12/17/13 Fall 2011 - Alumni Newsletter - BGSU

Alumni Newsletter

December 01, 2011

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ALUMNI NEWS The Terry Goodman Memorial Journalism Scholarship has been established to honor the alumnus and award- Fall 2011 winning journalist who died from cancer in 1996 at the age of 40. School of Media and Communication [READ MORE] Department of Journalism and Public Relations Bowling Green State University FACULTY NEWS 302 West Hall Two new faculty members Bowling Green, OH 43403-0233 joined the department in 419.872.8349 the fall. Mike Horning 419.372-0202 FAX brings expertise in the field www.bgsu.edu/departments/journalism/ of multimedia journalism, and Ken Garland advises Terry Rentner BG24 News. Publisher [READ MORE]

Jim Foust STUDENT NEWS Department Chair The PRSSA students attended the national Kelly Taylor conference in Orlando, and Editor the BG News won a national award for its website as the staff members work to increase the paper's online presence. [READ MORE]

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www.bgsu.edu/departments/journalism/newsletter/12-01-11/index.html 1/1 12/17/13 LETTER FROM THE CHAIR - Alumni Newsletter - BGSU

Alumni Newsletter

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Dear Alumni:

Near the end of October, NPR’s “Fresh Air” featured an interview with New York Times media writer David Carr. As a reporter who embraces both new technologies like Twitter and old-school shoe leather reporting, Carr was a prominent figure in the documentary Page One: Inside the New York Times, which chronicled the paper’s efforts at adapting to—and shaping—the new media landscape. He has also been critical of media executives who have presided over mass layoffs at their companies and then taken generous retirement packages, asking rhetorically whether the “Occupy Wall Street” protesters shouldn’t seek to occupy newsrooms as well.

At one point “Fresh Air” host Terry Gross asked Carr if he felt that as a reporter who covers the business of media he was actually chronicling “the dismemberment of [his] own profession.” Carr answered:

No, I think we are entering a golden age of journalism. I do think there have been horrible frictional costs, but I think when we look back at what has happened—I look at my backpack that is sitting here, and it contains more journalistic firepower than the entire newsroom that I walked into 30 to 40 years ago. It’s connected to the cloud, I can make digital recordings of everything that I do, I can check in real time if someone is telling me the truth, I have a still camera that takes video that I can upload quickly and seamlessly. . . . I think that the ability to sit at your desk and check everything against history and narrative, it’s part of how newspapers ended up becoming . . . daily magazines. All the analytics are baked in because the reporters are able to check stuff as they go.

I thought Carr’s response was an apt assessment of the potential new technologies are bringing to today’s journalists. To be sure, new technologies and changing consumer habits have presented serious challenges to individual journalists and to the profession as a whole. But these new technologies also have tremendous potential for use as journalistic tools. And as Carr points out, these tools provide both new ways of finding information and of presenting content to the audience. In fact, the audience is no longer a singular entity (such as the people who buy that day’s newspaper or who watch that evening’s newscast) but—potentially—a varied group who consume journalistic content from a variety of sources at a variety of times and in a variety of places. So, some people read Carr’s articles in the newspaper, some read him in the online version of the paper, some follow his Twitter feed and some read his blog postings. Some, of course, do more than one or perhaps all of these. I actually listened to this episode of “Fresh Air” more than a month after it originally aired (and, in fact, “Fresh Air” unfortunately is not even carried on Toledo’s public radio station) in my car with my iPod.

Carr, of course, is not the only journalist who can speak to the opportunities new technologies are bringing to the profession. Almost every week, it seems, I hear from a former BGSU student who is working in some manner with online journalism, social media, mobile technology or a combination of all three. The good news is that they usually say the basics of journalism they learned while in our program allowed them to adapt to changes as they came along. Ideally, that is what we have always strived to do in the Department of Journalism and Public Relations—provide graduates with the basic skills of journalism and the ability to apply these skills in a wide variety of situations.

Our newsletters over the past few years have reported on many of our efforts to adapt ourselves to the changing media landscape so that we can continue to graduate skilled and adaptive journalists. Our new curriculum, as I reported in my chair’s letter last spring, is now in place, and new technologies now play an important role in all of our classes. We’re not stopping here, of course; the media landscape continues to change, and we will have to continue to change so that our graduates remain competitive and relevant in the future. This “golden age” of journalism is likely just beginning.

As always, I’m interested to hear what you think. We’re always looking for alumni to visit classes and become mentors to our current students. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jim Foust, chair

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Alumni Newsletter

ALUMNI NEWS

The Terry Goodman Memorial Journalism Scholarship is a new student scholarship honoring the alumnus and veteran sports journalist. The scholarship was founded by the BG News Alumni Society to honor the late Terry Goodman, whose career spanned from covering sports at the BG News to becoming an editor at the Morning Journal. At the Dec. 18 endowment recognition event, fellow alumni Phillip Wilson and Dennis Sadowski remembered a passionate Goodman. [READ MORE]

Bob Bortel’s Rolodex is overflowing with contacts. As director of student publications, he celebrates 30 years on this campus in December. Beginning as a student in the ‘70s, he became director of student publications in 1981. The times may have changed through his three decades, but his dedication to students and the connections he builds with alumni are his hallmark. [READ MORE]

Craig Wagner, a 1988 graduate, traded his busy lifestyle at The Blade for the peaceful rhythm of a monastery in southern Indiana. Now known as Brother Francis de Sales, Wagner blogs and writes for Abbey Press, the monks’ publishing house. “I don’t look at it as I once was a journalist, now I’m a monk … I’m still a journalist because I’m writing and editing every day,” Wagner said. [READ MORE]

Ashley Brugnone and Austin Arnold both graduated with print journalism degrees in spring 2010. Unaware that the other was applying at the same local newspaper, they found themselves together in top positions at the Bluffton News. Working at a local paper has proven to be tougher than they expected. [READ MORE]

Owens Corning senior corporate communications leader Matt Schroder was invited back to campus in September to speak at a meeting for Public Relations Student Society of America. Schroder gave tips on landing the first job and talked about his success as in public relations. [READ MORE]

Since graduating in 2004, Michelle Ruhlin Nicholson earned her graduate degree from Indiana University and completed an internship at Partners of the Americas where she landed a job as a senior communications officer. Nicholson takes on many roles for this non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C. [READ MORE]

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12/17/13 ALUMNI NEWS - Alumni Newsletter - BGSU

Kelly Nightingale gets to do public relations and help people at the same time. Nightingale works at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, on the video sequence communication team. In this position she interviews doctors, patients, the patient’s family about procedures and their experiences. She credits her time at BGSU for her success. [READ MORE]

May 2011 journalism graduate Angie Burdge has traveled to so many countries that she has lost count. “I’m guessing high 20s,” she said. Traveling throughout her college career helped Burdge in her minor of international studies. Now it helps her with her job as a secretary for the International Studies Program at BGSU. [READ MORE]

It’s 8 a.m. on a sticky Saturday morning in August. The sun is just beginning to peek out from behind a few clouds, but the streets are booming with cheering onlookers, dressed in their favorite jerseys. It’s Football Hall of Fame weekend in Canton, Ohio, and the parade is almost under way. While the Football Hall of Fame explodes with visitors and locals for one weekend, for Jason Rentner the whole year holds excitement. [READ MORE]

Maia Belay graduated with a broadcast journalism degree in May. After several months of searching, she took a part-time job as an assignment editor at WTOL-11, a Toledo television station where she had an internship as an undergraduate. Maia returned to BGSU Sept. 21 to speak to current students as part of a broadcast journalism panel about the importance of internships. [READ MORE]

After graduating BGSU in 2008, broadcast alumnus Matt Maynard has been breaking into both the corporate and entertainment market. Maynard has been an entertainment reporter for the hit CBS reality show “Big Brother.” While reporting for “Big Brother,” Maynard has also made his mark in the corporate world, recently taking a position at LexisNexis in Dayton with the communications team. [READ MORE]

Author and 1949 graduate Harold Flagg recently penned a book that shows readers how to travel like kings but on an average person’s paycheck. “Affordable Luxuries: Caviar Living on a Tuna Diet” is an account of how one man experienced the world through ordinary means during and after his tour of duty in World War II. [READ MORE]

Chad Stebbins, a professor at Missouri Southern State University and a 1995 doctoral graduate, has lived through five tornadoes while living in Tornado Alley. The most recent was the May 22 tornado that hit Joplin, Mo. [READ MORE]

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www.bgsu.edu/departments/journalism/newsletter/12-01-11/page103853.html 3/3 12/17/13 NEW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR JOURNALISM STUDENTS HONORS SPORTS JOURNALIST - Alumni Newsletter - BGSU

Alumni Newsletter

NEW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR JOURNALISM STUDENTS HONORS SPORTS JOURNALIST

| by Bri Haller, ’13

The Terry Goodman Memorial Journalism Scholarship is a new student scholarship honoring the university alumnus and a veteran sports journalist.

The scholarship was founded by the BG News Alumni Society to honor the late Terry Goodman, whose career spanned from covering sports at the BG News to becoming an editor at the Morning Journal.

The scholarship is actually two awards — a non-renewable $500 scholarship for an incoming freshman planning to major in print journalism and work for the BG News, and a $1,000 renewable scholarship for a upperclassman majoring in print journalism working for the BG News.

