts that champion was gone. All the students said they valued very different places. Why, then, have tems in both countries is a great, Chapin helped many up-and-com- In their responses to open-ended the professional growth they gained is essential Japan and America grown so close? diverse, and free press. To paraphrase ing broadcasters get jobs that led to questions, many editors were candid from participating in the APME sur- I’ve told President Bush, and I will Thomas Jefferson, if I had to choose successful careers. about their papers’ shortcomings and vey. Dean Will Norton joined several repeat to you, that it is not an exag- the most important of our constitu- Chapin loves the broadcasting American media executives who visited geration to say that Japan and tional liberties, I would choose the praised the structured listening ses- Senior news-editorial major business because it has kept him sions with readers as a first step Tokyo, Japan, in November. On Nov. 19, America are closer than any other freedom of the press. Patrick Smith commented: “My over- two great powers in the world. For many years now, Al Neuharth young. He said he is always associ- toward improving credibility. the American delegation joined Japanese all experience with the survey project media leaders for a dinner at the home of There are probably a thousand and The Freedom Forum have defend- ating with younger people, which Repeatedly, many editors said, was great. I found it very enlighten- Howard H. Baker Jr., U.S. Ambassador to reasons why that is so, but I’m going ed press freedom and the fundamen- rejuvenates his enthusiasm. readers stressed concerns about ing to speak to the actual editors Japan. The following remarks were pre- to suggest one that we should all tal human right of the free flow of Even Larson notices that effect. newspaper inaccuracy, reliance on a who will become my bosses and col- pared for Ambassador Baker’s welcome to think about. We have perhaps the ideas and information in our own “He still comes to work every- limited range of sources and insuffi- leagues in a year. Learning about his visitors. most efficient and effective participa- country and around the world. Now day at the age of 81, is physically cient background in stories. their issues, problems and concerns, tory democracies in the world. The Freedom Forum is engaged in active and known and respected The survey report said those straight from the horse’s mouth, was Real democracy means a structure building a marvelous embodiment of throughout the industry,” Larson recurring reader comments raise wor- invaluable.” My friends, as you may know, of government that honestly tries to these ideals in steel and glass on said. hear what people have to say and to Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, risome questions about inattention to The students also clearly per- this year we observe and celebrate the “Dick is held in the high translate popular opinion into useful “America’s Main Street.” the meat and potatoes of daily jour- ceived the importance of the APME 150th anniversary of official relations esteem, not only in Nebraska radio, nalism. between our two great countries. We public policy. Both of our nations do The new “Newseum” under con- Credibility Roundtables effort, as this to a remarkable degree. We fight, struction in the heart of our capital but nationally,” Riemenschneider “When and why did journalists have been through good times and advertising major Joanna Gerken bad, and after the darkest period of debate, quarrel and disagree — but at — the symbolic center of our democ- said. “He’s seen it all, done it all stray from journalism basics?” the noted: our relationship I believe we can say the end of the day, in the polling place racy — will be much more than a … and has achieved legendary sta- final report asks. “Did we become “Overall, this is a valuable project that the modern friendship between us or in the halls of our elected represen- monument. It will educate young peo- tus in the industry.” lazy? Were we just too busy with that causes newspapers and their started in September 1945 at that tatives, we reach a solution and estab- ple around the world about the Yet, Chapin doesn’t feel he is a projects we considered more impor- staffs to look at themselves with a famous first meeting between General lish a policy. A policy is great not just importance of a free press, promote legend. Instead he just said, “I like tant? Did we lack the proper train- critical eye and remember the reason MacArthur and the Showa Emperor, because it is right but because it rep- free and unfettered access to informa- the business, and I like what I did ing? Or was it a combination of all that they are in the business in the which took place in the living room resents the distilled genius of our tion and defend the rights and safety and it paid off. If you’ve lived long three? first place.” where we were just gathered. peoples. A vital democratic system is, of journalists everywhere. This grand enough and done a few things, they “It is a sad state of affairs when ❑ The growth of our friendship since in my view, the greatest asset of both project deserves the interest and sup- our countries. We should cherish it. port of all of us, and I commend it consider you legendary.” meetings with the public force jour- 1945 is a remarkable story. America ❑ to you.

6 4 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 47 faculty notes faculty notes

