Volume 1 C o m m u n i c a t i o n S t u d i e s D e p a r t m e n t October 2012

THEa quarterly newsletter serving MEDIUM students, faculty, alumni, and friends. Dr. Bradford Kinney to retire after 39 years By: Brittany Battista of Texas at Austin, University of South Carolina, University of and Outside Dr. Bradford Kinney’s office in many others. Capin Hall is an entire wall of impressive Dr. Kinney also served as the Director team awards and honors from the Wil- of Broadcasting Services for WCLH-FM kes Speech/Debate team. Inside lies his radio and the University’s television facil- amazing knowledge and support for every ity where he would often operate cameras single person that walks through his open himself. door. For 39 years, Dr. Kinney has contrib- At one point or another Dr. Kinney uted his hard work and efforts to what we advised every co-curricular offered by now know as the Wilkes Department of the Communication Studies Department. Communication Studies. Between 1973 and 1985 he introduced and Dr. Kinney was first hired at Wilkes in taught more than 20 courses in undergrad- 1973 as an assistant professor in the De- uate speech communications that would partment of Language and Literature. The become the foundation for the current President of that time gave him two tasks, major. Dr. Kinney’s hard work paid off in to form a nationally ranked speech/debate 1985 when Wilkes created the Department program and to begin a communications of Speech, Communications and Theatre. department. Two years later he was named Chair of During the 25 years Dr. Kinney was that Department, a position which he held the forensics coach, Wilkes students won for eleven years until 1998. During that (1,399) awards in intercollegiate competi- time the Department was restructured and tion. Among these awards are many state named the Department of Communication and national titles including third-place Studies which became one of the largest in the nation for colleges and universities programs at Wilkes. Photo Credit: Dr. Kinney Archives with enrollments under 10,000. “Kinney’s One of the defining moments in his Save the date! December 8th 7 to 10 Kids,” the nickname for the speech/debate P.M. in the Ballroom for a night of team, competed at West Point, University (Continued pg 8.) Roasting and Toasting Dr. Kinney.

Zebra announces board members, who serve as account co-manag- ers this semester, include Rebecca Bolus, and clients for 2012-13 Morgan Evans, Jake Cochran, Justin Fra- By: The Zebra Team niak, Ally Naumann, Trevor Kurtz, Nick Riccio, Devoni Novak, Michael Winter- Zebra Communications is pleased to mute and Alyson Lark. announce the Fall 2012 Board members Zebra Communications will be working and staff. The 2012-13 Board Co-Chairs on several returning accounts this year are Alex Zero and Mikel Hartsough. including The Wilkes Department of Com- Sharing the role of Office Co-Managers munication Studies, Embrace a Child in and Co-Editors of The Medium are Brit- Tanzania and the Salvation Army’s “Need the Wilkes Marketing/Communications tany Battista, Bryan Calabro, Dominick Knows No Season.” New accounts, Campus Safety Campaign and the Wil- Constantino and Amanda Leonard. The approved at Zebra’s recent Board meeting, kes-Barre YMCA. Operations Co-Managers are Faith Lane include Wilkes University’s College of Campaigning will start immediately and and Sarah Mitrotz. The rest of the Board Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, carry on throughout the Fall semester. Volume 1 C ommunication S t u d i e s D e p a r t m e n t October 2012

