Communicator Vol. 5, No. 1 (Centennial Edition)

Western Michigan University ScholarWorks at WMU

Communicator: School of Communication Newsletter Communication

Spring 2007

Communicator vol. 5, no. 1 (Centennial Edition)

School of Communication

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Spring 2007 Centennial Edition

School of Communication embarks on capital campaign: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future, Our Next 100 Years! Investments in Our Next 100 Years! From humble beginnings in 1906 as my start at WMU and now I want to improve the School for our students the Department of Expression, 2007 give back. Over the years I have learned and faculty. marks the beginning of our second that few things in life give me a greater Like Jack and Roz, Randy credits century! To celebrate this milestone sense of accomplishment than helping much of his current and to ensure continued success in young people grow.” success to the School. the next century, the School of Com- Alumna Roz Abrams (‘70) wants “My experience in munication is embarking on a capital to help students. With her gift of Communication pro- campaign: Honoring the Past, Embrac- $100,000, The Roslyn M. Abrams En- vided me with tools ing the Future, Our Next 100 Years! dowed Scholarship in Communication for working with oth- To launch the campaign and ensure will help support up to four commu- ers, such as listening, its ultimate success, we are gratified to nication students each year who need managing conflict, and getting work announce three significant and generous financial assistance. done in meetings.” gifts that have recently been committed A sociology and speech major at Each of these benefactors hope to the School of Communication. WMU, Roz’s gift is their gift will inspire and encourage The leadership gift of $500,000 personal. “If I had not fellow alumni and friends of the School from 1956 alumnus Jack Clifford will been given a chance to make their own personal investments provide both immediate and long-term to do something I did to the School, no matter what size or funding for three critical areas within not think I could do, kind. the School: the creation of the Clifford I would not have had Media and Communi- such a blessed life.” cation Resource Center Her scholarship will in the newly renovated be available to four students each year The Rhodes’ Make a Gift; Brown Hall; an endow- with a minimum GPA of 2.0 who have Northouse Creates Scholarship ment to support and overcome socioeconomic obstacles or enhance the on-going educational disadvantages. In addition to the gifts listed above, activities of the Clif- Recognizing the varied needs the School has received a $20,000 gift from ford Center; and an across the School, Randy Doran (‘83), Peter and Laurel Northouse to establish endowment for research and creative has invested $100,000 to fund and the Northouse Leadership Scholarship (see activities of our undergraduates, gradu- endow the creation of the Randall and page 5). And, the School will receive a gift ate students, and faculty. Lisa Doran Conference Room in the of $100,000 from Steve and Ann Rhodes to Why make such a gift? Jack’s newly renovated Brown Hall, and to create a School of Communication Endow- response is, “I have had a long and re- establish, in partnership with Steve warding career in the communication and Ann Rhodes (see page 2), a general ment (see page 2). industry. I owe my successful career to endowment to promote, enhance, and

communicator The Director’s Page Second Century Capital Campaign The School of Communication will embark total general fund revenues; today, only 42 per- this year on a capital campaign entitled: Our cent. This drastic cut in public funding means Second Century—Honoring the Past, Embrac- that the School needs to find other sources of I n s i d e ing the Future, Invest in Our Next 100 Years! support. Change of Scenery The goal of the campaign will be to build on As the School enters its second century, 3 the gifts the School received this year and to there is an urgent need for permanent endowed raise additional endowment-focused support funding to support the teaching and research Faculty that will help guarantee a bright future for the missions of the School, to create scholarships News 4-5 School of Communication. to assist undergraduate and graduate students, Over the years WMU’s School of Commu- and support and enhance facilities. In short, to What’s Happening nication has become one of the best schools of continue to work toward becoming one of this On Campus communication in the Midwest, with excellent country’s premier schools of communication, 6-7 faculty, staff, and emeriti; great students; and the School needs the support of its alumni,

Student Awards alumni who have gone on to lead successful emeriti, and friends. 8-9 personal and professional lives. In 2006, the More information about the School’s School celebrated 100 years of excellence. upcoming capital campaign will be available Alumni Academy But today, the School faces an unprec- later this year. However, if you have questions, Inductees 10-11 edented financial challenge, related directly to would like to know more about how you can the reduction in state funding for public higher become involved in the campaign, or would Emeriti education. In the 1970s, state funding account- like to talk about making a gift please contact 12-13 ed for approximately 85 percent of WMU’s Steve Rhodes at: [email protected].