ADVERTISING sented a panel at the 2004 People of sion during the 2004 Nebraska Moderating the panel was CoJMC and presentations to peers, policy Alloway began serving a three-year Color in Predominantly White International Multicultural Exchange photojournalism lecturer Luis Peón- makers, and the people of the state. term as the UNL Academic Senate rep Frauke Hachtmann presented a Institutions conference. The panel, Conference. Conference organizers Casanova. for the broadcasting faculty. paper at the European Studies Multicultural Faculty and the had to add more seats to accommo- Last summer, Signal had a faculty BROADCASTING Alloway continues to be a frequent Conference on Oct. 14 in Omaha. Challenges they face from Students date the number of students and facul- seed grant funded in the amount of guest on Kent Pavelka’s morning show The conference in an interdiscipli- and Administration: A Multiracial ty who came to their presentation, $5,000. Working with a team of facul- Rick Alloway was part of the depth on 1290 KKAR in Omaha as Pavelka’s nary gathering of scholars to Perspective, identified stereotypes and Global and Multicultural Stereotypes ty members from both UNL campus- report delegation to Paris in electronic media contributor. He was exchange many different perspec- challenges multiracial faculty face in Student Work: Challenges Mass es, this group is planning to use the September; his tasks included provid- the featured media source in a Nov. 7 tives on the present, past and future from students and administrators, Media Educators Face in Higher seed grant money to prepare a ing daily audio feeds back to the L. Kent Wolgamott story in the of the European Continent. She including an examination of ways to Education. This presentation $600,000 funding request to the United States for use by local radio Lincoln Journal Star discussing win- presented the paper, titled “Gender effectively deal with these stereotypes addressed how communication educa- National Science Foundation’s stations, providing support for the ners and losers following the Differences and Similarities between and challenges. The panel also tors can help students move from tar- Partnerships for Innovation program. video production students and gather- November presidential elections. German and American Students’ addressed how all faculty of color can geting diverse audiences in the United The project will facilitate entrepre- ing material for an audio documen- Alloway’s a cappella radio show, Perceptions of Social Values as work to bring these issues to the fore- States to communicating effectively neurial innovation in rural Nebraska, tary. “Vocal Chords,” broadcast every Depicted in Print Ads,” in a session front and change the perceptions of with other cultures abroad. and team members will conduct inter- He also worked with graduate Friday from 8 to 10 a.m. on KRNU, called “Perspectives on Media and students and administrators. CoJMC The presentation featured a show- disciplinary research drawing upon assistant Neal Obermeyer to imple- enters its 10th year in 2005. The Education.” photojournalism lecturer Luis Peón- case of advertisements that ran in the concepts embodied in human behav- ment automated operation for radio Lincoln a cappella women’s trio Baby Casanova and Michele Foss Ph.D. of United States and abroad, identifying ior, organizational change and entre- station KRNU-FM. The automation Needs Shoes chose the show to pre- Phyllis Larsen presented a research San Joaquin Delta College were also blunt stereotypes. Signal and preneurship and leadership. will aid in continued operation over miere its new holiday CD on Dec. 3. paper on “Integration of on the panel. Hachtmann also discussed examples Additional outcomes include jour- breaks in the academic calendar and Advertising and Public Relations: a Signal and Hachtmann, both assis- from their classrooms, examining ways nal articles, development of educa- will allow the station to begin 24/7 Pete Mayeux completed a few free- 2004 Status Report of Educator tant professors of advertising, co-coor- communication educators can help tional materials and course modules operation on a regular basis in 2005. lance magazine articles last summer to Perceptions” at the 2004 AEJMC dinated and presented a general ses- students avoid these stereotypes. conference in Toronto. She was one of two UNL faculty members nomi- nated by students to become distin- believes localized television can ben- guished members of the National Hull recognized for numerous efit a state tremendously. Society of Collegiate Scholars. “The small voice is often exclud- Larsen was invited to speak at a ed,” Hull said. “Right now, public number of meetings including the contributions to broadcasting television and radio are more impor- tant in our country than they have International Public Relations By STEPHANIE MARTIN His first job at NET was as a ever been.” Society of America conference in J Alumni News staff producer/director for educational Hull hopes NET will continue to New York City where she made a programming just 13 months after grow in the future by providing out- presentation on environmental the Channel 12 sign-on. He standing programming at all levels. scanning, a workshop called “Fine roadcasting hasn’t been just became the production director of B Larry Walklin, a broadcasting Tuning Your PR Approach” to the a career for Ron Hull. It’s been a NET in 1958 and eventually the professor at UNL and chairman of Human Services Federation of calling, a calling that has made program manager in 1961. the NBA Hall of Fame, said, “Ron Lincoln and several presentations him one of the most successful Hull’s career allowed him to Hull has had a long career and has on ethics at Nebraska PRSA chap- broadcasters in the history of meet and get to know people like been at the heart of public service ter meetings in Omaha. Nebraska. That success was recog- Nebraska authors Mari Sandoz and projects in Nebraska. He is a person nized last fall as he was inducted John Neihardt. He said the two who has had great influence over a Nancy Mitchell was elected vice into the Nebraska Broadcasters have provided constant inspiration long period of time.” chair of the Academic Planning Association Hall of Fame. throughout his career. Hull said he Walkin said the NBA award is Committee for the UNL campus. Forty-nine years ago, Hull was also inspired by Willa Cather prestigious because it is given to Next year she will chair the com- came to Lincoln for a fresh start at and believed people could relate to Photo courtesy Nebraska Broadcasters Association only two people each year. Walklin mittee, which formulates and rec- a brand new television station. many of the characters she wrote Ron Hull, Jack McBride and Rod Bates of NETV pose for a photo. said Hull deserved the award ommends to the Academic Senate, “I did not find Nebraska; about. taught until he took a leave of graduate-level course in International because he sustained a remarkable to colleges and to the chancellor Nebraska found me,” Hull said. “These people write about val- absence in 1982 to become the Broadcasting at National Chengchi career over nearly half a century. goals for UNL in education, He came to Nebraska thinking ues that make for great civiliza- director of the program fund for the University. The calling that brought Hull to research and service. She also par- he would only stay a year at tions,” Hull said. The motivation Corporation for Public Broadcasting “My experience in Taiwan taught Lincoln in 1955 led to far more than ticipated in an accrediting visit to Nebraska’s new educational televi- he has received from all three writ- in Washington, D.C. me that we are so much more similar just a career. Much about Nebraska’s Southeast Missouri State University sion station but found that his ers has given him a different view In 1999, through a Fulbright than we are different,” Hull said of rich history of public television is due during the fall semester. chances with the new station gave not only on his career but also on grant, Hull had the opportunity to his students at Chengchi University. to the passion and devotion of Ron him the opportunities he had been his life. share the knowledge gained from Hull’s experiences in broadcasting Sloane Signal, assistant professor of Hull. looking for. In 1976, Hull became a profes- years of broadcasting experience have led him to some philosophical ❑ advertising, coordinated and pre- sor at the J school where he with students in Taiwan. He taught a reflections. For one thing, he

