Spring 2017

UpdateKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY THE A.Q. MILLER SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

16 Vern Wirka 20 Bringing Radio Back 22 Fired Up 30 A Bare Mistake Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 1 FROM THE DIRECTOR video, audio, print, and social media. for student media, including the Collegian, Advertising, public relations and journalism KSDB-FM and Channel 8. They have options students will learn to employ 21st century to specialize in photography, production, tools of the profession. To accelerate students’ reporting and broadcasting. They also will progress through the University, we are work together in a capstone class to produce introducing a three-hour Writing Academy cross-platform content. course they can take during the summer This curriculum will ensure our students prior to enrolling for the fall. This course is can compete with those from any university a refresher for grammar elements, will teach in landing their first jobs and in moving up in AP style and introduce students to the differ- their chosen professions. ences between scripts for television and radio As you reflect on your own time here, and stories for print and online. think about the excitement you experienced Advertising and public relations will be working on the Collegian or the Royal merged into a single sequence titled Strategic Purple, selling advertising or working for the e are excited to announce Communication. Students will choose an radio station. Encourage high school students JMC will implement a new introductory and writing course in adver- you know to come to K-State. Tell them they curriculum in Fall, 2018. tising or public relations. After completing can get professional experience as first-year WDynamic new faculty and a new director of the introductory courses, students will work students. They can grow into amazing profes- the Journalism Education Association, the together in strategy and research courses and sionals. And while you are encouraging them, national high school journalism organization then specialize in one of several areas. To cap and remembering your own experience, think headquartered at the A.Q. Miller School, will their experience, students will work together about giving back. The School needs and help put the curriculum in place. in a capstone course. values your help. This new curriculum is designed to Journalism students will participate in a educate students to write, edit, design and course introducing them to the various media produce across all media platforms, including platforms and will write and produce content

NEWS FROM THE SEQUENCES

Journalism & Digital Media Advertising Public Relations

Journalism students took home several Several advertising students attended Public Relations Student Society of top awards at the Kansas Association the KC Spark Day event in November, in America (PRSSA) chapter members of Broadcasters and at the Broadcast which top ad agencies hosted students attended the "Find Your Passion Education Association. The student from the region to network and discuss Sooner" regional conference in Norman, chapter of the Society of Professional trends and best practices in the industry. Oklahoma, and have been holding Journalists (SPJ) hosted a hands-on This spring, another group of students fundraisers to support students’ travel coding workshop for journalists with from Ad Club (JMC’s AAF affiliate and bring in guest speakers. Students the International Society for News chapter) went to Kansas City on an agency in the public relations sequence have Design and the SPJ conference for crawl where they toured VML, Trozzolo also continued to be competitive and Region 7, which includes professional Communications Group and Greyhealth excel locally and nationally. Taylor journalists from Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska Group to get a better understanding Oldham’s strategy “Get the Double, Get and Missouri. We also added an honors of the advertising industry. Lastly, our the Gainz” received first place in the section to the practicum requirement department has grown with the addition Ketchum Mindfire competition and was where students choose a beat to cover for of Alec Tefertiller, a doctoral candidate at adopted by Wendy’s, the Ketchum’s the Collegian. Tom Hallaq premiered his the University of Oregon. Alec is looking client. Public relations faculty members documentary, “Slow and Low, the Story to complete his degree later this year and have also continued to collaborate with of the Kansas Ag. Pilots,” that has aired will start at the A.Q. Miller School this local agencies by incorporating clients in on several public television stations. fall. various courses to give students real-life — Wesley Wise experiences. — Sam Mwangi — Nancy Muturi

2 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 08 Contents

COVER PHOTO by James Copeland, junior in journalism 04 New Hires 10 and digital media. Meet the new faces of the A.Q. Miller School

Cover photo caption: Firefighters work to contain the 06 Choosing Family fire inside The Dusty Bookshelf Say hello to the new academic adviser; Kylie Kinley on March 2, 2017. Student journalists took advantage of 07 Gateway to JMC the opportunity to report spot An A.Q. Miller School curriculum update news. 08 Reporting Vietnam Published by Interim director reflects on her time reporting the Magazine Article and Feature Vietnam War Writing class in the A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications 10 International Research 16 A.Q. Miller School professors are reaching far Kansas State University beyond Manhattan 105 Kedzie Hall Manhattan, KS 66506-1501 12 Honors and Awards Banquet 785-532-6890 A personal look at the night of celebration

© 2017 by The A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass 13 Forward Leading Communications, Kansas State Graduate student introduces former President University Barack Obama 14 Alumni Updates Read where alumni are and what they are doing 20 16 Vern Wirka Radio expert tells his story 18 The Classroom Series KSDB-FM students turn Studio-E into a live show 20 Bringing Radio Back Students bring drama back to radio 22 Fired Up Students cover The Dusty Bookshelf fire in Aggieville 24 Making His Voice Heard 30 Greg Sharpe covered the Wildcats and the Cornhuskers 26 Professional Pitch Students and employers network to find new opportunities 28 Blogger Bonus All Rights Reserved How one alumna found a business through blogging

No part of this book may 30 A Bare Mistake be reproduced in any form Alumni reminence about a story that is all-revealing or by any means without the prior written permission 32 of the publisher, excepting 32 California Dreaming brief quotes within bounds of fair use: Student receives internship with ESPN copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html

Printed in the United States 34 JMC Athletes of America Get to know the students who juggle classes and sports

Printed by Ag Press 1531 Yuma 36 Alumni Updates Manhattan, KS 66502 Read where alumni are and what they are doing A PDF version of this magazine may be found online at jmc.ksu.edu 38 Meet the Staff Eight students produce UPDATE magazine

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 3 New Hires Meet the fresh faces of the A.Q. Miller School faculty.

Stories by: Pierce Bennett and Ethan Chapman

DANIELLE MYERS KELLY GLASSCOCK

One Ph.D. student who Meyer’s experience proved Kelly Glasscock, associate Additionally, Glasscock currently resides at the to be just what the department director of the Collegian Media has personal goals for the University of Missouri will have was looking for, according to Group, has recently been organization. those new hire feelings this Professor Nancy Muturi, head named head of the Journalism “I want to see JEA reach summer. However, she won’t be a of public relations sequence and Education Association. beyond journalism classrooms,” having them as a Tiger. She will chair of the search committee. Glasscock will take the reins Glasscock said. “I want to extend be a Wildcat. “The job description fit from fellow Kansas State media literacy across classrooms, Danielle Myers, a new hire in Danielle very well,” Muturi said. professor, Linda Puntney on especially in today’s world where the public relations sequence, “In addition to her professional August 1. deciphering between factual will join the faculty in August. experience, she is very well- Headquartered in Manhattan stories and opinions can be Meyers comes to Kansas State rounded in what she can teach.” since 1988, JEA has been a part difficult.” with academic and professional Meyers said she is excited to of Glasscock's life for a long Glasscock will leave his experience. She received her be part of the K-State family time. current position at the Collegian bachelor's and master’s degrees and to teach something that has “I was exposed to JEA as Media Group as associate from the University of Central always been her passion. a student, and also as a high director. His new duties will be Missouri before starting her “When I was 12 years old school journalism teacher,” divided 80 percent as executive professional life. I wrote a speech in 4-H on ‘if Glasscock said. “The proximity director of JEA and 20 percent Throughout her career, barns could talk,’” Meyers said. and familiarity of the organiza- to teach within the A.Q. Miller Meyers has worked for a “I have always enjoyed public tion helped me know what I was School. multitude of institutions under speaking and writing. PR is getting into.” “I am thrilled to do this, a number of platforms, all while the intersection of strategy and According to Glasscock, JEA and I think my eagerness and teaching as an adjunct instructor creativity, and that’s what I love focuses on supporting high excitement will be a motivator at UCM. about it.” school journalism teachers by for me to do my best,” Glasscock She has returned to academia providing curriculum, First said. and will receive a Ph.D. from the Amendment education material, University of Missouri in May. certification and recognition.

4 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 ALEC TERFERTILLER RALUCA COZMA

You usually don’t remember What brings him to Kansas Next fall, the A.Q. Miller Cozma said she is attracted to your 10th grade history teacher State? Two words: the people. School faculty will welcome the multicultural emphasis of the because of the content of the “I’ve gotten to spend a Raluca Cozma to Kansas State. A.Q. Miller School, as well as the class, you remember him for good amount of time with Dr. Cozma has been a professor at scenery of the Flint Hills. his great attitude, personable DeSanto and Dr. Smethers, Iowa State University since the “The scenery reminds me of interactions and the excitement and they both are fantastic,” fall of 2009. where I grew up in Romania,” he brought to shape you as a Terfertiller said. “Of course Originally from Romania, Cozma said. “The rolling hills person. Enthusiastic teachers there’s Dr. Baltrip, Professor Cozma received a bachelor’s of the landscape remind me of are the teachers who will have Olsen, Dr. Zhang, Dr. Hallaq... degree in journalism from time spent at my grandparent’s the most impact on your life. the list goes on.” the University of Bucharest, vineyard.” This is what students can expect Recently welcomed into the Romania, and then came to the Starting with the Spring 2018 from Alec Tefertiller, the newest JMC family, Tefertiller said he is United States and Louisiana State semester, Cozma will become the addition to the advertising excited for what the faculty can University to pursue a master’s associate director for graduate faculty. achieve as a team. degree in journalism. It was studies when Barbara DeSanto After receiving a bachelor’s of “We are truly blessed to have there she said she found a love retires. fine arts in motion picture and such a stellar staff,” Tefertiller for research. According to Jean Folkerts, television and recording arts said, “and it is obvious to profes- “When I first came to LSU, interim director of the A. Q. from Florida State University’s sionals outside the program.” I intended to get my master’s Miller School, Cozma has film school, he spent time Tefertiller said he joined the degree and go back to Romania a remarkable research and studying at the University of School because he had heard to work as a reporter,” Cozma teaching record. Houston, where he earned a good things about the commu- said. “However, I caught the bug “She has taught courses master’s degree in mass commu- nity, both professionally and for research.” in political communication, nications and media studies. personally. Cozma said she is excited to social media and public affairs, More recently, he attended “I have a friend who is a come to K-State for the opportu- media writing and broadcast the University of Oregon to K-State alumus and when I nities it offers and looks forward newswriting and production,” pursue a doctorate degree in told him I was on my way to to familiarizing herself with Folkerts said. “Her research philosophy media studies and K-State, he posted a picture to students and the student media. focuses on international worked as a graduate teaching my Facebook of the block of “When I first came to Iowa communication.” fellow. Along with all of these wood the football team brings to State, I decided to work with academic accomplishments, their games that says, ‘Family,’” some of the local news stations Tefertiller has extensive experi- Tefertiller said. “I think that's in Iowa to get a feel for my ence in video production, web what I am most excited about: students and the media in that design, branding, social media, joining the K-State family.” area,” Cozma said. “I hope marketing and research. maybe I can do the same in Kan s a s .”