The team’s final fundraiser was held at Team Wolverine raises Rodano’s for a Wilkes versus King’s pong tournament. There was a $5 entry fee per team, as well as drink specials dollar pizza $1201 for Relay for Life slices. The bulk of their proceeds from this By: Amanda Leonard fundraiser, held at Maer’s BBQ, raised event stem from the entry fee and regis- awareness about the team’s campaign. trants, all proceeds benefited the Relay for Zebra Communications participated Their second and third fundraisers were Life account team. The team’s proceeds in the 2012 Relay for Life of Wyoming held t Boscov’s in Wilkes-Barre. The first for the campaign were dedicated to a Valley, under the name Team Wolver- was a hot chocolate and cookie sale during Wilkes alumna, Candace Adams, who is a ine, on June 16, 2012. The team raised the Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick’s day parade, breast cancer survivor in the United States $1201, $601 of which was raised through which brought in $265 in proceeds. The Air Force. This fundraising event raised fundraising and the rest was matched by a second was a lemonade and homemade $150, raising their total to $600. donor. sloppy joe sale. Students set up their table The campaign was a success and Josh The team held four fundraisers in in the middle of the store to enhance cus- Pellew, Jake Cochran, Mikel Hartsough, order to raise money for their team and tomer interaction. The total amount from Bryan Calabro and Sarah Mitrotz partici- the American Cancer Society. The first this fundraiser was $186 pated in the Relay event in June.

Photos By: Bryan Calabro and Sarah Mitrotz

Page 2 Volume 1 C ommunication S t u d i e s D e p a r t m e n t October 2012 Trevor Kurtz wins Intern of the Month By: Amanda Leonard Music Director. He is also a DJ at WCLH- is also on the Board of Zebra Commu- FM. His show, Vital Vinyl with Klassic nications, the student-run PR agency at Trevor Kurtz, a senior Wilkes Commu- Kurtz and Matty-G airs every Wednesday Wilkes. nications Studies major received the Intern from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Currently, Kurtz Congratulations, Trevor of the Month award for May 2012. Kurt interned at 98.5 KRZ Radio in Pittston, PA from January to May 2012 on the Rocky and Sue Morning show, the number one rated morning show in Northeast Penn- sylvania. If you were listening, you may know him as “Wonder Bread”. Kurtz is completing three concentrations within the Department of Communication Studies at Wilkes; Broadcast Media, Rhet- oric and Organizational Communications/ Public Relations. At KRZ, Kurtz worked in production, updated social media, and organized major promotional events. Dr. Bradford Kinney, Professor of Com- munication Studies and Kurtz’s faculty supervisor said “From the first day, Trevor was given production and promotional responsibilities more typical for full time broadcasters than interns.” This is what led Dr. Kinney to nominating Kurtz for the Intern of the Month award. Photo Credit: Kyle Wolfe Kurtz is also a member of the Executive From left to Right: Rocky Rhodes, Lissa Krahnke, Cathy Reppert (from Truly Staff on 90.7 WCLH-FM, the student run Scrumptious Cakes), Trevor Kurtz, and Sue Barre celebrate the birthday of Trevor radio station, serving as the Alternative Kurtz on his last day interning at 98.5 KRZ. Communication Department celebrates annual colloquium By: Alex Zero a little about themselves, inviting new department ‘s curriculum, co-curriculars, students to get involved. This year, all 14 and faculty, the 14 freshmen and 4 transfer On Thursday August 30th the Com- freshmen were present and got to meet students met with their mentors. Mentors munication Studies Department gathered their mentors. are upperclassmen and women who will in the Henry Student Center Ballroom to Dr. Mark Stine, the Department Chair, be available to answer questions and help discuss upcoming events, welcome new conducted the colloquium and explained new majors ease into the Department. students and start the new school year with what the Wilkes University Communi- Dominick Costantino, a junior Commu- energy. The Communications Colloquium cations Department is all about and how nication Studies major, was assigned two is a time where each co-curricular shares being hands-on in the Department can students to mentor. “I think the mentor shape each student’s career path. He began program is great because when you are by paying tribute to Dr. Bradford Kinney, new to the department you definitely have who after forty years will be retiring from a lot of questions,” he said. “I’m willing to Wilkes at the end of the fall semester. help my two mentees get involved in our Every year the Alumni and Friends of department and answer any questions they Communication Scholarship is given to a may have.” Lunch was served at the end student in the communication department of the meeting and that was a time for any who excels not only in the classroom but open-ended questions to wrap up a great in leadership. This year junior Brittany way to kickoff the 2012-2013 school year Photo Credit: Brittany Battista Battista received the Scholarship, and was for the Wilkes Communication Studies Dominick Costantino spends time with very thankful. Department. his two new department mentees. Along with learning more about our