Dennis Sadowski spoke at the scholarship ceremony. Sadowski worked alongside Goodman at both the BG News and the Journal. He emphasized how passionate Goodman was about both his family and the sporting events he covered.

“Terry was of course a family man, a journalist, and a sports fan. He was a true human being that could take and make people feel comfortable,” Sadowski said.

Goodman’s passion and dedication for sports drove him to go the extra mile throughout his life, whether it was driving from BGSU to Cleveland for a Cavaliers game on a school night or hoping he could still make deadline when his wife was in labor.

This perseverance helped him become the youngest sports editor in Ohio at age 24 at the Morning Journal, where he went on to earn 39 awards in journalism.

While sports coverage was the main focus of his career, Goodman strived to find the stories behind the athletes and coaches that brought them to life.

“He was always looking for that personal story behind people,” his wife, Nadine Goodman, said.

Sadowski said, “He insisted on keeping his phone number in the paper so he could keep in contact with people, so they could give him scoops, they could complain, they could tell him real stories he could follow up on.”

Part of the scholarship ceremony included guest speaker Phillip Wilson, an alumnus and sports writer for the Indianapolis Star. He also remembered this about Goodman.

“It’s about the reader,” Wilson said. “Terry loved to write about people for other people.”

Like any other news story, covering sports poses has its difficulties. Wilson talked about the struggle with repetition and the reluctance of athletes to talk to him after brutal losses.

“It’s not what you cover, it’s how you cover it,” Wilson told the audience of students, faculty and alumni. “Even if it’s a challenge, don’t give up. Dig.”

Goodman also believed in getting the most out of his stories, but he always managed to keep his family a priority, his wife recalled.

“Romantic evenings consisted of Terry taking notes, getting the basics of a story … compiling stats and talking to coaches,” Nadine said. “He was dedicated to the craft and seriously upheld the principles of an unbiased, pure journalism.”

Though Goodman’s life was cut short, the scholarship will help keep his passion for journalism alive.

“In his work, in his life, in his family, (Goodman was) showing the example of how to be a good person, for all of us,” Sadowski said. “It’s not over. We can continue to carry out Terry’s legacy.” www.bgsu.edu/departments/journalism/newsletter/12-01-11/page105380.html 1/2 12/17/13 NEW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR JOURNALISM STUDENTS HONORS SPORTS JOURNALIST - Alumni Newsletter - BGSU said. “It’s not over. We can continue to carry out Terry’s legacy.”

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www.bgsu.edu/departments/journalism/newsletter/12-01-11/page105380.html 2/2 BOB BORTEL PAGE BY SUZANNA ANDERSON, ’12 Publications director celebrates 30 years Bob Bortel’s Rolodex ber of the student publication Jones walking down the hall- is overflowing with con- board, said. way,” Tucker said. tacts. Bortel surpasses his job de- Like Indiana Jones, Bortel Bortel, who celebrated scription to help the students. takes his professional knowl- 30 years on campus in Asia Rapai, editor-in-chief edge and extends it beyond ev- December, has created of the BG News, often goes to eryday teaching. bob’s an extensive network of Bortel with questions. “What- “He’s been in academics for bio people. And while the ever random stuff we’re talking 30 years but hasn’t lost what times may have changed about, he’ll question it and how it’s like to be in the professional Education: through the director of student [we can] turn it into a story, journalism field,” Rapai said. Bachelor of Science in publication’s three decades, his make it relevant to readers,” Bortel has helped generate Journalism dedication to students and the Rapai said. “You always get revenue for the program. Magazine Sequence connections he has built with something out of it.” He created the following Bowling Green State alumni remain his hallmark. Gina Potthoff said, “Ev- products or directly managed University, 1977 “I’ve spent most of my life ery conversation with Bob is them to raise revenue for media Master of Business working in some capacity with memorable.” Potthoff, former education at the university: Our Administration BGSU. You obviously see a lot editor-in-chief of the BG News, Town—Your Town magazine, Marketing/Market of change,” Bortel said. “Fol- graduated in 2010. First Year Insight magazine, Research lowing [the] success of former Key magazine editor-in- University Student Planner, BG Bowling Green State students over their professional chief Emily Tucker started on Bucks Couponing service and University, 1983 careers has been [a] special joy the magazine as a reporter and the BG News website. ProfEssional of this job.” photographer as a freshman in “They’re niche products to awards: As the director of student 2008. She said Bortel was help- support what we do here educa- The Golden Touchstone publications since 1981, Bortel ful in the smallest tasks, like tionally,” Bortel said. Award 2011 from Press works with the BG News, Key when she needed a key to the Bortel cares about the rev- Club of Toledo magazine and other publica- magazine’s office. enue, but more importantly he tions. Her most notable impres- cares about supporting students. ProfEssional “He does so much. [He] is an sion, though, is how Bortel “He’s just an awesome per- MEMbErshiPs: immeasurable asset for the de- presents himself with his leath- son,” Max Filby, news editor of Society of Professional partment,” Nancy Brendlinger, er jacket and fedora. the BG News, said. “He’s just Journalists associate professor and mem- “He looked like Indiana like a parent to all of us. He’s Society of News Design passionate about what he does and that comes across.” College Media Advisers and First Amendment Relationships with Bortel Committee member don’t end with graduation. Bortel tries to stay connect- College Newspaper and ed to alumni, Rapai said. “I’m Business Managers always impressed by how much Treasurer of BG News he remembers of past students.” Alumni Society Potthoff wanted to move to California after graduating, and bG nEws awards: Bortel connected with alumni Best College Daily in the to help her realize her dream. Nation by the Society of She is now the education re- Professional Journalists (1988-1989) porter at the Santa Maria Times in California. Second, Best in Show “It’s like once you graduate

Website by the College of Anderson, ’ 12 photo by Suzanna you don’t leave,” Potthoff said. Media Advisers 2011 Critiquing the current issue of the BG News, Bob Bortel, the director of student publications, talks with James Bero, a senior print major, about improvements. “You have a connection.” CRAIG WAGNER PAGE BY ALISSA WIDMAN, ’12 Vocation Combination Alumnus applies journalism to new lifestyle as monk To Craig Wagner, St. pers in Springfield, Bowl- to put into words because year process of Wagner’s Francis de Sales was nothing ing Green and Galion, Ohio, it’s not something I ever conversion into Brother more than a church near the before taking a job at The envisioned or imagined Francis de Sales Wagner. spot where he parked his car Blade as a copy editor in would happen to me,” “At first, it was hard to for work. 1999 and eventually moving Wagner said. “But when understand how someone For several years the for- up to wire editor. I visited [St. Meinrad], it who was such a news junkie mer (Toledo) Blade wire edi- “I moved up, got various started to make sense.” could drop all that and ad- tor walked past the church, jobs and did fairly well,” Wagner left The Blade just to a monk’s lifestyle,” noting its presence, but nev- Wagner said. “But I knew soon after and moved to the Sielicki said. “But when I er stepping inside. there was something more monastery in 2006. got there and saw the cere- Wagner never realized its than I was supposed to be When his life took this mony, it totally makes sense name would stick with him. doing.” new direction, Wagner’s to me. He wanted to find his Now he is no longer Craig After his father died in former coworkers were sup- role — his life mission — Wagner, but Brother Francis 2003, Wagner said he began portive and said they weren’t and he found it.” de Sales Wagner, a full and to question the direction his entirely surprised by the Although he adopted permanent member of a life was headed. conversion. the monk lifestyle, Wagner Benedictine monk commu- “Looking back, I think “I wouldn’t say it was didn’t have to give up jour- nity in southern Indiana. the process started long be- shocking; I thought it was nalism in the process. Life in the newsroom fore that, I just didn’t recog- really remarkable and cou- At St. Meinrad, Wagner greatly differs from life at St. nize it,” Wagner said. “My rageous, in a way, because has been able to use his Meinrad monastery — but if life was unfulfilled in many it’s something that regular journalism skills at the you ask Wagner, he wouldn’t respects, and I wanted to society probably doesn’t monks’ publishing house, have it any other way. know why. It was really only think about much,” Tony Abbey Press, where he is “It’s a good, peaceful at that point that I sincerely Durham, news editor at The a writer and an editor. He rhythm,” he said. “I’m doing asked and told God ‘I can’t Blade, said. “He seems to be also regularly writes about things now I never would do this anymore, please take exceptionally happy there. spirituality on his blog, The have imagined trying to it from here.’” He’s doing what he feels Path of Life, and continues do before, with a sense of Wagner grew up Catholic, like he was called to do and I to communicate with his peace, fullness and purpose but said he drifted away from couldn’t be happier for him.” former colleagues at The that was missing be- the faith throughout That Wagner took on the Blade over email. fore.” high school and new name Francis de Sales “I don’t look at it as I Wagner grad- college. After — the patron saint of jour- once was a journalist, now uated in 1988 his father’s nalists and writers — didn’t I’m a monk,” Wagner said. and worked death, how- surprise his colleagues, ei- “In many respects, I’m still as a journalist ever, Wag- ther. a journalist because I’m for nearly 20 ner began Jim Sielicki, a copy editor writing and editing every years. a t t e n d i n g at The Blade, traveled to St. day.” He worked Mass, read- Meinrad this January to wit- Wagner also doesn’t con- at newspa- ing scripture ness the ceremony where sider his spiritual journey and discerning Wagner took his solemn over now that his solemn the possibility vows. The ceremony was the vows have been made. of religious life, final step He is currently study- which re- in a five- ing for a master’s degree awakened at St. Meinrad Seminary his faith. and School of Theology “ I t ’s and considers every day a difficult learning experience, both in and out of the classroom. “Nobody knows what the future holds,” Wagner said. “The monastic life at its essence is all about conversion. Making your Brother Francis de solemn vows is a milestone, Sales Wagner makes but it doesn’t mean you’ve his solemn and perpetual vows in arrived — it’s just the January. beginning.” photo provided by St. Meinrad Archabbey ARNOLD & BRUGNONE PAGE BY SARAH TRUSZ, ’13

