Journalism Student Advisor Retires After 30 Years by Sabrina Ahmed

Spring 2011

The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications

J-School Generations: Connect. Unite. Create.

he School of Journalism’s inaugural “J-School Generations” networking and reunion event March 31 and April 1 brought more than 80 alumni back to the T KU campus for a series of interactive activities. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the success of our first J-School Generations event,” Journalism Dean Ann Brill said. “I was so impressed with the excitement and enthusiasm that our amazing alumni, students and faculty brought to the event that we plan to make this an annual activity at the J-School.” The event kicked off Thursday, March 31, with 11 distinguished alumni teaching School of Journalism classes. Each year the School plans to invite different alumni to share their experiences with students by teaching J-School classes. Alumni in the classroom this year included: Mike Goff, vice president, corporate marketing, Sprint Nextel; Joel Zeff, president, Joel Zeff Creative, Dallas; Mike Sw- enson, executive vice president, Barkley, Kansas City; Eric Morgenstern, president, Morningstar Communications, Overland Park; John Montgomery, editor and publisher, Hutchinson News; Cindy Maude, president/CEO, Callahan Creek, Lawrence; Tom Hansen, president/CEO, Heelys, Dallas; Brian Bracco, vice president, Hearst TV, Kansas City; Honorable Carol Beier, Justice, Kansas Supreme Court, Topeka; Traci Moore Clay, principal, TMG, St. Louis; and Patti Regan, president/CEO, The Regan Group. (Continued on page 3)

At top, Eric Morgenstern, president of Morningstar Communications and 1978 graduate, is photographed with Dean Ann Brill and student Abby Leeper at J-School Generations. At left are scenes from the two-day event at KU.

www.journalism.ku.edu facebook.com/KUJournalism w twitter.com/KUJournalism w youtube.com/KUJournalism w kujournalism.tumblr.com >> Letter from the Dean

oming to work this morning, I saw workers planting flowers at the Chi Omega Fountain. Both the flow- C ers and the Fountain are landmarks at KU. When summer flowers show up, it’s time to turn on the water and the Fountain springs to life. It’s a wonderful tradition and provides a visible transition to the annual changes here on the hill. It’s also a favorite place to take photos on campus. The School of Journalism has its own traditions and transitions at this time of year. We honor students and donors through the awarding of scholarships and other recog- nitions. We give the Katich Award to an innovative professor. This year, Tien-Tsung Lee is the recipient. We’re looking over freshmen admissions and planning classes for fall while saying bon voyage to this year’s senior class. We’re getting ready for new faculty members and wishing Ted Frederick- son and John Hudnall all the best in their retirements. We already said our farewells to Lynne Tidwell and have hired Pamela Scott as director of our student services. The Kansan, KUJH and campaigns students are preparing their final presentations while interviewing for jobs and internships. In the midst of all this change, it’s wonderful to also see that the tie to KU remains forever. In April, we hosted the first J-School Generations event, a gathering of alumni, faculty, students and staff. It was the brainchild of alumni the School. Alumni taught classes, met with faculty and stu- who wanted to plan an event that connected them back to dents, enjoyed a reception and selected issues to creatively address for the School. We plan to make this an annual event and hope more of you can join us next year. Watch the website for more information on that. A few more impressive accomplishments this spring semester included Chuck Marsh’s promotion to full professor and Scott Reinardy’s promotion to associate professor with tenure. Students took home the award of Best College J-Links is a publication for the alumni and friends of Advertising Staff in the Nation at the College Newspaper the University of Kansas William Allen White School Business and Advertising Manager’s (CNBAM) Convention of Journalism and Mass Communications. and we also placed second in the national Hearst Intercol- Editor: Jennifer Kinnard, Communications Coordinator legiate Writing competition. J-School enrollment was up 4 Student Communications Assistants: Will Becker, senior, percent this spring. We’ve seen the return of many recruiters Prairie Village, Kan., and Sarah Norden, senior, Lenexa, Kan. and I’m hearing more of the seniors talk about the jobs they have waiting for them. Those are good signs that the econ- Printed by: Allen Press Inc., Lawrence, Kansas omy and the industries we serve are strengthening. And, Financial support provided by: The Ward Family Foundation when we stopped to review our success in getting grants, we Fund in Journalism. The School acknowledges, with gratitude, learned that we have increased by 1,000 percent the money the generous support provided by the Ward family. coming in via research dollars! That’s providing seed money For more information: 200 Stauffer-Flint, 1435 Jayhawk Blvd., for even more opportunities for faculty and students. Lawrence, KS 66045-7575 • [email protected] • 785-864-4755 As graduates cross the stage in May, each will receive facebook.com/KUJournalism • twitter.com/KUJournalism this copy of J-Links, a keepsake paperweight, and, of course, youtube.com/KUJournalism • kujournalism.tumblr.com www.journalism.ku.edu handshakes from the dean and other School administrators. It’s a tradition that we hope begins the first of many contacts that our seniors/new graduates will have with the School. I EDITOR’S NOTE: This will be my last issue of J-Links. After eight wonderful years at the J-School, I am moving on to a often tell prospective students that the best measure of any new opportunity. Thank you to all of our amazing alumni for school is the success of its alumni. And by that measure, we your inspiring stories and successes! As a proud graduate of are very successful indeed! the J-School (1997), I’ll always cherish my years at KU as a Stay in touch and when you’re in town, let’s meet by student and staff member. Rock Chalk, Jayhawk! the Fountain! -Jennifer Kinnard, Communications Coordinator Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!

2 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> J-School Generations

(Continued from page 1)

The J-School hosted a faculty luncheon for the visiting alumni, followed by a special career advice roundtable session for more than 30 J-School students in the afternoon. Thursday activities ended with an alumni reunion reception at the Adams Alumni Center, which drew more than 80 alumni back to the KU campus. The event continued on Friday, April 1, with an interactive alumni, student and faculty challenge. Six teams were posed with different industry questions and challenged with developing an innovative solution. The teams presented ideas to an audience of nearly 60 alumni, faculty and students in Alderson Auditorium of the Kansas Union. Alumni who taught classes March 31 gather for “office hours” with students. “I had a great time at Generations,” J-School student Clockwise from left: Mike Swenson, executive vice president, Barkley; Brian Henry Birt said. “What a great opportunity to mingle with Bracco, vice president, Hearst TV; student Sarah Weaver; Traci Moore Clay, some successful J-Schoolers. My favorite part was the first principal, TMG; and John Montgomery editor/publisher, Hutchinson News. half of Friday. Everyone was respectful of each other and I think we came up with some pretty cool ideas. More than just intellectually stimulating, it was just plain fun sitting around and brainstorming with the alumni.” The winning idea for “inKUbator” was announced at the end of the presentations. The idea, which the J-School may implement in the future, began with a simple question, “how would you advise a friend who wanted to start a media company?” Groups were presented with challenges including creating the ideal journalism curriculum for the next 100 years, finding an engaging way to teach journalism to middle school students and developing a diverse satellite journalism program that would allow for the exchange of students, faculty and ideas. J-School Assoc. Prof. Carol Holstead and Traci Moore Clay present their Sponsorship for J-School Generations was provided by group’s idea, “Ever Onward,” at the April 1 challenge event. generous contributions from the School of Journalism, the Macdonald Visiting Professionals Fund, Morningstar Com- munications, Joel Zeff Creative, the KU Alumni Association, the Kansas City Star, the Kansas Athletics Department, the KU Bookstore, the Kansas Union and other donations made by anonymous donors. Special thanks goes to the alumni, faculty, staff and student planning committee: Cindy Belot, Brian Bracco, Jenni- fer Kinnard, Abby Leeper, Corrie Moore, Eric Morgenstern, Patty Noland, Alex Tilson, Mike Williams and Joel Zeff. Judges for the alumni, faculty and student challenge were Dean Ann Brill, graduate Mary Ann Powell and Nick Gerik, editor of the Kansan. Please stay tuned for an announcement of next year’s event date. The School also plans to expand the invitation list from alumni living just in the Lawrence/Kansas City areas, Nearly 60 alumni, students and faculty gathered April 1 to watch to all J-School graduates. We hope to see you next year! q groups compete for “most innovative idea.”