Page 3 Volume 1 C ommunication S t u d i e s D e p a r t m e n t October 2012 WCLH 90.7 Rocks the New Year Communications faculty to present research at NCA By: Katherine Dodson staff plans to use the money for education- al purposes in the areas of broadcast and By: Christine Lee Wilkes University’s student-run radio media, providing on-the-job training and station, WCLH 90.7 FM, is preparing for a attending educational seminars. Four communications studies depart- year of exciting new changes and projects. Working with Candy’s Place, an organi- ment faculty members will be presenting This year, WCLH’s Executive Staff zation that assists those whose lives have a panel at the National Communication eagerly welcomes three newcomers-- Pro- been affected by cancer, will be a priority Association’s 98th Annual Convention in duction Director Jake Cochran, Marketing/ for the station this year. WCLH plans to Orlando, FL on Nov. 15. Promotion Director Kyle Wolfe, and Alter- cover the charity’s five-kilometer run this The convention, one of the most pres- native Music Director Trevor Kurtz. October 7. tigious in the field of Communications With new staff will come a slew of fresh As much as things at WCLH have Studies, has an average attendance of content. Since last summer’s experimen- changed this year, there are greater chang- 5-8,000 and is based around a theme, with tal all hip-hop line-up met with success, es yet to come. “Almost all of my e-staff this year’s being community. WCLH has decided to carve out a per- is graduating this year,” Loftus reports. Drs. Loran Lewis, Evene Estwick and manent slot for the genre in its timetable Accordingly, the station plans to take a Jane Elmes-Crahall will be presenting while still maintaining the hard rock/al- more active approach to recruitment than along with three colleagues from other ternative edge that listeners have come to it has in the past. “Instead of letting people colleges. Dr. Bradford Kinney will serve expect. Multiple new specialty shows and come to us, we're going to actively solicit as the panel’s facilitator. new DJs will also premier this year. new members. We're going to try to get For his part, Dr. Lewis will be present- Furthermore, the station plans to make more people on campus involved.” ing on supplementing the Basic Newswrit- its presence on campus more visible Loftus reminds readers that the station is ing course with last semester’s Multi-Me- by broadcasting from various locations open to the entire campus community, re- dia Journalism course as a technique and events, such as the greenway, sports gardless of major, and has positions open for broadening a writing community by events, or school socials, rather than for people of all interests and abilities. expanding media forms for conducting limiting itself to the central station. “We "No matter what your interest is-- whether news reporting. haven't done this as much in the last two it's the performing side of communications “A lot of journalism teaching is driven years,” General Manager/Advisor Renee or whether it's the behind the scenes side by trends and fads so I want to look at the Loftus acknowledges, “but we plan to go like marketing, promotions, or newswrit- practical aspect of that,” Lewis said. back to it.” ing-- everyone is welcome, and everyone Dr. Estwick will be presenting on how A donation from the university allowed can offer a perspective for us that we'd like she is incorporating a community of writ- for technical advancement. WCLH can to have.” ers into her First-Year Foundations course, now operate in an all-digital format, says Some perks of joining the WCLH staff Cross-Cultural Dialogue and how teach- Station Engineer Bob Reite, thanks to the include the occasional free concert ticket, ing cultural dialogue in her class helps to station’s recent purchase of new hardware free admission to some events, the op- retain freshmen at Wilkes. and software, including two new state-of- portunity to interview bands and interact Dr. Elmes-Crahall will be presenting on the-art digital sound boards. with local talent, and, for executive staff how the department has incorporated the Additionally, WCLH has received a members, financial compensation that student-run Zebra Communications public grant from the Pennsylvania Association goes toward tuition expenses. relations agency into the public relations of Broadcasters, this time for $3,000. The writing classes. “Having students work as real PR writ- ers for actual clients makes the learning better and more fulfilling,” Elmes-Crahall said. “I’m hoping (my colleagues) walk away saying it’s worth the effort because it’s real community effort as profession- als.” Elmes-Crahall said the faculty hopes the panel will start a discussion with col- leagues around the country on how smaller campuses are improving student writing. “We want to start the discussion and share with each other,” Elmes-Crahall said. “Being allowed to present at a con- ference like that is scholarship, it reflects Photo Credit: Brittany Battista on the fact that all of us in this panel have From left to right: Renee Loftus, Kyle Wolfe, Justin Franiak, Andrew Grandinetti, something that our colleagues want to Jake Cochran, Russ Davis, Trevor Kurtz, Joe Pugliese, Corey Martin, Mike Olney know about.”