Recent Alumni 14-15

Alumni in the News The Rhodes’ Make a Gift 15 With more than 30 years invested in WMU I know what it is like for students and faculty to and the School of Communication, most recently do without funding for crucial elements of their as its director since 1999, no one knows the programs.” In that spirit, Steve and his wife Ann School’s history of excellence, potential for the have pledged a long-term gift of $100,000 to the future, or financial School of Communication. “We can think of no challenges better than better way to thank those that have given so gen- director and professor erously this year than to acknowledge their gifts communicator Steve Rhodes. Since by building on their investments.” The Rhodes’ is published annually for stepping in as direc- gift will be given in partnership with the Doran alumni and friends of the tor, Steve has worked gift to establish the Doran/Rhodes Director’s WMU School of with faculty, students, Endowment to promote, enhance, and improve Communication alumni, and emeriti to the School of Communication. Editor, Steven C. Rhodes, Ph.D. strategically position With the launching of the Second Century (269) 387-3133 the School of Commu- Capital Campaign, Steve and Ann invite others to [email protected] nication for growth in join them in making a financial commitment to the its academic reputation School. When combined with other gifts, no gift is Contributing Writer: and to be recognized too small. And, as can be seen with the Clifford, Lisa Wolaver as a WMU center of excellence. From his perspec- Abrams, Doran, and Northouse gifts, there are Layout & Design tive as director, no one knows better the financial many ways to give and contribute — note for ex- Cheri Van Kuren-Bales resources it takes to be a center of excellence. ample the Yelsma gift on page 4. For information Lisa Wolaver And no one appreciates more the commitment about making a gift to the School of Communica- of others. “I know what it is like to try and pro- tion, contact Nick McLaren, Director of Develop- mote the School and the good work being done ment for the College of Arts & Sciences at: by our students and faculty without funding. And [email protected]. communicator Change of Scenery

the old control room equipment is gone. Now, a long Studio C Undergoes Major Renovations console contains a new Grass Valley digital switcher, 3- D Chyron CG, 24-channel audio board, computerized teleprompter, wireless microphones, camera control units, DVCam and DVD record and playback decks, and a multitude of monitors. The bad news is that the School of Communication is now responsible for the financial future of Studio C. As a result, we are seeking to establish an endowment that will guarantee that Studio C will always be a state- of-the-art instructional facility for our students. Yes, those old water-marked curtains are still hang- ing in the background, as is the chicken-wired studio Many media students remember Studio C as the insulation, the cracked poured studio floor, and beat-up Instructional Television classroom where they enjoyed props. Future advancements in technology will require many hours with classmates and professors such as Dr. a system to link digitally with other nearby student pro- Thomas Pagel and Dr. Jules Rossman. Historically, duction areas in Brown Hall. Studio C was the property of WMU’s Media Services The School of Communication is extremely proud and only served as classroom space that the School of of alumni who have used their experiences in Studio Communication “borrowed.” Most recently, Studio C C to benefit their careers. With the hands-on experi- was under the management of the Office of Informa- ence our renovated studio now offers this generation of tion Technology (OIT) – WMU’s computer technology students, we’re certain there will be even more student department. success stories to share! In recent years, because of changing technology pri- orities for OIT, Studio C has been in a state of decline. To reverse this trend, WMU’s School of Communica- Brown Hall Renovations Under Way tion petitioned to have Studio C transferred to the School of Communication. This petition was granted and we have managed to secure $200,000 for a badly needed upgrade. That is the good news.

The renovation of Brown Hall appears to be proceed- ing on schedule. Construction fencing went up around the building this past fall; the interior has been gutted; and as the picture shows, the east side has been removed to During the summer of 2006, the classroom walls re- make way for the new Clifford Media and Communica- ceived new coats of contemporary green and teal paint, tion Resource Center and two new small lecture halls. comfortable portable chairs, and new carpeting contain- The goal is to have the construction completed by Spring ing specks of multiple hues that pull the whole colorful, 2008. If that goal is met, the School of Communication energetic design together. Classroom risers have cinema will host a grand re-opening for all of our emeriti, alumni, strip floor lighting, and two ceiling mounted flat-screen and current students sometime in the late spring of 2008 plasma monitors create a theatre-like experience. All of —watch for future announcements.

Centennial Edition Faculty News Jocelyn Steinke Awarded Three-year NSF Grant The National Science Foundation has awarded to support the development of programs in the popu- Western Michigan University’s Dr. Jocelyn Steinke, an lar media (television, films, computer games) in order associate professor in the School of Communication, to promote positive public images of scientists and with a $498,000 grant for her research project entitled, engineers,” Steinke said. This study also will provide “Adolescents’ Identification with Televised Portrayals new insights on the use of role models in the media to of Male and Female Scientists.” encourage more girls to enter careers in science, engi- The three-year grant, which began in September, neering, and technology. examines portrayals of scientist characters in televi- The study will focus on scientist characters featured sion programs popular among middle school-aged on 13 popular television programs: Dexter’s Labora- children. The research project will document specific tory, Kim Possible, CSI, CSI-Miami, CSI-New York, attributes of television scientist characters, such as Danny Phantom, The X Files, Bill Nye the Science gender-stereotyped and counter-stereotyped attributes Guy, MythBusters, Jimmy Neutron, The Simpsons, and attributes known to promote identification with Friends, and DragonflyTV. televised characters. Other members of the research team working with Middle school students’ identification with char- Steinke on this project are Nancy Mansberger, an asso- acters that exhibit these attributes will be examined as ciate professor in the Department of Teaching, Learn- they relate to the students’ attitudes toward science, ing, and Leadership; Brooks Applegate, a professor in attitudes toward women in science, perceptions of the Department of Educational Leadership, Research, gender roles, confidence in science, and future interest and Technology; Marilee Long, an associate professor in science. at Colorado State University; and Maria Lapinski, an “The research findings will provide information assistant professor at Michigan State University.

