SPRING 2010 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 LPH Hosts Department’S First Alumni Day

The Roar Communication Studies at TCNJ: A National Leader in Student-Faculty Engagement

SPRING 2010 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 LPH Hosts Department’s First Alumni Day

On February 28, the Communication Studies Department held its first Both students and alumni considered annual Alumni Day in the Brower Stu- the event to be a success. dent Center. The College‘s chapter Reichert was thrilled that the day‘s of Lambda Pi Eta (Alpha Xi), the events brought her in touch with Communication Studies honor society, various current and former members hosted the event. Approximately 40 of the College‘s Communication alumni attended, representing classes Studies Department. ―It allowed me to from the past twenty years. The day get back in touch with many old included a networking session, which friends and professors, and showed me current students in the Communication how we all used our degree!‖ Studies Department were invited to Students, faculty and alumni network at Alumni Day attend. Photo courtesy of Addie Stuber ―Turnout for this event was great--for many people, this was their first visit to The session was helpful to many stu- partment‘s Alumni Day gave alums a campus since graduation,‖ said Kier- dents, who were able to form lasting nicki. ―I really hope it‘s something that chanceKristen toKiernicki give back and Jannato their Raudenbush Alma Mater, KiernickiKiernicki and and Raudenbush Raudenbush pose pose with with the their connections both with alumni of TCNJ accept the Stephen A. Smith award we can continue in the future.‖ andStephenaward to reat Smith- NCAconnect award with at NCA friends! Content Communication Studies alumni, many Producer and Media Trainer for MSG working in industries of interest to the Varsity Network and writer/director for students. Junior Radio/TV/Film ma- the web television series, ―Issues: The jor, Jenna Bush (‘11), calls her experi- Series,‖ Scott Napolitano (‘06), was ence a success, stating, ―I met people eager to take part because of the both in and outside of my field and am connections he made while attending the still in touch. I might even be working College. ―If I hadn't stayed in touch with with some of them in the future.‖ certain people I bonded with at TCNJ, my march through the field would have The sentiments from alumni present been far more difficult. When I heard were very similar. 2008 graduate that there was to be a gathering for stu- and independent filmmaker, Andrew dents, I wanted to participate and give Pearson, believes it was a positive back.‖ step for the Communication Studies department as a whole. ―It was a The event was organized by Dawn great way to integrate the increasing (Santin) Epstein (‘05) and Kristen success of the Communications Kiernicki (‘09). Said Kiernicki: ―For the Department in all areas with co- last few years, people in the department professionals and a great way for have been discussing ways to better con- undergrads to network.‖ Carly Rei- nect with alumni. We thought that hold- chert (‘05), a high school ing this event would be a great way to get Dr. Pollock catches up with some alums. Photo courtesy of Addie Stuber instructor and Outreach Media Trainer them back on campus and talking to stu- for MSG Varsity Television, dents.‖ noted what was on many students‘ minds throughout the day - that After the networking session, alums were finding out first-hand about what it is invited to stay for lunch and listen to Dr. like in the real world was crucial to the John Laughton, Dean of the School of event. ―It is one thing to read about it, the Arts and Communication. A raffle for Inside this issue: but to really hear it from the horse‘s TCNJ apparel was held, won by Chris- Faculty Profile 2 mouth allows students to get a feel for tine (Yzaguirre) Aromando (‘04). Fol- what a person does.‖ lowing the raffle, Professor Terry Senior Spotlight 3 Byrne led a tour of the new Arts and In addition to providing valuable net- Interactive Multimedia building. Department News 3-6 working opportunities for both Some alums also stayed to tour the cam- Club Updates 7 current and former students, the de- pus. In Other News... 8 THE ROAR Page 2 Faculty Profile: Professor Johnson Professor Lorna Ann Johnson (also Lorna Johnson Frizell) has been an instructor in the Radio/ TV/Film concentration of the Communication Studies department for nearly 10 years. She began teaching at The College of New Jersey in the fall of 2001. Professor Johnson currently teaches various classes in the RTF track, including, Languages of Film and Television, The Art of Editing, Documentary Pro- duction (all in conjunction with Dr. Susan Ryan), and African American Film.