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 5 Choosing FAMILY Story by: Ryan Porter Photo by: Audrey Schmitz

ew academic adviser, Kiley Kinley, She pursued her master’s degree in Once the article is completed, it will be is all about family. She knows English at Kansas State. Kinley never published in the Nebraska History Magazine. leaving family behind is never easy. thought teaching was her forte, but said “That is what I love doing within NWorking with coworkers who don’t want to being a teaching assistant changed her mind. journalism,” Kinley said. “Looking for the help is also not easy. Luckily, she now works Following her graduation in May 2013, the stories people tend to overlook. Especially at Kansas State, where family is everywhere Kansas State English department hired her with historical journalism; it is like you get to and life is easier. as a learning assistant coordinator at K-State rewrite history.” “Seeing people who like their jobs, like to First, a program to help first-year students Although she was close to family, loved her help students, it is really great,” Kinley said. ease into college. She loved what she did, but coworkers and the work she did for the publi- “I really admire the way people all work there was something missing. cation, there was still something missing— together at K-State. It’s the best part about it. “It was fantastic,” Kinley said. “Working students. Ultimately, this led her to leave Everyone has been so great to me.” with first-year students is incredibly Nebraska and return to Kansas State as an Kinley was born and raised in Blue rewarding and meaningful work, and the academic adviser for the A.Q. Miller School. Hills, Nebraska, where at 15 she began her K-State First staff are some of my favorite Her new role started in January and it’s journalism career working as a janitor for people in the world. I loved working for been a new routine. She starts the morning her local newspaper, The Blue Hill Leader. K-State First, but I wanted to move to pulling up information for the students she Eventually, she began reporting, shooting Nebraska to be closer to my family.” is scheduled to meet with. She analyzes the sports events and covering rodeos. After working at K-State First for a year, students’ work to see if they have struggled “That was the beginning of my journalism she headed back to Nebraska, and served with any classes, looks at potential courses career,” Kinley said. “I loved writing stories as the assistant editor of publications at the they need to enroll in and finds answers ques- and telling stories.” Nebraska State Historical Society. She has tions they may have when they arrive. At the University of Nebraska she planned been working on a story about a female “With being an adviser, I feel like you are to major in journalism, but switched and bootlegger in Omaha during the Prohibition still very much a teacher because you are graduated with a degree in English instead. that she started when she was in Nebraska. teaching students how to take control, not only of their class schedule, but their goals when they get out of college,” Kinley said. “Sometimes students have a 10-minute ques- tion, or an hour-long question.” Kinley said the position does have its challenges. Students, particularly first-year students and seniors, do not ask questions simply because they are afraid of asking for help, she said. The cost of higher education concerns her along with finding ways to cope with the outrageous costs. However, the rewards outweigh the challenges, and it is here she has found both family and students. “I remember when I was moving here, and I saw ‘K-State Family’ for the first time,” Kinley said. “K-State was our rival when I was an undergraduate so I had these prejudices, that the family slogan was just one of those Kiley Kinley, Nebraska native, settles into her new office after joining the K-State Family. PR things. But no, it is a real family.”

6 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 GATEWAY TO JMC

Story by: Andrea Dizmang

fter three years and thousands On the marketing side of journalism, the of man hours devoted to brain- new curriculum will do away with separate storming, planning, discussing, sequences of advertising and public relations. Arevising and planning again, a new Instead, elements of both will be combined curriculum for the A.Q. Miller School is in and rebranded as strategic communications. the final stages of approval and is scheduled “Our industry right now is using a Credits to debut in fall of 2018. little bit of advertising and PR in almost Steve Smethers, associate director everything that’s going on,” Smethers said. for undergraduate studies, said the new “All campaigns are integrated anymore.” curriculum is designed to meet the expecta- If a student has only been trained in tions of the journalism and strategic commu- either PR or advertising, their options will nications industries. be limited, Smethers said. This upgrade to “The media business is dynamic,” Smethers the curriculum will help prepare students for said. “It’s always changing. Therefore, the their profession. curriculum has to be flexible enough to There is a common myth in the industry handle those changes as they come along.” that all college students know how to use all Handling the changes means a rethink of forms of media, Smethers said. Because the what and how information is being presented. myth is so prominent, K-State aims to train “The faculty approved a total revamping of students on all forms of media to make the the curriculum to represent current trends in myth a reality and put A.Q. Miller students at the media,” Smethers said. “The result is an the top of the industry. overall change in how we teach classes.” The new curriculum will offer this training Under the new curriculum, Smethers said, through the “foundational skills” class set, students will become involved in journalism which is a part of the Gateway into the and strategic classes as freshmen to help them journalism school. Five one-credit hour determine if this career path is a good fit. The Gateway classes include a pre-major classes that are five weeks long will give basic “Freshmen will take a series of classes orientation, Mass Communications in Society training in a specific platform. The classes we call the Gateway into the A.Q. Miller and the JMC Writing Academy, which offered are: Audio (MC 191), Pixel (MC 192), School,” Smethers said. “It will help them will help strengthen writing skills. Writing Video (MC 193), Social Media (MC 194) understand what a degree in journalism mass conventions and mechanics will give students Vector (MC 195) and Web and CMS (MC communications looks like.” a refresher course on grammar basics, then 196). Students must choose at least three of A central feature of the new curriculum writing styles and platforms will showcase the fundamental skills classes. is the news desk, which will be part of every a variety of platforms available in media. “It will give everybody, I think, the oppor- reporting class and will be used by photo- The last class, Writing Perspectives, will tunity to get their feet wet in as many plat- journalism, sports reporting, television and give students the tools needed to enter the forms as they possibly can,” Smethers said. all electives. Freshmen, as well as upper journalism major. The new curriculum will offer new classes classmen, will be part of the news desk. Constituent departments, agricultural as well as new names to existing classes. For “All of these classes will have some degree communications, agricultural sciences and example, Computer-Assisted Reporting (MC of interface with the news desk,” Smethers the College of Education have agreed to the 316) will be renamed Data Journalism, but said. “Students on the news desk will help changes the A.Q. Miller School has proposed. Principles of Journalism (MC 160) will be a generate copy and share content that would Since they are closely linked, Smethers sees new class, and News Reporting and Writing be picked up by campus media outlets and the curriculum changes to be beneficial to Across Platforms (MC 200) will focus on all external constituents.” their programs as well. platforms.

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 7 Reporting VIETNAM Interim director covered the Vietnam War and broke gender barriers.

Story by: Ryan Porter Photo courtesy: Jean Folkerts

overing the Vietnam War as a During her time as an undergraduate and and Life magazines, who would treat the two student, working as a Dean at one working as the editor of the Collegian, she to dinner. Towns and Folkerts lived cheaply of the most prestigious univer- and Leroy Towns, also a Collegian editor, while there and did their best to stay out of Csities and setting milestones for females, were presented with an opportunity of a the way of the soldiers. all seems a little too good to be true. For lifetime — to cover the war in Vietnam as “We tried not to be any more of a pain Interim Director of the A.Q. Miller School of student news correspondents through Kansas than we already had to be,” said Folkerts. Journalism and Mass Communication, Jean State. “We did a lot of feature stories on guys from Folkerts, it was nothing more than a simple “It was amazing,” Folkerts said. “It was Kansas, stationed at Fort Riley. It was a great reality. the first time I had been outside the country experience our senior year, made possible by Her new reality is leading the A.Q. Miller except to go to Canada.” K-State.” School, a position she started on Jan. 1, 2017. The two mainly traveled with the Army’s Folkerts and Towns married in 1984, 17 Initially, Folkerts was retired and had no 9th and 1st Divisions. Although they did years after their adventures in Vietnam. intention of taking over any big position. She not see a lot of combat, it was enough to After her time in Vietnam, Folkerts maintained an office in Kedzie where she remember for a lifetime. earned her master’s in journalism and mass focused on conducting her own research, communications at Kansas State in December but once the opportunity to lead the A.Q. “The army was nervous of 1973. She continued her education at the Miller School presented itself, Folkerts could University of Kansas earning her master’s in not back down from going full circle at the because we were two young philosophy, along with a Ph.D. in American university she graduated from. students. I was female and Studies. “One thing that makes K-State different With an abundance of education and expe- is there is a real sense of community here,” they were not used to that.” rience already under her belt, she realized Folkerts said. “Students from everywhere, the hardships she would face as her career agricultural background, poor students, rich JEAN FOLKERTS progressed. students, people from urban areas, people “The jobs never paid that well in the with different ethnic backgrounds, all find a “We saw a little bit of action,” said Folkerts. beginning,” Folkerts said. “When I worked home. There is a real sense of community “We got some sniper fire one day when initially for a newspaper they had time here. The people at K-State are accepting of we were riding in a jeep. We both went on constraints that were difficult, especially people from different walks of life and I find a forward air and mobile assault mission, when I was working the nightshift of the job. that really important and really good.” where they dropped us into an airfield from a A lot of the positions I held I was the first Her journalistic career launched when helicopter, but luckily we did not take any fire women in that position.” she graduated from Kansas State in June of that time.” Her first experience breaking the sex 1967 with a degree in print journalism and a The young, inexperienced students from barrier was at the University of Texas, Austin, concentration in English and Sociology. Manhattan were treated well by reporters when she and two others had the honor of from larger publications, including Time serving as assistant professors within the

8 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 Department of Journalism. Breaking barriers She believes students need to learn to work compiled by former students and colleagues. did not stop there. In 1992, Folkerts was across media platforms, including television, Folkerts received the award in St. Petersburg appointed as the editor for the Journalism newspaper, radio, broadcast and web. She said at the American Journalism Historian and Mass Communication Quarterly, the first this applies to journalism, public relations Association Conference. female to hold the position. and advertising students. Once Folkerts gets the opportunity to “Well, being editor of Journalism and Folkerts recently won the Sidney Kobre finally retire, she plans on traveling and Mass Communications Quarterly was one Award for Lifetime Achievement in writing a book about the crossover of the of my most significant accomplishments Journalism History. Ashcan Artists of the early 20th century and because there had been no women editors She was nominated by a fellow historian, reform journalists. before,” Folkerts said. “All the editors before Betty Winfield, and a number of letters were have pretty much been quantitative orientated and my research is more qualitative.” She took the challenge head on, eventually, accomplishing a goal she had — to partner with others and combine the two types of research. This reaffirmed her position in terms of her research and was a huge accomplishment, especially fulfilling a feat that means so much to the journalistic world. Starting in 1990 and leading up to 2006, Folkerts worked at the George Washington University, obtaining a variety of different positions. She began as an Associate Professor of Journalism, and finished her time there as the Professor of Honors and of Media and Public Affairs. “I had been director of the School of Media and Public Affairs and we built a new building,” Folkerts said. “I did a lot of work on that building and because of that the president had liked what I had done and he appointed me interim dean of arts and sciences. Then I was hired as the associate vice president. In that position I got to explore new academic initiatives, which was really fun.” Folkerts moved on to work at the University of North Carolina, where she served as the Dean and Alumni Distinguished Professor for the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. “Being the Dean of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of North Carolina, which is one of the highest ranked schools in the country, was a great achieve- ment and what I thought was going to be my swan song. But I didn’t quite swan out.” In January Folkerts retired, so she thought. She accepted the job at Kansas State as interim director of the A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Folkerts would love to see the program move forward with an addition to Dole Hall, Jean Folkerts captures photographs while army medical personnel treat children with to provide newer, bigger and better facilities. medical issues at a village in the Mekong Delta.