Recent graduates run the show at the Bluffton News

Imagine making all the decisions for the the Bluffton News and what it does in the production of a weekly newspaper only community,” Brugnone said. three months after graduating college. The city of Bluffton, which has a This is an everyday expectation for print population of a little less that 4,000, is journalism graduates Austin Arnold and located about 40 miles south of Bowling Ashley Brugnone, who run the entire news Green off Interstate 75. The Bluffton operation the Bluffton News. News, a weekly newspaper distributed on Although Arnold and Brugnone knew Thursdays, covers town news, sports and each other while attending BGSU, they updates about Bluffton University. never imagined that they would end up Brugnone and Arnold are in changeover working together in top positions at the mode. Brugnone is transitioning from same local newspaper. managing editor to a graphic design position, “I applied for almost 30 jobs following and Arnold is shifting from assistant editor graduation,” Arnold said. “The search was to the acting editor position. long and nerve-racking.” Because of the small size of the Bluffton Brugnone also applied for many jobs News, Arnold and Brugnone are in charge and encountered rejection due to lack of of a multitude of tasks ranging from writing experience. articles, responding to customer concerns, Neither knew the other was applying for a and finding their own potential leads for position at the Bluffton News. Once Arnold new stories. “Working at a small newspaper and Brugnone secured their positions, they has proven to be tougher than either of us began their new careers less than a month could have expected,” Arnold said. a part. Brugnone said, “Every Tuesday, I feel “I feel that my biggest responsibility as a like I can’t breathe all day. I work almost a journalist is keeping the people informed,” 10 hour day and still feel overwhelmed and Brugnone said. “There is such a strong sense unprepared for publication when I get home of community in the town of Bluffton.” that evening.” Arnold and Brugnone feel a connection Despite the stress and taxing feeling to the city of Bluffton as a result of associated with the deadline, Arnold and attending and covering local events. “The Brugnone said they feel very accomplished people are welcoming and appreciative for when they see their creation on newsstands. THEY DO IT ALL THEY DO IT

Working at a small newspaper has proven to be tougher than either of us could have expected. - Arnold Austin Arnold Ashley Brugnone MATT SCHRODER PAGE BY KAIT SEIBERT, ’12 Corporate pr practitioner networks his way to career success Owens Corning senior adviser, Ray Laakaniemi. success doesn’t surprise me in corporate communications Laakaniemi stopped him in the least.” leader Matt Schroder was the hallway, walked to his Schroder said it was the invited back to campus in office and made a phone call hands-on experience that he Schroder shared tips for a September to speak at a to get Schroder an interview gained at BGSU that was the student’s post-graduation meeting for Public Relations for a newspaper where he later most valuable. “Bob Bortel had job search during the Student Society of America. accepted a job. a huge influence on me and my September PRSSA meeting. “I asked Matt to speak Schroder credits both career,” Schroder said. “My at our PRSSA meeting Laakaniemi and Terry Rentner classroom work and degree because he is really down to for making the first positive were the prerequisites that Schroder earth and truly cares about impressions on him at BGSU. helped me be successful with helping students achieve “Doc Laak was my adviser my internships with the BG success,” faculty adviser Julie and Dr. Renter was my first News and Sentinel Tribune.” Says... Hagenbuch said. professor in the journalism After graduating in During his talk, he spoke sequence,” he said. “They both May 1992, Schroder began Always Make about the importance of really got me excited about his career as a newspaper Connections networking and compiling pursuing my major.” journalist. A few years into your best attributes on your Schroder began working for his career he discovered his and Stay In resume that will stand out to the BG News as a freshman knack for public relations and Touch future employers. and continued through his decided to make the switch. In the public relations world, “I walked away with a lot senior year, publishing his Schroder honed his skills it’s all about who you know. of helpful tips about building last piece a few weeks after and worked his way up through an impressive resume graduation. three major PR/marketing Set yourself and cover letter,” “Matt was always agencies in Toledo, Ohio. member Anna a very focused Today, Schroder said he is Apart From The Chistoff said. student who was proud to be the senior corpo- Competition Schroder dedicated to his rate communications leader Don’t be afraid to be diferent. told the story writing,” Director for Owens Corning, a market- of the of Student leading innovator of glass-fiber time when Publications Bob technology and Fortune 500 Proofread! he came Bortel said. “He Company for 57 years. Before you send anything back after started off as a Geographically, Schroder out have someone look over graduation to sports writer and has stayed in northwest Ohio. it frst. Typos will get you visit the campus worked his way up “I’ve been fortunate to come eliminated frst. and ran into to editor by the time across multiple opportunities his former he was a senior. His for rewarding work in Ohio Be Creative career with successful companies led It’s okay to add a little by first-class people,” he said. personal fare to your cover “The personal and professional letter and resume but... relationships I’ve built both at BGSU and in my professional Don’t career are what I value most.” Schroder said much of his Overdo It career success is attributed Length is not always better. to the connections he made Make your ideas clear and to and fundamentals he learned the point. while at BGSU. “The location, academic reputation and social scene in Bowling Green made my decision to be a Falcon Matt Schroder very easy.” photo provided MICHELLE NICHOLSON PAGE BY JANE BURICHIN, ’13

Being a communications specialist requiresJUGGLING ROLES Partners of the Americas is a At Partners of the Americas, workers on communication non-profit organization that has Nicholson finds herself having skills used throughout the grown to 120 volunteer chap- to take on multiple jobs. organization as well. ters and has touched the lives “I find myself wearing a lot “Another interesting facet of of over 200,000 people. Behind of hats,” Nicholson said. “My non-profit communications is PARTNERS OF this successful organization lies position involves overall man- that every organization wants THE AMERICAS a team of leaders running the agement of communications to have great communications, The non-profit day-to-day operations, with the for our network of volunteers, but not everyone understands organization vision to promote social and associates, affiliates, programs the effort that goes into com- is headquartered in economic development in the and projects throughout the municating well,” Nicholson Washington D.C. Americas. Western Hemisphere, and re- said. “You may be responsible One of these leaders is alum- cently I’ve also for educat- It was founded in na Michelle Ruhlin Nicholson, been doing a ing other 1964 as the people- who currently works as a senior lot of event “I find myself members of to-people component communications officer. planning as we your staff for the Alliance for Nicholson, from Perrysburg, produced one wearing a lot about all the Progress, which was a Ohio, earned her undergraduate global and one work behind program initiated by degree in Public Relations and regional event of hats.” the scenes U.S. President John F. Spanish in 2004. in November.” that goes Michelle Ruhlin Nicholson Kennedy in 1961. “My intention with studying Nicholson into devel- both journalism and Spanish as started out as oping a cam- Their mission is to an undergraduate was always an intern at paign or set- connect individuals, to combine the two into one Partners of the Americas fol- ting a policy.” volunteers, institutions, position somewhere down the lowing graduate school at Indi- Nicholson’s work requires businesses, and line, and I’m very fortunate ana University and moved into her to juggle a mixture of pri- communities to that I get to live out those plans the position she holds today. orities. serve and to change today,” Nicholson said. “I do feel like most people “The hardest part of my lives through lasting Nicholson said she refer- would consider my job to job is managing expectations,” partnerships. ences materials from her Media be very demanding, but I’m Nicholson said. “When you Publication and Design class lucky in that I love my work, have a lot of different parts of Partners believes taught by Kelly Taylor. so that makes it much easier,” your organization looking to that investing in youth is critical to the “Professor [Kelly] Taylor’s Nicholson said. you on a daily basis for com- social, economic and class really awakened me to the Nicholson said she is always munications support, it can be political stability of importance of good design, and trying to find new ideas that are difficult to tell them that their Latin America and the I use the eye for detail I picked creative yet effective. highest priority was displaced Caribbean. up in her classes all the time,” “The biggest thing that makes by an urgent situation.” Nicholson said. non-profit communications Despite the pressure, Through donations Taylor said she was not unique is that you really have Nicholson said meeting and and unrestricted surprised by Nicholson’s to develop multiple skill sets, talking to multiple volunteers is fundraising, the responsibilities and success. because you might be the only a very rewarding bonus. Partners of the Americas “[Michelle] was very communications staff person “Many Partners volunteers Foundation provides attentive in class, she was never in your office,” Nicholson have devoted a large part of grants to their network absent, and she always acted said. “You also necessarily their lives to helping others of chapters and very professional,” Taylor said. become very resourceful and and solving problems in affiliates to support, “She was a double major, which develop quite the knack for communities several thousand promote and foster required her to be conscientious accomplishing your project miles away from their own,” long-term about staying on top of things objectives on tight budgets.” Nicholson said. “Their relationships. and always having her work Working for a non-profit creativity and commitment is From www.partners.net done on time.” also means educating her co- truly unique.” KELLY NIGHTIN GALE PAGE BY MELISSA HEROLD, ’12