Before becoming known as ―Professor,‖ Johnson attended It was during the shooting of Internal Human Rights Film Northwestern University for her this film that Johnson fell in Festival. In 2006, Johnson was undergraduate degree, and later “The classroom love with filmmaking. Re- invited to present her body of graduated from the University of counting the experience, John- work at the Whitney Humani- Wisconsin - Milwaukee, with a should be an son said, ―It was so rigorous, ties Center at Yale University. M.F.A. in Film Production. In- and I completely loved it. exciting place.” teresting to note, Professor Every single second.‖ With all of the hard work and Johnson also graduated from the success outside of the class- same high school as Supreme Professor Johnson‘s other room, what continues to moti- - Professor Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor: works have been screened at vate Professor Johnson as an Cardinal Spellman High School film festivals both internation- instructor? According to her, it Lorna Ann in the Bronx, NY! ally and throughout the US, is the students. Inspired stu- including the New Orleans dents, to be exact. ―That‘s it. Johnson Prior to starting at TCNJ, John- Film Festival, the Women in [Teaching] is this exchange of son cemented her place as a the Director‘s Chair, and the ideas. When that exchange of break-through voice in the film Mill Valley Film Festival in ideas generates energy — a industry. Working in all areas of California, where her film My spark — that‘s exciting. The filmmaking – from Production Wolverine won the Jury Award classroom should be an excit- Assistant to Line Producer – she at the 5@5 Program in 1998. ing place.‖ With this in mind, took part in the creation of many This same film also won Best keep an eye out for some of ground-breaking films, including Experimental Film from the Professor Johnson‘s fascinating Daughters of the Dust, the first National Black Programming and exciting classes in the 2010 feature length film by an African Consortium. -2011 school year! American woman, Julie Dash. Additional works include her documentary, Freedom Road (2004), which profiles female prisoners in a memoir writing workshop and has been broad- cast on national television and screened internationally, and

Just Another War, a film that chronicles the impact of the A scene from Freedom Road Iraq war on three women and that has been screened at the 2008 Athens Film Festival in Ohio and the 2009 Montreal Page 3 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

Senior Spotlight: Robert Liedtka Robert Liedtka is a senior Unbeknownst to many, Rob is Communication Studies major not only a well-known local in the Radio/TV/Film track. filmmaker, but a serious con- As a native of Hamilton, N.J., tender in the Martial Arts as prior to attending The College well! ―I love Mixed Martial of New Jersey, he took part in Arts and have trained and the New Jersey Stars scholar- competed for the last four ship program and graduated years.‖ from Mercer County Commu- nity College, where he received After graduation from The his Associates degree in Liberal College, Robert plans to move Arts with a focus on Film. to Florida and set up an Inter- net base company. He also Robert has completed ten plans to continue his career as short films and currently has a filmmaker. Persistence and three on the festival circuit. He creativity have allowed this Above: Liedtka strikes a pose. has worked on films that have Communication Studies stu- won Telly Awards, and is cur- dent to achieve a level of suc- rently writing a feature-length cess that will inevitably give “WTSR is thriller that he hopes to com- him an advantage in this diffi- important to plete in the near future. During cult economy. Look for his time as a student, Robert Robert to continue in the film Below: Liedtka (on left) and co- enough people, has produced multiple award- industry on his way toward writer/producer/director Nick Don- noli discuss Giving Green at the Prince- winning projects, including his becoming a highly successful that we’ll be able most recent documentary, Giv- producer! ton Environmental Film Festival. ing Green, which he wrote and to fund it.” directed with partner Nick Donnoli. Giving Green is a documentary about The Col- -Kevin Potucek, lege of New Jersey‘s ongoing initiative to create a ―greener‖ WTSR General campus. The film, according to Manager, on the Robert, ―set out to see how TCNJ was approaching envi- station’s move ronmentally friendly practices.‖ The film also explored the toward self- state of New Jersey‘s stance on the Green Movement as a funding. whole.