8 4 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 49 faculty notes faculty notes keep his reporting skills current and Historical Society and the Lincoln biography of Nebraska Sen. Chuck Environmental Journalism at Michigan a presenter in two lectures during the group produced that will comprise an to develop freelance writing oppor- Journal Star library, investigating the Hagel. She and Jerry Sass traveled to State; and Ed Marston, former editor of Nebraska International Multicultural 84-page, full-color magazine examin- tunities for the time after he retires origins and development of journalism Princeton, N.J., in December to select the High Country News. Conference 2004: Early Childhood ing the current state of Franco- from UNL in mid-2005. and mass communications education at the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund editing In October, Johnsen attended the Education and People of Color in American relations. He also coordi- A two-part feature on the cur- NU. Walklin was interviewed on cam- interns who will come to UNL in May national conference of the Society of Predominantly White Institutions. nates the National Hearst Student rent status and future plans of era for a news report about the resigna- for a two-week editing bootcamp before Environmental Journalists in Peon-Casanova also helped organize Writing Competitions, in which Nebraska rural health care ran in tion of from the CBS they spend the summer on sports copy Pittsburgh, where four stories she and host the visit of Brazilian photogra- Nebraska was is in second place as of the October and November 2004 evening news anchor position. The desks at newspapers around the nation. reported and produced for the pher Antonio Quaresma, who presented press time. In October, he gave the editions of Rural Electric interview was part of the ten o’clock Nebraska Public Radio Network, her his work to the college’s photo classes. keynote address on “the art of writ- Nebraskan, distributed to about 18- news on KOLN/KGIN (CBS affiliate) Carolyn Johnsen joined the faculty in former employer, won second place in ing” to top editors of Des Moines- thousand Nebraska homes. Lincoln/Grand Island. fall. She taught a small group of stu- environmental reporting in the small- Jerry Sass was honored in November by based Midwest Living at their annual Toastmaster magazine is set to dents in a new science writing class dur- market (broadcast) category. the UNL Black Masque chapter of the retreat. publish a feature story about the NEWS-EDITORIAL ing fall semester. Thanks to promotion- national Mortar Board Society as a per- ❑ four-minute men, a unit in the al work by Amy Struthers’ and Stacy Luis Peon-Casanova and a group of stu- son who inspires students in and out of Committee on Public Information Charlyne Berens is part of the UNL James’ advertising students, the class is dents spent time during the summer the classroom. He and Charlyne Berens that gave four-minute motivational Speaker’s Bureau this fall. She has spo- filled to capacity for spring semester. creating an equipment checkout room traveled to Princeton, N.J., in December Mortar Board speeches during reel changes in ken to civic groups about freedom of Selected science-writing students will in the basement of Andersen Hall. He to select the Dow Jones Newspaper honors faculty movie theaters during World War I. expression, the Nebraska Unicameral produce an in-depth report on water also worked with Carina McCormick, Fund editing interns who will come to Toastmasters Inc. is an internation- and the media today. In mid November, issues in the Platte River basin. helping her to produce a photo exhibi- UNL in May for a two-week editing hree J school faculty were named al public speaking and communica- she spoke about the Nebraska Johnsen is also working with IANR tion at the Student Union. bootcamp before they spend the sum- TMortar Board Muses in October. tions organization. Unicameral to newly elected state sena- faculty to plan the second annual con- He conducted a Photoshop work- mer on sports copy desks at newspapers Stacy James, advertising, Jerry Hemispheres, the on-board tors as part of their orientation to the ference on water law, policy and science shop for more than 30 high school stu- around the nation. Renaud, broadcasting, and Jerry Sass, flight magazine for United Airlines, Legislature. Her book, One House: the to be held at UNL on April 7 and 8. In dents at the Nebraska High School news-editorial, were honored by the has requested a short piece on the Unicameral’s Progressive Vision for addition to scientists and policymakers, Press Association convention during the Joe Starita helped organize and super- student honor society as inspiring possible demise of pay phones in Nebraska, was published early this year two prominent journalists have agreed fall break and coordinated student vise an in-depth reporting trip to Paris teachers and mentors. airports and a short item on music by the University of Nebraska Press. to speak at the conference: Jim Detjen, entries in the annual Hearst photojour- in September involving 10 journalism James said the recognition was the and movie piracy regulations and She continues to work on a political director of the Knight Center for nalism competition. He participated as students. He is editing 21 stories the nicest and most significant teaching rulings and how they may affect the award she has ever received. business community. James was nominated by Mortar Board member Aaron Eske, Renaud by major rose from 27 to 35. This time scape. Carrie Johnson and Sass by Suzanna Jerry Renaud traveled with several College responds to media the changes faculty considered were Though the UNL changes were Adam. All three were “tapped” during other faculty and students to Paris, more radical. not recommended by the accredita- class time by robed and masked mem- France, in September to work on a “The impetus was the desire to get tion review the college underwent last bers of the UNL Mortar Board chapter. depth report and documentary with changes to curriculum a more converged set of courses,” spring, accreditation made changing The three were honored at a spe- about Franco/American relations By CRAIG WAGNER vergence,” said Charlyne Berens, said Michael Goff, interim assistant easier. Accreditation requirements cial dinner in November at the during the past 200 years. The doc- J Alumni News staff news-ed sequence head, “which I dean, “so we’d prepare people to changed several years ago, lowering University of Nebraska State Museum umentary should air sometime next think was brought on by the Internet. cross the lines from one major to hours needed outside the college from at Elephant Hall. Each student spoke about the faculty member he or she spring. Newspapers want to put stories on another, with a broader base of expe- 90 to 80. Suddenly the college had the had nominated as a “muse.” Each Renaud made a presentation rience.” ability to add journalism classes. ournalism students and faculty the Web with pictures and then audio honored faculty member received a with several students to the Omaha Jare crawling through a new and video. Now a reporter may be Convergence refers to the increas- After looking at Columbia unique sculpture commemorating the Press Club in October about the curriculum this year on their way to asked to write for the Web and also ing relationships developing among University, Syracuse University, the honor. college’s trip to Cuba and showed an easy walk into the future. do a story for TV or radio” in addi- print, broadcast and online media. University of Missouri and others Renaud added that, for a teacher, the award winning documentary The college changed its curricu- tion to the traditional newspaper Convergence is the result of both that had blended their curriculums, an award that comes from students is “Cuba: Illogical Temple.” He also lum as of fall semester 2004 to keep story. media consolidation and the increas- faculty decided it was time to adapt more meaningful than anything that made a presentation with other fac- pace with today’s converging media, Faculty wanted students to be ing attempts to reach audiences the approach for UNL. A potential may be given by peers. “To be told ulty and students to a group of creating coursework that does some familiar with what goes on in all the across traditional boundaries. problem, however, was that many you have inspired someone is just ter- Nebraska high school honor stu- blending of the three traditional mass media. For example, relationships may schools had found convergence weak- rific,” he said. “That’s what we’re here dents about the college of Journal- sequences. “That was the biggest reason,” develop between a local television sta- ened their curriculum. for.” Sass joined the faculty in January ism and Mass Communications The primary change was the addi- Berens said, “and really the only rea- tion and newspaper because they are “So we didn’t want to do it until about the trips to Cuba and France. 2004 and said he was surprised to be tion of three freshman courses all son. We hadn’t changed the curricu- both owned by a parent company or we were confident we did it right,” honored by students after being at He was honored in November three majors share: an introductory lum in a long time.” because they realize each has a Goff said. “You don’t want to short- UNL such a short time. “I knew I by the UNL chapter of the national course called principles of mass The core curriculum hadn’t been strength that can be shared to the change what you’ve already been able made the right choice to come here to Mortar Board Society as a person media; a basic writing course; and a restructured for more than 15 years, other’s benefit. Journalism schools to accomplish just to add new skills.” begin with, but something like that who inspires students in and out of visual literacy course. although adjustments had been made across the country have adopted cur- The faculty met repeatedly over a just cements it,” he said. the classroom. “In the mass media, things have over time. For example, 10 years ago riculum changes to prepare students year and a half, working out new Of the 26 members of Mortar Larry Walklin has been spending been changing, with a lot more con- the number of hours required in the for this changing professional land- Board, six are journalism majors. time at the Nebraska State CURRICULUM | go to page 52