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Speech and Debate Team Wilkes to numerous victories. In the past versity in Baltimore, MD, to compete in five years, the team has been coached by persuasive, informative, drama and special Starts Off With Win Professor Christine Mellon. The team hit occasion speaking. As Melissa Caprio, the ground running, attending multiple President of Speech Team says, the co-cur- By: Ian Foley workshops this past September at John Jay ricular is “a great learning experience College and where you can learn professional speak- The novice debate team of Stephanie Sarah Mitrotz, President of the Debate ing, a skill that is good for everyone.” Wogan and David Benway advanced to Team is confident of the ability and dedi- Mitrotz, Caprio and the Director of the Octo-Final Round at the Northeast cation of the teams this year. Mitrotz and Forensics, Professor Christine Mellon, are Debate Opener at Binghamton University her partner Alex Madaya will be heading planning to host a High School Forensics on Sept. 23. Out of 30 teams in the novice to the National Debate Tournament held Competition on October 27th at Wilkes competition, Wogan and Benway went the week of Oct. 10th at the University University. Eight area high schools are ex- to become one of 14 final teams, with a of Las Vegas. There they will be among pected to participate in this exciting event. 4-2 record. This was also Benway’s first 100 teams competing in the Junior Varsity The team meets on Tuesdays and Thurs- debate, and Wogan’s second. We saw them Bracket. The annual topic is “The US days in Fenner Hall. Anyone interested beat out other teams from Cornell, George government should either increase finan- in joining the Speech and Debate Team Mason, and Binghamton, only to lose in cial incentives for new energy, or reduce should contact Professor Christine Mellon the Octo-Final to George Mason. restrictions on already existing energy at [email protected]. New Speech and Debate is one co-curric- sources”. members are welcome. ular that has been coached by 3 current The Speech Team’s first tournament Communication Studies faculty. In the is Oct. 20-21st at Cedar Crest College is past, Professors Elmes-Crahall and Kinney Allentown, Pa. Then, on Nov. 8th and 9th, led their teams at Clarion University and the team will travel to Morgan State Uni- Shelburne Television Center launches new show, “Wilkes Now” Out with the old, in with the now Wilkes World updates format at Shelburne By: Laura Preby

For many years the Shelburne Center at Wilkes has always been the home of ‘Wilkes World’, a student-run half-hour television program airing on channel 97 for Service Electric Cable. This year, ‘Wilkes World’ is receiving a total make-over thanks to the creative minds of Corey Martin, the show’s producer, and Devoni Novak, director. “Our new format is much more news oriented,” said Novak. “We want to have a bigger presence on campus and be taken more seriously, “ she added. With the old format, the program fea- tured four hosts, and aired a variety of segments with no common theme. The new program will feature one anchor Photo Credit: Brittany Battista who will interview guests and deliver First row from left to right: Corey Martin, Devoni Novak the news. Following recent auditions, Second row : Carl Brigido, Dominick Costantino and Dr. Mark Stine Dominick Costantino was selected for the anchor position. The show has also Engineer of the Shelburne Television “Students seem more interested to join. taken on a new name – ‘Wilkes Now.’ Center, is also excited about the new The “Wilkes Now” format may make Dr. Mark Stine, Chair and faculty ad- changes. “I like to see students get this an exciting year,” he added. visor to the program thinks the news-ori- creative,” said Brigido. “I like the news Tune in on October 9th, at noon for ented format is a smart move because format. The students will be able to the first live airing of “Wilkes Now.” “the types of stories we will be doing create something they’d be able to put The show will also air on Ch. 97 at 7:30 will better prepare the students for their on a resume.” p.m. from October 9-11. professional careers in TV.” “We have also seen an increase in Carl Brigido, Director and Chief interest this semester,” said Martin.