“I think it’s important for everyone to strive for a role in Promoting community in which they live.” with a ›Kelly Nightingale passion makes her time in the office count,” Green said. “You PR grad works see her passion in every video that she makes and posts on the Web.” at Nationwide Lindsay Ferguson, another co-worker, said, “She is energetic and passionate about her work and is Children’s Hospital thoughtful in her approach to assignments.” Nightingale did not start out as a journalism major. elly Nightingale gets to do public relations “It’s funny because I spent all of my time in high and help people at the same time. school dead set on architecture,” Nightingale said. “I think it’s important for everyone After much research, she decided architecture was to strive for a role in their career not for her and declared journalism as her major. She Kthat benefits the community in which they live,” began her journalism degree in the print sequence but Nightingale said. Nightingale works at Nationwide switched to public relations her sophomore year. Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. “I liked picking sides and being able to be an advocate According to Nightingale, the hospital focuses on for an organization I believed in,” Nightingale said. providing care for all children whether the families Nightingale said she gained a lot of experience have funding or not. The hospital is also nationally- through involvement with the Public Relations Student ranked in many fields including its medical care and Society of America. While in PRSSA she worked with cutting-edge research. the Red Cross. Nightingale’s duties as part of the video sequence She said the public relations writing course also communication team consist of on-camera interviewing provided a lot of practical experience because the of doctors, patients and families about procedures and students work with a real client. their experiences. She then edits the stories and pushes One of Nightingale’s favorite courses in the public them through various media outlets. relations sequence was campaigns with Victoria “It’s been about a year and I still look forward Ekstrand. She said the course made her think about to going into work every day,” Nightingale said in how to work with clients and meet their needs. an email. “I still get butterflies when I sit down to “She’s a professor’s dream,” Ekstrand said. Ekstrand interview a patient’s family. I’m pretty lucky.” described Nightingale as enthusiastic, pleasant and Co-worker Erin Green, who is on the consumer reflective of her work. events marketing team, worked with Nightingale this As for the future, Nightingale said, “I’m just taking summer to produce an event that released new brand it day by day, focusing on what I’m doing right now information to hospital employees. because really, I absolutely love what I’m doing right “Kelly truly sees the value in her work, and she now.” ANGIE BURDGE PAGE BY REBECCA SHIRLING, ’13 Siem Reap, Cambodia, in June 2011 Traveling throughout her time at BGSU helps alumna with her new university job May 2011 journalism “It just said ‘Want my job?’” president in the Italian club, graduate Angie Burdge has Professor Catherine Cas- and participated in Stand. traveled to so many coun- sara said, “She is extremely Stand is a student activist tries that she has lost count. well-rounded in her interna- group about issues relating “I’m guessing high 20s,” she tional interest.” to Africa. said. Cassara chose Burdge to She also maintained Traveling throughout her travel to Tunisia for a week- a blog when she studied Zadar, Croatia, in July 2010 college career helped Burdge long environmental commu- abroad in Italy her sopho- in her minor of international nication workshop when she more year. studies. Now it helps her was a student here. The one thing Burdge with her job as a secretary “We needed students that wishes she had done differ- for the International Studies could reflect back on the trip ently in her time as a student Program at BGSU. and benefit from the experi- would have been to take As the secretary for the ence,” Cassara said. “They and stick with a foreign lan- International, Asian and needed be open to cultural guage. Africana studies programs, differences.” “Maybe I’d make that my Burdge monitors emails; Professor Nancy Brend- minor or a double minor,” sets up class schedules; linger, who Burdge said was she said. “Now I feel like plans, coordinates, and pub- one of her memorable men- I’m at a disadvantage not re- licizes events and programs; tors, said Burdge was very ally knowing [a foreign lan- attends meetings; and works independent and concerned guage] fluently.” with the directors and bud- with the broader world. Burdge sees her current Paris, France, in March 2010 gets of all three programs. “She had a real love for in- job as another stop on her Burdge is not new to the ternational sorts of things,” international journey. She is International Studies Pro- Brendlinger said. “She real- gaining professional experi- gram. She completed a pub- ly wanted to see the world.” ence, but continues to travel. lic relations internship with Brendlinger also said “In five years… maybe the international studies pro- Burdge was well organized I’ll be in the Peace Corps,” gram during her final semes- and very involved on cam- she said. ter at BGSU. pus as a student. Her dream job, though, During the internship, she As a student, Burdge would be to do public rela- worked closely with the sec- wrote for the BG News, tions for a non-governmental retary, which is how Burdge acted as the peer facilita- organization such as Human learned of the job opening. tor for Brendlinger’s class, Rights Watch. “I got the email on my belonged to the Public Re- “If that fails, I could just birthday when I was in Bali lations Student Society of be a travel writer,” she said. photos provided Pisa, Italy, in March 2009 [Indonesia],” Burdge said. America, served as vice “That’d be pretty cool.” JASON RENTNER PAGE BY ALLISON BASILE, ’12

I still “can’t believe I get to be a part of something I enjoy every day. It doesn’t feel like I am actually at work.

JASON RENTNER

” photo provided Jason Rentner stands outside of the Football Hall of Fame, located in Canton, Ohio, where he is web production specialist. Rentner shows how dedication, P.R. at the H.O.F. early dreams pay of in big ways t’s 8 a.m. on a sticky Saturday morning college,” Rentner said. “Websites today that lead to his current position. The speak- I in August. Birds are chirping, the sun play such a vital role in PR and how we er was from the Hall of Fame. is just beginning to peek out from behind connect with our audiences.” “I ended up hitting it off with him and a few clouds, but the streets are booming With strong competition in today’s job gave him my résumé even though I had a with cheering onlookers, all dressed in their market, how is it that Rentner landed such job. He is now my boss.” favorite jerseys. It’s Football Hall of Fame a high-profile position? He said Bowling Tori Ekstrand, one professor who Rentner weekend in Canton, Ohio, and the parade is Green helped him sharpen his skills in PR, worked closely with as an undergraduate, almost under way. but also offered him opportunities to learn said in a world of competition, he showed While the Football Hall of Fame ex- other skills, such as photography. Rentner early on that he had what it took to do well plodes with visitors and locals for one shot sports and events for the BG News. after graduation. weekend, for Jason Rentner the whole year “That was a big reason I landed my job,” “He’s got much more of a competitive holds excitement. Rentner said. “I made myself into a well instinct to him, and I think that’s a really “Working at the Hall of Fame is a dream rounded journalist without even knowing great thing to have in this market,” she come true,” Rentner said. “I still can’t it, which separated me from the rest of the said. “You have to have a lot of desire to believe I get to be a part of something I applicants.” succeed, and Jason has that.” enjoy every day. It doesn’t feel like I am As for his time on campus, Rentner said Ekstrand also said that Rentner put a actually at work.” getting involved in groups and networking big focus on doing well in the classroom Rentner landed the position as web helped him the most, as well as taking ad- and always looked for ways to improve his production specialist at the Hall of Fame vantage of events, such as guest speakers work. in May 2011. He said most of his work that the university had to offer. Journalism instructor Julie Hagenbuch consists of writing and editing content “When I was in seventh grade I attended worked with Rentner in class and in the for the website, updating the social media a speech in the BGSU Union. The speaker Public Relations Student Society of Ameri- websites and occasionally taking pictures was a PR director for a Major League Base- ca, where he served as president. and creating videos. ball team. After hearing him speak I was in- “Jason was a solid student and very am- “My title as a web production specialist spired, and it was then and there I decided bitious, and he did great work as PRSSA seems like it has nothing to do with public my future career.” president,” Hagenbuch said. “I always relations, but it is actually very similar to After graduation Rentner attended an- knew he was going to land something big what I thought I would be doing after other guest speaker night on campus and and in the sports world.” MAIA BELAY PAGE BY ALEX ASPACHER, ’11 SEARCHING FOR WORK... summer break, Belay, a May broadcast news organization. graduate, was looking for work Belay joked that she in a stifling job market. probably did “just about every “I was pretty much just job they have.” floundering around trying to Sophomore Johnathan find a job,” Belay said. Keilholz was a BG 24 News She sent out more than 100 reporter during the time Belay resumes and showed clips to served as news director her anyone who would watch her senior year. Keilholz said DVD. She spent $80 on sub- he valued her willingness to scriptions to online job-finding provide honest criticism and services. Belay, who is still constructive help. receiving inquiries about her “Maia always has a level availability, only ended up get- head,” he said. “She’s never ting a few interviews, she said. flustered or crazy. She keeps a “I was under the impres- consistently positive attitude,