0 5 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 51 faculty notes faculty notes

CURRICULUM | from page 51 “The other driving factor was After the three 100-level courses, “We discovered some people were curriculum as drastically but focused was associated with the business col- that people didn’t start on their all students will take the new infor- not interested in news but were cre- instead on retooling current classes. lege, and broadcasting cooperated course descriptions and syllabi. In major until they were sophomores,” mation gathering course. ative and wanted to work in video,” “The emphasis is on strategic with the speech department until the end, each sequence added a total Goff said. “This will help connect “It’s about being a skeptical con- said broadcasting professor Jerry communication rather than advertis- both moved to the journalism depart- of five classes and did some restruc- them to the program and give them a sumer of information — skeptical, Renaud. They wanted to make com- ing and public relations as distinct ment in the 1960s. turing. After a little more retooling, jump start on their major.” The three not cynical,” said Amy Struthers, an mercials or corporate and music areas,” said advertising professor With 893 students currently the majors will require 41 hours for courses give students a chance to assistant professor in advertising and videos or work in the film industry. Nancy Mitchell. “Now it is an inte- enrolled in the journalism college, graduation, Goff said. experience each element of the media the instructor for the course. Broadcasting students on the grated communications concept.” some have had problems trying to “We believe we don’t lose any- industry. “Skeptical means asking, ‘What do I news-track now take another writing For the advertising student, adjust to new requirements. Faculty thing from the former strength of the The three courses replace the tra- know, and how do I know it?’” course: the traditionally print-orient- restructured classes bring in stronger and administrators have been trying major but do in fact gain some- ditional introductory courses to each The traditional student newspa- ed beginning reporting class. research. The former intro to adver- to help students make the change thing,” Goff said. sequence. The writing course focuses per The Journalist, will be renamed “We’re trying to create classes for tising class has been combined with from the old to the new curriculum, The new curriculum is still spe- on narrative writing and solid gram- and refashioned, featuring more in- the news-track student so people promotional writing to form a course being sure no one falls through the cialized, Berens said, only now stu- mar, composing essays and not news depth stories. Advanced reporting graduating will have better writing focusing on learning through lecture cracks. It has made for some creative dents also will have a greater knowl- stories. The introductory class focus- became beat reporting. The history and reporting skills and more oppor- and skills training. A communica- planning — and a few panicky edge of what goes on in other areas. es on history and background and of mass media course became an tunities to produce news packages to tions graphics course specifically for moments. Students will undergo a curriculum the “what happens day-to-day” of elective. be on the air so they are better advertising majors also was added. But in return, UNL journalism akin to cross-training, acquiring the various types of mass media. And A new sophomore-level hands-on trained when they look for jobs,” The current changes are part of graduates will be armed with tools to more varied skills than the previous the visual literacy class deals with visual and aural literacy class was Renaud said. the ongoing adaptation of the college take part in and shape the future. curriculum allowed. design principles and theory with added, which all broadcasting and All broadcasting students will to its time. Since 1894, when the first “We’re optimistic this will end up In addition, the new curriculum students doing print graphics and news-ed students will be required to take the same sophomore-level visual journalism class was taught at UNL, being a stronger program than we opens the college to incoming stu- applications toward video graphics. take. and aural literacy course as news-ed classes have evolved as the media had before,” Goff said. “Bottom line dents in a way the old curriculum did “Everyone is learning how to For the broadcasting major, the students, featuring more technical have become more specialized. News- is we hope it will make our people not: immediately. Freshmen will now communicate ideas,” Berens said. biggest change is the split into two training. ed courses emerged from the English more competitive come graduation.” take the three 100-level courses dur- “Everyone needs to know these con- tracks: news or production. Advertising did not change its department in the 1920s. Advertising ❑ ing their first year at UNL. cepts.”