Page 5 Volume 1 C ommunication S t u d i e s D e p a r t m e n t October 2012 Over the summer, Kirstin Cook and Dr. Estwick conduct community service learning in Tanzania By: Sarah Mitrotz a Village”. Although the course occasion- that would further explore an aspect of the ally proved challenging, the life changing country’s societal issues. One of these ma- This past summer, Wilkes professors lessons learned made each moment in the jor issues being the severe lack of medical and students traveled to the heart of East country worth it. care and technology that exists throughout Africa to take part in the month long study “I’ve come to really appreciate the the country; a problem the group was able abroad program in Tanzania. Organizers of opportunities we have in America after to witness firsthand when they visited a the community service course were Dean seeing how limited they are there,” said community hospital. Linda Winkler of the Arts, Humanities, Cook “I am grateful for the things in my Students lived and worked with the and Social Sciences College and Commu- life more than ever before.” locals, whose perceptions and attitudes of nication Studies’ own Dr. Evene Estwick. The program proved a success as both the world left a lasting impression. The faculty were accompanied a group professors and students assisted in helping “The one thing I’ve really held on to has of students from Wilkes and University the Tanzanian community thrive while been the interactions with the people there, of Pittsburgh, who assisted in various also gaining incredible insight into a for- and how welcoming and friendly they community service projects in the northern eign culture. Thus, another trip is expected were. I try to apply that to my own interac- rural area of the country. next summer 2013. Kirstin plans to show tions now,” said senior Kirstin Cook. Most of these projects involved Tanza- her documentary later this semester. Along with writing her blog, Cook nia’s National AIDS Control Program’s This past summer, Wilkes professors also filmed her experiences working with Orphan Project, which pledges to better and students traveled to the heart of East the young orphans involved in the ACP educate children orphaned because of Africa to take part in the month long study project for her own documentary, “It Takes AIDS so that they may have a brighter abroad program in Tanzania. Organizers of a Village”. Although the course occasion- future. Activities were based on getting the community service course were Dean ally proved challenging, the life changing to know the orphans and their fami- Linda Winkler of the Arts, Humanities, lessons learned made each moment in the lies who benefit from the organization, and Social Sciences College and Commu- country worth it. ultimately learning about their struggles nication Studies’ own Dr. Evene Estwick. “I’ve come to really appreciate the and their hopes for the future. Several of The faculty were accompanied a group opportunities we have in America after these orphans are receiving funding from of students from Wilkes and University seeing how limited they are there,” said Zebra Communications’ own “Embrace a of Pittsburgh, who assisted in various Cook “I am grateful for the things in my Child in Tanzania” campaign, which will community service projects in the northern life more than ever before.” continue to raise funds this semester in rural area of the country. The program proved a success as both Wilkes-Barre. Most of these projects involved Tanza- professors and students assisted in helping Those who participated in the summer nia’s National AIDS Control Program’s the Tanzanian community thrive while program were required to record their Orphan Project, which pledges to better also gaining incredible insight into a for- experiences and observations in a blog educate children orphaned because of eign culture. Thus, another trip is expected available online as well as develop a AIDS so that they may have a brighter next summer 2013. Kirstin plans to show research project that would further explore future. Activities were based on getting to an aspect of the country’s societal issues. know the orphans and their One of these major issues being the severe families who benefit from lack of medical care and technology that the organization, ultimately exists throughout the country; a problem learning about their struggles the group was able to witness firsthand and their hopes for the future. when they visited a community hospital. Several of these orphans Students lived and worked with the are receiving funding from locals, whose perceptions and attitudes of Zebra Communications’ own the world left a lasting impression. “Embrace a Child in Tanza- “The one thing I’ve really held on to has nia” campaign, which will been the interactions with the people there, continue to raise funds this and how welcoming and friendly they semester in Wilkes-Barre. were. I try to apply that to my own interac- Those who participated in tions now,” said senior Kirstin Cook. the summer program were Along with writing her blog, Cook required to record their expe- also filmed her experiences working with riences and observations in a the young orphans involved in the ACP blog available online as well project for her own documentary, “It Takes as develop a research project