MORE INFORMATION: Summaries of the six team presentations, a photo slideshow and videos (coming soon) from J-School Generations are online at: www.journalism.ku.edu/alumni/Generations2011.shtml

J-Links | Spring 2011 3 >> Student News

J-School finishes second in Hearst journalism writing awards competition

the School of Journalism placed second in this year’s Following are the KU students who placed in the top annual Intercollegiate Writing Competition of the ten of the six writing contests. Links to the winning stories T prestigious William Randolph Hearst Writing Foun- at: www.journalism.ku.edu/news/Hearst2011Awards.shtml dation Awards competition. Brenna Daldorph, a spring 2010 graduate, won first “The KU School of Journalism continues to foster and place in the In-Depth Writing category for her winning ar- support excellence in writing,” Journalism Dean Ann Brill ticle, “Living in Limbo,” which was published in April 2010 said. “In this highly competitive contest, we are honored to in the University Daily Kansan. Her story covered the plight have placed so highly. It validates what we are doing here to of undocumented aliens raised in the U.S. by families who give students the tools they will need to be successful com- brought them north as children to seek good schools and bet- municators in a complex media environment.” ter lives. She received a $2,600 scholarship for her first-place KU journalism students won first place in the -Inter win. She currently teaches English in La Réunion, a French collegiate Writing Competition, and the $10,000 award that island located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. goes with it, in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Jayson Jenks, a junior from Lenexa, Kan., won Often called “The Pulitzers of College Jour- first place in the Sports Writing category for his ar- nalism,” the Hearst program holds an annual, ticle, “The Great Divide,” which chronicled the year-long competition in writing. The journal- radically different lives of two black KU ath- ism school that accumulates the most points letes, Wilt Chamberlain and Leonard Monroe, earned by its students in each category of the in the 1950s. Jenks received a $2,600 schol- six writing competitions, titled the Intercolle- arship for his first-place win. The story was giate Writing Competition, is designated the published in January 2011 in the Kansan. winner. Alyson Van Dyke, a spring 2010 gradu- KU journalism students have won a total of ate, earned third place in the Feature Writing $6,700 in the contests this year, and the School of category for “Unexpectedly Expecting.” Pub- Journalism received matching funds lished in April 2010 in the Kansan, of $6,700, in addition to $5,000 for In this highly competitive the story shed light on the decisions placing second in the Intercollegiate of four women who experienced contest, we are honored Writing Competition. KU junior Jay- unplanned pregnancies. She won a “ to have placed so highly. son Jenks, who won first place in the $1,500 scholarship for her third-place Sports Writing category, will travel to finish. She now reports for the Kansas San Francisco in June to compete in -Dean Ann Brill” City Business Journal. the national writing championships. Elliot Kort, a spring 2010 gradu- Indiana University won the Intercollegiate Writing ate, placed ninth in the Personality/Profile Writing category Competition with the highest accumulated student points and received a certificate of merit. Published in May 2010 in this year. KU finished ahead of the University of Iowa, Penn- the Kansan, his story, “A matter of interpretation,” profiled sylvania State University, Arizona State University, Univer- Kim Bates, a sign language interpreter at the University of sity of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Missouri, University Kansas. Kort is currently an aggregation editor at TBD, a of Montana, University of Oregon and Northwestern Uni- website covering news in the Washington, D.C., metro area. versity, who rounded out the top ten. Stephen Montemayor, December 2010 graduate, The Hearst Awards Program is conducted under the placed tenth in the Sports Writing category and received a auspices of accredited schools of the Association of Schools certificate of merit. His winning story, “Between the ears: of Journalism and Mass Communication, and fully funded Colleges tackle concussions in football,” appeared in Decem- and administered by the W.R. Hearst Foundation. It con- ber 2010, in the Kansan. He currently is a reporter covering sists of six monthly writing, three photojournalism and four education issues for the Shawnee (Kan.) Dispatch. broadcast news competitions and one multimedia competi- Adam Samson, a spring 2010 graduate, placed tenth tion, with championship finals in all divisions except multi- in the Personality/Profile Writing category and received a media. The program awards up to $500,000 in scholarships certificate of merit. Published in April 2010 in the Kansan, and grants annually. “Abnormal arms, but ample ability,” profiled Andreas Bran- Publisher William Randolph Hearst established the denberger, a KU student born with phocomelia, a rare dis- William Randolph Hearst Foundation and The Hearst Foun- order that left him with no thumbs, wrists or forearms, and dation, Inc. in the 1940s, before his death in 1951. Since then, two partial hands with only two digits on each. Samson is a the foundations have awarded more than $500 million in sports information and media services intern at the National grants and programs. Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. q

4 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Student News

Students win KAB and SPJ awards • Krista Jobst: Placed in Radio News Reporting category for “The Zombie Walk,” aired on KJHK oth undergraduate and graduate KU students won • Alex Tretbar: Placed in Radio News Reporting category multiple TV and radio awards this year from the Kan- for “KU Quidditch Club,” aired on KJHK B sas Association of Broadcasters. The awards included: • Aly Van Dyke: Placed in Feature Writing category for “Unexpectedly Expecting,” published in the Kansan • Lance Barker placed first for “University Daily Kansan • Adam Samson: Placed in Feature Writing category for Commercial” in the 60 Second Commercial PSA category “Abnormal arms, but ample ability,“ published in the • Melissa Keith and Yingna Li placed first for “KUJH-TV Kansan News Promo” in the Station Promotion Announcement • Kevin Hardy: Placed in In-Depth Reporting category for category “Sales of the Death Men,” published in the Kansan • Luke Brummer, Kacie Brown, Peter Soto, Tess Hedrick, • Elliot Kort: Placed in General News Reporting category Carnez Williams, Garrett Griffin, Clayton Ashley and for “A Matter of Interpretation,” published in the Kansan Cassandra Sokol placed first for “LGBT&A” in the Doc- • Carnez Williams: Placed in General News Reporting cat- umentary category egory for “Able Life,” published in the Kansan q • Mark Arehart, Pat Foley and Casey Miles placed second for “PeeWee to Pro: Pressure in Sports” in the Documen- tary category • Alex Gold and Darren Dunn placed second for “Jayhawk Sports Talk” in the Entertainment Program category • Matthew Franzblau, Kyle Larson and Patrick Strath- man placed first for the “Bob Holtzman Interview” in the Complete Sports Feature category • Nick Curry, Mike Anderson and Michelle Macbain placed second for “Kansas In Heat Spring Promo” in the 60 Second Commercial, PSA category • KJHK News Staff placed first for “As Heard From the Hill” in the Public Affairs Program category • Caitlin Doornbos placed first for “Unorthodox Pierc- ings” in the Enterprise News Package category • Daren Dunn placed second for “Unity Dance Crew” in the Enterprise News Package category • Alex Tretbar received an Honorable Mention for “Music Kansan ad staff wins best in nation Mentors” in the Enterprise News Package category ansan ad staff employees, led by sales and mar- • Caitlin Doornbos placed first for “Mass Street Hot Dog keting adviser Jon Schlitt, took home the award of Cart” in the Complete News Feature category Best College Advertising Staff in the Nation at the • Connor Donevan placed second for “Punch Brothers In- K College Newspaper Business and Advertising Manager’s terview” in the Complete News Feature category (CNBAM) Convention in Nashville this year. • Alex Tretbar received an Honorable Mention for “KU Joe Garvey, digital sales manager at the Kansan, also won Quidditch Club” in the Complete News Feature category the Alloy Media+Marketing-sponsored Saturday Morning • Daren Dunn, Aaron Berlin and Kyle Larson received an Sell-Off. There were multiple all-staff awards as well. Best Honorable Mention for “KU vs. CU - Women’s Basket- of Category awards were: Best Training Program and Best ball” in the Sports Play-by-Play category Sales Increase of a Special Section (Back-To-School edition). • Nick Curry placed first for “KU Concerto Competition” First-place awards included: Best Online Newspaper Pro- in the Documentary category motion Ad, Best Newspaper Promotion Ad-Full Color, and • Sergy Novoseltsev and Marc Schroeder placed second Best Group Advertising Promotion. Second-place awards in- for “KJHK.org” in the Station Website category cluded: Best Online Display Ad (Pachamamas), Best Printed Rate Card/Media Kit, Best Sales Incentive Program, and Nine KU students also won 2011 Society of Professional Best Newspaper Promotion Ad-B&W. Journalists Region 7 Mark of Excellence Awards this year. CNBAM is a professional organization for students Winners included: and advisers working with business and advertising de- • Brenna Hawley: Placed in In-Depth Reporting category partments in college and university newspapers across the for “A generation ablaze,” published in the Kansan United States. With approximately 125 member schools, • Caitlin Doornbos: Placed in Radio Feature category for they meet each spring to offer training and professional de- “Unorthodox Piercings,” aired on KJHK velopment seminars as well as discuss current issues facing student-run media. q