Paul Yelsma to Retire Paul Yelsma, Professor in the School of Communication, came to Western Michigan University in 1975. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and M.A. degrees from University of Denver and University of Michigan, and his B.A. from the University of Denver. During his years at Western his research interests included: conflict management, marital and cohabitation communication, self-esteem, alexithymia, expression of emotions, intimacy, verbal abusiveness in intimate relationships, respect, and community service learning. He published works in Communication and Health Outcomes and numerous articles on diverse communication topics in the following journals: Journal of Communication, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Communication Quarterly, Journal of Comparative Family Studies, Human Relations, American Journal of Family Therapy, Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, Psychological Re- ports, Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, Sociological Spectrum, The School Counselor, and Journal of Social Psychology, as well as other publications. He taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of small group, family, and interpersonal communication. In recognition of his retirement Paul and his wife, Julie, have created the Yelsma Small Group Communication Endowed Scholarship. During his career, Paul has taught thousands of students in his Group Problem Solving Class. This scholarship will be given to students who recognize the importance and value of small group communication.

communicator Faculty News

Machiorlatti and Farrugia’s Northouse Creates Documentary to be Scholarship Featured on DocuPyx In addition to the gifts from Jack Clifford, The new documentary broadband channel, Docu- Roz Abrams, Randy and Lisa Doran, and Steve Pyx, featured the short docu- and Ann Rhodes, the School has received a gift mentary, “Copyright Culture from Peter and Laurel Northouse. In partner- (Remixed) Volume 1 & Illegal ship with Sage Publications, they have given Art,” produced by WMU’s Dr. $20,000 to the School of Communication to Jennifer Machiorlatti, associate establish the Northouse Endowed Leadership professor and Dr. Rebekah Far- Scholarship. This gift will provide a $1,000 rugia, assistant professor as one scholarship in Fall 2007 for juniors or seniors of five documentaries shown on seeking a degree in communication who have the channel’s debut in Decem- a GPA of at least 2.75 and who demonstrate ber 2006. good citizenship in the classroom and the Copyright Culture (Re- University. mixed) explores who has the Peter has been a professor in the School right to borrow, cut, copy, since 1974 and he is a scholar with an inter- reproduce, and remix what national reputation for his work in Leadership content, under which circum- and Health-Communication. He has been stances, and according to whom. involved in teaching and conducting research It is a volume set of three films and an hour-long documentary on leadership for more than 30 years. While he that explores the impact increas- has done basic research in both of these areas, ingly restrictive copyright laws the largest proportion of his work has been di- are having on fair use and the rected toward writing discipline-related books creation of culture. that have had great impact on our discipline. Volume 1 of the set focuses His book Leadership: Theory and Practice on two artists in New York City is currently in its fourth edition and is widely whose paintings are inspired by recognized as one of the major texts on leader- other people’s art, photography, ship theory. It is used at over 250 colleges and and creative work; and explores universities, including West Point Military Acad- fair use and freedom or speech. emy and the Canadian Forces College. It has Volume 2 is an experiment been translated in several languages including on fair use in the narrow issues explored by American Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Swedish. media. Volume 3 follows a traveling art exhibit and The book received the 2004 book of the year explores the grey areas of copyright law and fair use. award at Sage Publications and is one of the The set is also being shown at the Hawaii Interna- best selling books in the country on leadership. tional Arts and Humanities Conference and the Univer- sity Film and Video Association Conference.

Centennial Edition

What’s ON HappeningCampus Emmy Award Winning Alumnus Ed Gordon Speaks on Campus As the keynote address for the School of Communication’s centennial celebration, Ed Gordon spoke on “The Politics of Par- ticipation: Engaging Minorities and the Disenfranchised in the 21st Century.” In addition to being the keynote speaker, Gordon was also inducted into the School of Communication’s 2006 Alumni Acad- emy and was recognized as a College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Achievement Award recipient. Gordon was a hit with the crowd as he joked about his times at Western, before moving into the point of his address — “every person counts, no matter what your background, when it comes to voter participation.” He went on to address issues facing today’s voting public including the misbelief that our votes do not matter. Gordon also addressed the inability of many Americans to identify with today’s politicians. Known for his stellar interaction with newsmakers from the worlds of politics, entertainment, and sports, his name is synony- mous with the “big” interview. Some of Ed Gordon’s other Making a Name for Himself... notable works that have garnered As a contributing correspondent for the CBS news magazine the admiration and respect of “60 Minutes” he added to an already impressive resume. Gordon’s viewers and colleagues include: diverse style also makes him one of the most versatile people in broadcasting. Gordon also made a name for himself in radio as host • The infamous O.J. Simpson of “News and Notes with Ed Gordon,” the daily interview/informa- interview tion program on National Public Radio. Gordon distinguished himself during two stints at BET. He had many roles at the network including host of “BET Tonight,” anchor • An exclusive interview with of “BET News,” and creator of his signature “one-on-one series pop superstar Janet Jackson Conversation” with Ed Gordon. Over the years, Gordon has cov- about her secret marriage ered many of the world’s most defining events. From the freedom and painful divorce of South Africa’s Nelson Mandela to the beating of Rodney King to upheaval in Haiti and Cuba, he provided comprehensive coverage. • No-holds-barred, headline- Ed Gordon also provided up-to-the-minute reports on many other making interviews with domestic and international affairs, including the tragic September 11 attack on America. controversial Senator Trent Gordon is president of the Gordon Media Group, a multi-ser- Lott and embattled singer vice production company. Detroit-born Gordon earned his bache- R. Kelly lor’s degree in Communication and Political Science from Western Michigan University.