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 9 International RESEARCH Three JMC professors conduct research in Africa, Japan and the Caribbean.

Story by: Julia Hood Courtesy photos

ucked away in Kedzie 206, Sam One difference from Kansas State, Mwangi He said the director told him they lock the Mwangi, associate professor and said, was the time classes were scheduled. projectors in an office, because the ones they journalism/digital media sequence “I would be there (in my office) from had in classrooms before were stolen. By the Tchair, daydreams about his recent return from time they had hooked it up, he had lost 45 morning until 5 p.m. and the hallways Kenya just four months ago. were empty,” Mwangi said. “By 4:30 p.m., minutes of class time. Mwangi was on sabbatical and spent time the hallways suddenly became real noisy. “It reminds you not to take things for teaching and researching. At 5 p.m., when Everybody’s coming from their office to class granted,” Mwangi said. “We are ahead.” Kedzie seems practically empty, Mwangi after working throughout the day.” remembers listening to the the hallways Mwangi said because of the students in Zhang’s Research in Nairobi, Kenya, bustling with noise as Kenya, he felt useful. Angela Zhang, assistant professor, also students arrived for evening classes. “The students there want to learn,” Mwangi commits 40 percent of her time to research, Mwangi, assistant professor Angela Zhang said. “Every time I left a class I was never but with a different focus. Teaming with and professor Nancy Muturi all share the alone to where I was going. They followed me fellow professor Nancy Muturi, the two same passion — research, which encompasses all the way to the bus stop.” attend several conferences a year, such as the nearly 40 percent of their work. International Communications Association Mwangi returned to Kedzie Hall in in Japan and the Association for Education in January to head the journalism and digital Mwangi’s Research Journalism and Mass Communication. media sequence and teach global mass Mwangi spent August 2016-January 2017 Crisis communication on social media is communications and news and feature in Nairobi, Kenya, on sabbatical. Zhang’s niche. She works on multiple projects writing to his students. “After 10 years, you go to get inspiration,” during the semester and submits them to Living in a more developed country like Mwangi said. “The idea is to go out and get conferences in the summer. Each project she the U.S., Mwangi said Kansas State has more new experiences, so you can infuse your works on takes approximately 1-2 years to possibilities for publishing, professional teaching with new ideas.” complete. development, and the ability to report across During his time in Kenya, Mwangi served “I used to do a lot of experiments like focus multiple platforms. as both a researcher and professor at two groups, surveys, content analysis,” Zhang “I had to contact K-State one time because different universities — Nairobi University, said. “Now I get to see what the public’s view we could not get access to an article there,” his alma mater, and the United States of crisis is in corporate settings. My next International University Africa (USIUA). At Mwangi said. “There’s just not as many project deals with crisis on social media and his alma mater, he worked on moving the resources.” why people talk good or bad about different British curriculum to an American Ph.D. One time, as he prepared to teach a class of companies.” curriculum, assisting the admittance of 100 graduate students in Kenya, he ran into In 2016, Zhang had two papers published doctoral students into the program, and of an unexpected glitch. in journals, one about contingency crisis course, doing research. “I had spent the last three hours preparing management and the other on public “When I got there nearly everyone wanted a real nice PowerPoint,” Mwangi said. “My relations review, along with a published book to collaborate,” Mwangi said. “So I quickly PowerPoint is ready to go. I forget, I’m not at chapter. Last summer at the International went from one project to five projects. I was K-State. I take my flash drive, go to class, look Communication Association in Japan, she constantly working. My mom complained so around and there’s no computer and there’s received a top paper award about her research I had to commit and tell her I would see her nowhere I can screen my PowerPoint. So I on self affirmation of public’s perception every Sunday.” panic and run to the director’s office.” of crisis.

10 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 Not only is Zhang working toward breakfast and dinners. I didn’t realize how personal professional growth, but she also much poverty there is in Manhattan.” uses her research to talk about issues in the Most of Muturi’s research involves doctoral classroom. She teaches principles of public students in the College of Human Ecology, relations, and said they especially talk in class medical students and JMC graduate students. about management issues and how compa- Muturi emphasizes in all of her publica- nies manage public policy. tions and to all of her students, both graduate In her public relations campaign class, and undergraduate, the idea of application. Zhang requires students to conduct their “They are learning and tomorrow are going own research and manage a client from the to be the ones doing it,” Muturi said. “The Junction City Brigade, a community baseball purpose of undergraduate classes is to learn club. how to communicate these issues. If you “The students develop communication don’t understand the issues, then you cannot plans to reach out to target audiences, like communicate effectively.” military personnel, families and college Travel is incorporated as well, as students who go to watch baseball,” Zhang Muturi provides graduate students with said. “It makes them think about their target opportunities to present and implement their audience and develop a plan tailored to research across the U.S. and overseas. them.” “I have one student who is looking at HPV and cervical cancer in kids who are not Muturi’s Research immunized,” Muturi said. “Another graduate Professor Nancy Muturi also has inter- student will be presenting research in D.C. national research experience, specifically in soon.” the Caribbean and Africa. She worked in the Last year, she said she went to the UK with Caribbean for four years at the University of a student and will soon be going to India with the West Indies and focused on community another student. work. “One time one of my students went to “Their (The Caribbean’s) culture is very Africa with me and was sleeping in my mom’s sexual,” Muturi said. “Caribbean is number house,” Muturi said. “If I had $1 million, I two in HIV/AIDS cases next to Africa. So, I would buy a whole group a ticket, but you worked with women’s reproductive health.” have to promise you’ll eat everything they Part of her ongoing research project feed you.” analyzes the HIV/AIDS and alcoholism epidemics in Africa. In the U.S., her research Never Stop Growing mainly focuses on childhood obesity in In more recent news, Muturi plans to do ethnic communities in Ohio, Kansas and research this summer in Kenya, as well as in South Dakota, which is a project she has been January on her sabbatical. working on for five years. “My focus this summer is going to be a “It’s not just research,” Muturi said. “There’s faith-based approach to health communi- a research component and you work with cation,” Muturi said. “Through churches we the communities to do the actual work like will train the church leaders and community intervention health with kids. You go to members to be able to educate people.” communities, elementary schools and focus Muturi’s research has caught the eye of on 6th-8th grade. So, we go to southwest other leaders in the A.Q. Miller School. schools in Kansas by Liberal and do that.” “Different people in the journalism department like Dr. (Steve) Smethers, have An important part of Muturi’s career, TOP: Nancy Muturi talks with community besides the 40/40 balance of teaching been communicating with me about looking coordinators during her time in Africa. and research, is 20 percent service in the at community media,” Muturi said. “We want MIDDLE: Sam Mwangi stands with fellow partici- community. to educate on health literacy in mass media, pants at the Youth Conference where he spoke. “That can consist of recruiting, hiring so we can educate people to educate people.” BOTTOM: Angela Zhang presents research titled people but also doing community service,” "Understanding Publics' Post-Crisis Social Media Muturi said. “I’ve volunteered at Flint Hills Engagement." Breadbasket for the last 4-5 years to serve

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 11 “I feel so blessed to be back. I have incredibly fond memories of my time spent here.” JUSTIN SMITH

Honors and Awards Banquet A personal point-of-view of an annual celebration.

Story and photo by: Ethan Chapman

hen I walked into the annual as a copy writer at Barkley and how he got to A.Q. Miller School of Journalism where he was. I could tell he is an incredibly Honors and Awards banquet, I talented individual and I wanted to hear more Wwas unsure of what to expect.. As I picked up about his story. my nametag, I was greeted with the pleasant The ceremony began. After introductions sound of a stringed quartet, delightfully by Dr. Folkets and Alek Jirgens, the master of floating over the hundreds of people. This ceremonies, Smith gave a delightful speech, A.Q. Miller School alumnus Pete was unexpected. I walked into the banquet punctuated by laughter from the crowd, well Souza will receive the Alumni hall, and was directed to my table at the front timed jokes, and deep insights into the adver- Excellence award Oct. 13, 2017, of the room with a great view. After filling my tising industry. He comes off as someone who plate with hors d'oeuvres I took in the scene. is confident, but not afraid to make jokes when he returns to campus. Professor Katie Olsen, scholarship at his own expense, intelligent, but always Souza's book "The Presidents committee chairman, was taking care of looking for role models to learn from. Photographer" will also be some last minute details, Interim Director Next, the plethora of awards and scholar- released in the fall. Read about Folkerts reviewed her notes, Professor Curtis ships were given out. More than 180 students his decorated career as the offi- Matthews made a point to talk to every single were recognized with scholarships from 40 cial photographer for Presidents person in the room. It was a weird feeling to donors and eight award-granting group. see your professors socializing and having a Seeing my classmates win $183,000 in Ronald Regan and Barack good time. scholarships was a fantastic experience, and Obama in next fall's Update. As I set up my camera and pulled out my the list of award recipients was impressive. notepad, an unfamiliar face sat down next The evening really showed how strong the to me. Justin Smith, the keynote speaker for A.Q.Miller School is and how proud I am to Photo used with written permission. the event was my tablemate. We had a short have been a part of it. conversation and he spoke about his position

12 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 Forward Leading JMC graduate student introduces former President Barack Obama.