WTSR Moving Towards Self-Funding

Due to recent budget cuts across that TSR is important to enough the state and the College, WTSR, people that we‘ll be able to fund the campus radio station, is in it.‖ the process of trying to become self-funded. The station now humbly accepts donations. Those interested in The station plans to do this with giving or learning more should the help of listeners and alumni, contact the Development Office, who feel a strong connection ―not only to see how to donate, with the station. Says WTSR but to let them know how im- advisor and general manger, portant it [the station] was to Students at work in the WTSR studios Kevin Potucek, ―I‘m confident you.‖ THE ROAR Page 4 WTSR and the American Cancer Society Get the Last Laugh

With the help of Kel Mitchell, the actor/ With ―Laugh in the Face comedian best known for of Cancer,‖ the radio sta- his roles on Nickelodeon‘s tion truly proved itself to ―All That‖ and ―Kenan be a valuable, if not intrin- and Kel,‖ 91.3FM WTSR, sic, part of both the out- the College‘s radio station, side and campus commu- brought happiness and nities. Says Virzi, ―In re- hope not only to members cent years WTSR has sat of the campus community, second chair on most but also to the millions of events around campus, so Americans diagnosed with Members of WTSR hold the check with the as the leaders of Laugh in the amount of money they raised for the American cancer every year. Cancer Society Face of Cancer, we really wanted to prove to ourselves On Thursday, April 1st, the and to the campus that we‘re station hosted ―Laugh in the everyone knows someone who capable of successfully handling “I realized the Face of Cancer,‖ a benefit has been affected by cancer. I an event of this magnitude.‖ show for the American Cancer realized that the comedy show And successful they were! As comedy show Society. The show was a would be a great way to get Cantor notes, ―It is very rare smashing success, filling the people together and have a that you bring ten comedians in would be a great Kendall Hall Main Stage and good time for a really good and they all do well, but this way to get people raising over $2,600 for cancer cause.‖ In addition to being a show was awesome to be a part research and prevention. Ten stand-up comedian himself (He of.‖ together and have comedians took part in the fun, modestly claims his freshman including current TCNJ stu- year floor-mates thought he a good time for a dents and alums. Gordon was funny ―for whatever rea- son,‖ and urged him to enter a really good Baker-Bone, Jason Cantor (’10), Rick Cohen, Brandon campus competition. The rest cause.” Gulya, Garrett Hoffman, is history!), Cantor has worked Noah Houlihan, Boris with Kel Mitchell on various Khaykin, Adam Mamawala events in the past. ―I perform -Jason Cantor, (’09), Shelley Snyder and only as a hobby, but I enjoy organizing and promoting WTSR Grants and Drew Toresco shared the stage with emcee, Kel, for the shows even more than being in Funding Director, night‘s events. Acts included them. This was the third show Kel Mitchell pumps up the audience at musical comedy in the form of I‘ve done with Kel.‖ TSR‘s ―Laugh in the Face of Cancer‖ on organizing two acoustic guitarists and Cantor describes Mitchell as “Laugh in the Face even a short rap in honor of the evening‘s host, in addition very ―high-energy‖ and ―an of Cancer” to traditional (and hilarious) extremely giving and charitable *WTSR is a student-run, non- stand-up routines. person.‖ WTSR Station Man- commercial station broadcasting ager, Melissa Virzi (‘11), out of Kendall Hall to all of Mercer WTSR put together the show agrees, stating, ―Kel was great and Bucks counties, as well as parts largely due to the station‘s ‘09- to work with. He went above of others and over the Internet at ‘10 Director of Grants and and beyond what you expect wtsr.org. It accepts donations (email [email protected]). Funding, and stand-up come- from a performer.‖ This be- came evident to anyone at The dian, Jason Cantor. Cantor‘s mother was diagnosed with College on the day of the breast cancer at the start of the event, as Kel walked through 2009-2010 school year. ―After campus promoting the show, talking to other people, it be- signing tickets and countless came quite apparent that nearly orange soda bottles. Page 5 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 Minor Details Equals Major Win at Garden State Film Festival