communicator

What’s ON HappeningCampus

Join the School of Communication PRO Takes Annual Networking for its fourth annual Trip to Chicago Tailgate at the Tower Sprau Tower Plaza/Brown Hall area

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, October 20 10:30 to Noon Food • Fun • Friends On March 30, WMU’s Public Relations Organi- zation (PRO) took a trip to visit several public relations firms in Chicago. Nineteen members went on the trip to two public relations firms. The first firm visited was Arment Dietrich. This is a small firm spe- WIDR Goes to New York cializing in hospitality public relations. PRO also had This past November, two members of the WMU the opportunity to visit this firm during their 2006 trip student radio station WIDR participated in a unique and got to experience the feel of a smaller firm and event in New York City called College Music Jour- also do some great networking that led to a job offer nal Bash. This event consists of panels of music and for one of last year’s participants. film industry experts, broadcasting workshops, as The second firm they visited during this year’s trip well as music showcases every afternoon and eve- was Fleishman Hillard. This is a large international ning. Through the support of donations from School public relations firm specializing in health care, pub- of Communication alumni, WIDR members Allie lic affairs, financial relations, and consumer market- Gruner and Ryan Shields were able to attend three ing. Fleishman Hillard provided a great contrast to days of this festival to learn some tricks of the trade the smaller firm and the students even got to partici- from industry insiders as well as get a feel for many pate in a brainstorming session for one of the firm’s up and coming bands. clients. Allie says, “It was an eye-opening experience to Trips like these—often made possible by alumni watch college radio be so important to both the inde- donations—provide students with a great opportunity to network with public relations professionals, some pendent and commercial radio markets that they put of whom are WMU alumni. The trip also gives them on an entire festival devoted to the medium.” Gruner a better sense of what their jobs might be like upon and Shields really enjoyed hearing about how other graduation. stations functioned and were able to bring some new ideas back to WIDR.

Centennial Edition Student WMU Team Wins Regional Qualifier for National Ethics Bowl

will compete in the national contest. The National Ethics Bowl Competition was held in February in Cincinnati, Ohio as part of the annual meeting of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics.

The team’s faculty sponsor is Dr. Sandra Borden, associate professor of Communication and co-director of WMU’s Center for the Study of Ethics in Society. The coaches are David Charlton of Kalamazoo, an M.A. student in comparative religion; Brennan Jacoby of Clark Lake and Joshua Upson of Galesburg, both M.A. students in philosophy. The team is sponsored by the Ethics Center with financial support from the Lee Honors College and the School of Communication. WMU’s Ethics Bowl team won the regional qualifier for the National Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Com- Ethics Bowl provides an opportunity for students to petition during the spring semester. The students practice applying the moral theories and argumenta- participating in the bowl included Natalie Kaftan of tion principles that they learn in their ethics classes. DePere, Wisc. (interpersonal communication and vo- They receive 15 case studies in advance involving cal performance), Shawn Myers of Jackson (biomedi- ethical issues in a number of practical contexts, cal sciences and psychology), and Jennifer Praner of including engineering, law, medicine, personal Battle Creek (biomedical sciences). relationships, school, and politics.

The first Upper Midwest Regional Ethics Bowl was During a round, each team takes turns presenting held at Harper College near Chicago, Illinois. WMU its position on a case and critiquing the other team’s was undefeated after three preliminary rounds and position on a different case. Teams must answer ques- had the highest score of any of the 14 teams partici- tions about their positions from a panel of judges. pating. This ensured the trip to nationals and also Judges assign scores based on logical consistency, allowed the team to compete in the championship clarity, focus, and thoroughness. match, which it won over the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). The other teams that qualified for WMU has competed in the Ethics Bowl contest every nationals besides WMU and IIT were Loyola and year since it expanded from an intramural event at Northwestern. IIT to a small regional contest involving a handful of colleges in 1994 (an event WMU won). The compe- This is the first time that the ethics competition tition went national in 1997. WMU’s best national has been a tiered event, with regional competitions showings were third out of 14 teams in 1998 and fifth around the country to determine the 32 teams that out of 26 teams in 2000.