J-Links | Spring 2011 5 >> Social Media & the Environment

All hands on deck. The greywater installation team. (Photo by Simran Sethi.) Taking Action By Sam Seeger and Luke Brummer

KU Assoc. Prof. Simran Sethi and students in her Green 66 gallons per day) and more than 30 times higher than the Reporting, Green Building, Green Justice spring class spent five gallons per day used by the 1.1 billion people who lack spring break in Oakland, Calif., learning about water conserva- sufficient water resources. Upon learning of these alarming tion, environmental justice and communicating complex issues statistics, you might ask yourself, what can be done to curb via social networking. The class created a multimedia series for this disparaging trend of excessive water consumption? Metropolis magazine exploring the intersection of social media As part of an interdisciplinary journalism, architec- and social justice, using water and design as its primary lenses ture and environmental studies course at the University of of inquiry. Following is one of the Metropolis postings, originally Kansas, we have been asking ourselves just that question. published April 19, 2011. Throughout the semester, we have delved deeper and deeper into these issues, challenging our perceptions and miscon- consensus is emerging that water conservation is ceptions about water conservancy. Starting with techniques about to become one of the preeminent issues fac- like adopting the mantra, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow,” we A ing humanity. A recent survey suggests that 36 began to whittle away at our water usage, but nothing has states anticipate water shortages as early as 2013. hit home quite as hard as a trip halfway across the country. Parts of Africa are already experiencing deadly tribal con- Over spring break, with our academic sensibilities in tow, we flicts over water rights as climate change alters access, and hit the road for Oakland, Calif., and a residential greywater these conflicts are sure to spread and increase in intensity as installation. population demand grows and pollution pressures increase. Once in Oakland, we set out to install a residential As these obstacles play out close to home and across greywater system under the guidance of Greywater Action, the globe, many in first world countries (Americans being a collective of hands-on instructors and builders devoted to among the worst) blindly waste precious resources. Of the educating the public on the virtues of greywater and water world’s total water supply, 2.5 percent is fresh, but less than conservation. The purpose of a greywater system is to redi- 1 percent is readily accessible for human consumption. The rect water that would otherwise be wasted as sewage after average American uses nearly 152 gallons of this water per washing machine, shower or sink use and diverting it for day—60 percent of which is used for outdoor applications. reuse elsewhere. In our case, we were charged with the task To put this into perspective, this consumption rate is more of rerouting water from a washing machine to a backyard than double that of the average European (who only uses garden.

6 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Social Media & the Environment

As California continues to struggle with water distribution, the need for greywater systems of all shapes and sizes seems particularly apt. What’s more, California is one of the few states to allow greywater systems by code. The antiquated permitting policies of many states have actually made it illegal to construct even the most basic of greywater systems. Some estimates put the number of legally installed greywater systems at less than 2% of the total. Fears of improperly installed systems have kept many jurisdictions from adopting laws that allow the application of greywater, but as states like Arizona and California feel the effects of an impending water crisis, they are leading the way in greywater legislation. Yet, even with the implementation of forward thinking legislation, California code continues to impose excessive limits on greywater systems. Those at Greywa- Water justice: J500 class at Breuner Marsh listening to Whitney Dotson discuss public access to the North Richmond shoreline. (Photo by Simran Sethi.) ter Action view Arizona’s permitting process as model policy to expand towards. It was California’s water struggles and it’s embrace, bling the plumbing components needed to divert the grey- although limited, of greywater that led our class to Oak- water from the washing machine. Another group braved the land. The install began with an introduction to greywater crawlspace to lay long runs of PVC to the awaiting network by Laura Allen, of Greywater Action, highlighting the need of distribution hoses. for greywater systems. Greywater Action regularly directs As the clouds cleared, the install neared completion. similar courses for those interested in greywater installa- With team members anxiously monitoring outlets, the sys- tions. Next, we launched into the pipes and fittings required tem was put to the test. After tensely waiting, excitement for the install, and came to the realization just how inexpen- erupted around the mulch basins as greywater began to sive—$100 to $250—a Do-It-Yourself system can be (espe- flow. In all, it took roughly 6 hours for a team of ten to inte- cially when compared to the savings in water expenses over grate a standard washing machine into a greywater system the life of the system). After learning the basics, we took our capable of distributing water to several planting beds. With newly found knowhow and set to work on the system just as some plumbing supplies and a little effort this system now rain began to fall. diverts as much as 50 gallons of water per washing machine The next portion of the install was a muddy lesson in load. trench digging. As the rain poured down around us, we It’s becoming ever clearer that simple solutions like persistently dug the shallow trenches and mulch basins re- these are necessary to create a sustainable future for our quired to lay out the network of progressively smaller hoses modern lives. We came to this conclusion prior to our Cali- and outlets that strategically feed the desired plants. While fornia adventure by merely observing the shocking circum- excavation was underway outside, inside a team was assem- stances surrounding our dwindling water resources, but what wasn’t entirely clear when our class set out on this excursion was just how easy and tangible environmental change can be. To our astonishment, we took home a very palpable understanding of how small projects like this are not only achievable for the common person, but also where the real hope for sustainability lies. We are now all active in ongoing efforts to reduce our consumption by shortening showers, “letting it mellow,” and even planning greywater installs of our own. Getting a little dirt under our nails opened our eyes to the sources of waste around us, and equipped us to make the changes we need to manifest. q The accompanying multimedia presentation is online at: www.metropolismag.com/pov/20110419/taking-action Follow the series on Twitter at #metropolisH20. Read the full Rolling up our sleeves: Architecture graduate student Stephanie Stone Metropolis series at: journalism.ku.edu/news/Sethi-J500.shtml assessing access points at the greywater install. (Photo by Simran Sethi.) J-Links | Spring 2011 7 >> William Allen White Day 2011

Pulitzer Prize-winning editor receives William Allen White citation By Will Becker, student communications assistant

ohn S. Carroll, Pulitzer Prize-winning editor, received guidance for those students in attendance. the William Allen White Foundation’s 2011 national ci- “You should choose your boss more carefully than your J tation at a public ceremony Feb. 11 in the Kansas Union. boss chooses you,” he said. “ I worked for some wonderful “The School of Journalism is pleased to honor people. Had I not had such good people to work John Carroll,” said Dean Ann Brill. “The William for, whatever I have achieved would have been Allen White Foundation’s national citation is a ma- much less.” jor honor for which he is most deserving.” In his acceptance speech, titled “Ideology in a The Los Angeles Times won 13 Pulitzer Prizes Hurricane,” Carroll addressed the needs of journal- during Carroll’s five years there as editor. He also ism as it stands today. He urged the audience to de- directed coverage that won Pulitzers at the Phila- fine a clear journalistic ideology—one focused on delphia Inquirer, Lexington Herald-Leader and Balti- serving the citizen. The text of the speech is online more Sun. Currently, he is a fellow at the American at: www.journalism.ku.edu/news/carrollspeech.shtml Academy of Arts and Sciences and is a freelance “We need to find a way to set real journalism author writing a book. apart from trash journalism, and also, while we’re Carroll said he felt astonished when he heard at it, apart from propaganda, and from marketing,” news of the selection because he had no idea he Carroll said. “We need to be clear, first with our- was even under consideration. He said past recipi- selves, and then with the public, about what we ents of the award, such as Gene Roberts, Jim Batten of Knight stand for—and what we stand against. I believe that the Uni- Ridder and Otis Chandler of the Los Angeles Times, are among versity of Kansas can help in this cause.” the best people he ever worked for. The William Allen White Foundation trustees chose Car- During his visit to KU, Carroll stopped by several classes roll to receive the citation, presented annually since 1950. to give J-School students advice and perspective on the field KU’s School of Journalism is named in White’s honor. White they stand to enter. He also talked with students and faculty was a nationally influential Kansas editor and publisher. He in the Stauffer-Flint Resource Center Feb. 11. There, he gave won the Pulitzer Prize in 1923 and posthumously in 1947. q