sion that I would easily get a even under intense deadlines.” Photo by Jim Foust job,” Belay said. “It’s not easy Belay contacted her former Maia Belay speaks to a group of students about the importance of at all. In three months, I got internship supervisor when internships and participation in student media. Belay appeared as two interviews. I was sweating she saw a part-time opening part of a Sept. 21 broadcast journalism panel that included fellow bullets. I had student loan pay- at WTOL-11. That connection alumni and WTOL-11 coworkers Joe Stoll and Colleen Wells. ments, and I was freaking out.” recommended her work to a With pressure building hiring news director. tips, news releases and wire Belay said she admires the to keep up with loans, she Belay has been an stories and fields a tremendous careers of Anderson Cooper continued spending $1.99 assignment editor since amount of phone calls. and Diane Sawyer, so it’s per envelope to send out August. “It’s not glamorous,” “I’m sure they saw her not surprising that one of her information. she said. grace under fire,” Keilholz dream jobs would be hosting Her persistence paid off, She’s a part-time employee, said. “She has to order people “Good Morning America.” and Belay landed a gig at and her “weekends” are around, and they’re (almost Long-term, Belay would WTOL-11, a Toledo TV station Monday and Tuesday, because all) older than her. She’s able like a more stimulating job that where she had an internship as nine-hour shifts make up to keep the pressure down and involves travel or relocation, an undergraduate. Saturday and Sunday. manage very well.” she said. The real key for Belay was At 22 years old, Belay is Belay said she’s happy to “I’m so happy I have a job, staying in contact with friends, responsible for taking charge be working, but she has bigger especially after struggling so colleagues and mentors from of a professional newsroom. long-term goals. much during the summer,” her undergraduate days. She She decides who goes where “Right now I have a Belay said. “But I don’t want to met people through extracur- and for what story. She pairs managerial-type job,” she be complacent with something ricular activities, especially photographers with reporters, said. “It’s not as creative as I don’t want to do the rest of BG 24 News, the university’s develops story ideas from reporting or writing.” my life.” MATT MAYNARD PAGE BY HANNAH VAUGHAN , ’12 Corporate meets Entertainment PR professional makes a name for himself in the world of TV reporting

or the past eight years, Matt Angeles where he gets exclusive Through working with “Big Maynard ’08, has been an interviews with the contestants Brother” and his professional Fentertainment reporter for in the backyard of the infamous positions, Maynard has realized “I think of it the hit CBS reality show “Big “Big Brother” house. the importance of networking Brother.” “Big Brother” is a “I think of it as getting the and exposure. as getting popular reality television show best of both worlds. I’m a PR and He’s found that being a BGSU that places 15 young adults in marketing professional by day alumnus has certainly helped. the best of a house that is under constant and an entertainment reporter by “The greatest thing about both worlds. video surveillance and separated night. Who wouldn’t want that?” being a BGSU graduate is that from the outside world. Maynard said. I’m a PR and By day, Maynard, a broadcast mates will periodically partici- marketing pate in events and challenges to Dayton as part of their commu- fellow Falcon,” Maynard said. win cash prizes. nications team. “In this day and age, when it’s professional Maynard interviews talent However, getting the best all about who you know, that can by day and an and producers and covers any of both worlds did not come be a great resource. I’ve found additional media in relation to easily, Maynard said. He has utilizing my BGSU connections entertainment the show for the online fan site. can be useful when seeking He also had the opportunity “Big Brother” fan site since high career advice and in some cases reporter by to live inside the “Big Brother” school and managed to balance career opportunities.” house for 12 hours alongside his time with studies at BGSU, night. Who 10 other media representatives involvement in Kappa Tau Alpha his dream job, one that combines wouldn’t want from outlets including People, his two passions, public relations The Associated Press, and now with his full time job. and entertainment. that?” “Entertainment Tonight.” “If you’re eager to learn and “I think of it like a set of The media reps got the Matt opportunity to see the house well worth the effort,” Maynard a new experience or block that I said. “I’ve found as long as can add to my skills. In the end, Maynard is normally a week’s worth of you’re doing something that you I want to have a solid foundation enjoy and that you’re naturally Maynard has also attended good at, the other things will just dream job, they won’t be able to fall into place.” say no!” Big Brother Contestant exclusive Interviews: Finale Night

To watch this interview go to: http://bit.ly/qr3iCW To watch this interview go to: http://bit.ly/pIT1j3 HAROLD FLAGG PAGE BY KATIE GORMAN, ’12

Traveling the Book Excerpt “To meet and chat World Without with Queen Elizabeth Breaking the II has to be a major highlight of my Conch Bank Republic ambassado- rial and journalistic happenings. Actually, ‘chat’ is a stretch. One does not talk to the Queen. She talks to you. She generally inquires, ‘And what do you do?’ In any case, we were briefed not to speak to Alumnus author publishes new book about world travels the Queen unless she uthor and 1949 to the Bahamas for a number of said. “Best of all, my books are spoke to us. graduate Harold Flagg years. online forever. In theory, many Arecently penned a “Affordable Luxuries” is only generations in the future will Actually, it wasn’t book that shows readers how one of three books Flagg has read my works.” necessary to score a to travel like kings but on an written. conversation. It was average person’s paycheck. In the second, titled traveling came while serving in “Affordable Luxuries: Caviar “Roosters, Rebels & Royals” the military. enough just to stand Living on a Tuna Diet” is an and published in July 2002, the He said Paris was by far his before 1,000 years of account of how one average man experienced the world as a G.I. then later as an avid moment in his travels. In that British history as em- through ordinary means, during explorer of the world. moment, Flagg said he realized bodied in Her Majesty.” and after his tour of duty in His third novel, a World that he could never be happy World War II. War II memoir published in simply as a farmer in Ohio. --Affordable Luxuries, p51 December 2007, is called “GI “I went while still in my “bygone days when our travel Odyssey.” teens from hoeing weeds and hearts were young and gay— Flagg also has a book in slopping hogs on a farm in and that word meant happy.” progress. The working title is “Affordable Luxuries” will Champs Elysees in Paris,” appear on bookshelves in described it as “a dark humor Flagg said. “To this day, the December and will be available along the lines of Henry Parisians can do no wrong.” in eBook form. Thoreau’s theory that most Flagg attended BGSU thanks Broken into four sections— Americans lead lives of quiet to provisions laid out in the GI “Cheap Thrills for Travel frustration.” Bill. Junkies,” “The Queen of Eng- Flagg was inspired to write As a journalism major with land’s Scotch,” “How To Look after spending 10 years writing a French minor, Flagg’s best Younger Longer,” “Checking tourism promotions and books memory as an undergrad Out Cuba” — and written in in the Bahamas. After retiring was the opportunity to study 112 pages, Flagg shares his per- to the U.S, Flagg said he took abroad for six months at Laval Photo provided by Harold Flagg. sonal experiences abroad. full use of what he calls the new University in French Canada Flagg is properly dressed and These experiences include era of effortless book writing. and immerse himself in the be-medalled for a West Indies meeting her majesty Queen “Thanks to the free of charge language. garden party thrown by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Elizabeth II of Britain, as well library computers, I can write a Flagg also served as editor of as working as the ambassador book in as little as a month,” he the BG News for two semesters.

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had Stebbins, a profes- Stebbins said his son Bren- ter for volunteer efforts at The their families. About 10,000 sor at Missouri Southern nan was driving with his Billingsly Student Center in people were drawn to campus CState University and a friends, Isaac Duncan and Co- the wake of all the destruction. for that service.” 1995 BGSU doctoral graduate, rey Waterman, that day. They “About 10,000 volunteers had Stebbins said that while the were casually listening to a been registered as devastation is al- while living in Tornado Alley. Kansas City Royals baseball of Memorial Day,” most unimaginable, The most recent was the May 22 game on the radio. There was Stebbins said. the rebuilding pro- tornado that hit Joplin, Mo. a severe weather broadcast, The center also cess is underway. Stebbins said none compare but Stebbins said none of them served as temporary “Stores are be- to the most recent. thought anything of it because barracks for Presi- ing rebuilt and The EF5 tornado, with it was summertime in Tornado dent Obama’s mili- some have already winds of 200 mph, hit Joplin Alley, where weather warnings tary advance group, reopened along that Sunday at 5:41 p.m. The are broadcast frequently. a call center about Range Line Road, death toll reached 162 people, That quickly changed when missing people, and which is Joplin’s making the tornado the deadli- one of the men saw the tornado. a disaster morgue- main artery,” Steb- est in the U.S. since 1947. They frantically decided to pull processing center bins said. “I have taken numerous off at a gas station, where the for the State De- While some out-of-town visitors on driv- three friends took refuge in a partment of Public Chad Stebbins places have already ing tours of the damaged area,” store’s walk-in beer cooler with Safety, he said. Stebbins said. “Everyone says 23 others. MSSU’s residence halls predict it’s going to take St. it’s much worse seeing it in Duncan recorded a haunt- John’s Regional Medical Cen- person than in pictures or on ing video of the experience and and rescue teams that came ter at least two years and Joplin television. It’s unbelievable uploaded it to YouTube. Over pouring into the area to help. High School nearly three to be that nearly 8,000 homes were 4 million people have watched “Our food service provider, rebuilt. destroyed. It reminds me of a the video. Sodexo, took over feeding the Stebbins said he believes in heavily bombed war zone.” “The tornado drew the city rescue workers and the ARC the people of Joplin’s resolve Stebbins also said that Mis- of Joplin and Missouri South- shelter clients and many other and their ability to rise out of souri Southern State University ern State University much volunteer workers,” Steb- the rubble. lost one faculty member and closer together,” Stebbins said. bins said. “Taylor Auditorium “Joplin will make it back,” one student. “The community really appre- served as the location for the Stebbins said. “Although 30 Stebbins’ mother lost her ciated MSSU’s leadership role memorial services hosted by percent of it was devastated, it’s house in the tornado, but she in the aftermath.” Gov. Nixon at which President a tough old town full of gritty was uninjured. AmeriCorps set up a cen- Obama spoke to victims and and determined people.” 12/17/13 FACULTY NEWS - Alumni Newsletter - BGSU

Alumni Newsletter

FACULTY NEWS

Kathy Bradshaw. Associate professor Kathy Bradshaw is serving on the Board of Directors of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication as Chair of the Professional Freedom and Responsibility Committee for 2011-2012. The organization supports journalism educators’ teaching, research and connection to the industries. As vice-chair of PF&R she presented the AEJMC First Amendment Award to Michael Kirk at the annual convention in St. Louis in August. Kirk’s company, Kirk Documentary Group, produces films for the PBS series FRONTLINE (photo at right).