At this year‘s Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ, a fresh new face was present to accept the ―Home Grown Student Documentary Short‖ Award. That face was TCNJ junior and Communica- tion Studies major, Jenna Bush (‘11). Bush‘s film, Minor Details, about a soldier‘s experi- ences serving in the war in Afghanistan and his return home, received the award. James Henderson (‘09), a TCNJ alumnus who graduated in 2009 after returning from a 15-month tour, was the focus Winners Jenna Bush and James Henderson at the Garden State Film Festival. “No single of the film. Photo by Tim Lee, The Signal person is a minor As part of the department‘s refers to the fact that James Documentary Production class, may be one in millions of detail.” Bush began researching topics troops who have fought over- one individual can be involved in for a short film. ―Originally I seas, a minor detail. Yet no something so much bigger than - Jenna Bush, wanted to make a film about single person is a minor detail.‖ himself. It‘s about taking a risk, students‘ relationships with the immersing oneself in the world Junior wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The short film features footage around them, and expanding After much searching, we one‘s own small world. It‘s about captured overseas by Hender- Communication found James. He was a soldier son himself, on a small, hand- being who you are, doing what AND a student. We decided to you think is right, and forgetting held camera, combined with Studies major, go with a profile documentary footage shot by Bush and her about any outsiders who may of him.‖ With the help of Pro- judge you.‖ And that‘s exactly team during Henderson‘s last on her film, fessor Terry Byrne, Bush con- semester on campus. What what this aspiring filmmaker tinued working on the film plans on doing. stands out is the film‘s cover- Minor Details. after her class had come to a age of the emotional transition close last spring, and finished endured by Henderson as he *Jenna Bush is currently a pro- what she had titled Minor De- moves from a soldier‘s life in duction assistant for the docu- tails over that summer. Afghanistan back to civilian life mentary feature Demon on Wheels, in the US. directed by Christina Eliopoulos. Why Minor Details? In the film, She is also working on a script James refers to a leaky roof of Over 100 films are screened in for a short narrative she plans on a soldier‘s tent as a ―minor over 30 categories at Garden shooting this fall with fellow detail,‖ but Bush notes that State annually, so for Bush, it Communication Studies student there is much more behind the was an honor for her very first Dan Quinn. Check out more of title. ―The message of the film film to be recognized. ―It was her work at www.jennaashley.net. is to be the opposite of a mi- reaffirming that the film was nor detail and to appreciate the recognized by the outside small things - minor details - in world,‖ she says. With the suc- life.‖ To Bush, the title also cess of this film under her belt, speaks of all of the troops who she feels encouraged to con- are stationed overseas or who tinue her work in the film in- have since returned home. ―It dustry. ―This film is about how THE ROAR Page 6 Student Presents work at 101st Annual ECA Conference

This year‘s Eastern Commu- nication Association Confer- ence was held on April 22nd through 25th in Baltimore, MD. The 101st Annual Con- vention took place at the to present at the convention This is not her first time at a Hyatt Regency Baltimore at when the authors could not at- conference, as Riccio also at- Inner Harbor, overlooking tend. ―I felt honored to be asked tended the National Commu- the scenic Inner Harbor of to represent the College and the nication Association conven- Baltimore, an ideal location department at such a large and tion in Chicago this past fall, considering the convention‘s well-respected event,‖ she said of but it is the first time she has theme this year, ―Charting a the request. presented at such an event. Course: Meeting New Hori- Will this student continue on zons.‖ Senior Communication Jaime presented papers on the conference circuit after her Studies major, Jaime Riccio Thursday and Friday, April 22nd trip to ECA? Absolutely. ―This (‘10), attended the conference and 23rd. Dr. Hu assisted in the was a wonderful experience on behalf of the department preparation for the event. ―She for me. I actually plan on at- “It was exciting to and her peers to present three really helped me fine-tune the tending NCA in California papers in the Association‘s presentations and the Power- once I‘m in grad school next know that I had Health Communication and points – even though I ended up year!‖ Undergraduate Poster Session not being able to use those.‖ As sparked interest programs. all Communication students know, preparedness is key, but and created The research papers - sometimes, one cannot plan for all outcomes. Despite the crea- discussion.” ―Internet Health Search and the Physician-Patient Rela- tion of two computer presenta- tionship;‖ a study involving tions, Jaime discovered shortly -Jaime Riccio, students‘ usage of health web- before presenting that the con- sites like WebMD and how it vention hotel lacked computer- (’10), on her affects their perceptions of capable conference rooms. physicians, ―Cross-National ―Luckily, I had prepared note- presentations at Newspaper Coverage of Hu- cards and was really familiar with man Trafficking: A Commu- the material, but I was freaked the annual ECA Scenic view of the waterfront from ECA‘s nity Structure Approach;‖ a out for a minute!‖ 101st annual convention at the Hyatt