Panel of experts discuss media coverage amidst Cairo crisis By Sarah Norden, student communications assistant

our panelists gathered at the J-School Feb. 10 for a dis- search for this ac- cussion on “Middle East Coverage: Substantive, Stereo- curate coverage us- Ftypical or Sanitized?” At the time, Egypt was at the peak ing news and non- of its youth revolution. Moderated by Kansan faculty advisor traditional media Malcolm Gibson, the panelists included Sally Buzbee, John outlets. They also Cary, John Montgomery and Will Stebbins. discussed how to Buzbee is Washington Bureau Chief for the Associated actually get Ameri- Press. Previously she was the deputy managing editor for the cans interested in AP News Center, and the AP’s Middle East editor, based in international news. Cairo. Cary is a retired military officer and Middle East spe- “I think the real challenge has always been to make peo- cialist on the faculty at the U.S. Army Command and General ple understand why they should care about things overseas,” Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. Montgomery is pub- Buzbee said. “The reason is because this effects your life. It lisher and editor of the Hutchinson (Kan.) News. Stebbins is affects everything from the price of your gasoline, to your former Chief of Bureau for the Americas for Al Jazeera Eng- stability going forward, to what the world looks like, and the lish. He was hired from the AP at the inception of Al Jazeera U.S. is not the center of the world anymore.” English. Panelists also discussed the necessary role of local news- One important topic discussed during the panel was the papers and media outlets in providing international news quality of U.S. media coverage in the Middle East and sur- coverage for their readers and viewers. rounding areas. The panelists agreed that there is quality me- Approximately 50 students, staff and faculty attended. dia coverage out there, but it is the job of the consumer to The panel discussion is online: http://vimeo.com/20028265 q

8 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Faculty & Staff News Journalism student advisor retires after 30 years By Sabrina Ahmed

nyone who came into A contact with Lynne Tidwell knows she has been a huge asset to the Univer- sity of Kansas. Dean Ann Brill surprises Chuck Marsh with news of his promotion Tidwell, under- to full professor during his Journalism 101 class. graduate advising coordinator in the Faculty updates School of Journalism, retired in March after his year has been one of many 30 years of service to changes for faculty members the University. T at the J-School. The School is Tidwell said that pleased to announce the promotion of her favorite part of the job was the students and Chuck Marsh from associate professor that she would miss them the most. After retiring, to full professor, and the promotion of she said that she wants to continue helping people. Scott Reinardy from assistant profes- Ann Brill, dean of journalism, said she would sor to associate professor, with tenure. miss Tidwell’s dedication and care for students. Marsh has been with the J-School Chuck Marsh “Lynne deserves to retire and spend time doing for 32 years. He has received numer- things she loves to do,” Brill said. ous accolades for his teaching and Cindy Nesvarba, graduate records coordinator research, including KU’s Kemper for the School, worked with Tidwell for 27 years. Award for outstanding teaching. He She said she would miss her vast knowledge of the and Assoc. Prof. David Guth recently J-School. released the fifth edition of their “She always had the answer,” Nesvarba said. textbook, “Public Relations: A Values “And she was always willing to drop everything Driven Approach.” and help. She wanted to see students succeed.” Reinardy has been at the J-School Although the School of Journalism will go on since 2008. He spent his professional Scott Reinardy without Tidwell, faculty, staff and students will journalism career in the newspaper miss her greatly. industry as a sportswriter and news “She is priceless,” Brill said. q editor. He uses his experience in sportswriting to research the effects of the job on sportswriters. He recently wrote a book, “The Essentials of Sports Reporting and Writing.” We also said goodbye to two longtime, beloved faculty members. Professor Ted Frederickson and Ted Frederickson Lecturer John Hudnall announced their retirements from the School of Journalism this semester. Frederickson had been with the School for 31 years. Hudnall, longtime director of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, was with the School for 21 years. Please check the next issue of J-Links for complete profile stories on Frederickson and Hudnall. q A familiar sight: Tidwell advising a J-School student. John Hudnall

J-Links | Spring 2011 9 >> Student Photo Exhibit

J-School student explores life of young Somali Bantu refugee in new exhibit

en Pirotte is this semester’s featured student photojournalist. An exhibit of his work will be on display on the south wall of B the first floor of Stauffer-Flint Hall through the summer. Pirotte is a junior, double majoring in Journalism: News and In- formation and Environmental Studies, with a minor in Art History. He is the current design editor and a staff photographer for the Uni- versity Daily Kansan. Pirotte has traveled extensively, and has studied abroad in Italy and France. He is interested in travel photography, street photography, and hopes to one day have a career in international visual media. His Stauffer-Flint photo exhibit was inspired by a friend and col- league working on a master’s thesis with a group of Somali Bantu refugees that live in Kansas City, Kan. Pirotte wanted to visually share the story of the lives of these refugees. Hawa Abdi, the oldest daughter of This exhibit highlights the story of one girl, Hawa Abdi, who is Somali Bantu refugee parents in Kansas City, Kan., is only 7 years the child of two refugee parents. At just 7 years old, Hawa has be- old, but with parents that speak come her family’s lifeline. As the only member of the family who can limited English, she has many speak both English and the native tongue Maay-Maay fluently, she adult responsibilities. has many responsibilities not usually given to a girl of her age. At top, Abdi’s notebook from In a world where Muslim prejudice and increasing secularization her Islamic studies. Above, permeate American society, with parents whose culture is different Abdi attends public school from the one that surrounds her, Hawa continues to learn her place at Grant Elementary. in society. q At right is photographer Ben Pirotte. 10 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Student Photo Exhibit New photo exhibit in Stauffer- Flint Hall features student work

ew this semester is a journalism student photography exhibit on the north wall on the first floor N of Stauffer-Flint. The fifteen selected photos will be on display through August. The featured students, who were in Julie Denesha’s spring advanced photojournalism class, are: Artem Bagiev, Aaron Harris and Megan Singer. On this page are five selected photos from the exhibit. q

A member of the “2 Steps Away” dance crew in New York City. (Megan Singer)

The photographers: Artem Bagiev, Aaron Harris and Megan Singer.

Five-year-old Kyle Graves from Lawrence fine-tunes his pitch while watching Trevi Fountain is lit up against the night sky in Rome, Italy. (Aaron Harris) KU win against Oklahoma State University. (Artem Bagiev)

Alexis Brock in her room at Sunflower House in Lawrence. (Aaron Harris) Famed poet Anis Mojgani performing at the Kansas Union. (Artem Bagiev)

J-Links | Spring 2011 11 >> Featured Jayhawk Photojournalist

A Yi minority girl shows off her hand-beaded headpiece, as a bridesmaid at her friend’s wedding in Yunnan, China. Yunnan is located in the southwest of China.

Photojournalist explores rural life in China in new Stauffer-Flint exhibit By Sarah Norden, student communications assistant

unique story detailing the lives of China’s minorities and rural areas is exposed on the second-floor walls of Stauffer-Flint. Photographs by this A semester’s featured Jayhawk Photojournalist, Megan True, tell the story. True graduated from the University of Kansas in 2007 with degrees in Jour- nalism and East Asian Studies, with an emphasis in Chinese Language and Lit- erature. When she was young, True became intrigued by children who spoke Chinese at a Chinese restaurant her family used to visit often. She had the opportunity to travel to China as part of a Chinese culture class in high school, where she fell in love with the Chinese people and culture. When True started working as a photojournalist at the University Daily Kan- san, she became passionate about creating photographs. She loved documenting student life and KU sports, and attributes part of her success to one J-School professor in particular, Tim Janicke. “Trips to the Kansas City Star, internships, meeting professional photographers and seeing their work really inspired me to become a better photographer,” True said. After graduation, True packed her bags and moved straight to China where she lived until 2010. While in China, she taught English and took photographs for non-profit organizations and travel magazines. True’s work highlights rural life and minority people in Yunnan Province, which is in southwest China. Megan True 12 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Featured Jayhawk Photojournalist

Her photos give viewers a distinctive glimpse of China— from village weddings to farmers harvesting crops, to beau- tiful landscapes. It is a chance to see a different side of China. True’s favorite work in China was with non-profit -or ganizations. She had the opportunity to photograph an or- phanage and a leprosy community and they used her work for educational and promotional materials. “It was awesome to see my work being used for a good cause and making an impact,” True said. True’s work has been published in newspapers and magazines in both the United States and China, such as the Hous- ton Chronicle, Lawrence Journal-World, Bless China International and Map Magazine. She also had the opportunity to present her work to students, staff and faculty on Tuesday, March 29, in Stauffer-Flint Hall. Her photographs will be on display through August. Based in Kansas, True is now studying graphic design at Johnson County Community College and remains a freelance photographer. She specializes in people, travel and editorial photography and hopes to do more work for non- profit organizations in the future. q

From top: A Bai minority woman heads out to work the fields in Dali, China. The yellow flowers will be made into Canola oil; A Dai minority woman fixes her peacock outfit as she waits for the Water Splashing Parade to start in Jing Hong, China. The Festival is the Dai minority group’s New Year and is a three- day holiday that includes parades, dancing and singing competitions and a day of water splashing; Tourists are silhouetted against the morning light in the Mingsha shan desert, part of the Gobi desert, in Gansu, China.