communicator Awards School of Communication Recognizes its Outstanding Students School of Communication Award Recipients Berrios is Congratulations to the 2006 School of Communication Scholars: Presidential Scholar 2006 School of Communication Scholars Andrew Raklovits; Interpersonal Communication The School of Donna Schnake; Organizational Communication Communication Emily Walker; Journalism named Natalia Grace Jessica Walker; Organizational Communication Berrios as its 2006 Presidential Scholar 2006 WWMT – Freedom Broadcasting of recipient. Michigan Scholarship In addition to being selected as the 2006 Paul Fishwick; Film, Video, Media Studies Presidential Scholar for the School of Com- Katie Webb; Broadcast & Cable Production munication, Berrios won multiple awards Anthony Magiera; Film, Video, Media Studies including the Freedom Broadcasting of Shanna Roggow; Film, Video, Media Studies Michigan Scholarship in 2005, the College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research 2006 Dennis W. Archer Scholarship and Creative Activities Award, and the Lee Gregory Jones Jr.; Film, Video, Media Studies Honors College Undergraduate Research Jason Leverett; Journalism and Creative Activities Award for her video Jerry P. Colvin Scholarship Recipient sponsored by the documentary, “La Familia Berrios.” In December 2005, Natalia traveled with Michigan Association of Broadcasters Dr. Farrugia and Dr. Machiorlatti to New York Adam Bodnar; Public Relations as a production assistant on a documentary. During that time, she learned valuable WMUK Scholarship in Radio technical skills and gained production Allison Gruner; Film, Video, Media Studies experience. Caitlin Nunes; Film, Video, Media Studies Natalia plans to attend graduate school in the fall and eventually acquire her doctor- WMMT Scholarship in Broadcasting ate so that she will be able to help others in Laura Henderson; Media Studies the ways that her professors here at WMU Justin Mayle; Film, Video, Media Studies Nathaniel Abernathy; Film, Video, Media Studies have helped her. She would especially like Jillian Kurtz; Film, Video, Media Studies to thank Dr. Lipkin, Dr. Machiorlatti, and Dr. Raymond Venezia; Film, Video, Media Studies Farrugia for having such a positive impact on her education. Natalia says, “One day I hope Jules Rossman WIDR Scholarship to have as positive an impact on students as Allison Gruner; Film,Video, Media Studies these professors have had on me.”

Centennial Edition

Alumni of Six Inducted Into Distinction Alumni Academy Six WMU alumni of distinction were inducted into the School of Communication Alumni Academy. The six join 29 others who have been honored by the School of Communication for their contributions to the field of communication. Previous Alumni Academy Inductees Denise Fleckenstein 2002 2005 BA, Communication, 1976 • Carl Botan • Susan M. Bunda MA, Organizational • Roger Mattens • Edd Snyder Communication, 1982 • Laurie Stewart • Paul Klapproth Denise is the director of planned • John Greenhoe giving for Cranbrook Educational 2003 Community, an internationally • Larry Winston renowned center for the arts, educa- • Kyle Caldwell tion, science, and culture in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. • Jack Clifford She began her career at the Kalamazoo County • Morris Davenport A complete listing of past Chamber of Commerce managing a monthly business Alumni Academy Inductees newsletter and working with committees on small busi- 2004 and more details about this ness issues. In 1979, she defined her career path and be- • Randy Doran year’s inductees can be found on the School of Communica- gan a financial services marketing career at Educational • Todd Hufford Community Credit Union. tion Web site, www.wmich. • Tsutomu Kanayama In 1999, Denise decided to pursue a completely dif- edu/communication. ferent profession as a nonprofit fundraiser. She became • Brent L. Larson interested in the specialized field of planned giving • Gregory A. Moorehead while working for Matrix Human Services and then the University of Detroit Mercy. Denise became the director of planned giving for Cranbrook Educational Com- ming to investigative reporting, documentaries, and munity in 2003, where she manages the program and features. In the process, she was honored with awards solicits gifts for all divisions of the community. from United Press International, the Associated Press, Denise serves on the board of The Children’s and numerous regional and local broadcast agencies. Center in Detroit. She also serves as vice president Cynthia has served as a visiting faculty member at for The Planned Giving Roundtable of Southeastern Grand Valley State University, teaching communica- Michigan, a trade group for estate-planning and non- tion, and as president of the West Michigan chapter of profit planned giving professionals. She is a speaker and the International Association of Business Communica- advocate for the Leave a Legacy Program for Southeast tors and American Women in Radio and TV. She cur- Michigan. rently is past president of the West Michigan Chapter of the American Marketing Association. Cynthia Kay A member of an entrepreneurial family, Cynthia is MA, Communication, 1977 the founder, owner, and president of a media company Cynthia Kay received her —Cynthia Kay & Company. After her award-winning masters degree in communication 13-year career in broadcasting, Cynthia formed her from Western Michigan University company in 1984. It was incorporated by the State of and her undergraduate degree from Michigan in 1987. Michigan State University. In 2005, Cynthia was honored as the Top Woman- As a professional broadcaster, Owned Business in her category by the Grand Rapids Cynthia did it all; from anchoring, Business Journal and her company was named “Small producing, directing, and hosting specialty program- Business of the Year” by the Grand Rapids Area Cham-

10 communicator ber of Commerce. In 2006, Cynthia was named one the first women to report and deliver the news c A i n m u l A of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan at WMU’s campus station, WIDR, and in 1972, and her company was named one of West Michigan’s she was the first woman to report and anchor 101 Best and Brightest Companies. the news at WKNR-AM/WKFR-FM in Battle Creek. Suzanne received the Silver Circle Award Bob Hercules from the Michigan chapter of the National Acad- BA, Communication, emy of Television Arts and Sciences for more 1979 than 25 years of service in broadcasting, and an Bob Hercules graduated Emmy from the Detroit chapter of the National from WMU with a degree Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. in Telecommunications and Suzanne helped found American Women in a minor in Creative Writing. Radio and Television in West Michigan. She cur- He was General Manager rently sits on the Board of the Coffee Dunkers

of WIDR in 1977-78; a disc of Grand Rapids. She also served on the Western a jockey and talk-show host at WIDR from 1976- Michigan University Alumni Board of Trustees,