conference content analysis of coverage of human trafficking in news- Overall, the conference was a papers in countries across the success for both the Communi- world, and ―Cross-National cation Studies department and Coverage of Females‘ Right to TCNJ as a whole. Riccio was one Education: A Community of the few undergraduates pre- Structure Approach;‖ another senting at the conference, which content analysis of newspa- tends to cater to graduate stu- pers in countries around the dents and professors, but felt world - were written by stu- right at home. ―Everyone dents in Dr. Yifeng Hu‘s seemed to be impressed with the Health Communication class research I presented and what I and Dr. John C. Pollock‘s had to say. I received a lot of Communication Research compliments and questions. It Methods class. was exciting to know that I had Though she did not write the sparked interest and created dis- papers, Riccio was requested cussion.‖

Page 7 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

Club Updates

to a lot more growth over the open to any interested students, next year, and to host a lot more both inside and outside of the fun events!‖ CSC is always look- Communication Studies depart- ing for new members, so watch ment, so be on the lookout for for notices about meetings and upcoming e-mails about meet- events next semester. Those ings next semester! interested in joining CSC should send an e-mail to ric- WTSR [email protected]. Lions Television With the huge success of its comedy show, ―Laugh in the Lions Television continues to Face of Cancer,‖ hosted by Kel Lambda Pi Eta bring The College of New Jer- Mitchell (see article), WTSR sey a diverse array of television plans to carry-over this winning Lambda Pi Eta continues to host programs made by, and for, streak to the next semester. The many Communication Studies TCNJ students. LTV just fin- station continues to grow, with events on campus. This semes- ished wrap- over 100 student and community ter, the extremely successful ping up a “Look out for volunteers bringing Mercer and Alumni Day in February brought great season Bucks counties (and the world, together alumni spanning the to one of many more TSR past twenty years and provided a via wtsr.org) a great variety of the campus valuable networking opportunity music. 91.3FM also continues to community‘s sponsored bring some of the best indie and for current students. It also re- connected old friends, profes- favorite late- alternative artists to TCNJ night shows, events next through monthly concerts and sors and former students. Spring inductions were also held this The Early Late Show. Says the musical events at The Rat, co- show‘s host, Jaime Riccio, semester!” sponsored with CUB. Says semester, with Dr. Anntarie Sims ―Despite not too many epi- WTSR Station Manager, Melissa as guest speaker. Next semester, Virzi, ―Make sure to look out for LPH, led by new president, sodes getting to air this semes- -Melissa Virzi, many more TSR sponsored Kellyn Klapko (‗11) will hold its ter, we are keeping up with events coming up next semes- regularly scheduled events such them in the editing rooms, so Station Manager ter!‖ as the Career and Internship keep an eye out for episodes Panel and fall induction cere- from this spring coming out for WTSR WTSR is always looking for mony. next semester!‖ In addition to further involvement, so those the Early Late show, Lions who are interested in being a Now, the campus TV news part of the station should e-mail Public Health source, will also be airing new [email protected]. Communication Club episodes and interviews with some of the College‘s favorite Communication Studies Club The Public Health Communica- bands, such as Matt & Kim. tion Club just elected its new With the election of its new This semester, the Communica- executive board for next year. executive board (listed below), tion Studies Club continued to They are: Angela Pineiro (‘11), grow. The club held its first Katie Ward (‘11) and Jackie look out for fresh, new pro- event, a resume-writing work- Webb (‘10). For next semester, gramming in Fall 2010! shop! Students were invited to the group plans on working with bring copies of their resumes Health Services to design a cam- As always, LTV invites stu- and share them with the group paign for avoiding and prevent- dents to come and be a part of for peer critiquing, with various ing the spread of the flu the fun, either for crew or sample resumes being circulated. (especially with talent. E-mail your interests to Next semester, CSC hopes to the recent devel- [email protected]. continue growing and has many opment of more activities and events H1N1), and is planned. Says current CSC advi- currently looking sor, Jaime Riccio, ―Because this for a speaker to group is still in its early stages, so host an event on to speak, we are looking forward campus. PHCC is Page 8 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