J-Links | Spring 2011 13 >> Alumni Profile: Walt Riker

Riker is pictured in Moscow where he took the Wall Street Journal to do an exclusive story on McDonald’s Russia. He would eventually go back in 2010 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of McDonald’s Russia. Former McDonald’s global media relations executive is lovin’ it by Will Becker, student communications assistant

alt Riker calculates. He contemplates. And then Though certainly faced with a potentially overwhelm- speaks with the poise of someone who under- ing set of responsibilities, he said he took the view that by W stands the power of words. Then again he should, working his hardest to produce the best work he could, he because Riker has been disseminating world-class strategic would succeed, or at least go down swinging. The hard work communications for 34 years. paid off and Riker ended up working for Sen. Dole for 13 Hailing from the Bronx, Riker possessed a unique con- years on Capital Hill and on the presidential campaign trail. nection to KU. His father was both mentor and loyal friend When his time with Sen. Dole came to an end, he went to former University Chancellor Clark Wescoe. So, from a to work for the McDonald’s Corporation. He spent 17 years young age Riker felt the pull of the crimson and blue. Upon at McDonald’s, and recently retired as vice president of glob- visiting the KU campus, Riker promptly felt at home and de- al media relations. cided to join the millions of others who used KU as a spring- This was yet another humbling opportunity for Riker, board of opportunity. who said he considers the brand to be one of the most so- Riker first became involved with political media rela- phisticated and best managed companies in the entire world. tions shortly after graduating from KU in 1978 with a degree But even with all of McDonald’s success, the company in journalism. He started work at WIBW Topeka channel 13 has had its share of challenges. According to Riker, from 2000 and eventually became statehouse correspondent. to 2003 McDonald’s was losing its customers and lacked a When the next opportunity arose in 1981, Riker found globally unified message for consumers. McDonald’s took himself on a much bigger stage, with much higher stakes, its “eyes off the fries,” and paid dearly for it. working as press secretary for United States Senator Bob But in 2003, everything changed. With a combination Dole. of hard work by new senior management and the creation “I thought, whoa, I am now the spokesman for one of of the now iconic “i’m lovin’ it” international branding cam- the most influential political leaders on the face of the earth,” paign, McDonald’s achieved one of “the greatest corporate Riker said. turnarounds in history,” Riker said.

14 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Alumni Profile: Walt Riker

Still in use, the “i’m lovin’ it” slogan remains one of the longest-running corporate branding themes. Riker said it was this branding campaign and the company’s intensified focus on customers and new menu items that revived McDonald’s. More recently, Riker served on the KU Alumni Asso- ciation Board of Directors. After that, he was selected as a fellow at the Dole Institute of Politics, a place he fondly calls “the Allen Fieldhouse of political studies in America.” As a fellow he worked to bring in guests such as Coca- Cola, Sprint, Conservation International and several others to address the study topic of corporate responsibility. Throughout his career a few things became clear to Riker. For one, he thrived on pressure. In both his work with Sen. Dole and the McDonald’s Corporation, he was on call 24 hours a day. Riker found he could effectively handle pressure and enjoyed the commitment both positions required. Riker handled innumerable media queries as a spokesman for Sen. Dole while he was senate majority leader, chair- Riker is pictured with retired Senator Bob Dole. man of the senate finance committee, a national political fig- ure and senior senator from Kansas. And later, when two of McDonald’s CEOs died within a year, he handled that too. Riker has had a very successful career, which he attributes to hard work and preparation. His story was made Bridging the Gap: Media and the possible by seizing opportunities and committing himself Military Workshop for Journalists fully to the task at hand. Undoubtedly the fundamentals he learned at the J-School provided him with a solid foundation September 25 - 30, 2011 for success. “Good things can happen. Good things will happen,” Riker said. “You have got to be ready to jump and when you The J-School is now jump in 100%, with everything KU has given you, you’re go- accepting applications for ing to make it. You never know what little opportunities will the fourth annual inten- open big doors for you.” q sive week-long workshop at KU and Ft. Leaven- worth, Kan., which is designed to help reporters, editors, producers and bloggers learn more about covering the military.

The program pays for journalists’ lodging, meals and airfare. Journalists who attend the workshop should be early to mid-career reporters or editors working near military bases, beat reporters covering the military, or journalists who have an interest in covering military issues. It is designed for journalists who have little or no background covering the military and for journalists with no active-duty military experience.

To apply, please contact Dr. Barbara Barnett at [email protected] by July 1.

Riker is photographed with Assoc. Prof. David Guth and Prof. Chuck Marsh The workshop is coordinated by the KU School of during his time as a fellow at the Dole Institute of Politics. Journalism and the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. It is funded by a grant from the McCormick Foundation. J-Links | Spring 2011 15 >> Alumni News & Notes

2010 Jon Goering won a gold for investor and client helps research new third- award in the Sports Feature relations for Tortois Capital party products, as well as Amruta Bhadkamkar category of the 2010 College Advisors in Kansas City. helps develop and refine is a junior copywriter at Photographer of the Year She helps plan and execute her company’s products. Quadrant Communication awards. This year there the company’s annual She also works with the Pvt. Ltd. Previously she were 14,140 still images and stockholder meetings, marketing department to was a junior copywriter at 230 multimedia projects handles all internal reports create advertising and social IBD-A Percept Hakuhodo entered by 670 student and helps senior staff media strategies for the Company. photographers from 150 prepare presentations. company. colleges and universities in Alyssa Steffen Emily Boeckman is a video 12 different countries. is a Christopher Horn is a production technician marketing coordinator at communication associate at for Blue Valley Tele- Elizabeth Heffinger is Burns and McDonnell. Casey Trees, a Washington, Communications in Home, an account executive for D.C.-based nonprofit that is Daniel L. Szlauderbach Kan. Command Transportation in working to restore, enhance Chicago. works for KPMG at its New and protect the tree canopy Kenzie Cordt is a York City headquarters. He of the Nation’s Capital. merchandise analyst at Adriane Jewett, MSJ, is an is a proposal writer in the He implements the media the Payless ShoeSource adjunct professor at Abilene marketing department. and community outreach Corporate Headquarters in Christian University in strategy, focusing on media Grant Treaster Topeka, Kan. Abilene, Texas. works for relations and monitoring, Teach for America as an newsletter development, Ramsey Cox is a reporter Lydia Krug is an account elementary school teacher in graphic design and at The Hill, a political executive at Blue Sky Green the Charlotte Mecklenburg print production, event newspaper in Washington, Earth Magazine. School District. coordination and other D.C. forms of communication. Kate Larrabee is a Annie Vangsnes oversees the Brenna Daldorph is production assistant at the Friday section of Jackie Kostek has been Miami County Republic teaching English in Réunion, Comcast Entertainment in teaching Head Start in a French island located in Group in Los Angeles, Calif. Paola, Kan. She is a reporter Washington, D.C., as a Teach the Indian Ocean, east of and photographer. for America corps member Madagascar. Rachel Nelson attends KU for the past two years, and Law School. 2009 next year, will be attending Hannah DeClerk won a Columbia Graduate School Casey Norburg is an of Journalism with a first-place feature-writing Tim Burgess produces the award from the Texas associate at ISNetworld in broadcast specialization. Dallas, Texas. sports radio show “Rock Associated Press Managing Chalk Sports Talk” on 1320 Editors for her writing KLWN in Lawrence. 2008 for the Marshall (Texas) Elizabeth Ralls is an assistant account executive News Messenger. Her story, Abby Cunningham was Emily Franzenburg is the “Caught in a Catch-22,” at Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, a full-service promoted to external marketing/membership illustrated the human cost of marketing coordinator for specialist for the American a public policy through the marketing agency in Houston, Texas. Newcomer Funeral Service Association of School story of one young man’s Group, which is based in Personnel Administrators efforts to realize his dreams. Alexander Reinhard is Topeka, Kan., and manages in Overland Park, Kan. 40 locations across the Previously she held a one- Alex Dufek is a an assistant manager for Genesco Sports Enterprises. country. year internship in Dallas as communications assistant a communications assistant for the Dairy Farmers of Curry Curtis is the products for the Big 12 Conference, America in Kansas City, Mo. Ciara Roberts is a marketing coordinator for Rainbow coordinator for Fred Pryor and has spent the last six Seminars. She manages months working part- Alison Edwards is an Communications in Hiawatha, Kan. print products, including time for the Golf Course outreach coordinator at workbooks that go to Fred Superintendents Association Heartland Medical Clinic in Pryor seminars all over the of America in Lawrence. Lawrence, Kan. Rachel Ryan is the administrative assistant U.S. and Canada. She also