alumni notes alumni notes

2004 Davina Leezer, Lincoln, is a sales ship Fund intern at Marquette in Omaha. Knot in Omaha. Mark Smith, who earned the Kate Cadwallader is marketing coor- assistant for Fox 4 and 17, Pappas University. M.A. at the UNL J school in 1997, dinator for Omnium Worldwide in Telecasting of Central Nebraska in Mary Friesen, Lincoln, was pro- 2000 1998 has completed his coursework for the Omaha. The firm works with Ayres Lincoln. moted in August to director of media Lane Hickenbottom, Sheridan, Wyo., Joe Biesterfeld, Overland Park, Kan., Ph.D. at the University of Missouri- Kahler to brand different cost con- Dana Sayler, Lincoln, is marketing buying and director of the Hobby- is a staff photographer for the is a DVD specialist with IBT Media Columbia. He is teaching at Stephens tainment and recovery services. coordinator for Nebraska Athletic Town USA national convention. In Sheridan Press. in Merriam, Kan. College in Columbia. During her college years, she was Marketing at UNL. her new position, she directs all Paula Lavigne, Rowlett, Texas, is a marketing intern for the university’s Rachel Venrick, San Francisco, media planning and buying for more 1999 reporter/data analyst for the Dallas 1996 director of marketing. Calif., works with the luxury suites than 175 HobbyTown USA stores Katie Schwalm Dixon, Cambridge- Morning News. Jason Gildow earned a doctor of phi- Rebecca Johnson, Gretna, is a for the Oakland Raiders of the nationwide and coordinates the shire, United Kingdom, is a commer- Andrew Strnad, Waukesha, Wis., losophy degree in English from UNL marketing assistant with Artisan National Football League. HobbyTown USA national conven- cial sponsorship coordinator for the is an associate counsel with U.S. in August 2004. His dissertation was Creed Inc., in Lincoln. She modeled tion. She was HobbyTown’s advertis- U.S. Air Force -RAF Mildenhall. She Bancorp, Quasar Distributors, LLC, titled “Origin and Adaptation of the in Miami Beach, Fla., for Elite Model 2002 ing media planner prior to the pro- also sometimes writes stories for the in Milwaukee. He graduated from Medieval Theban Narrative from Management during the spring of Andrew Bein produces the 11 p.m. motion. base newspaper. Marquette University Law School in Gildas to Shakes-peare.” 2004. She has been involved in news show at WDTN-TV in Dayton, Anna Shirin Hornecker, Jessica Fargen began a new job as 2003 and is in-house counsel in the Tudor Lewis, Omaha, is a digital Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters for Ohio. He says he loves producing the Kirchberg, Tirol, Austria, is a market- a general assignment reporter for the mutual fund industry. color specialist at Oriental Trading two years. show because it’s the biggest, most ing assistant with Bergbahn Boston Herald on Dec. 7, 2004. She Company, Inc., Omaha. challenging and highest rated show of Kitzbuehel in Kitzbuehel. had been a reporter at The Patriot 1997 2003 the day at WDTN. It’s the best show Erica Ramaekers, Omaha, works Ledger in Quincy, Mass., about 10 Aaron Boumstein, Omaha, is vice 1995 Margaret Behm, Bellevue, was mar- for me because it really lets me in account service for Resource miles south of Boston, since August president for operations at ABE in Sherri Neall Barnwell, Crofton, Md., ried on Sept. 25 to Jerod Stamp of unleash my creative ability.” Before Communications Group in Omaha. 2000. Omaha. is director of admissions at the Bellevue. She works as a staff writer joining WDTN, Bein was the 6 p.m. Jennifer McCarthy, Chicago, is Rob Novak, Brooklyn, N.Y., is an Catholic High School of Baltimore. for the Bellevue Leader newspaper. producer at WCIA in Champaign, 2001 promotions producer for the “Oprah account supervisor with Peggy Moyer Connot was promot- Bryna Keenaghan, Richmond, Va., Ill., for about 18 months. Jennifer Beale, Omaha, is office Winfrey Show.” CooperDirect Advertising in New ed to the media relations manager is attending graduate school at Sarah Claus, Milwaukee, Wis., is manager and promotions director Jenni Schmidt, LaVista, works Yo rk City. position at The Schwan Food Virginia Commonwealth University. the Blue and Gold Athletic Scholar- for Galyans Sports and Outdoors in senior ad production for The Company in Marshall, Minn., in

2 5 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 53 alumni notes alumni notes