OLIVER BOYD-BARRETT. While in Beirut in October as evaluator for the new graduate program in Media Studies at the American University, Oliver Boyd-Barrett addressed a panel of the 16th annual conference of the Arab US Association of Communication Educators, on Globalization and the Financial News Agencies. Additionally, Boyd-Barrett now sits on the Academic Committee of Xinhua, China's major national and international news agency. Boyd-Barrett also traveled to Brazil and China during the summer to lecture and teach. [READ MORE about his summer travels.]

JIM FOUST. Jim Foust, associate professor and chair, has published the third edition of his textbook, “Online Journalism: Principles and Practices of News on the Web.” His text is also set to be translated into both Dari and Pashto for use at Kabul University in Afghanistan. This came about through the University of Nebraska-Omaha’s School of Communication and a grant they received to help build a journalism program at Kabul University. Foust also has an article, “The ‘Atomic Bomb’ Of Broadcasting: Westinghouse’s ‘Stratovision’ Experiment, 1944–1949,” in the December 2011 issue of “Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media.”

KEN GARLAND. After working as an instructor at Virginia Tech for 15 years, Ken Garland joins the journalism department as the new BG24 News adviser. Garland hopes to improve the quality of BG24 broadcasts by cleaning up technical mistakes and improving the journalistic content of the shows. [READ MORE]

JULIE HAGENBUCH. Seven years ago, Julie Hagenbuch joined the faculty as a full time instructor. She was previously a communications specialist at Owens Corning. Besides teaching public relations courses, she advises the Public Relations Student Society of America, which includes accompanying students on trips to conferences and visits with alumni working in the field. [READ MORE]

MIKE HORNING. Hired fall semester as an assistant professor, Michael Horning brings multimedia expertise to the department. He is teaching reporting, copy editing this semester while finishing up his dissertation at Penn State. [READ MORE]

SETH OYER. Assistant professor Seth Oyer taught JOUR 4950: Social Media and Public Relations during fall semester. This was the first solely social media-focused class offered in the department.

TERRY RENTNER. Associate professor Terry Rentner is completing her fourth year as director of the School of Media and Communication. She is a co-investigator on a $514,500 grant titled “High-Risk Drinking and Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Program.” The goals of this three-year grant are to decrease the number of 18-25 year olds engaged in high-risk use of alcohol and decrease the number of 18-25 year olds misusing prescription medications. This is a collaborative effort with the BGSU Wellness Connection, BGSU Counseling Center and the Wood County Prevention Coalition. This brings her grant total to over $1.3 million. She also has five recent or upcoming publications related to public relations.

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www.bgsu.edu/departments/journalism/newsletter/12-01-11/page103855.html 1/1 OLIVER BO YD-BARRETT PAGE BY SARA ROOT, ’12 Summer Abrad Professor travels to Brazil, China to make presentations, teach Shortly after professor Oliver Boyd-Barrett arrived in Recife, Brazil, in May, the city was blasted with torrential rains, leaving villages half submerged in water. Boyd- Barrett was staying outside Recife as the rain continued the day he was to make the four- hour drive into the city. On the way to make his presentation, he came into heavy traffic, making some roads impassable, and the drive took over twice as long. “I’m going to say it was nine hours. That was a long trip in quite a small car,” he recalled with a laugh. When it came time to leave, Boyd-Barrett, center, poses with a group of Chinese and Indian scholars at the Summer Palace in Beijing during his trip. photo provided traffic had become so heavy that now all the roads leading conglomerate, said despite the the role of international news that; some original research,” out of Recife were impassable, impact of the event, it would not agencies. he said. forcing Boyd-Barrett to stay make the news in the country. Boyd-Barrett also gave He was also invited to overnight in a hotel. “For Globo, Recife and presentations around the city give a third presentation with The next morning Maria northeast Brazil is of absolute on the role and influence of help from a Chinese scholar Cleidejane Esperidião, his host no interest. That is the most those news agencies at different who previously worked for on this trip, met him for the impoverished part of this universities around Sao Paulo, Xinhua, an enormous media drive back. By this time she country, “ Boyd-Barrett said. including the trip to Recife, to conglomerate and international was able to explain the cause “The professional people just help fund his trip. news agency in Beijing. She of the traffic problems, which look down on the poor and After returning from Brazil, was able to get Boyd-Barrett Boyd-Barrett had assumed indigenous. [Esperidião] said Boyd-Barrett traveled to an invitation to present for were because of the heavy they’re just not interested.” Beijing, China, where he gave an audience of around 100 rains. That wasn’t the case. In addition, he said, because multiple presentations and managers and journalists from “There had been a Twitter- Globo would not cover taught a two-week class. Xinhua. based rumor going around the that event, it would not be He had been invited to “It was a wonderful city that a huge dam quite close international news either. Other provide a keynote presentation opportunity to go to Xinhua; to the city was in the process western international news for a conference titled “The a really very humbling of breaking,” he said. “And if businesses like Associated Changing Landscapes of experience,” he said. “Here, it did, then the city would be Press rely on local news media International Communication” [a news agency scholar like submerged.” around the world for stories. at the School of Journalism myself] lecturing these people. Recife falls below sea level “People think AP in Brazil, at Renmin University. Boyd- That really made the trip for me and Boyd-Barrett said that they’re going to have dozens Barrett’s presentation focused more than anything else.” a similar event had actually of correspondents. No, they on the international coverage of Boyd-Barrett is back at happened in the city sometime don’t,” he said. According to the crisis of Fukushima. BGSU for the school year but in the 1970s. Esperidião, they have only a To help fund this trip, Boyd- has applied for a sabbatical “There was some kind of few full time people in addition Barrett taught a two-week in 2012-2013 to do more collective memory of such an to a secretary or two and an course at Renmin, which is international lectures and study. event and people were naturally intern. also the largest university in Particularly, he would like to scared. Everyone at the same “There is no way that can Beijing. The graduate class was spend some time at the Chinese time just wanted to get out, cover this enormous half about national and international University of Hong Kong. hence, the impassability of the continent of Brazil. They rely news agencies. “We live in this globalized roads,” he said. on the local media, and if it’s “They were smart,” he said. world, so I’m thirsty for as “We talk a lot about the not covered in the local media, “They had good English, strong much international experience wonders of the social network forget it,” Boyd-Barrett said. English. They were engaged as I can get,” he said. “And I media, but here is a very This whole event illustrated with the class. Not all of them, seize these opportunities be- interesting example of one of what Esperidião’s dissertation but many of them I knew were cause I just enjoy the additional the negatives,” he said. was about and why Boyd- following what was going on standing and knowledge that But what really caught his Barrett made the trip to Brazil. and understanding it and asking comes about as a result of this attention was not the social Boyd-Barrett had flown to me questions about it.” kind of travel. And for someone media aspect but rather the lack Sao Paulo, Brazil, to serve as Boyd-Barrett repeated the whose research specifically in- of coverage this massive traffic an examiner for Esperidião’s Renmin lecture at The Chinese corporates international media event would receive. dissertation defense at the University of Communication. like the news agencies, all the Esperidião, who works Universidade Metodista de Sao “I was so glad I did that more reason therefore why I for Globo, the large Brazilian Paulo, a Methodist university. because I’ve put in quite a lot need to proactively seek out in- newspaper and television Her dissertation focused on of work actually preparing for ternational experiences.” KEN GARLAND PAGE BY RYAN SATKOWIAK, ’13 A FRESH FACE New BG24 adviser brings photo by Ryan Satkowiak, ’ 13 plenty of media experience Ken Garland, new BG24 News adviser, sits at his desk in West Hall. any people grow up following in their what appealed most to me about this job.” parent’s footsteps, picking up on their Garland graduated in 1978 from the that one of the problems he faces is teaching the Mhabits and the way they do things and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a students within a semester time frame. going into the same line of work. degree in broadcast journalism. “The writing is getting better every week, and That has not been the case for Ken Garland, He earned a master’s degree in counseling some of the technical mistakes, fortunately, are the new BG24 News adviser. becoming less and less,” he said. “But, it really “If I had done things the way my father University. He worked toward that degree while wanted me to do them – which would have been working for a television station in Anchorage. th week, we’re good, but the way he did them – I would have gotten a job While working in Alaska, he was part of a unfortunately we’re also done [for the semester].” and stayed with it the rest of my life,” Garland team that was nominated for a Northwest Region Garland was very complimentary of the said. “I’ve done just the opposite. I think I’m on Emmy Award for a documentary he helped write BG24 staff, saying they have picked things up my sixth job now.” and produce on the Iditarod dogsled races. quicker than the groups of students he taught at After working in broadcast for 18 years in Virginia Tech. were still nominated. It was kind of exciting in The BGSU students have responded well to years teaching. He was a broadcast instructor at that regard,” Garland said. “It was a lot of work Virginia Tech, where he oversaw the broadcast because we were following the race and were out Garland said, has been because of his proactive journalism program and taught courses in there for about two weeks, and there was a lot of form of addressing problems, as opposed to broadcast writing, broadcast management and preparation. reacting when something goes wrong. “We were competing against some big TV BG24 anchor and reporter John Subtirelu, After years spent working in the classroom, stations, so it was really satisfying.” who is in his second semester at BG24, said: Garland felt that he was ready to take the next Garland’s main responsibility here is to “Ken’s a very friendly, yet professional adviser. step in his career, which he said was to help be adviser for BG24 News. He also teaches He’s very approachable and focused. He has students in a more professional setting. one course per semester in the journalism or really helped organize the newsroom operations, “When you look at teaching, that is more telecommunications departments. and already this year we’ve seen an increase in based on lesson plans and textbooks,” he said. “The main thing that he is here for is to the quality of our content.” “In this role, you get to work with students in a establish more of a structure for BG24 News,” real-life setting, working with something that James Foust, journalism department chair, Garland’s advice. they hope to be doing someday. I think that is said. “We’ve always wanted someone to be, in “He has helped me specifically with writing essence, what Bob Bortel is to the BG News, my package scripts,” Subtirelu said. “He’s very KEN GARLAND SNAPSHOT where it would sort of be like adult supervision good at broadcast-style writing and offers a lot of on more of a full-time basis.” constructive criticism.” Garland said that his goal for BG24 is to While Garland knows that his role is important in helping the students develop a craft that, he said, is cleaning up technical mistakes, as that they may one day take with them into a well as improving the journalistic content of the professional setting, he wants them to be able to shows. have fun while they are learning. He said he is trying to make the shows more “I think having a good time is a pretty informative through better writing and better production. to make sure that you are productive and get things done, but at the same time it helps if you Garland has been pleased with how the staff has are enjoying what you are doing.” JULIE HAGENBUCH PAGE BY MAX FILBY, ’13