Story by: Andrea Dizmang Photo courtesy: Zin Myint

in Myint, graduate student, met The program consisted of a rigorous American people and to promote under- former president Barack Obama schedule of orientation and leadership and standing of American culture and values,” on June 1, 2015. Not only that, non-profit development workshops, a fellow- Myint said. “I have established relationships Zshe introduced him at a conference in ship at Missoula Independent Newspaper that provide the foundation for future profes- Washington, D.C. and a professional fellow’s conference in sional collaboration.” “He’s (Obama) super cool and doesn’t act Washington, D.C. Myint shadowed the Myint will graduate in May and has applied like you think a president would,” Myint said. art editor for the Missoula independent for a Ph.D. program in Australia catering to Myint was chosen to introduce Obama newspaper, and learned how an American exactly what she wants to do, which is to use through a program called Young Southeast newspaper is produced. her journalistic abilities to help Myanmar Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). The Students picked for YSEALI stayed with develop its newfound democracy. program, launched in 2013, was created host families in Montana. This was Myint’s “My plan is to pursue doctoral education to strengthen leadership development and favorite part, because it was her first time in in media and democracy discipline in South networking in Southeast Asia, Myint said. the United States and the home stay gave her East Asia,” Myint said. Myint was hand-selected from the 75 good American culture. “The reason I came here is I want to work YSEALI members to introduce President Myint studied pharmacy in Myanmar, for my country,” Myint said. “It’s a devel- Obama at the discussion hosted at the White but that was a future she had no passion for. oping country, and we are going through a House. United Press International ran a story She worked for a pharmaceutical company transition to democracy. Myanmar was an on the event, and Myint was featured in the in Myanmar until she found an advertise- authoritative country, and I really want to story. She told a UPI reporter how much of ment in a newspaper for a copy editor with help. I want to study how we can enhance the an opportunity this was for her. medical knowledge. She got the job, and was role of media in democracy.” sent to the one journalism school in Myanmar. Myint knew she wanted “I don’t come from a privileged to expand her journalism capabilities and had talked to a friend in America background. And yet, today I am who heard of Kansas State’s JMC here with you at the home of the program. She applied for graduate school before applying for YSEALI. president of the United States.” She was accepted into Kansas State, but the e-mail was lost in the cyber ZIN MAR MYINT world as emails tend to be. Kansas State withdrew the approval after not hearing any word from Myint, “I grew up in an education system where but then extended a new invitation to her you were taught to do only what you were after finding out about the Southeast Leaders told,” Myint said. Initiative. Myint found out about the program Fast-forward two years and Myint spends through the U.S. Embassy in Myanmar and her days finishing up her graduate studies at promptly applied. She was selected and began Kansas State. She said YSEALI has opened the five-week program in Missoula, Montana. up so many doors for her in the journalistic “YSEALI focuses on core issues identified world. by youth in the region: civic engagement, “It has totally changed the way I see the environment and natural resources manage- world. It was an eye-opening experience Zin Myint introduces President Obama at ment, and entrepreneurship and economic because it was a great opportunity for me the YSEALI conference held at the White development,” Myint said. to get hands-on experience of lifestyles of House in 2015.

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 13 Alumni Updates

Zaldy Doyungan Lindsay McNary Olsen Topeka, Kansas Norfolk, Nebraska Major: Digital Journalism Major: Journalism and Mass Position: Sports reporter and Communications Anchor for KSNT Chelsea March Position: Freelance work What have been your Kansas City, Missouri writing television shows favorite stories to cover? Major: Mass Communica- helping local businesses I was able to cover the tions and Broadcasting with their marketing and Royals when they won the Position: Public Relations social media World Series, Chiefs when Account Executive at What’s your favorite aspect they went to the playoffs and GlynnDevins of social media? unfortunately the Jayhawks What advice would you How the game of social since they are good at give students getting media marketing is always basketball. ready to graduate? changing. Don’t graduate and think you are stuck in a field. I ‘15 was in broadcasting and ‘16 loved it, but left it for another opportunity. Don’t be limited to what you learned in college. ‘11

‘00 ‘04 Kelly Furnas Nabil Shaheen Elon, North Carolina Toledo, Ohio Major: Journalism Major: Journalism and Mass Position: Lecturer in Communications multimedia journalism at Position: Content Marketing Elon University Manager at Burkett Restau- What is your most rant Equipment and Supplies unique journalistic Which JMC courses related accomplishment? most to the real world? Undoubtedly, no event News writing and editing. showcased the power They challenged me as far as of local journalism as writing for space constraints much as the Virginia Tech and writing on different lev- shootings in 2007. els of pressure and deadlines.

14 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 Lindsay Graber Runft Kansas City, Missouri Major: Agricultural Com- munications and Animal Christina Nolte Sciences and Industry with a Manhattan, Kansas minor in Leadership Major: Journalism and Position: Director of Mass Communications Marketing and Communi- with an emphasis in Public cations for the Livestock Relations and a Marketing Marketing Association concentration What advice would you give Position: Executive to students? Director of Home Care Never turn down an op- and Hospice portunity to network and What was your favorite grow the base of people activity while at K-State? you know. I have been able The football and basketball to gain internships and jobs games, K-state athletics in because of my networking. general, the atmosphere was amazing. ‘10

‘14 ‘16 ‘13 ‘05

Monica Vega Tate Steinlage St. Mary’s City, Maryland Kansas City, Missouri Major: Public Relations Kelsey Peterson Major: Journalism and Position: Digital and Media Manhattan, Kansas Mass Communications Coordinator for the athletic Major: Public Relations with a Position: Channel Manager department at St. Mary’s concentration in Marketing on Gatorade in Kansas City College of Maryland Position: Marketing and Com- for VML What is your favorite K-State munications Coordinator for What is your favorite memory? the JMC Master’s Program K-State memory? Being in the old press What is your favorite I remember walking into box for the 2012 Big 12 restaurant in Aggieville? Kedzie Hall for the first time Championship. It was the last Wahoo! They’re doing — before I was even a full- time anyone worked in the something right, and I hope time student — to try and old press box, and I got to be they never leave. The bacon write for the Collegian. there for it. wrapped shrimp are amazing!

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 15 He’s interviewed President Ronald Reagan. And President Gerald Ford. He loves Paul Harvey, and views him as one of his favorite broadcasters of all time. He grew up in a house where televisions and radios were scattered across the kitchen. He’s broadcast college football games. And he teaches at Kansas State University. He can only be one person...

Story by: Pierce Bennett Photo by: Emily Lenk

Vern Wirka“It was also nice to see how open he was irka tells his story with a sense of Nebraska, during high school. After high calm. He speaks smoothly, and school, he received a bachelor’s in business to taking our (the students) thoughts into enunciates every syllable. Some administration from Bellevue University in consideration for improvement of the class.” Whave described Wirka’s radio voice as an Bellevue, Nebraska. His early involvement in For Wirka, that is what working at an ‘incredible, rich and deep voice.’ You can hear the industry led him to work at radio stations educational institution like Kansas State is all that voice with every word, patiently waiting throughout Nebraska. about. for its moment, like a race horse in the gate. He spent the most time, 15 years, at KFAB “When I first started looking at the His office emphasizes Wirka’s love of radio. in Omaha. position and applied, it really looked like I Electronic parts are organized in racks on Eventually, Wirka rose to assistant had been on a training program for the job one side of the wall. A microphone sits on his chief engineer at KFAB, and was given the my entire life,” he said. “The real challenge is desk, “but no worries, it is just for recording, opportunity to help produce the coverage for to create an environment that allows students we won’t go live anytime soon,” he jokes. the University of Nebraska football games. to develop skills necessary for a successful A section of his office with a back drop “In my entire life I have only been able to career, to also provide students with a reflects his days as a traveling ventriloquist, make it to one home game. I was always in theoretical background that puts everything for online lectures. the broadcast studio setting everything up into perspective.” His appearance is one of an old-school and making it work,” he said. Wirka admittedly wears a lot of hats for lawyer. Hair neatly combed over, a After those 15 years, KFAB was bought by the journalism department, but he isn’t the flower-printed tie around his neck, a jacket a corporate affiliate, and a large portion of the only professor working with broadcasting hanging on the chair he sits in. engineering staff was let go. This drove Wirka students. He leans back, comfortable in the back to academia, receiving his master’s Tom Hallaq, professor in the A.Q. Miller interview, a comfort that comes from years of communication from the University of School, has spent time with Wirka through of experience. 91.9 KSBD plays in the Nebraska, and then a Juris Doctorate from the journalism and digital media sequence. background, a mixture of music and campus the Taft Law School in Santa Ana, California. “Vern’s vast experience brings a lot to the announcements. Fast forward to 2017. Wirka uses all his university, but it is also his commitment He takes a breath, and tells his story. industry expertise teaching and mentoring to the students,” Hallaq said. “He wants to “I grew up on a farm about six miles from the students of A.Q. Miller School. Whether provide them with the best opportunities Fremont, Nebraska,” Wirka said. “My Dad it is in the classroom for Law of Mass possible. He is one of the hardest working had an interest in electronics in high school, Communications, or by helping design the members of our faculty, he is like the and earned an amateur radio license. He radio broadcast for KSBD, Wirka is always energizer bunny.” assumed he would be drafted into WWII with students. Wirka views the work as just part of and decided to get his first-class radio license Students recognize his desire to help. Janet the job. Along with going far beyond just to become a radio engineer in the military. Attanasio, a senior in animal sciences and teaching how to be good on the radio. However, he was told to stay home and run industry with a communications option, “If there is one thing I strive to instill in the farm. When the chief engineer of the local says it wasn’t just the jeopardy review game my students, it is honesty and integrity. It is radio station was drafted, my dad took the that made the Communication Law class a central part of what I teach. I spend a great position. It is where I developed my interest.” worthwhile. deal of time to make sure both my classes and Wirka followed in his father’s footsteps, “I could see his passion for what he was myself meet those standards.” earning his own amateur broadcasting teaching, and he was always engaging and license and working for KHUB in Fremont, willing to work with students,” she said.

16 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 And he teaches at Kansas State University.

“I want to be able to give back to the industry that has given me so much. If the paycheck was the motivation to come to work every day, then I wouldn’t be doing this.” VERN WIRKA

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 17 KSDB-FM students build broadcast skills and unleash their creativity with original music shows.