Where They’re Heading Now

In this special June edition of The Roar, New Brunswick. will be pursuing her M.A. in Media we look at the graduating class of 2010 Studies. and where they will be going in their Jessica Leeds – Jessica is attending lives after TCNJ and Kendall Hall: Syracuse University‘s S.I. Newhouse The Communication Studies depart- School of Public Communication to ment‘s graduates have a very diverse Kristen Kiernicki (Fall ‘09) – Kristen pursue her Master‘s degree in Public background and have been involved in is attending the University of Kentucky Relations. numerous activities throughout their in the fall, where she will pursue her time at TCNJ. Therefore, they are M.A. in Health Communications. Melissa Koerner – Melissa will be going into various and unique fields! attending Kean University in the fall, Some other examples of where our Elaine White – Elaine is currently where she will purse her Master’s de- grads are heading: working as a freelance film and video gree in Speech Pathology. editor. She plans on moving to New - Master‘s program at TCNJ for York to pursue a career in the film Catherine Consentino – Cat is cur- Ed.M. in Elementary Educa- industry. rently in charge of booking A-Listers for tion the TV show, ―Let‘s Talk,‖ on the Veri- - Pharmaceutical Sales Danny Giovenco – Danny will be zon Fios 1 Network (with host and - The Institute of Culinary Edu- attending the University of Medicine TCNJ alum, Gary Gellman). She is also cation in New York City and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) pursuing her musical career, playing - Acting school at the New York in the fall to pursue his Master‘s degree throughout the Tri-state area. Film Academy in Public Health. - Entrepreneur – starting an Jaime Riccio – Jaime is attending Syracuse Internet company Maddie Patrick – In the fall, Maddie University‘s S.I. Newhouse School of Pub- will be attending Rutgers Law School in lic Communication in the fall, where she

In Other News...

TCNJ and Communication Studies coverage of human trafficking, cli- alum, Rowena Briones (‘08), gradu- mate change and models of press- ated this May from the University of state relations in African newspaper Maryland‘s M.A. program in Public coverage of AIDS. Relations. She will now go on to earn ______her Ph.D. in Communication from the The Honorable Judge Bruce Camp- University. bell, longtime professor and friend of ______the Communication Studies Depart- 2009 graduate, Amanda Burd, com- ment, retired from the College this Image courtesy of ica2010.sg pleted her M.P.A. at Syracuse Univer- May. During his time here, Judge sity‘s Maxwell School of Public Ad- Campbell taught COM210 – Mass ministration this May. She was recently semester in Argentina, on a prestigious Media and the First Amendment hired by the United States Health and Fulbright Scholarship. He returned (along with Dr. Woodward). ―He is a Human Services Department in Wash- June 1st to prepare for his upcoming wonderful teacher and mentor,‖ said ington, DC. We wish her our congratu- trip to Singapore for the International one of the students in his last class at lations! Communication Association confer- TCNJ. His presence in the department ______ence from June 22nd to 26th. At the will be greatly missed, but we wish Professor and Department Chair, Dr. conference, Dr. Pollock presented him luck in his journeys! John C. Pollock, spent the Spring 2010 research on cross-national

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