January 2004. The move to a corpo- Village: Photography for Social NU’s president in summer 2004. She in theater/playwriting from Columbia 1999 she negotiated her current role his parents, siblings and friends. Gary rate public relations career follows Change.” had most recently worked as assistant University. in which she supports the alumni is also survived by many aunts, uncles eight years in the television broad- Jeffrey DeLong, Lincoln, is cre- general manager for communications magazine, employee newsletter, and cousins in Nebraska and Iowa. casting business. ative director at Digital IMS Inc. in at Nebraska Educational 1983 Internet communications, student Jeff and DeDra Robb, both Lincoln. He is 2004-05 president of Telecommunications. Russ Jankovitz, Springfield, Mo., is recruitment and athletic marketing. 1973 December 1995 graduates, are parents the Advertising Federation of Lincoln production director for Midwest The part-time arrangement allows Stephen J. Brennan, Ph.D, has devel- of a baby boy. Owen Clark Robb was and second lieutenant governor for 1984 Family Broadcast Group, a four-sta- her to spend several days a week with oped the Success Factors Scales® , an born June 12, 2004, in Omaha, join- the 9th District American Advertising Sheila Hyland, Pittsburgh, Pa., is tion cluster, in southwest Missouri. her 3- and 5-year-old sons. on-line, scientific self-assessment tool ing big sister Isabel Grace Robb. Federation. He is also vice chair for news anchor for the 10 p.m. news at In June of 2004, he won a first place designed specifically to measure the DeDra is a former copy editor at the technology on the National ADDY WPGH-TV Fox 54 in Pittsburgh and Missouri Broadcasters Association 1980 level of strength of 10 psychological Omaha World-Herald. Jeff is Committee of the AAF. He was was named managing editor at the Award, medium market radio, for his Marcia Du Pree Heywood was traits that college recruiters identify reporter/team leader for the World- named Ad Pro of the Year in 2003 for station last summer. She began her creative radio advertising writing and appointed in January 2003 as director as critical to know during the recruit- Herald’s community team. his service to the Advertising career at NTV in Kearney and spent production. This was his fourth such of marketing, communications and ing process. Information can Jeffrey Willett earned a doctor of Federation of Lincoln and also several years at KWTV-TV in award in the last five years. He also promotions for Woodmen Financial be accessed on the web at www.suc- philosophy degree in sociology from received an award for distinguished Oklahoma City. She spent 10 years as started his own audio production Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary cessfactorsscales.com. UNL in August 2004. His dissertation service to the national federation. weekend anchor/reporter at WTAE- company in January 2003. Audio of Woodmen of the World Life Barbara Chaney, San Francisco, was titled “The Effects of Disability Steve Hill has returned to UNL to TV, the Pittsburgh ABC affiliate, Builders Creativeworks specializes in Insurance Society, located in Omaha. is employed by Sedgwick, Detert, Onset Age, Disability Onset Type and serve as the college’s representative at before joining WPGH. She also is the the creation of audio for radio and She began her career at Woodmen in Moran and Arnold in San Francisco. the Perception of Disability on the University of Nebraska spokeswoman for the Early Learning TV along with telephone on-hold 1992, serving as public relations and Depression.” Foundation. Hill spent five years Institute and the Allegheny County marketing, narration for industrial advertising manager prior to her 1972 working as a reporter and copy editor Mental Health Association and works videos and creative script writing. His appointment to Woodmen Financial Nancy Carter, Minneapolis, Minn., 1994 and another five years working in with the March of Dimes, the Kidney Web site is www.audiobuilderscre- Services. Woodmen Financial Services is Richard M. Schulze Chair in Patricia M. Robidoux, Lincoln, communications at the University of Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, ativeworks.com. offers mutual funds, 529 college sav- Entrepreneurship at the University of earned a master’s degree in legal stud- Washington. He earned a master’s in the Women’s Center and Shelter of ings plans and the Woodmen variable St. Thomas. She was on leave as of ies from UNL in May 2004. English from Colorado State Greater Pittsburgh and Every Child 1982 annuity for long-term investment pro- last fall to serve as vice president of Pamela Hess Simons, Littleton, University. Hill and his wife, Susie Inc. She and her husband, Rob, have Jill Nispell Boullion, Houston, Texas, grams. research at Catalyst Inc. in New York Colo., is a marketing specialist at the Wilson, have a 2-year-old son, Owen. two children, Jackie and Jake. was honored by the Federation of Kimberly Larsen, Elk Grove, City. Catalyst is a nonprofit research American Water Works Association Mona Koppelman Smith, Houston Professional Women as a Calif., is a physician who works for and advisory organization working to in Denver. She handles promotions 1990 Brooklyn, N.Y., is the author of 2004 Woman of Excellence. She is Kaiser Permanente in Stockton, Calif. advance women in business. It has for the association’s specialty confer- Jami Sharp, Lincoln, is an art direc- “Becoming Something: the Story of past president of her sponsoring After working in journalism and tech- offices in New York, San Jose and ences and educational programs. She tor at Swanson Russell Associates in Canada Lee,” a biography of one of organization, the American Business nical writing for many years, she To ronto. Carter recently co-wrote is married to another UNL grad, Brad Lincoln. America’s greatest black actors. The Women’s Association Greenspoint earned the M.D. from the University Clearing the Hurdles: Women Simons. They have two daughters: book, published by Faber & Faber in Chapter. She graduated in 2004 from of Nebraska Medical Center in 1998 Leading High-Growth Businesses, Lindsey and Avery. 1988 August 2004, is dedicated to Bud Leadership North Houston and was and finished her residency in psychia- published by Financial Times Michael Losee is marketing manager Pagel, news-editorial professor emeri- selected as “most enthusiastic leader” try in 2002. She and her husband live Prentice-Hall, and edited The 1993 for the Lincoln advertising agency tus. by her classmates. She is employed by in Elk Grove, Calif., near Sacramento. Handbook of Entrepreneurial Stephen Davis, Houston, Texas, is a Snitily Carr. He was recently named Canada Lee became a star in Boullion Graphics. Their daughter is a student at Dynamics: The Process of Business news photographer with KTRK-TV to the Saint Monica’s Behavioral Orson Welles’ 1942 Broadway pro- Northwest Missouri State University. Creation, published by Sage. in Houston. Health Services for Women board of duction of “Native Son” and later 1981 Chuck Green, Lincoln, is market- directors. He also serves on steering appeared in films like Alfred Kris Gallagher is a part-time internal 1977 1971 ing communications editor for committees for the Lancaster County Hitchcock’s “Lifeboat” and the origi- consultant in marketing communica- Gary Lee Wergin, 49, died Nov. 4, Andrea Wood Cranford, Lincoln, for- Information Technology Inc., Substance Abuse Action Coalition nal “Cry, the Beloved Country,” tions and university relations at 2004, at home in Windsor Heights, merly director of communications at Lincoln. ITI is the nation’s leading and Diabetes Prevention Coalition filmed in South Africa. A tireless civil DePaul University in Chicago. After Iowa He was born in Lincoln and the NU Alumni Association, has been provider of banking software and and recently was guest lecturer on rights activist, the actor was blacklist- graduation, she spent about a year as grew up in Beatrice. He was a distin- named executive director for commu- services with $3 billion in annual rev- social marketing at the Boston ed in 1949 after he was wrongly a reporter with the Wichita Eagle- guished farm broadcaster who nications. enue. University School of Public Health denounced as a Communist during an Beacon, then joined the public rela- received many awards throughout his “Join Together” Summit. He earned espionage trial. He continued to fight tions team of a Wichita hospital, career for his service and commit- ❖ 1992 the M.A. in mass communications in for civil rights until 1952, when he spending the next 15 years in health ment to agriculture. In 1999, he was Julia Dean, Los Angeles, was featured 2000. died in dishonor and penury at age care public relations and marketing. named Farm Broadcaster of the Year Send us your news! on a segment of National Public Dara Troutman began work in 45. She earned a master of manage- by the National Association of Farm Radio’s “Day to Day” last July. The December as senior associate to the Smith is also a playwright, and ment degree from Northwestern Broadcasters. He was a member of Internet story focused on a photo exhibit president of the University of her works for the stage have been University before becoming director Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and the http://journalism.unl.edu/ Dean organized about child labor Nebraska system. She will manage produced in theaters in New York of marketing at DePaul.She received NAFB and was an assistant Boy Scout alumni/alumni.html around the globe. The exhibit was the operations of the president’s and California. Smith holds an MFA five international marketing commu- Leader. He is survived by his wife, E-mail called “Child Labor and the Global office for J.B. Milliken, who became nications awards along the way. In Amy, a daughter and a son as well as [email protected]