Story and photos by: Audrey Schmitz

very Friday evening the classroom in Swoyer finds the assortment of bands McCain’s Studio E transforms into primarily through Facebook and leads of a stage boasting live performances band members who previously performed Efrom local bands in the Little Apple. During in the Classroom Series. He communicates the week, the classroom is used for teaching with the band managers via phone or email to media management, but for one night a week, book performances throughout the semester. students use the room to push the boundaries and let their imaginations run wild. Going Live Students scurry in-and-out of the small The Classroom Series started in 2014 room as they remove desks and chairs and when the station manager at the time had in return fill it with band equipment from the idea of conducting a live set in the studio. the visiting performers. Microphone chords The first band to perform in the Classroom are strung and hooked up, the guitar, drum Series was a local Manhattan group that had and keyboard audios are checked, and video won the Battle of the Bands contest hosted recorders are assembled and positioned in by the Kansas State Student Union Program place. On the overhead TV screen in neon Council. hues, “The Classroom Series” is projected. “At the time we did just straight audio and broadcasted it live over the air,” said Nick Brilliant Bands Fief, alumnus and former KSDB-FM music The Classroom Series is brought to director. “We didn’t have cameras for video listeners by KSDB-FM, the student-run radio and used this really old board from like the station. According to Dylan Swoyer, music ’80s. In terms of quality it is just unreal how director and junior in civil engineering, the much better it is now than it was back then series offers a channel for local Manhattan because when we started we were using really bands to showcase their talents and connect old mics and a really old sound board and with Manhattan listeners. everything was way outdated. It was rough.” “It also provides an outlet for artists from Fief said at the first performance there were Lawrence, Kansas City or Wichita to come only five or six students on staff — himself, here and dip their toe in the Manhattan the station manager, a production promotion music scene because obviously there aren’t a manager and Swoyer’s older brother Jordan, ton of willing and consistent venues,” Swoyer the program director. said. “The bands have a hard time connecting with the Manhattan listener base and all the First Class Upgrade students. This is a good way to get them here Since then, the Classroom Series has grown and get their names out there even if it is only and evolved. Today there are 12 students on for a few hours.” staff. The series features a wide variety of genres “It is smaller than larger stations, but we including stoner metal, ethereal folk, space can still do a lot even though there are not punk, hip-hop and jazz. very many people,” Swoyer said. “We have to “The whole point is to be eclectic and not work harder, but we are very good at working be against any one genre. If it is local music as a team. Not to slight any past staffs, then it is local and we are going to support but I think this year has been really good it,” Swoyer said. comradery wise.” The Classroom Series

18 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 It is evident from their lively interactions and playful atmosphere in the studio they enjoy working together and being part of the series. “We have always been really close and it really is a tight knit group,” Fief said. “It has to be because there are so many different aspects going on all at the same time. Underwriting, promotions, productions, music — every- body is in different directions, but we all come together to make one project happen.” In order to pull off the performances each student on staff has their own set of respon- sibilities. Swoyer is in charge of booking, making sure the bands arrive on time and sending the live audio recording to the main studio airwaves. “James Copeland is our audio wizard,” Swoyer said. “He is a licensed amateur radio professional and knows everything about the technology. My job during the sessions is fairly relaxed and James does most of the dirty work doing the audio.” The Classroom Series now includes music videos and social media platforms such as Twitter, SnapChat, Instagram and Facebook Live, creating new positions for students to be involved. Therefore it is essential to have as many students present at each performance to run cameras on various devices. “We didn’t have video at our first performances and that has come a long ways,” Fief said. “We upload our music videos to YouTube and those have gotten a lot better. Infinitely better.” Getting involved in the series, KSDB-FM and showcasing the local music talent of Manhattan and surrounding areas through radio broadcasting has attracted all types of students. “I’m not a journalism student and there are a lot of people on staff who aren’t as well,” Swoyer said. “We just do it because we love it, not because we look at it as a future career.”

TOP: James Copeland, junior in journalism and digital media, toggles switches on the radio sound board. BOTTOM: Blane Worely, graduate student in mathmatics, and Bren- nan Flanagan, junior in secondary education gather video footage to create a music video of the performance.

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 19 BRINGING Radio BACK

K-State students revive old-fashioned radio drama with their live series.

Story and photos by: Emily Lenk

hen students got together to “I think we all started doing this as a favor The process can be really stressful. But we’ve create old fashioned themed to Brennan since we all came from On The latched onto the idea of doing this and are radio skits, like War of the Spot Improv,” Olivia Carter, freshman in sticking with it.” WWorlds, they didn’t realize how unique an theater, said. “Then it turned into something The radio drama skits are two, 25–minute experience it would end up being. we all thought was really cool and we wanted shows with an original script and sound Brennan Flanagan, junior in secondary to continue doing it.” effects. They incorporate live actors and education, came up with the idea of starting Brett Broadbent, sophomore in theater, sound effects they create from scratch. The these radio skits after talking with members said he wasn’t sure about doing radio at first skits are a time consuming process, according of On The Spot Improv, an improv group at when Brennan suggested the idea. to Flanagan. Kansas State. “When Brennan first talked to me about “I have a team of scriptwriters that I throw “I knew that my friends really wanted a it, I wasn’t sure if I was going to stick with it,” a genre to and they come up with a story,” reason to write scripts and I loved the idea of Broadbent said. “Then once I started and saw Flanagan said. “The script usually goes expanding our radio station,” Flanagan said. what it was going to be like, I suddenly got through two edits, the first is to make sure it's “So I thought going back to the old times of interested in what it was going to become.” a decent story, the second is to make sure it radio dramas was the perfect way to mix the Carter explained the reason she gave the follows FCC regulations. Then I go through t w o.” radio drama skits a chance. and add some more sound effects if need be. Flanagan, the underwriting director for “I’ve always written sketches, I used to We do two run throughs. The first is to make 91.9 KSDB-FM, writes scripts, plans each in high school,” Carter said. “So I thought, sure the sound effects work and the actors sound effect, and even directs the radio why not give this a shot? It’s all about being know what they are reading. The second is to drama skits. creative and making different, weird choices.

“I think it’s about not being afraid to come up with new ideas and seeing where it takes you.” EMMA PIROTTE

Evan Brandt belts out his opening line during the live broadcast. 20 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 K-State theater and On The Spot Improv students practice original sound effect cues for KSDB Radio Playhouse. make sure everything fits together. Then we first, like the different ways they’re supposed traits, but then seeing a character turn out do a live show.” to hold themselves in front of the microphone differently than how I imagined is always Broadbent said since they are both live, or the numerous ways to create simple sound awesome. It’s so cool to see people take their having experience with On The Spot Improv effects. own vision with it all.” while working on these skits is beneficial. “My favorite part about our show is writing Carter said she hopes they can continue “When we’re doing the show, we really the scripts and hearing all of the different making stories and improving the quality so have to have a different physicality and voice voices come together and all of the sound they will grow a larger audience. so the audience can tell us apart, because effects,” Carter said. “Because in your head “We’d like to bring in more actors from we’re not in costume and makeup on stage,” you hear it and you wonder if it’s going to the theater department to those voice acting Broadbent said. “Even though you have this sound all right, but then it all comes together jobs,” Carter said. “I’d like to see us grow script, there’s always going to be something in the end.” more and get to a spot where we could make that goes wrong or something that needs to Emma Pirotte, freshman in secondary more series shows and carry them out over change last second. Everyone we’ve had work English education, is one of the voice actors multiple episodes.” on this project has been really good about on the radio drama and said the team chal- Some might say radio has taken a backseat going with the flow and changing things last lenges her. in this age of technology, but Carter believes s e c on d .” “Students should be proud of 91.9, since their radio drama gives students a sense of One of the most unique parts of the skits is it’s student run and showcases all the talent creativity they wouldn’t find anywhere else. the authentic sound effects. at K-State,” Pirotte said. “I get inspired by the “Entertainment doesn’t always have to be “The sound aspect of our show is really improv team that does this show. They are all in front of you,” Carter said. “There’s some- interesting because we do as many live so creative, it's astonishing. They push me to thing about sitting there and listening to it sounds as we can,” Broadbent said. “We have be better.” and picturing it in your head that gives you a table full of items like keys, stuff to brush With their skits, listeners are able to listen this creativity you’d miss out on if you were your teeth and random things to make noises. and imagine the characters themselves. watching a television show.” Then we have somebody who has a computer “I love hearing the different ways people with a list of what noises to make and when.” interpret characters,” Broadbent said. “When Carter explained there are a lot of things I’m creating a character, I imagine them like that go into the skits that they didn’t realize at this and picture them with these personality

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 21 FIRED Up

Students cover news from all angles when The Dusty Bookshelf catches fire in Aggieville.

Firefighters work to put out the blazes at the The Dusty Bookshelf. Although the fire was successfully extinguished, the building suffered an estimated $822,00 in damages. No injuries were reported, and Oliver, The Dusty Bookshelf cat, wasn’t harmed.

22 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 Story by: Emily Lenk Courtesy photo: James Copeland

hen the Dusty Bookshelf, an Aggieville bookstore since 1985, caught fire one early Thursday Wmorning, A.Q. Miller students were given the opportunity to cover breaking news. James Copeland, journalism major and FIRED program director for KSDB-FM 91.9 radio station, was one of the first on the scene. “As soon as I heard this I jumped out of bed and ran to my front door, still in my pajamas,” Copeland said. “From my front door, I saw a plume of yellowish smoke rising from Aggieville illuminated below. I ran back inside, got dressed, grabbed my camera, hopped on my bike and headed to McCain.” The fire started due to a floor stain that was used during the remodeling of the building and caused intense smoke damage to neighboring buildings, Varsity Donuts and Thread. Since Copeland was already prepared Evan Penner stands on scene, ready to shoot a standup for Channel 8 News. with his gear on him, he was able to be one of the first student reporters at the scene. “It was really the power of friends who As a student in journalism, Penner said “This was the first fire I've ever covered,” informed me,” Alanis said. “And, while I was it is crucial to take opportunities and make Copeland said. “So I took some cues from the writing the story I even got a message from yourself available when the time comes. professional media around me and learned another friend making sure I knew in case I “It was a great new experience for me to a lot.” needed to write a story.” be part of, even if it was under unfortunate Copeland explained that covering situ- After packing up gear, researching the situ- circumstances,” Penner said. “The Dusty ations like this is an invaluable experience ation, and writing a short script, Evan Penner, Bookshelf was a big part of the Aggieville feel college students carry with them for the rest junior in journalism, arrived at the incident at and community – the neighborhood will now of their lives. 9:30 a.m. with Channel 8 News. be changed forever.” “I make mistakes every Although Copeland’s day was single day and I learn from interrupted by covering the fire and each one of them,” Copeland he missed a few classes, he was able said. “College is a forgiving “In this major you need to to capture a jaw-dropping photos of place to make mistakes. The the fire and cover the event live for real world is not as forgiving.” build experience. You need KSDB-FM. Collegian news editor, “You can teach the concepts of Kaitlyn Alanis, was also on to be exposed to a lot of covering an event like this in the the scene as soon as she heard classroom, but until you get out and about it. After waking up from situations, and you need to do it, it means nothing.” Copeland a text from a friend around 6 said. a.m. who told her about the make a lot of mistakes.” Copeland rode his bicycle to fire, she contemplated getting the fire from McCain on-and-off out of bed to cover the story. JAMES COPELAND all day to provide live updates for Her friend told her to check the KSDB-FM listeners. pictures out on Twitter because “Sure, I had to miss a few classes the photos looked pretty bad, Alanis said. As “To get real experience in an actual that day, but what's better for my educa- soon as she did, she realized she needed to breaking news situation can't have a price put tion and future career – covering a fire – or cover what was happening. on it,” Penner said. “It’s invaluable.” learning about rocks?” Copeland said.