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Photo Credit: Tanazania Blog

Page 7 Volume 1 C ommunication S t u d i e s D e p a r t m e n t October 2012 Department Scholarship Goes To… By: Dominick Costantino the hallway of Capin was done by Battista. She was chosen for this award because Anticipation filled the room at the of her continuous dedication and contri- Communication Studies annual Colloqui- butions to the Communication Studies um as students waited to hear who would department. be the recipient of the department’s 2012 “Brittany uniquely fits all the criteria for Alumni and Friends of Communications this scholarship,” said Dr. Jane Elmes-Cra- Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded hall, professor and advisor of Zebra to a sophomore or junior Communication Communications. “By the end of her Studies student who demonstrates strong sophomore year, she was actively involved academics, contributes to the department and held leadership positions in three of and has financial need. our major activities on campus.” Brittany Battista, junior Communi- In addition to her involvement on cam- cation Studies major, had a smile from pus, Battista also holds a part-time job and ear to ear when Dr. Mark Stine, chair of volunteers in her community. She hopes the Communication Studies department, one day to work for the Miss America announced she was the recipient of this organization doing all the public relations year’s scholarship. and organizing the entire event. “I was surprised that I got this scholar- Congratulations Brittany!!! ship because there are so many of us that Photo Credit: Laura Preby are involved in the department,” she said. “I’m glad the department recognizes all my hard work.” The Beacon Editorial Staff 2012-2013 Battista is very involved in the depart- ment. Her concentrations are in Broadcast Editor-in-chief: Kirstin Cook Media, Organizational Communications/ Managing Editor: Bryan Calabro Public Relations and Rhetoric. She serves News Editor: Christine Lee on the Executive Board of Zebra Com- munications as social media director and Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus co-editor of The Medium. Battista is the A&E Editor: Bill Thomas co-coordinator of the Tom Bigler Journal- Life Editor: Anne Yoskoski ism Conference and Advertising Manager Sports Editor: Frank Passalacqua for The Beacon. She actively participates Ad Manager: Brittany Battista with World World, and frequently updates Photo Editor: Laura Preby social media for the department’s various Adviser: Dr. Loran Lewis co-curricular activities. All the new photos and information about our department in

Kinney to retire after 39 years (continued from pg.1) career was a lecture he delivered in and students, he established an award win- 2000 entitled, “The Era of the Hero” at ning speech /debate team and has proven the Chautauqua Institution in New York himself to be an exceptional rhetorician. before nearly 5,000 people. This lecture Dr. Kinney has put his entire self into the was based on a year’s research of figures creation, expansion and success of the using rhetoric of the early 20th century to Department of Communication Studies. become heroes of their time. For those who wish to join us in cele- “Dr. Kinney has been the rock of the de- brating Dr. Kinney’s contributions to Wil- partment,” said Carl Brigido, Director of kes, plan to attend the Dr. Kinney “Roast the Shelburne Studio and colleague of Dr. and Toast” event on December 8th from Kinney for 29 years. “We’re sorry to see 7pm to 10pm in the Student Center Ball- him go after all these years because, to me, room. At Dr. Kinney’s request, students the department always was Dr. Kinney.” are encouraged to attend. A wholehearted mentor to both faculty Photo Credit: Kinney Archives Page 8