16 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Alumni Profile: Traci Moore Clay

Best Foot Forward by Will Becker, student communications assistant

raci Moore Clay, a 1993 J-School gradu- T ate, possesses a cer- tain ethos—a way of doing and seeing that is apparent in many facets of her life. The daughter of an entrepreneur and school teacher, Clay knew she always wanted to be an artist, and she always tried to put her best foot forward. The alluring interplay of type and image that Clay saw in magazines and post- ers provided fuel for her future pursuits. When a friend told her the graphic design program at KU was worth a look, she did just that. Clay found an instantaneous feeling of warmth and understanding at KU, which drew her in and set her university career in motion. (Photo by Jay Fram) Despite her rewarding experience at KU, Clay encountered a setback just before profit organizations. graduation. She failed the review process of her graphic “I’ve always felt compassion for people and organi- design curriculum. Making the most of a challenging situa- zations that do good work,” Clay said. “They should have tion, she decided she would move back home and finish her good design too.” higher education elsewhere. In addition to her role with TMG, Clay has served as But fortunately for Clay, she met Sharon Bass, jour- lecturer at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at nalism professor emerita, who guided her into a degree in Washington University in St. Louis since 2003. Her experi- magazine journalism. Clay said the move focused her on ences since leaving KU are undoubtedly influenced by her journalism, but still let her be the artist she had craved for so time in the halls of Stauffer-Flint. long. With the direction of Bass and Associate Professor Car- “I hope that as I continue to do design it will just get ol Holstead, she pressed on successfully, best foot forward. better and better and that people will really be more empow- “Traci Moore Clay was a great student and an even bet- ered,” Clay said. “But beyond my design work I feel great ter human being,” Bass said. “In the J-School, all of us have when I empower or have an impact on students.” had the privilege of teaching many bright students who are In 2005 Clay met another challenge, one she gladly em- also wonderful people. I don’t think many students under- braced. Winning the bid to produce all signage for the NCAA stand that when they are engaged in learning and when they Men’s Final Four, she moved headlong into 18 months of continue, over their careers, to help other students and give meetings and information gathering. Busily working from back to the program, how absolutely satisfying that is to us her laptop, Clay produced what would eventually total who teach. Also, I don’t think that students understand how $500,000 in signage—all while teaching and running her much they teach us. For this, I thank you, Traci, and thank business. you to all of our current and former students.” Clay’s work and life ethos is probably not too far off Clay’s professional career has been filled with suc- from that of the celebrated William Allen White. cesses. For the last 14 years she has owned and operated “Put your best foot forward and then your next step her own business, Traci Moore Graphics (TMG) in St. Louis, will be easier and the next step even easier,” Clay said. “You Mo. Before creating TMG, she was a designer for the United need to find what you love and learn how to do it fora Way. This experience, along with her life-long dedication to living.” q volunteer work, allowed her firm to work with several non- J-Links | Spring 2011 17 >> Alumni News & Notes

Mallory Goldstein is an Timber 5 Forests in Deva, of Law, in May 2010. This variety of small- to mid- account manager, consulting Romania. past September, she began level business ad buyers. He voluntary benefits, for work as an attorney advisor has received his company’s Lockton Companies. Matt Benge is a benefits for the Department of Labor, award for outstanding producer at Power Group Office of Administrative business development in Kelly Heavey is marketing in Overland Park, Kan. Law Judges, in Washington, 2008, 2009 and 2010. and outreach associate Previously he was a D.C. for the City of Lincoln, consultant at Standard Michelle (Li) Sherwood Neb., Mayor’s Office. She Insurance Company in earned a Mid-America coordinates communication Overland Park, Kan. 2005 Emmy for her report efforts for the mayor’s on synthetic marijuana. stimulus-funded sustainability Megan (Heffley) Spreer is a Amanda O’Toole Mason She recently accepted initiative and shares the content manager for Adcuda is a proposal writer at the a main anchor position initiative’s progress with in Kansas City, Mo. Oklahoma State University at WECT and WSFX in the community, such as the Foundation. She provides North Carolina. Formerly funding of shared bike lanes Elaine Steinfeld was written support for the $1 she worked for KSPR in and energy-efficient lighting recently promoted to billion Branding Success Springfield, Mo. in public buildings. She also assistant account executive Campaign. She previously promotes “green” living from account coordinator at was a beat writer for Michael Sudhalter is the with multi-media strategies Moroch PR in Dallas, Texas. the Wichita Eagle and the sports editor of four weekly through web, print, radio and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette newspapers in northwest television campaigns. She Trent Turner is a where she covered local Houston. He worked at the serves as a marketing chair communications designer government, environmental Record in Stockton, Calif., for Lincoln Earth Day events. with ImageNow, Perceptive issues and the Crystal from 2005-08, where Software in Shawnee, Kan. Bridges Museum of he was high school sports Steven Levy was promoted American Art in northwest coordinator before being to account executive on Arkansas. promoted to cover the the McDonald’s account at 2006 Class-A affiliate of the Bernstein-Rein Advertising Paige Worthy is a full-time Oakland Athletics and an in Kansas City, Mo. Katie (Moyer) Coffman is freelancer. Her projects Arena Football team. He an editor for web and social include marketing, outreach was sports editor of the Lara Wilinsky was nomin- media at KU Endowment. and events for the American Moscow-Pullman Daily News ated for a Webby People’s She also earned her MBA Nursery & Landscape in Moscow, Idaho, from 200- Choice Award for “Weekly from KU in 2010. Association. More at: 05. He was the sports editor Dose,” a show she created, http://paigeworthy.com at the Press in Carthage, Mo., produced and edited for Nate Karlin is the marketing from 2003-04. NYC Media, where she and public relations 2003 is an associate producer. coordinator at Williamson NYC Media, part of the Medical Center in Franklin, 2001 Robert Flynn founded The Mayor’s Office of Media Tenn., a community located Flynn Law Firm, P.A., in and Entertainment, is the 20 miles south of Nashville. Jill (Wilder) Emig is channel February 2010, providing official TV, radio and online Previously he worked as manager for Assurant in legal services in the areas of network of New York county government reporter Kansas City, Mo. She earned business litigation, family City, informing, educating and copy editor at the Leaf- a master’s degree in Journa- law, real estate and criminal and entertaining New Chronicle in Clarksville, lism from KU’s Edwards defense in the courts of Yorkers about the City’s Tenn., and as a page Campus this December. Kansas and Missouri. diverse people and neigh- designer with Gannett’s borhoods, government, Community Production 2000 services and activities. Operations Center (CPOC). 2002 Ali (Bannwarth) Zayas Seth Jones was named Brian North was recently 2007 earned her law degree editor-in-chief of Golfdom promoted to senior account from KU Law in 2009, and magazine following a 12- executive with Young Zac Beasley will start at the then earned an LL.M. in year run at Golf Course Broadcasting and lives in KU Law School this fall. Communications Law from Management magazine, where San Francisco. He builds Previously he worked for the Catholic University of he was the senior associate integrated advertising America, Columbus School editor. (Continued on page 20) campaigns for a wide- 18 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Alumni Profile: Curtis Marsh