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 23 TOP LEFT: Sharpe enjoys a laugh as he works with the broadcasting team at the University of Nebraska. BOTTOM: The crowd and the K-State stadium in '98 when the Wildcats beat the Cornhuskers in Manhattan for the first time since '59.

24 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 Making his VOICE heard Greg Sharpe recalls his time as the voice of the Wildcats.

Story by: Ethan Chapman Courtesy photos: Greg Sharpe

“The ten! The five! Touch- demeanor. Greg Sharpe is the opposite of decided to attend KU, and he had an older down Jeff Kelly! Kansas State leads 40 to 30! this. Wearing an orange sweater over a white brother who was already in Manhattan, so he … You know it’s been said that K-State would button up and sporting a friendly smile, decided to stick with family and move to the never beat Nebraska, it was unthinkable, Sharpe has a welcoming presence about him. Little Apple. His daughter also grew up in a unimaginable… well today the color of choice He is the type of person who makes anyone house divided. Living in Lincoln and having is purple, as K-State has beaten Nebraska, feel comfortable, and is a spectacular role a father involved with the Nebraska football for the first time in Manhattan, since 1959. model for his three daughters. program, she was naturally inclined to cheer They win it 40 to 30, and it is party time in “Nebraska beats the Wildcats by a final for the Huskers, but when asked to choose Manhattan!” – Greg Sharpe - 1998 score of 27 to 24” – Greg Sharpe - 2014 between the two, her response echoed her Greg Sharpe was the voice of the Wildcats While this quote by Sharpe might seem father's. during some of the best years of K-State depressing to most Wildcat fans, you will “Definitely K-State, I still root for Nebraska football, the rise in the ’90s. He was there be glad to know the Wildcats to which he is but I would definitely say I am a Wildcats in ‘97 when the Cats won the Fiesta Bowl referring are not the ones of Kansas State, fan,” Emily said. against Syracuse. He was there when the Cats but of those who reside at Northwestern “That’s allowed now that we are in different were ranked in the Top 10 for six seasons in University. Sharpe has not covered a Kansas conferences,” Greg chuckled. a row. He was there when the Cats beat our State Wildcats game in more than a decade. arch-rival, Nebraska in a nail-biting ending. Currently, he spends his Saturdays doing the But where is he now? play-by-play coverage for the University of COMING NEXT FALL Sharpe looks back at his days at Kansas Nebraska. This might seem like a betrayal, State fondly, and he said he hopes to share but don’t worry, he stays true to his roots. In 2015 A.Q. Miller School graduate Willie some of his memories with his daughter, fact, two of the Associate Athletic Directors Evans has allowed his passion for movies Emily, who is currently a high school senior. for Nebraska, went to school with Sharpe. At to guide him to writing and directing his “I’m excited to walk through the campus Kansas State. and point to a building and tell her about Three of the most influential people own independent film, “A Bus Stop.” the classes I had there, or maybe talk about a in Nebraska Sports media went to school Evans gained a passion for movies building I’ve never been in.” together at Kansas State University. It seems throughout his youth, first through the Emily has not decided what she wants incredible that one school’s head trifecta once "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and later with to study, but journalism is something she walked the campus of their historic rival. is interested in, largely due to her father’s Now that both teams are in different confer- foreign and independent films in college. involvement with the program. Sharpe started ences, the rivalry has faded, but the support Today, he isn’t just watching them, but out his broadcasting career with KSDB, of Sharpe and his compatriots is still strong. making them for the big screen. working mostly with women’s basketball and “I can proclaim my love for K-State a little An April 22 showing of “A Bus Stop,” baseball. He and his friend, Marc Boehm, more freely now that we aren’t in the same worked together to do the play by play for conference. Sometimes on K-State gamedays, brought Evans back to campus. He said these games. He speaks highly of the profes- I will be walking down the hall and Michael he hopes to show the film at film festivals sors he studied under, and mentioned how will ask me if I saw the touchdown and we across the world. even today he quotes Steve Smethers when will talk about the game for a few minutes. With another film in the works, and the talking about the broadcasting business. It’s really cool to be able to identify with a current one still growing, Willie Evans’ Any K-State fan worth their salt has heard colleague over a school we both attended.” the voice of Greg Sharpe when watching the Sharpe grew up in Kansas City, with a story is worth waiting for. “Part of this House” hype video that plays mother who attended the University of Check it out in the fall edition of before every home game. One would think Nebraska. Upon reaching his senior year UPDATE magazine. someone with so much stock in K-State of high school, he had the choice between history would be a larger than life character Nebraska, the University of Kansas and with a big personality and intimidating Kansas State. Most of his friends had already

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 25 Agencies that attended:

BARKLEY INC. DIVISION D GO LOCAL INTERACTIVE INK INC. PR K-STATE ATHLETICS

MANHATTAN BROADCASTING COMPANY MEERS ADVERTISING 123 MEREDITH CORPORATION interview appointment RADIO KANSAS slots were filled SALINA JOURNAL VML INC. WALZ TETRICK ADVERTISING WIBW TELEVISION ALPHA MEDIA Story by: Julia Hood EXCEL INCORPORATED ore than 100 students put on GEARY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL their best clothes, prepared their questions and braved a sea of GREAT PLAINS CHRISTIAN RADIO Memployers at JMC Professionals Day, March 7 in Berney Family Welcome Center. INTOUCH SOLUTIONS The event began with one-on-one appoint- ments with 20 professionals who got to know JNT COMPANY students, looked over their resumes, asked KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES questions and gave feedback. Ashley Motley, assistant director to the KSNT NEWS liaison of the College of Arts and Sciences, said although some creative companies may K-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION not currently be hiring, if they networked with students, they would have a resume on MANHATTAN CONVENTION & file. VISITORS CENTER “Next summer when they are looking for an intern, they might pull out a junior’s MANHATTAN MERCURY resume and say, ‘You know I remember this conversation,’” Motley said. “‘This may be a NEWS-PRESS & GAZETTE CO. good opportunity. We should reach out to this student.’” ROCKING M RADIO Jessie Fray, KSNT news director, attended the event in the afternoon and spoke with US ARMY GARRISON PUBLIC AFFAIRS several students.

26 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 Professional PITCH 64 individual students participated in appointment slotss 101 19 total student students attended participants both interviews and reception

56 students came to the networking reception “I interviewed about six students,” Fray “It helps students make connections with said. “We are really looking for people who real people in their industry and see the faces can do it all.” of the industry and see that there are oppor- After an afternoon of interviews, a new tunities out there for them,” Motley said. “It crowd of students gathered in the Berney While students had expectations for the also helps students practice those networking Family Welcome Center Great Room for a day, the professionals did, too. Linda Emig, skills and talking to employers.” networking reception. Great Plains Christian Radio music director/ Lydia Lierz, sophomore in mass commu- Motley said students were showing up operations, said she was only able to attend nications, said she went to the event to search within the first 10 minutes to talk with during the day, but had high hopes for for an opportunity to job shadow for a class. employers. finding internship possibilities. “I need one after spring break so I think it’s “At this kind of event we really want “We’ve been able to meet a couple of really a good opportunity for me to see them and students to join the conversation around the great kids,” Emig said. “A few may be inter- them to see me,” Lierz said. “I want to end up table, even if students are already talking to ested in internships. This is how we got our in Kansas City so I just want to get my name that employer, versus waiting in line,” Motley intern last time too.” out there.” said. “That way, employers don’t have to pitch Finding interns was important to the JMC Professionals Day was for everyone their company for every student.” Manhattan Mercury, too. Megan Moser, exec- — even non-journalism students — and Braxton Jones, senior in mass communica- utive editor, also attended the reception with provided preparation for students as they tions and minor in leadership studies, said he aspirations of looking for talent. strive to become professionals. enjoyed the setup of the reception. “Our hope is to get three writing interns “They really try to take advantage of that “A lot of times things like this can be intim- and a photo editor,” Moser said. “Someone (connecting with big firms), but not every idating, but when you see your classmates here was actually our intern last year.” student wants to approach it in that way,” talking to these HR people, handing them Motley said just seeing the faces of Motley said. “Students can approach this business cards and resumes you’re like ‘oh I the industry demystifies the process of event in the way that fits them best and not can do it,’” Jones said. networking with professionals. feel as nervous about it.”

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 27 Blogger BONUS Kayla Sloan shares how she turned her blog into a source of additional income.

Story by: Andrea Dizmang Photo courtesy: Kayla Sloan

rofessional blogger Kayla Sloan, She started blogging as a hobby. written for entrepreneurship websites, Times 2012 graduate in Agricultural “I didn’t honestly know that blogs could be magazine and the Huffington Post. Communications, started casually a business at the time when I started,” Sloan “I just reached out to Ariana Huffington Pblogging in December of 2013. Little did said. “If I am really going to give this a try, herself,” Sloan said. “I sent her a cold email she know, four years later she would be I have to make my blog more legitimate. I and said, ‘Hey, I have this amazing story and I embarking on the business of her life: a really wanted to connect with my audience really want to tell it on the Huffington Post, is successful, professional, independent finan- and so I decided to take it up a notch and this something you’d be interested in?’” cial blog. stopped being anonymous and decided to It’s surprising how many of these big media “I didn’t start treating it (her blog) as a share my story and be more relatable to those companies are interested in what people have business until part way through 2014,” Sloan who were reading it.” to say Sloan said. said, “and I really started seeing it as some- Sloan is more than willing to share her Currently, Sloan is working on a correla- thing that could replace my full-time job.” success. She uses Instagram and Facebook to tion between being in debt and and losing After graduation Sloan went back to her talk about her blog. weight. This year, she has started on her hometown in Colby, Kansas. She started Sloan said there are several different ways personal health goals and has realized the two working as a credit analyst for a farm cred- to make a blog a successful, income-earning topics have a lot in common. She is also in the it-lending office in Colby. Once she realized business. Some blogs earn their money process of rebranding her blog and is excited she wasn’t feeling fulfilled in her job, she through advertising directly off their blog or for the changes to come. started branching out into blogging. selling digital products. To see how she earned $9,789 online “I started blogging and freelance writing Sloan freelances and does web consulting in February go to www.kaylasloan.com/ for other websites and news outlets as a way to help other people start their own blogs. She raise-my-rates-online-income/. to fulfill my creative need,” Sloan said. has had her articles syndicated to AOL, has

28 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 BONUS

“When I started out, I was making $200 a month freelance writing to use as something a little extra in my budget every month. It’s been a year and a half since then and I’m making around $10,000 a month.” KAYLA SLOAN

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 29 A BareMistake K-State students join a fad in the ultimate streak before spring break.