4 5 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 55 student notes student notes

things accordingly. Here’s our first sidered to be their “job,” and they Second installment: learning Caporeira. Caporeira is then. Although each family has a Blog: How to earn installment: “When in Brazil do as spend the majority of their free time dance/martial arts game that began different Sunday ritual, mine nor- 16 credit hours of the Brazilians …” during the week and weekend study- WHEN YOU’RE IN BRAZIL, YOU HAV E A with the slaves. Farmers would fight mally consists of church on Sunday ing. LOT OF TIME TO KILL. the slaves for entertainment but night, followed by pizza and then a foreign language WHEN IN BRAZIL, GO TO CLASS. So how do American’s study would not let the slaves practice rented movie. when in Brazil? We (there are only Time is something that you have a before hand. The slaves created Since we are discussing time, it in one semester Education is the top priority for three of us) are scheduled to have lot of here in Brazil. For us Americans, “Caporeira” as a way to practice is only fair to talk about what we the majority of the population. The class from 8 a.m. to noon Monday this is not what I would call the “real their moves to music so it would call “Brazilian time.” This is an By KURT KUENNING AND job market here is very competitive through Friday; however, it usually world.” We don’t have work, a hectic appear as if they were only danc- internal clock that almost everyone KATE DISCHLER with few options; therefore, it seems turns out to be 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 class schedule, errands to run, extra ing. Caporeira is as popular here as develops while in country. When on that everyone is studying to be a doc- a.m. with a good 45 minute break. meetings or projects to prepare for. karate or dance lessons are in the “Brazilian time,” you are not offi- These journalism students study- tor, dentist or lawyer. It starts in high (This is what we call Brazilian time; Someone cooks, cleans and does our States. cially late until you are an hour ing in Brazil have created a blog to school with the “Vestibular,” a test we will discuss this in a later install- laundry for us. Class ends around noon At first it was difficult to adapt past due. If you are having a get- document their experiences. Several similar to our ACT/SAT only a lot ment). Our class structure is based every day, followed by a very large lunch to this slow-paced way of life, but together, it is wise to tell the guests installments follow. more difficult and competitive. This on five subject areas of Portuguese — the main meal of the day. After you get used to it after a while. The the time of arrival is an hour before test determines whether or not a per- culture: writing, reading, conversa- that, the day is pretty much ours to do weekend days consist of sleeping in the actual time you want them son will go to a public or private uni- tion and grammar. We will take two with as we please. Usually, we take a or heading downtown to shop there. It is rare to see clocks on the e are not going to tell versity. In Treeing the public (federal- exams and will give one presentation nap, go to the gym, surf the Internet for before it gets too hot. Shopping, of walls or a watch on the wrist, and Wyou that studying ly funded) university is the most over the entire duration of the hours, read or attempt to watch T.V. in course, is followed by a large lunch, calendars are basically unheard of. abroad is easy, because in a lot of sought after. Not only is it complete- course. We are rarely given home- Portuguese. We have proven that people a nap and maybe a trip to the air- This “Brazilian time” took some ways it’s not. It is difficult to leave ly free for the student, but it also work, and what we are given takes no can stare at any T.V. regardless of conditioned mall. Since almost getting used to, but I’d say we are family, friends and everything that offers a better education. The private more than 15 minutes to complete. whether they understand what is being everything besides the movie the- adjusting just fine. We just might you have grown accustomed to in the colleges aren’t bad, but the quality of The real learning comes outside of said. ater and restaurants is closed on have a problem, though, when we United States for four months. We teachers at the federal level is higher. class, which we will touch on later. We can participate in lots of classes Sundays, many people save their return the fast-paced busy life of can’t describe everything in one sim- It is very rare for students to work for cheap as well, everything from trips to the pool or time for a the United States. ple blog so we will try to group until after graduation. School is con- learning the art of Brazilian cooking to friendly barbecue or relaxing until ❑

Quaresma’s exhibit Quaresma’s photographs Brazilian communicates his world through images consists of a series of have been featured in private images depicting an old collections and institutions in By MICHAEL PAULSEN portrait photographer who Portugal, France, Germany J Alumni News staff uses traditional techniques and Brazil. He is scheduled of photography to make to display an exhibition of his his living in the streets of work in Paris, France, and razilian fine arts Brazil. Quaresma prints Cassino Esotril, Portugal, in photographer B several of these images on the coming year. Antonio Quaresma shared aluminum-based photo- The artist’s visit to his life’s work with Lincoln graphic paper, changing Nebraska was sponsored by through a series of cultural the composition of the the local chapter of Partners exchanges arranged by the image to black and silver of the Americas, which is organization Partners of rather than the conven- dedicated to small-scale com- the Americas. tional black and white. munity-based projects that While visiting the For the last 23 years, promote economic and United States in Quaresma has been a pro- human development. The November, Quaresma lec- fessor in the art depart- organization links North tured to students at the ANTONIO QUARESMA ment at the Federal American states with Latin University of Nebraska- University of Piaui in American and Caribbean Lincoln, acted as an artist Burkholder Project Gallery. the world. Brazil. He operates his own countries to promote good- in residence at the Lincoln Originally from Campo “My intent is to make professional photography will, international understand- Public Schools’ Arts and Maior, Piaui, Brazil, photographic images not studio, specializing in ing and sustainable develop- Humanities Focus Program Quaresma said his work is only function as reference advertising and portraiture, ment among citizens. and presented a photogra- reflective of his life, points but also to make Abigail Gage Sass was born Sept. 16, 2004, to news-ed faculty mem- while also managing a phy exhibit titled “Time demonstrating his interac- them trigger a process of bers Jerry Sass and Susan Gage. Abigail has visited the college regu- gallery where he offers ❑ and Identity-Part 1” at the tion and connection with recall,” Quaresma said. larly since her birth and will be ready for a copy editing internship in photography workshops. the near future.