1981; and a feature writer at the Western Herald as treasurer of the board of her church, and as y m e d from 1977-1979. vice president of the Press Club of Grand Rapids. Currently, Bob is an independent filmmaker, producer, director, and co-owner of Media Pro- Richard Merpi cess Group—a Chicago-based television produc- BS, Communication, tion company. Bob’s work has been seen widely on PBS, the Discovery Channel, the Independent 1975 Film Channel (IFC), The Learning Channel, and Richard Merpi has been producing and directing video through television syndication nationwide. His I and live productions for more most recent film, “Forgiving Dr. Mengele,” won s e e t c u d n the Special Jury Prize at the 2006 Slamdance Film than 30 years. He has worked Festival; was shown at the San Francisco Jewish with Fortune 500 companies, Film Festival and most recently in Kalamazoo public and private institutions — it is currently in limited theatrical release. to communicate their message A resident of Chicago, Bob has served on nu- and market their products. merous boards for nonprofits such as the Chicago Rick launched his career while at Western Public Access Corporation and Deep Dish Satel- Michigan University. In 1971, he was disc jockey lite Television — the country’s first grassroots and program director at the student-run radio satellite public access network. Currently he serves station, WIDR, where he formatted the sta- on the Advisory Board of Columbia’s Televi- tion and staged live WIDR events in the city of sion Department and is an active member of the Kalamazoo. While a full-time student, he was Democratic Party of Evanston. hired in 1972, by WKMI-AM in Kalamazoo as an on-air personality. As technology in his industry evolved, Rick Suzanne Geha established his own business and worked in every BA, Communication, medium: film, video, cable, CD-Rom, DVD, live 1973 satellite. He was among the first to develop video Suzanne Geha has an- news releases; he created an interactive computer chored the evening news at bidding system for nonprofit fund raising; large- 24-Hour News 8 for 25 con- screen computerized walls for the office furniture secutive years. A native De- industry; and blended live events with multi- troiter, Suzanne first worked media technology to maximize impact for grand at WOOD-TV after graduat- openings of businesses, convention centers, and ing from Western Michigan University. Between hospitals. 1974-78, she honed her skills at every newsroom Rick is involved in his community. He built job, becoming the first woman to anchor an eve- and operated a restaurant in the historic Gaslight ning West Michigan newscast in 1976. Village of East Grand Rapids. He currently serves But that was not the first time Suzanne was on the board of the East Grand Rapids Recre- first. In 1971, she and another female student were ation Department.

Centennial Edition 11 Keeping up with Emeriti Where are they now? Jules Rossman

My 26-year career at Western Broadcast area became the area of Mass began in 1963 in the Broadcasting area Communication. Additional faculty of the then Department of Speech and beginning with Dr. Tom Pagel in the Theater, working with my late beloved 1970s allowed us to expand our offerings colleague, mentor and friend, Dr. Robert in various areas of Mass Communica- Franklin Smith. Dr. Smith unexpectedly tion Theory, Advanced TV Produc- passed away a few years after my arrival. tion, performance courses, and more. Dr. Zack York was the department chair- I was also able to introduce courses in man. The broadcast area then consisted Broadcast Sales and Programming. Two of one faculty member (R. Franklin) modern TV studios were constructed and three courses, Radio Production, in Dunbar Hall, and two modern radio Broadcast Journalism and Introduction production studios in Brown Hall. With to Broadcasting. Classes were offered in additional faculty, and video and film East Hall, and in white World War II production facilities, we began offering shacks near the football field. The radio courses in film and video production. By studio was a small room and production the time I retired, our area of one faculty facilities consisted of one turntable, one microphone member and three courses had grown to a faculty of and an old reel-to-reel tape recorder. Due to lack of seven, a public relations program, several major areas space, my office was in a converted closet with room of concentration, and almost 20 courses. During those for a desk, two chairs, and a walled bookcase. years I also enjoyed serving as departmental advisor. Experience in commercial television allowed me to A number of our students have gone on to success in add various courses in television production, scripting broadcasting and related fields. These include Tim and others. The very basic TV Production studio was Allen, Jim Hickey (ABC TV News) Tom Decerhio housed in a room at the back of the old Waldo Li- (TV commercial producer and director of the film brary. WIDR was still Inter Dormitory Radio, located “Celtic Pride”) Suzanne Geha (news anchor, Grand on the top floor of the old Maybee Music Hall. Until Rapids) Michael Petok (TV producer of the Bernie his unfortunate death, Dr. Rad Kuykendall was the Mac TV Show) and others. Two years ago, 15 of my WIDR advisor for many years. His tireless dedication former students and I had a reunion in Las Vegas. eventually resulted in WIDR’s FM license granted in It was a blast! the 1970s. Dr. Barry Sherman was the advisor for sev- After moving to Scottsdale, I helped establish eral years until he moved to the University of Georgia. the WMU Alumni group with several of my former I replaced Dr. Sherman and kept the position until students who live in the area. I keep busy with various my retirement. Upon retiring, several students estab- projects involving my temple, an annual film festival, lished a scholarship in my name, which is awarded on the steering committees and doing publicity for every year to the outstanding WIDR staff member. I various interfaith and social action groups, and get to also received the Advisor of the Year Award from the the gym at least five days a week. Ernie Stech and I university. get together when he comes down from Flagstaff, and There was a major expansion and change be- I‘m in constant touch with Dick Dieker, Tom Pagel, ginning in the 1970s and 1980s. As the department and other faculty. Life is good and I look back at 26 became the Department of Communication, the wonderful years at Western.