Story by: Dallas Coronado Photo courtesy: Dan Biles

was the night before spring break, According to Biles, the Collegian staff had He said the police were there too, but only when all through the campus, not gotten wind about this and knew they had a to make sure everyone was being safe and a student was stirring, except ... the dinner break, so they all walked to Aggieville responsible. Tones who were streaking. to eat. That’s when things got a little out of “It was just a hoot,” Biles said. “It was just When you think of 1974, what comes to control. funny. It was a nice night too.” mind? Nixon’s resignation? The Godfather: “We took a break from the paper and went Students drove in circles around the Part II? The Boston Celtics dynasty? down to Aggieville,” he said. “There’s no parking lot, “mooning” each other out of car The K-State Collegian staff of ’74 encoun- question we drank.” windows. The whole men’s rugby team was tered a story that spring they could not pass The staff finished up their dinner and heavily involved. Biles said it was something up, and it turned out to be one they’d never headed back to Kedzie Hall when they he’ll never forget. forget. began to encounter naked people. Biles “I remember that Volkswagon, it went right A wave of streaking came over Kansas recalled former Collegian photographer Neil around the loop with that guy's bare butt State’s campus that March, as a result of what Woerman chasing one of the streakers they going right through there,” Biles said. former Collegian writer Dan Biles said was a saw in Aggieville across campus in an attempt The staff began to write the story, Biles, national trend. former editor Rick Biles, now a Kansas Dean and Woerman Supreme Court justice, “I remember examining the began taking turns served as a writer and writing. editor for the Collegian in photo downstairs by the darkroom, and “It was certainly a the spring of ’74. disjointed collabora- Biles said students were considering the propriety of the bare tion of us taking turns already electrified because at writing,” Woerman it was the Thursday night bottoms and the embarassment of the said. before spring break. girl whose head was out the Volkswagen In hindsight, “Nationally, there had Woerman thought been this streaking craze,” window with the ‘mooner’.” the story was neces- Biles said, alluding to the sary, but blamed their streaking incident of the NEIL WOERMAN inebriation on some 1974 Academy Awards. of the mistakes they “My memory is, there made. were a couple of minor streaking incidences to get a photo for the paper. It turns out the “It was an event that should have been on campus earlier in the week,” Biles said. young women had gone to high school with covered, and we did write it under deadline,” “Nobody knew about them.” him. he said, “but there can be no other excuse Apparently these events encouraged the When the crowd gathered in the Union than alcohol for our lame plays on words.” students to organize a streaking event of their parking lot that night, Biles said it was around The photo published for the story was own. Biles said it was scheduled and orga- 11 p.m. Hundreds of students filled the taken by Woerman. It had a couple of nude nized for Thursday night. parking lot; some streaked, some observed. bottoms in it – which was permissible, but on

30 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 that spring night the staff looked over a detail Biles said he was confused as to why Brown “I felt pretty foolish,” Woerman said, that would get them into some trouble. was so upset, until he brought in the photo “but that wasn’t the last time I felt foolish “I swear six or seven of us stared at that and showed them. over something I published or said as a [photo] to make sure it was ok,” he said. “It “Then he put it on the bulletin board and spokesman.” was not our intention to print a fully exposed circled Waldo,” he said. He said it was a good lesson in humility, rugby player.” Woerman said his clearest memory from and despite how serious Brown was, even he That’s right, in the faint background of the the whole situation was Brown’s facial expres- found it funny. photo, you can just barely see a young male’s sion when he saw him that day. “I am just glad our errors could, even nether region. “He had a wry expression and was shaking then, be looked at as comic and that we “Everybody was in on the levity of it,” Biles his head, as he quipped ‘You guys must have were not dealing with serious news,” said. “We stared at it, and everybody signed been drunk last night,’” Woerman said. Woerman said. off on it.” The staff didn’t get into any real trouble, That moment in the spring of ’74 may not Woerman said it was those details that they got a chewing out from Brown, along have been the Collegian’s greatest moment distracted them from looking at the photo in with some embarrassment. of glory, but even 43 years later - it’s part of whole, causing them to miss the minor detail. “Bill Brown served as both our punisher its unforgettable legacy. There were sober ones among the staff, but and protector,” Biles said. “Anything headed they missed it as well. Had anybody caught our way he would have protected us.” it, Woerman said, the photo would not have Biles and Woerman keep in touch and been published. began an email chain of former Collegian The next morning, Bill Brown, the media staff when reminded of the events. Biles has director at the time, came into the newsroom, even kept a copy of the paper all these years. where most of them were, livid. “He went nuts on us,” Biles said. “He had already heard from the administrators.”

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 31 CALIFORNIA

Story by: Audrey Schmitz Photo courtesy: Cody Isern

pring of 2016 Cody Isern had a .007 percent chance of being selected for an ESPN summer internship. SAccording to John Skipper, president of ESPN, more than 13,000 people applied for all their internship positions. “Being one of those 13,000 people just blew my mind when I did the math and saw the percentage of what it equated down to,” said Isern, senior in mass communications and journalism with a focus in digital media and minor in economics. “It was in that moment I realized how lucky and fortunate I was to have had people support me throughout my life. They could have chosen anybody, but somehow they thought I would be the best fit for the position.” A great deal of Isern’s support has came from his mentors while working for K-State HD-TV. “When I first came into K-State, I literally had one year of video production under my belt,” Isern said. “It was not good. However, they were willing to take a chance on me and help me learn what I needed to know to get my foot in the door and into the industry.” Andy Liebsch, assistant director of video services for K-State Athletics, said Isern was still pretty wet behind the ears when he first started working for them his freshman year. However, Isern was always eager to learn and pushed himself to learn different video skills as has grew throughout the years.

32 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 CALIFORNIA Dreaming JMC student hits the red carpet to intern for ESPN.

“Cody, he’s a fun loving cat,” Liebsch After the interview, Isern was told he Countdown.” He also previewed the high- chuckled. “He likes to joke around while would hear from them by the end of the lights for SportsCenter in the control room to getting his work done, but at the same time week. However, while playing the waiting check audio and for black frames or jumps in you know he really just enjoys having fun and game, he was offered an internship with the the video. With a list of sports plays in hand keeping it loose. It’s clear he cares about the Junior Golf Association and needed to know he was in charge of queuing up the clips and projects he works on, not just about getting it sooner. Two days later, on May 6, ESPN hitting the play button. done. He always wants to take that extra step called and offered Isern a position as the “Before I headed out there I had it in my and put that extra effort into making a good production operations intern. head at ESPN they were going to be a little project great.” more strict and tough and were going Noticing his work ethic, K-State to be older since they are the top in the HD-TV took a gamble on him and “I feel like ESPN is the industry,” Isern said. “But once I got out appointed him the women’s basketball there I put that all aside and realized they videographer his sophomore year. For highest point of video were in the same shoes five or 10 years the past three years he has been in charge ago and wanted to help me as much as of all women’s basketball video content, production and at the possible.” promotions and commercials. time I felt like I was ready The highlight of Isern’s summer “I had all the skills and contacts internship occurred after he spent a necessary to try and get an internship to apply.” week helping set up for the EPSYs, an with ESPN,” Isern said. “So, I decided to event where individual and team athletic go for it.” CODY ISERN achievements and sports-related perfor- Despite applying with ESPN the year mances are recognized from the past before and never hearing back from them, year. Isern said walking on the red carpet, Isern was willing to give it another shot and “When I finally got a call back from Shane rubbing elbows with famous athletes and applied again last February to four different Norton at ESPN, the whole time I was talking witnessing all the different shows going on positions in Bristol, Connecticut, and Los to him I just kept telling him how I was at a all at once was surreal. While in California he Angeles, California. loss for words and how excited I was,” Isern explored the beaches, hiked to the Hollywood A month later he scored interviews for said. sign and visitied the Reagan Museum. the Bristol positions, but was not selected Isern was one of six interns selected to be “This internship made an impact on me for either. He was told he was still being on staff this past summer at the Los Angeles and helped build my confidence,” Isern said. considered for the Los Angeles internships. Studio. While there, Isern was responsible “It made me realize I have done enough Two months passed and he received another for setting up the studios, mapping out the and have enough experience for when I do phone interview, this time with the people at shots and running the camera for ESPN’s graduate to make a difference in this industry the Los Angeles studio. afternoon shows “SportsNation” and “NBA somehow or some way.”