Relations class and through the Public Relations Student Society of America. “This is helpful to make contacts, as well more than as, getting a helpful insight on how the PR field is currently and what PR students have to look good PR forward to,” Norton said. Besides teaching public relations classes, Hagenbuch also gives students hand-on experience Corporate experience dealing with crisis communications, which she had enhances teaching to deal with at Owens Corning. Story by Joe Lepone, ‘11 “Crisis is not bad. It’s an opportunity. When you work in the crisis PR, you may think it’s the end Julie Hagenbuch loves teaching and she’s not of the world, but it’s not. When you are working just saying that for good PR. on damage control, the outcome will be better than In the past 10 years, Julie Hagenbuch has before where you stood in relation to the company,” worked in various aspects of the communications Hagenbuch said. field including the government, advertising and Ruffing and Norton said the biggest health care industries. Most recently, she was challenge that Julie prepared students for is crisis a senior communications specialist at Owens communications. Both were required to do a mock Corning, where she managed their global press conference in Hagenbuch’s class. They were 2000>> At Owens publication for 20,000 employees, as well as assigned a fake company, were required to make up Corning, speech writing for the CEO. several fake crises, then real reporters questioned Hagenbuch In October of 2000, she had to deal with a them about the event. deals with the company fling huge PR disaster at the Fortune 500 Company. “This was a very nerve-wracking experience, for Chapeter The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy especially because we really had no idea what to 11 bankruptcy. in response to a growing mountain of asbestos expect,” Ruffing said. liability claims. Norton said when dealing with crisis As the senior communication specialist, she communications, one must be on the ball and to be worked on the company’s bankruptcy filings prepared to expect anything that the media throws

relative to employee communications and how out at you. Hagenbuch 2002>> to respond to all the media attention that was “I was surprised at how unprepared I felt during begins talking focused on the company. the mock press conference, but as a result I learned to Terry The bankruptcy filing was a big challenge for a lot from the experience,” Norton said. Rentner, then me, Hagenbuch said. In addition to crisis communications, department After spending almost three years at Owens Hagenbuch shares her most crucial tip to students; chair, about a job at BGSU. Corning, she left the company in 2003 to knowing how to write proficiently. Even alumni spend more time with her family and pursue a have commented on her key tip. new career, teaching PR at BGSU. She began “Students must learn how to write. If you can’t, teaching full time in 2004. don’t go into the field. You need to practice as it’s a “I was working for Owens Corning when I key to your success,” Hagenbuch said. had to go to China, during the SARS outbreak According to Ruffing, Julie taught her that which started in 2002. I didn’t want to leave my writing and communicating are crucial to surviving 2003>> Hagenbuch firstborn child, so I talked to Terry Rentner, chair in the world of PR. leaves Owens of the Department of Journalism, about a job Hagenbuch also suggested to her students to Corning to opening here at BGSU,” Hagenbuch said. make sure they stay up with the technology; social begin Hagenbuch said she was tired of the lifestyle media in the PR field is huge. of the public relations industry and she wanted “When I was working in PR, this was before to teach. the Internet, so we would have to fax press releases “I was an adjunct professor here and so I one by one. Internet today is vastly different than

wanted to continue my teaching career. I love when I was in the field,” Hagenbuch said. Hagenbuch 2004>> it; it is great exposure and I love to interact with Two alumni said technology has influenced the joins the students.” PR field. faculty as Today, she spends her time teaching students “Employers are looking for media savvy, self- a full-time how to prepare for the real world. She wants starting individuals with a strong drive to go above instuctor. them to be able to combat the challenges they and beyond the required. Being detail-oriented and will experience in the public relations sector. able to creatively think outside the box doesn’t hurt, “Julie has given me the basic understanding either,” said Greg Kohlreieser, who works as a PR of public relations; what it is and how it works,” specialist for the American Truckers Association. said Ashley Ruffing, a public relations major. “I Alumna Sara Fortner said, “Staying on top of think the biggest thing she taught me is that PR is what is the new thing. Clients expect you to be the not all about textbook definitions and examples; social media, technology, and media guru, and it’s 2011>> Hagenbuch it’s about real world experience. Julie has helped important that you keep up with the ever changing marks her me form an idea of what to expect in the real landscape of the media worlds.” seventh year world after graduation.” Hagenbuch said she is glad to make an impact of teaching at BGSU. Brittany Norton, a telecommunications major, and is confident that the students have received a said Hagenbuch prepared her for the PR field by healthy dose of PR and are prepared for the PR advising her through her Principles of Public field after graduation. MIKE HORNING PAGE BY STEPHAN REED, ’13

Multimedia professor proves Fun Facts about Professor Horning he is more than just THE NEW GUY ow that journalism is delivering room and help people. He had a “I have been working on my “Often they don’t mean to do news in a multitude of ways, more interactive presentation as I doctorate at Penn State, so I’m it, but ‘technoids’ don’t understand Njournalism faculty members recall.” not a doctor yet,” he said. “My what you don’t understand, and a completed a curriculum revision The faculty liked Horning as dissertation is on hyper-local lot of people don’t really keep up and needed a professor who could well and hired him to start this fall. news. It looks at different types with modern technology,” she teach multimedia journalism. “Mike had the technical of local news and online news said. “We unofficially called it a skills we were looking for,” start-ups. I’m also looking at Horning said working with converged journalism position,” Foust said. “He had the expertise more practical things like revenue students has been good so far. Jim Foust, department chair, in multimedia journalism. He models, advertising potential and “I haven’t gotten any negative said. “We were basically looking had professional experience in sustainability.” feedback,” he said. “I think for someone who could join the journalism, and his research Research is just as much a part we’re still going through the ‘I’m faculty on tenure track and help us agenda fits well with us. He was a of being a tenured professor as the the new guy’ phase. They [the in our efforts to work multimedia great combination of all the things actual teaching, Brendlinger said. students] are still trying to size into the curriculum.” we were looking for.” “To anyone who is on tenure me up. I’ve noticed as the weeks A search committee made up Horning currently teaches track, no matter how much you go on, students are getting more of Foust, Catherine Cassara and reporting and copy editing. In the love to teach, you have to get comfortable.” Nancy Brendlinger started in 2009. spring, he will teach copy editing research done or you will not be Horning said he tries to be “We were specifically looking and public affairs reporting, which here,” she said. available to his students. for someone who could use the is the print capstone course. Things are going well for “I like working with my new media, not just talk about it, “My personal interest in media Horning as the first semester students,” he said. “I don’t find them but actually use it,” Brendlinger is in government, democracy draws to a close. annoying or an inconvenience to said. “All of us can talk about it, and the role media plays in “We’re already seeing that he my research agenda. I don’t want but what we really wanted was an helping people understand their is a really good fit for us,” Foust to be the professor who closes his expert on it.” community,” Horning said. “I’m said. “We tend to be more low key door and hides from everyone.” The committee advertised the a political journalist junky at heart as a faculty. We don’t have a lot According to Horning, to be a position nationally, and Foust said who happens to think technology of egos on staff, and we’re a little good professor, he must keep up between 10 and 20 people applied is kind of a cool way of helping more relaxed.” with journalism advancements. from all over the U.S. people understand.” According to Brendlinger, “I want to keep up with At the convention of the Besides teaching, Horning will Horning is effective at teaching to the changes in the journalism Association for Education and work on finishing his dissertation. a variety of experience levels. world,” he said. “I don’t want to Mass Communication, Foust be the guy who is talking about met Michael Horning, one of the the newsroom in 1999. Keeping applicants for the position. things contemporary is difficult, “Dr. Foust and I met last but I don’t mind it.” summer and he [later] contacted Horning moved to Ohio with me,” Horning said. “We talked, his wife and three young children. and he invited me out here in “We were wondering how the January when it was negative six girls would adapt, and they seem to degrees outside.” like it,” he said. “In the beginning, As part of the interveiw we were unpacking a sled and my process, Horning taught a class daughter asked ‘Daddy, where are and presented his research. we going to sled? Everything’s so “They [the students] thought flat around here.’”