12 communicator Keeping up with Emeriti Where are they now? Robert Smith

Although now retired from he staged for these theatres are the School of Communication for “The White Rose,” “Inherit more than a decade, Robert L. the Wind,” “Wait Until Dark,” Smith continues to be extremely “The Complete Works of Wm. active in the community and the Shakespeare (abridged),” “The region, as well as the Univer- American Dream,” “The Bald sity. In 2004-2005 Bob not only Soprano” and “Return Engage- returned to teach as an adjunct ment: Dorothy Upjohn Dalton professor in the Department of in Kalamazoo.” Theatre, he also served as interim As a member of Actors’ director for the Master of Fine Equity Association, the profes- Arts Program in Performing Arts sional union, he also contin- Administration in the College ues to perform occasionally, of Fine Arts that same year. He including portraying Frosch, continues to serve the School of the drunken jailer, in the 1999 Music as an adjunct professor, an appointment he has WMU School of Music’s highly touted Miller Au- held since 1999, a role in which he assists the director ditorium production of the J. Strauss comic oper- of opera, both in the rehearsal hall and the classroom. etta, “Die Fledermaus,” as well as playing the role His retirement from WMU in 1996 not with- of “Pops” Bailey in the University Theatre’s 2004- standing, Robert pursues his passion for theatre, 2005 production of the musical, “The 1940s Radio having directed 25 and performed in 13 productions Hour,” in the Multi-Form Theatre. In 1999, he since May 1996. In May 2006, his production of a also received positive notices for his performance recent British comedy, “Humble Boy,” graced the in the title role of the Whole Art’s world premiere stage of the downtown Epic Center Theatre for the of Arnie Johnston and Deborah Percy’s “Rasputin Whole Art Theater, and last November/December in New York.” On Jan. 18, 2007, Bob enacted a his staging of Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s “Cinder- leading role as a retired American diplomat in the ella” played to full houses for 16 performances at the premiere of a new play, “Language Lessons” by Jo- Kalamazoo Civic Auditorium. seph Zettelmaier, at the professional (Equity) Per- Over the past decade his directorial work includes formance Network Theatre in Ann Arbor. The play highly praised productions of “Death of a Salesman,” ran 28 performances through the end of February. “Elizabeth Rex,” “A Raisin in the Sun,” “You Can’t Bob earned a Ph.D. in Theatre and Speech Take It With You,” “A Woman Called Truth,” “The from Michigan State University in 1968 after start- Importance of Being Earnest” and “Amahl and the ing the doctorate at Iowa. He came to WMU in Night Visitors” for the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, as 1964 as assistant professor of Speech and director well as a number of well-received productions for the of the University Theatre, a position he held until Whole Art Theater, the Kalamazoo College Theatre 1975. He also taught at Hope College, Michigan Arts Department, the API Theatre, and the Marshall State, the universities of Kansas, Missouri, Nebras- Civic Players. ka; and at Bowling Green—where he received his Among the more highly acclaimed productions B.S. and M.A. degrees.

Centennial Edition 13 RecentAlumni Cassie Haslett, B.A., basics and applying my education to helped me gain a better understand- Public Relations, real life and to my career. ing of how the media works, which 2006 in turn allowed me to form better Promotions Director, Recommendations for current students: working relationships with them. Kalamazoo Kings Don’t settle for a job you’re Professional Baseball Most importantly, my degree’s em- Team unhappy with. A full-time job takes phasis on writing made for an easy up too much time to spend doing transition to day-to-day PR func- something you don’t like. After tions like writing press releases, bios, How has your degree been of value to college, you’ll probably have to try backgrounders and program plans. you? out some different positions until Having the opportunity to you find the right fit—so don’t feel Recommendations for current students: choose different classes helped me like a failure if you have to leave a I would suggest students look to get a well-rounded education. position you don’t feel right in. Of for and obtain internships early and Within this past year, I can say that course, give things a chance, and often in their college career. Public I have put my design, public speak- don’t expect to have your dream relations has many specialized niches ing, broadcasting, and public rela- job right away. We all have to start and more experience gained in these tions courses to use. somewhere. niches can allow students to separate themselves from peers in the job Recommendations for current students: Paul Jackiewicz, B.A., Public Relations, market and better understand what 2004 Intern. Intern. Intern. The Account Executive, Consumer Marketing sector they want practice in for their more experiences you have, the Group, Fleishman-Hillard career. I would also suggest obtain- easier your transition from class- ing a minor in Spanish as many large room to the work environment How has your degree been of value to companies are looking to increase will be. you? their marketing efforts to Hispanic My core classes in public rela- consumers. Most importantly, stu- Gerah Dutkiewicz, tions and journalism have been dents should join an organization or B.A., Organizational extremely valuable to me through- extracurricular activity and assume a Communication, 2000 out my career. Journalism classes leadership role. Marketing Consul- tant for The Allegan Group