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 33 J-ATHLETES

Story by: Dallas Coronado Meet the student athletes of Journalism and Mass Communications. Photos by: Emily Lenk

Student athletes in the A.Q. Miller School in political news, as well as her uncertainty of Savatovic said she loved every minute of have learned a new sport: juggling. Training, a career in sports. being a student athlete. academics, social life — to name a few things “I wasn’t sure I wanted to sit and talk about “When you love something, nothing is they have to manage — are tasks in them- sports for my whole life,” Haddock said. “I felt hard,” Savatovic said. selves. While juggling is easier for some than like I wanted to keep that more of a hobby.” Savatovic said the only problem with being others, the 12 student athletes in journalism Sara Savatovic, a decorated athlete in a student athlete was her inability to focus and mass communications find a way to women’s track and field, is a senior in public 100 percent on school because she was so focus on school and their futures. relations with a minor in Spanish. She likes dedicated to track and field. Now that she PR because it’s not limited to one field and isn’t competing, she can shift her focus. Krista Haddock allows her to work with her passions — “Track was my life,” Savatovic said, “but I Krista Haddock, sophomore in digital sports, traveling, tourism and fashion. really love my major.” media and political science, said the toughest Savatovic has traveled to more than 20 part about being a student athlete is the Sara Savatovic countries and is fluent in three languages — schedule. Haddock, a forward for the Kansas Savatovic is no longer competing in Serbian, Spanish and English. State women’s soccer team, is currently in the collegiate athletics, but in the past four years “I like exploring other cultures,” Savatovic midst of her off-season schedule until August. she racked up four, Big 12 titles in hammer said. “I could use that in my profession.” She lifts weights in the morning, attends class throw and weight throw, two first-team Savatovic said some of her favorite classes and then goes to practice in the afternoon. All-American selections and a second-place at K-State have been Public Relations Writing “By the time you get out and have any free finish in the NCAA Championships in her with Debra Skidmore and Public Relations time it’s like six or seven at night and then senior season. She is also the national record Design with Sara Quinn. Design was one you have to study,” Haddock said. holder in the hammer throw and the weight of her favorites because it allowed her to be As a freshman, Haddock spent required throw in her home country of Serbia. creative and gave her hands-on experience. hours in study hall every night. Now, she said her school work still consumes most of her evening free time. “Whether you’re in study hall or not, it’s just the fact that you have to study at some point,” Haddock said. Haddock was heavily involved in jour- Sara Savatovic nalism and broadcast at her high school in TRACK AND FIELD Hemet, California. She was responsible for SENIOR composing the sports highlight video pack- PUBLIC RELATIONS AND SPANISH ages for her school's broadcast. “I put together sports highlight packages and stuff,” Haddock said. “I’d film all of our school sports and then in the morning before we went to our live broadcast I’d put a package together.” She originally wanted to go into sports broadcasting, but is now considering news, political reporting or even law school. Haddock said the choice to double major in political science has to do with her interest

34 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 “I really like it here because you can get Gravel-Coursel said. “It’s just like I don’t have JMC ATHLETES practical experience,” Savatovic said. “It’s not to worry about things other students have to only studying from the book and doing tests.” worry about.” Katherine Gravel-Coursol (women’s golf) She also likes the JMC professors and their A senior in advertising, Gravel-Coursel Sara Savatovic (women’s track) willingness to help. has multiple interests outside golf and Colby Moore (football) “If you’re struggling with anything you can said she’d like to be able to have a career in Erica Young (women’s basketball) meet them, and they’re going to explain it multiple fields. Marija Stambolic (women’s track) again,” Savatovic said. “And before tests you “They say you have to set up and do one Zanri Van Der Merwe (women’s track) can meet with them.” thing,” Gravel-Coursel said, “but I like to do Glenn Williams (football) When Savatovic first came to the U.S., she a lot of things so I don’t know exactly what I Krista Haddock (soccer) didn’t have a perception of what Kansas was want to do after college.” Da’Marrio Jackson-Smith (football) like, but now — four years later — she plans Because of her fascination with on staying at Kansas State after graduating in flowers, Gravel-Coursel chose to minor in Annalee Hammaker (women’s basketball) December to attend graduate school. horticulture. Thomas Killilea (football) “I would like to stay here to gain as much “I just decided to do something that I Derrel Render (football) knowledge as I can and to develop as a would like to do,” Gravel-Coursel said. “So I professional,” Savatovic said. “I think it’s great took horticulture and it’s difficult, but I love it here.” because it’s so weird how a little leaf can form into a big plant.” Katherine Gravel-Coursel She said her parents own a greenhouse and Katherine Gravel-Coursel, a four-year her grandparents owned one before that, so Gravel-Coursel said her favorite classes veteran on the women’s golf team, hails from she’s always been around plants and flowers. have been Advertising Portfolio and Digital Quebec, Canada. If she were to pursue a career in golf it Photography because she enjoyed learning Like her fellow JMC student athletes, she would be broadcasting golf, Gravel-Coursel InDesign and Photoshop. faces the challenge of a demanding schedule. said. Occasionally she practices broadcasting Like Savatovic, Gravel-Coursel said she During the season the team often travels. golf when she’s alone in her room. receives a great deal of support and from her Gravel-Coursel said her professors help her “Sometimes I really want to be a broad- professors and she wouldn’t mind staying in catch up on the lessons she’s missed. caster for golf,” Gravel-Coursel said. “My the U.S. after graduation. She said being a student athlete is tough, mind goes everywhere.” “I want to open all the doors,” Gravel- but worth it because there are more advan- She said golf is mostly dominated by men, Coursel said. “Even though I’m really close to tages than disadvantages. and it would be good to broaden the horizon my family, it’s easy to fly home.” “They have people preparing dinner and get more women involved. for us every night and every morning,”

Krista Haddock SOCCER SOPHOMORE DIGITAL MEDIA AND POLICITAL SCIENCE

Katherine Gravel-Coursel GOLF SENIOR ADVERTISING

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 35 Alumni Updates

Crystal Albers Trenton Miller Denton, Kansas Colorado Springs, Colorado Major: Print Journalism and Major: Public Relations Public Relations Allison McBrien Position: Communications Position: Director of Mission, Kansas Intern for USA Basketball Communications for Angus Major: Public Relations What makes K-State so Media with a minor in Leadership great? What’s your advice for Studies The A.Q. Miller School current JMC students? Position: Administrative has some tremendous Media is changing at such a Coordinator for the ALS individuals involved, both rapid pace so my advice is to Association Mid-America students and faculty, and be very diversified in what Chapter in Mission, Kansas to me, that’s what makes it you learn while at school. What is your favorite great in many ways. memory from K-State? My freshman year, the ‘03 K-State football game ‘16 against Texas. Everyone rushed the field and we were all jumping around celebrating. ‘16 ‘96 Cary Conover Andover, Kansas ‘74 Major: Journalism and Dan Biles Mass Communications. Olathe, Kansas Position: Journalism Major: Technical Journalism adviser at Andover High Position: Justice, Kansas School Supreme Court since 2009 What is your favorite What is the most important memory from K-State? thing you learned during The darkroom, the college? newsroom, the RP room, K-State journalism taught the basement darkroom me how to write. The skill and those printing presses of writing is extraordinarily starting their rumblings late important in whatever you at night. All of that left such do in work. an impression on me.

36 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 Scott Kraft Los Angeles, California Shannon Krueger Major: Journalism and Mass Wamego, Kansas Communications Major: Agricultural Position: Deputy Managing Communications and Editor for the Los Angeles Journalism and a Masters in Times Mass Communications and What is your favorite social Journalism media platform? Position: Freelance I would say Twitter. I find creative professional for looking at it frequently Allegro Creative throughout the day gives What is your favorite me a real sense of what restaurant in Manhattan? people are talking about, My husband and I almost what is important to them always go to Taco Lucha and where the national and when we are in town international conversation is for date night. If we go going. on Tuesdays I order the peanut butter steak taco. ‘77 ‘03

‘15 ‘98 Leah Hill ‘16 Sara Edwards Colorado Springs, Colorado Sagan Hundley Atlanta, Georgia Major: Journalism and Mass Kansas City, Missouri Major: Print Journalism Communications and a mi- Major: Mass Communica- concentration in Public nor in Nonprofit Leadership tions with a concentration Relations Position: Marketing and in Public Relations Position: Marketing Communications Special- Position: Marketing and Communications Manager, ist at Christian Camp and Administrative Assistant at NIIT Technologies Conference Association Edgar Law Firm What is the most What is your favorite What’s your favorite important thing you memory from K-State? memory from K-State? learned while at K-State? Studying abroad with Dr. I have very fond memories I gained strong story DeSanto in Costa Rica for the of my Military PR class with editing skills from my travel and tourism seminar Deb Skidmore. We made mentor at the Collegian. over winter break. two trips out to Fort Riley.

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 37 MEET THE Staff

AUDREY SCHMITZ ETHAN CHAPMAN JULIA HOOD ANDREA DIZMANG EDITOR IN CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR COPY EDITOR ALUMNI EDITOR Hi there! My name is Howdy there, my name is Hi there! My name is Julia Hey! I’m Andrea Dizmang Audrey and I am a grad- Ethan Chapman and I am a and I am a senior in journal- and I am majoring in print uating senior pursuing senior studying advertising ism and digital media with journalism with a minor dual majors in agricultural with a minor in business. a public relations emphasis in conflict analysis and communications and jour- After my graduation next from Kansas City, Missouri. trauma studies. When I nalism and animal sciences December, I aim to work My dream is to live in the graduate in December, I and industry with a dairy in an advertising agency mountains someday while plan on creating a kick-butt emphasis. I grew up in Ax- doing account and project working for a non-profit blog I can run from home, tell, Kansas, on my family's management. organization or marketing although I have an ever-in- dairy farm and after grad- company. creasing interest in war uation this May, I will be an Email: chapman14@ksu. journalism and photogra- editor for the Progressive edu Email: [email protected] phy so I may pursue that Dairyman magazine. LinkedIn: Ethan R Chapman Website: www.juliaann- route as well. I also want to hood.weebly.com dabble in freelance writing Email: [email protected] and editing. Website: www.audreylynn- schmitz.com Email: [email protected]

38 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017 Staff

EMILY LENK RYAN PORTER DALLAS CORONADO PIERCE BENNETT PHOTO EDITOR SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA STAFF Hi ya’ll, my name’s Emily A senior majoring in digital A lover of warm weather, Hello, I am a graduating and I’m a junior in jour- journalism, with a focus on tacos, and sports, Dallas senior in animal sciences nalism and mass commu- print and a minor in busi- majors in journalism and and industry with a minor nications with a minor in ness. I am a graduating this mass communications in mass communications. business. I have way too year, originally from Na- with a print emphasis. He I enjoy being outdoors, many passions, including perville, Illinois. Although aspires to one day work in showing livestock and traveling and photography. my career path is currently sports journalism. having a good time. Upon I’m the editor of Manhap- headed in the direction of graduation I will be moving penin’ Magazine, a new life- business, I intend to try and Email: dcoronado316@ to Kansas City to work for style magazine at K-State, continue my journalistic gmail.com the Livestock Marketing and have my own photog- endeavors for a local news- Website: dallascoronado. Association, and will be in raphy business, Emily Kaye paper company, part-time. wordpress.com the Government and Indus- Photography. I’m not sure try Affairs department. what I want to do yet after graduation, but I’m super excited for wherever life takes me next.

Email: [email protected] Website: https://emi- lykayeweb.wordpress.com/

Spring 2017 • JMC UPDATE 39 A.Q. MILLER SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS

Kansas State University Kedzie Hall 105 Manhattan, KS 66506-1500

40 JMC UPDATE • Spring 2017