Mike was really engaging,” Foust photo by Stephan Reed, ’ 13 As a multimedia expert, said. “They liked that he made In the West Hall lab classroom, Mike Horning helps senior Nick Marlow double Horning is sure to find her an specific effort to walk around the check his front page design during the copy editing class. answer online. 12/17/13 STUDENT NEWS - Alumni Newsletter - BGSU

Alumni Newsletter

STUDENT NEWS

PRSSA STUDENTS REPRESENT BGSU AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE By Nate Doolin, ’13

Five Public Relations Student Society of American members made the annual pilgrimage to the national conference. Students Katie Chantler, Nate Doolin, Brittany Norton, Scooter Shenefield and Brandy Smith traveled to Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 14-17 for the conference titled “Perception Is Reality: Inspiring Effective Communication.”

Students spent the majority of the days inside the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld attending workshops and seminars and hearing from professionals in the field. Key speakers at the conference were Craig Dezern, vice president of Global Public Relations at Disney Destinations; Joel Glass, vice president of Communications of the Orlando Magic; and Robert Cusick, former Director of Government Ethics for the White House.

“I thought the breakout sessions were very informative,” Shenefield said. “I enjoyed hearing the stories on how students volunteered in companies as interns and how they worked their way up. It gave me a lot of encouragement to see how going above and beyond can lead to great opportunity.”

The PRSA Diversity Committee hosted a mixer at JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes on second day where students in PRSSA and members of PRSA were able to share ideas. The mixer gave students an opportunity to freely mingle with participants in the field and practice their networking skills.

The BGSU students also visited the headquarter of Darden Restaurants while on the trip. Darden is a Fortune 500 Company and the world's largest full-service restaurant company. Students met with Kristin Kelley, Internal Communications Director, and her staff for a roundtable discussion. Kelley is a former colleague of adviser Julie Hagenbuch from Owens Corning.

The 2012 National Conference will be held in San Francisco, Calif., from October 12–16.

BG NEWS STEPS UP ONLINE PRESENCE The BG News is printing less issues per week this year and putting more emphasis on driving readers to the website. The redesign and new focus paid off in a second place finish for the website in the national Best of Show competition sponsored by the Associated College Press. [READ MORE]

BROADCAST STUDENT NAMED MISS MAUMEE VALLEY Broadcast major Janae Deleon won Miss Maumee Valley in November. The senior, who took home $800 in scholarship money, won first place in swimwear, interview and talent.

She sang the classic Shirley Bassey love song “I who have nothing.” In the fifteen-minute interview, judges asked her about current events including gang violence in Toledo.

Deleon, who topped 17 people, advances to the Miss Ohio competition in June. The Miss Ohio winner will go on to compete in the Miss America pageant.

MICHELE WYSOCKI RECEIVES INAUGURAL COLLINS SCHOLARSHIP Journalism major MICHELE WYSOCKI (second from left) poses with Kendra and Dick Maxwell (right) after being chosen for the inaugural Robert F. Collins Sport wwMwe.bdgisau. eSdcu/hdoeplarrtsmhenipts./ jBouGrnSalUism jo/nuewrnslaetltiesrm/12 g-0r1a-d11u/paatgee 1D03ic8k54 M.htamxlwell is former Director of 1/2 12/17/13 STUDENT NEWS - Alumni Newsletter - BGSU Media Scholarship. BGSU journalism graduate Dick Maxwell is former Director of Broadcast Operations with the NFL.

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CHANGES <<< PAY OFF Less BG News website prints less wins award Is and steps up >> Te BG News online section staf won second he BG News moved from the new system and completed ing about how we define our five days of printing to MOREthe project in August. print and Web version.” place for its web- T three this semester and has “Going into the fall we had a The BG News is also cur- site, bgnews.com, made major advances online. lot to think about,” Rapai said. rently working on a BG News in the national “We’ve had pretty good “We were anxious to know how application for Apple iPad and feedback from students, we were going to learn and iPhone and Android phones. Best of Show especially about the website,” manage this.” “We currently have a mobile Competition Asia Rapai, editor-in-chief of Bortel said the changes are site, but we’re still shopping the BG News, said. “Someone helping the students actively around for a company that will sponsored by the told me, ‘I didn’t even know participate in news, helping help us make the app happen,” at the Associated you had a website,’ and they them be better rounded. news editor Max Filby said. were surprised that we’re using He said the new system has “We’re hoping to have it by College Press. Twitter.” also opened more opportunities the end of the year and next Director of Student Publica- for students to get involved on semester.” >> The BG News tions Bob Bortel said there was the staff. “Our goal is to still try The BG News is also a mixed reaction from alumni. to continue to create a contem- incorporating social media finished behind “We had some alumni bemoan, porary learning environment tools. Readers can like the the University of and some said we’re ahead of for students while continuing to Facebook page or follow them the game,” he said. be a quality news organization on Twitter to receive news and Illinois. Bortel, who has been with at BG,” Bortel said. updates about campus and the the BG News for more than Rapai, too has seen the ben- Bowling Green community. >> The website is 30 years, said that this is not efits of the new website. “It’s “We’re using more and managed by Web the first time the BG News as simple, cleaner looking and more social networking,” Filby changed how it has printed. easier to understand and use,” said. “Let’s face it; today it’s editor Lauren In the past, the BG News has she said. “There are many op- unlikely that students will pick Poff and assistant printed monthly, weekly, five tions for the tools to tell a story up an actual paper so we’re days a week, fours days a week, and infinite space. It’s gotten us trying to connect with them in Web editor Natha three days a week, and even thinking creatively and think- other ways.” Elekonich. two days a week. The BG News is self- >> Te award sufficient, and funding was the main reason behind the recognized the reduction. four-month efort Bortel said they were simply not receiving enough print where the student advertising to run five days. staf completely “Sites like Craigslist have hurt advertising like common redesigned classifieds,” he said. the website The shift to a stronger online presence necessitated and lauched a the change to a new content new content management system. The BG New contracted with

management townnews.com. Amanda Eberhardt, ’ 12 photo by system. Students constructed the In the newsroom, Danae King, assistant Pulse editor for the BG website over the summer using News, works on a story. 12/17/13 DEPARTMENT NEWS - Alumni Newsletter - BGSU

Alumni Newsletter

DEPARTMENT NEWS

NEW STUDENT GROUP FOCUSES ON ONLINE NEWS

Last spring, a few students decided to go where no one had gone before— at least on an Ohio college campus.

The group began a student chapter of Online News Association, the very first on an Ohio college campus.

“We’re trying to grow and start doing things,” adviser Dave Sennerud said. “This is like walking on a high wire, though, we’re trying to test out some experimental waters here.”

He said ONA is the first of its kind in that it is the only journalism or public relations organization focusing solely on Web media.

“It’s doing well,” Brian Bohnert, president, said. “It’s still in the early stages, but I think we’ll do just fine. It’s just a matter of getting people to know about us. We’re a brand new organization.”

The officers met early in the semester to plan activities. One event was a video conference with Steve Spears, online entertainment editor at the St. Petersburg Times.

On Dec. 8, students gathered in Olscamp Hall to talk with Spears via video about his transition from being a print reporter to creating a blog and podcast.

"When I started I started as a copy editor and the Internet department was literally two people," Spears said.

About writing a daily blog, Spears said, "Someone told me once the key to blogging is writing just enough to keep people coming back for more."

Following on the success of the Spear’s talk, the group hopes to host workshops and special guests, including alumni, in the online news field.

Vice president Asia Rapai said, “The Internet is where news is really headed so to have an organization like ONA is really cool and unique to campus.”

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Alumni Newsletter

GUEST SPEAKERS

Sept. 21, 2011

"Getting Your First TV News Job"

Joe Stoll, Ben Roselieb, Colleen Wells, Scott Langenderfer, and Maia Belay WTOL-11 Toledo News

Oct. 18, 2011

"The Black Press: Yesterday and Today"

Fletcher Word, publisher/editor of Sojourner's Truth Felecia Ross, The Ohio State University Patrick Washburn, Ohio University Earnest Perry Jr., University of Missouri

Nov. 22, 2011

"Computer Assisted Reporting: Using Census Data in Stories"

Rich Exner (Cleveland) Plain Dealer

Nov. 28 and 30, 2011

"Making the Most of Your Linked In Profile"

Allen Mireles Marketing and Communication, Whitehouse, Ohio www.bgsu.edu/departments/journalism/newsletter/12-01-11 /page103864.html 1/2 12/17/13 GUEST SPEAKERS - Alumni Newsletter - BGSU

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DONATION FORM

[Link to Printable form (pdf)]

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