How has your degree been of value to you? I use it everyday. Even on the days I’m not working. I feel that my degree not only gave me skills that I can apply on the job, but it gave me life skills. I am happy to report that I am one of those lucky people whose job is a perfect fit with my Paul Jackiewicz (center) degree. I learned the basics in col- interviewing Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat. lege, and now I’m building on those 14 communicator In the Alumni News Tim Terrentine a Kalamazoo native who has given National Weather Association and Douglass Community so much back to the community. the National Association of Black Association Executive Journalists, and is active in the Mul- Ron Boyd tiple Sclerosis Society and the United Director Negro College Fund. On Sept. 5, 2006 Tim Terrentine WMMT Weather Caster started his new job as the executive School of Communication alumnus Ron Boyd was one of two recipi- Bradley Egen director of the Douglass Community Producer and Actor Association. ents of this year’s “Golden Word WMU alumni, Bradley Egen, A 1997 graduate of Kalamazoo Award” presented by InterCom, a played the role of both producer and Central High School, Tim has Kalamazoo-based association of pro- actor in his latest film, “An Occurrence held a number of positions in the fessional communicators. at Owl Creek Bridge,” which was Ron has covered Michigan Kalamazoo community, always trying released in early November 2006. from one side to the other during to work with students. In addition, the “Ambrose his broadcast career. Before join- He received both his B.A. in Bierce” DVD was released at Wal- ing the News 3 staff, Ron worked Family Studies, and a M.A. in Com- Mart, Target, Borders, Amazon.com, as a weather caster at WJBK-TV in munication, from Western Michigan Barnes & Noble and Blockbuster University. Detroit. A native of Detroit, Ron has Video. It will also air in spring 2007 He has really impressed the com- a Bachelor of Science degree in on cable TV. munity with his efforts to make a bet- Commuication from Western Michi- Brad earned his B.A. in 1995 ter Kalamazoo for its youth. Tim has gan University and is continuing and his M.A. in 1997 in Commu- recently been featured in several ar- his education toward a degree in nication from Western Michigan ticles in local news papers for being meteorology. He is a member of the University.

Ron Dillard, B.A., English Education this knowledge Intern whenever possible. Get 2002, M.A. in Organizational Communi- in my current comfortable talking to people. cation 2005 position at State Be sure that you know how to Claims Representative for State Farm Insurance — Fire Company Farm. It’s amaz- market your degree. Most people ing how simple don’t know what to expect from How has your degree been of value to communication communication graduates. It’s you? cues assist me in important that you recognize the My degree has helped me calming a hom- importance and practicality of personally and professionally. Most eowner who has lost everything or your degree. If you don’t know, people either have communication in delivering not so good news in you certainly won’t be able to problems or tend to believe they’re an empathetic way. convince the person interviewing a communication guru. Delving you. Find a way to convince the into this social science taught me Recommendations for current students: powers that be that they need you. that there were many things I did I would recommend that cur- Cause them to wonder how they not know about my own com- rent students learn in the class- ever got along without a commu- munication. I’ve learned to apply room as well as the real world. nication scholar on site. Centennial Edition 15 Support the WMU Communication Alumni School of Communication Needed for Mentor Program \ Please fill out the form below and send it with your contribution Why You Should Join... to Western Michigan University, Think back to when you were a WMU student. Wouldn’t it have been School of Communication, 1903 great to have a professional in your field to give career advice, or a resume W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, critique? This is precisely what the Mentor Program through the Western MI 49008-5318. Alumni Association does. It provides the means to help Western students ❐ Enclosed is my gift of get a leg up in the professional world. $______, payable to WMU Currently there are over 400 alumni mentors on the system and more Foundation for the School of join all the time. However, there is a need for mentors in the Communica- Communication. tion field to join this network. Currently all seven colleges are represented, with the largest number coming from the Haworth College of Business. These mentors consist of Western Michigan University graduates from all over the Name(s):______country and the world. Thirty-two states, Washington D.C. and Pakistan are ______represented. Address:______Can I Volunteer to Share Specific Types of Career-Related ______Information? City/State/Zip:______Yes. You can choose the type(s) of guidance you’re willing to provide: employer information, career advising, regional information, resume review ______and mock interviews. You can also choose the type(s) of volunteering you Work Ph.: ______would like to do: job shadowing, informational interviews, mentoring, classroom speaking, and internship sites. Home Ph.:______E-mail Address:______How do I become an Alumni Mentor? ______To become an alumni mentor, you must first be a member of the WMU Alumni Association, The next step would be to register to become a mentor Year of Graduation:______on the Mentor Program Registration Page at www.wmich.edu/alumni. Once Degree:______you have registered, you will be contacted by the alumni office with more information, including how to access the Mentor Program via the program I am a(n): entrance instructions.

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