that have been added to the library include the Writing Center, legal services, tutoring services, recreation services and KU Info. As program director, it has been Marsh’s job to bring all of these aspects of KU together. “One of the reasons I love my job so much is that I am constantly building collaborations,” Marsh said. “KU Info has its foot in so many canoes that I get to work with tons of different places on campus. We are always trying to make these connections so everyone can have a more successful experience while they’re here.” Marsh graduated from the School of Journalism in 1992 with an emphasis in Business Communications. Originally an engineering major, Marsh switched to Journalism after learning about the option from the Entrepreneur Club at KU. Marsh claims his friends would say he really majored in Entrepreneur Club or camping for basketball games. He particularly loved his editing class with Prof. Chuck Marsh, who he still jokes with about being his older brother. Marsh snagged his very first job at KU working in communications for the bioscience department. After five years, he left KU to work for the Kauffman Foundation and to go back to school. When Marsh received his M.B.A. from UMKC in 1999, he came back to KU as the associate director Curtis Marsh dances with Jessica MacAuley, a professional dancer from for marketing at Continuing Education. He worked for KU Paramount Ballroom Co., in KU’s first Dancing With the Stars competition in the Kansas Union Ballroom on February 24, 2011. Continuing Education until 2005, when he moved to KU Info. “I’ve kept in touch with J-School instructors as mentors KU evangelist and hopefully I might get the chance to teach there in some by Sarah Norden, student communications assistant capacity,” Marsh said. But Marsh does get to interact with students now, not f you’re keeping up with KU’s recent events, you might only in his daily routine, but in the classroom. He teaches recognize Curtis Marsh from this year’s first Dancing a communications class called Introduction to Leadership. I with the Stars at KU, or as the recipient of the C.L.A.S.S. Marsh loves the fact that it adds a research component to Award in 2010. You may even have heard that he is your his job, being able to connect with students in a variety of younger sibling or cousin’s Intro to Leadership teacher, or majors. that they always see him walking across campus talking Maybe it is because he is such a great teacher or because with students. What Marsh hopes the University of Kansas he genuinely does a great job helping students answer their community—from students, staff and faculty to families in questions via KU Info, but whatever the reason, the students Lawrence and Jayhawk fans across the country—recognize awarded Marsh the C.L.A.S.S. Award in 2010 during halftime him for is his love for the KU community and his efforts to at a home basketball game. help those in the community have a great KU experience. “I don’t know what specifically led me to be a “I get totally jazzed up when I can help someone build candidate,” Marsh said. “It totally humbled me by actually their love for KU,” Marsh said. “There is no reason why being the recipient. Because it’s given out by students, I kind everyone in the country shouldn’t love this university! You of feel like it’s the non-faculty employee of the year award.” can call me a KU evangelist. It’s a cool school in a cool town.” One of the biggest challenges Marsh faced in college Marsh will celebrate his 15th year working at KU. He and throughout his career is balancing work and fun. KU has been program director for KU Info for five years and is basketball, KU’s Dancing with the Stars, singing a capella, in his first year as program director for the Learning Studio. playing Taps on a bugle, and spending time with his wife KU Info is an on-campus resource created to help the KU and two sons are only some of the ways Marsh likes to have community with any questions they may have about KU life fun. and beyond. These questions range anywhere from how to “There were so many crazy, fun things to do that it was navigate the bus routes to how much it would cost to fill an an obstacle to take advantage of what everything KU had to Olympic-sized pool with Jell-O. offer back then,” Marsh said. “You just have to balance the The Learning Studio is a recent project created to daily grind with having fun. Get out of your comfort zone— bring student services together in Anschutz Library to more it keeps you young!” q conveniently serve undergraduate students. Some services

J-Links | Spring 2011 19 >> Alumni News & Notes

(Continued from page 18) Greensboro basketball, based commercial real media advocacy organiza- Jones started working for the lead announcer for the estate development and tion in St. Louis, Mo. Golf Course Management as Norfolk Tides (AAA – NY management company. a student. Golfdom is a Mets) and the Greensboro Chris (Reinolds) Kozelle monthly magazine cover- Bats, as well as television is now director of news ing the golf course industry broadcasts for KU’s 1995 and editorial services for since 1927. It is based in women’s basketball team. Berry College. She has a Cleveland, but he telecom- Most recently he spent Brian James is the creative journalism background mutes from Eudora, Kan. two years as the pregame services marketing manager of more than 20 years show host for the Kansas at First Data Corporation in in newspapers and wire City Royals and co-host of Denver, Colo. service and has most 1999 the morning talk show on recently written for a variety 610 Sports. He also was a 1994 of nonprofit organizations, Anthony Migliazzo is the sports anchor for KTKA- Fortune 500 companies and director for AOL Content TV in Topeka, where he online publications. During Stefani Hamman is a Solutions in New York City. was honored by the Kansas her career, Kozelle worked senior regional sales Association of Broadcasters for the Atlanta Journal- director for Ameriprise Brett Schoenfeld is an with the 2006 Sportscast of Constitution from 1998 to Financial Services, Inc. account manager for the Year, medium market 2009. She also worked at within the Advisor Business Medtronic, Kansas City, Mo. television. newspapers in Oklahoma, Development Group. She Kansas and Arkansas and as lives in Nashville, Tenn. 1998 Emily (Vrabac) Mulligan, a news editor at CNN Wire MSJ, is a freelance writer and The Associated Press. Troy Tarwater is an and marketing consultant in Jennifer (Yeoman) Conklin executive vice president, Lawrence, Kan. Linda Meierhoffer, MSJ, is oversees Media General’s worldwide director of GE a freelance magazine writer. Metro Consolidated Editing business for BBDO in New Josh Newville is senior She has been a contributing Center in Tampa, Fla. The York City. He oversees counsel in the Division of writer for Palm Springs Life CEC designs and copyedits GE’s corporate brand Enforcement of the U.S. for several years. for the Tampa Tribune, efforts for Ecomagination, Securities and Exchange (www.lindameierhoffer.com) Richmond Times-Dispatch and Healthymagination and all Commission in New York Winston-Salem Journal. other GE divisions across City. In this role he is the globe. responsible for investigating 1990 James Johnson supervises potential violations of the management for Nicholson Sara Bennett Wealer has federal securities laws and Chad Krause was appointed Kovac in Kansas City. written her debut novel prosecuting civil cases Wasco County Treasurer for young adults, “Rival,” brought by the Commission. in Oregon. His role is to Michael Kennedy is which was released in keep track of all incoming associate director of media February by HarperTeen, an property taxes and other relations for the University 1997 imprint of HarperCollins. revenue tied to the $35.2 of Denver’s athletics Billed as “Glee goes to the million annual budget and department. Justin Angeles is a graphic opera,” “Rival” follows two to handle disbursements illustrator for Duty First high school seniors—once to special taxing districts. Jeff McCarragher is director Magazine at Fort Riley, Kan. friends, now enemies—as He maintains the county’s of broadcasting and the they prepare to face each investments, as well as radio voice for the College other in a prestigious the buy money used in of Charleston Cougar Radio 1996 singing competition. More undercover operations Network. McCarragher, a information can be found at by the Mid-Columbia sports broadcasting veteran Thomas Erickson is an www.sarabennettwealer.com. Interagency Narcotics with more than 13 years in online content specialist for Task Force. In the 1980s, radio and television, has Texas Health Resources in 1991 he worked for the Kansas an extensive play-by-play Arlington, Texas. Secretary of State as a resume including Southern uniform commercial code Donna Head founded and Conference experience. His Chad Stafford is agent. His primary duty is executive director of Fair stops include multi-year president of Occidental was to handle accounts Media Images, a non-profit stints as the voice of UNC- Management, Inc., a Wichita receivable for agency’s collateral lien searches. 20 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Alumni Profile: Tom Hansen