6 5 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 57 student notes misc. notes

New Amateur Radio J school students, Five journalism Club growing alumni part of students chosen as Since organizing in spring 2004, the UNL Amateur Radio Club actively Cather Circle Dow Jones interns recruited members during the fall The Nebraska Alumni Association’s Five news-editorial majors have been semester and has met once each Cather Circle, a mentoring network chosen to work as copy editors at month.Guest speakers during the fall for alumnae and women students at newspapers around the nation next included Art Zygiebaum, who spoke UNL, added 43 students and 22 summer as part of the Dow Jones about GPS technology, and Charlie alumnae to its ranks in fall. Newspaper Fund’s internship pro- Conner, who talked about how to Laine Norton, a sophomore gram. build and use radios for 10 GHz from advertising major, is among the new Sarah Connolly will work on the junk box items. student members. sports desk at the St. Paul Pioneer Members have talked to people Journalism alumnae who were Press. Students who will work on from all over the United States and added include Andrea Wood copy desks and their newspapers are: the world from the club’s home in the Cranford (1971), Lincoln; Donna Laura Meerkatz, The Standard- fourth-floor penthouse of Andersen Kush (1991) and Cella Quinn (1971), Times, New Bedford, Mass.; Hall. both Omaha; Mary Fastenau (1980), Amanda Edwards, The Denver Post; Club members have participated Honolulu, Hawaii. Matt Savener, the Press-Republican, in a few different amateur radio con- Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Sarah Albright, tests, including an ARRL VHF con- J school makes The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, test in September in which members Tenn. talked to several states across the its mark in Hearst Midwest. Later the same month, they competitions News-ed grad receives took part in a Collegiate HF contest UNL journalism students placed in first Trayes Scholarship and talked to 41 states, 3 Canadian the first round of Hearst competition Patrick Smith, who graduated in provinces and one country outside in every category. December, was named the first the United States. During a DX con- In the print competition, Dirk test in October, members talked to 73 Edward Trayes Scholar through the Chatelain took third place in feature Dow Jones Newspaper Fund’s news different countries.They also partici- stories, and Lincoln Arneal placed pated in the November Sweepstakes copy editing internship program. 13th.The combined points put UNL The $1,000 award is named for Contest. in first place nationally in the print The club is working with the Dr. Edward Trayes, a journalism pro- division. fessor at Temple University, who has Photo CoJMC archives UNL Police Department about pro- In photography, Alyssa Schukar 90.3 KRNU celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Students practice in the KRNU studio before going on air Feb. 23, 1970. viding future emergency and event directed Temple’s editing residency placed 16th with her portfolio con- for the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund communication for the university sys- sisting of feature and personality since 1968. control of any one individual, tem. profile photos. I did not know what to do. I Smith was chosen for Dow Jones including the transit administrator. I In broadcasting, Melissa Fry Letter to became increasingly ashamed to editing internship in 2004 and spent incorporated these greater issues in placed ninth and Cody Thomas 19th face my transit sources. I quit the his two-week residency at Temple. my stories about city transit meet- in the radio competition. the editor paper in disgust after about 10 ❖ He spent the summer as a copy edi- ings and tried to be even-handed months, an extreme move for a tor at The New York Times News and factual in my reporting. recent grad. The transit administra- Servce. He started work in January ’d like to add a topic to Jerry The city editor would have none Correction CoJMC students I tor was fired shortly afterward. as a copy editor at The Des Moines Ceppos’ excellent list of ethical dis- of it. He had decided that the transit I have to believe that your new earn Ad Federation Register. cussions that should be held in jour- administrator was incompetent and The Summer 2004 Journalism graduates, filled with the ideals of Trayes said he chose Smith for the nalism classes. What should new routinely rewrote my stories to cast Alumni News incorrectly report- scholarships accuracy and objectivity, face even first award because Smith performed graduates do when they believe him in a bad light, changing quotes ed lecturer Mary Kay Quinlan’s Brian Hernandez and Michael Kuhl worse as they enter today’s sordid, well at the residency in Philadelphia their supervisor is being willfully and omitting key information. While background. She was the second, received scholarships in November ratings-driven newsrooms. Let’s as well as during the summer intern- unethical? the editor had monitored the transit not the first, woman to serve as from the Advertising Federation of teach them how they can reform ship. My first job after graduation was situation for longer than I had, president of the National Press Lincoln. the system from within, even as “I have no doubt Patrick will be as a general assignment reporter. many of his changes were clearly Club. Vivian Vahlberg of the Hernandez, a freshman news-ed lowly new hires, rather than leaving heard from in the future,” Trayes told One of my beats was the city transit unfair and misleading. When I Daily Oklahoman became the and broadcasting major, received the the field to the ethically bankrupt. first woman president of the AFL Cultural Diversity Scholarship. the Newspaper Fund. “He’s off to a system, which was beset by the protested, he told me that as editor, great start at The Des Moines classic cycle of underfunding and he was in control of my copy. NPC in 1982. Quinlan was Kuhl, an advertising major, Kris Gallagher, ‘81 Register.” ❑ service cuts. It became clear to me Other than insisting that my president in 1986. received the Pam Holloway-Eiche Oak Park, Ill. Memorial Scholarship. that the problems were beyond the byline not appear on these stories,

8 5 J Alumni News WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 J Alumni News 59 Jerry Renaud

James C. and Rhonda Seacrest (front row, seated) donated $1 million dollars to the NU Foundation to endow a fund to encourage and retain Photo courtesy valued faculty in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and in the College of Business Administration. A number of faculty joined the Seacrests in December to celebrate the creation of Seacrest Fellowships to benefit the college. Faculty are (from left) Dean Will Norton, Charlyne Berens, Jerry Renaud, Jerry Sass and Susan Gage.

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