Rolling Along with New Opportunities by Christy Khamphilay

fter working more then 30 years in advertising, 1978 J-School graduate Tom Hansen made an unexpected A career change. In 2009, he accepted a position as the chief executive officer and president of Heelys Inc. In 2000, Heelys released its own brand of roller shoes, shoes with a wheel in the sole, which immediately became wildly popular. Yet, in recent years, the company struggled to maintain its market share. Hansen was brought on board to turn Heelys around financially. “The board of directors felt the reason that [Heelys] col- lapsed was poor marketing and product development,” Han- sen said. “And those were two of the things that I really did well. So I made the leap from running an ad agency to running a publicly-traded sporting goods company.” Tom Hansen participated in the March 31-April 1 J-School Generations He began his advertising career in Kansas City as a copy- alumni reunion event at KU. His team won the challenge portion of the event. writer, later moving on to agencies including Tracey Locke, Leo Burnett and Young & Rubicam. He worked on accounts including Doritos, Hallmark and Miller Brewing. Most re- Heelys because he already knew what retailers wanted on cently, he ran TM Advertising, which created the award-win- the market. ning campaigns “Life Comes at You Fast” for Nationwide In- “It’s helped me recognize very quickly what the market- surance, and “We Know Why You Fly” for American Airlines. ing and merchandising challenges are, as well as the need for After working his way up in advertising, Hansen decided new product development and sort of what I think was the he needed a new career challenge and the iconic product that unclear brand structure originally,” he said. “To clarify that Heelys created appealed to him. brand and introduce new products is what retailers want.” “It was something I’d never done before and it just struck Even though running a sporting-goods company requires me as a huge learning opportunity,” Hansen said. “Heelys adaptation, Hansen said that dealing with prospective clients had been successful so quickly, and fallen so quickly. It was remains the same. such a phenomenon, such a rare case. The huge swings in the “You realize that no matter who you’re talking to, it’s the business and the different things that happened struck me same as if you’re making a presentation or having a conver- and I wouldn’t get the chance like that again in a long time.” sation with a client because in a way all these people are your Presently, Hansen focuses on how he can make Heelys clients,” Hansen said. “So you learn to do it one way, and successful and profitable. In the past two years, he expanded they’re just coming at you at a different angle.” international distribution and introduced new products. He He credits his extensive experience in advertising with enjoyed returning to his roots, designing a new marketing making him aware of the new career opportunities available. campaign with commercials, marketing materials and ads. “You know, I’ve done advertising, political campaigns “I think we’re building the foundation for long-term suc- and a feature film. Now I run a company that makes products cess. It was such a young, meteoric company that the infra- for kids. So I’ve gotten a lot of diverse experience,” Hansen structure wasn’t built to sustain that business,” Hansen said. said. “The interesting thing about it was that my background Keeping in mind his younger-demographic market tar- kept me open to possibilities. I think that the best thing I got get, Hansen often holds brainstorming sessions with his out of this was a lot of things presented themselves and I was team, leading to new product ideas like the new HX2 model, aware of the chance to take the opportunity.” which offers two wheels in one shoe so that younger kids His advice to students that aspire to have a career in ad- using Heelys will have an easier time learning to use them. vertising is that skill sets and life experiences are keys to suc- “Our brainstorming sessions always involve a tremen- cess and must be used advantageously. dous amount of simulative materials up front. We might be- “Be proud of, and emphasize your life experience; adver- gin with a field trip to a kid’s store, theme park, shopping tising is really simply about telling the client or product story mall and entertainment complex like Chucky Cheese,” he in a way that people can see it fitting naturally into their lives said. “We would paper the room with pictures, articles, and and lifestyles,” he said. “You’ve seen and lived a lot of the add toys, shoes and games. We might concentrate on a specif- hottest new products, you’re right in the middle of an incred- ic retail channel, new product category or trend to drive the ibly desirable demographic. So take what you know, what session. Whatever we pick, it’s always fun and productive.” you’ve done and what you’ve lived and harness that story His background in advertising prepared him to manage to sell yourself to those who want to sell products to you.” q

J-Links | Spring Fall 2011 21 >> Alumni News & Notes

Brig. Gen. Gary Patton, Ross Kelson launched a 1986 Gazette in different reporting MSJ, has been promoted new webstore at and editing positions, to a two-star general. He GadgetsGo.com, selling Kristy (Lantz) Astry has including executive editor. also has been promoted clever, useful, fun and worked for 25 years as from deputy commander, unique gadgets, including a magazine production Army, Combined Security 1985 a selection of gadgets manager, marketing writer, Transition Command- particularly useful for and, for most of the last Afghanistan, to director, Rob Merritt has opened journalists, advertisers, 20 years, as a published Force Development, Office Merritt Wines, a wine photographers and other freelance writer, editor of the Deputy Chief of Staff, distributorship in Chicago. media professionals. and technical writer. Since G-8, United States Army, Previously he spent 25 The gadgets sold by June 2010, she has served Washington, D.C. years in public relations GadgetsGo.com are made as president of her local management with firms both by unknown inventors Society for Technical such as Merritt Public and familiar brands. Communication chapter, the 1989 Relations in Wichita, Rocky Mountain Chapter. Barkley in Kansa City and Cory Powell is managing 1987 Cramer-Krasselt in Chicago. Gina Kellogg opened a editor for new products Merritt Wines is focused boutique communications and innovation at the Carolyn Galvin is the new on providing retailers, company, Hott Cornflakes (Minneapolis) Star Tribune. associate vice president, restaurants, wine bars and Communications in He recently announced executive search, for B. caterers with artisan wines Overland Park, Kan., in a completely redesigned E. Smith, a full-service produced in small and 2010. She is owner and website: www.startribune.com leadership solutions firm mid-sized vineyards around CEO. She helps clients for healthcare providers. the world. Merritt Wines in a wide variety of Mark Siebert, MSJ, is in his Previously she spent eight operates from Downers industries, from drug-testing second year as chairman years as a vice president Grove, a western suburb firms, chiropractors and of the communication at a healthcare executive in Chicago and serves the veterinarians to insurance department at Grand View search firm in Kansas City, western Chicago area as firms and waterparks, University, a small liberal Mo. She also was a senior well as downtown Chicago. arts school in Des Moines. consultant with KPMG Peat to create marketing and communications projects He became an assistant Marwick, LLP, and a market Jean (Fulghum) Peat is that build on their success. professor in 2004 after research analyst with Saint director of communications She also is consulting leaving his job as general Luke’s Health System. She for the KU Cancer Center. editor for Networx assignment reporter at holds a master of business She recently obtained Communications/The the Des Moines Register. administration degree from Accreditation in Public Robstan Group in Kansas In addition to teaching, the University of Missouri- Relations (APR) from the City, Mo., an association- he advises the student Kansas City. Public Relations Society management firm that newspaper and magazine. of America and is one publishes four magazines. The Iowa College Media Brett Murphy is now the of just 46 professionals She is a regular contributing Association named the digital product designer in the Kansas City area writer and editor for Enhance newspaper, the Grand Views, for CL, Inc. in Chicago, currently accredited. In Magazine, a health-focused Iowa College Newspaper Ill., with properties addition, she has received publication in Kansas City. of the Year two years in a including the Chicago Reader, the Emerald Award in row. The Associated College Washington City Paper and Writing from the Kansas Greg Larson works at Press named ALT magazine a Creative Loafingin Atlanta/ Association of Health Emporia State University as national Pacemaker Award Tampa and Charlotte. He Care Communicators. the assistant director of the winner in 2009. contributes to all phases The Emerald Awards are Memorial Union and athletic of new digital product given annually to health ticketing manager. 1988 initiatives for the company care communicators including research, strategic across the state who excel Gwendolynne Tompkins development strategies, in internal and external Lt. Col. Janet Holliday is Larson is now assistant marketing, sales and project communications. Peat also now garrison commander director of marketing management. Previously he is a second degree black belt for the U.S. Army’s Carlisle and media relations for was advertising director for in Taekwondo and teaches Barracks in Carlisle, Pa. Emporia State University. the Chicago Reader. at K-Force Taekwondo For 17 years before that, Academy in Shawnee, Kan. she worked at the Emporia

22 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Alumni Profile: Nicole Vap

J-School grad wants to know by Will Becker, student communications assistant

mid mounting home foreclosures, Nicole Vap, executive producer of A 9NEWS, Denver’s investigative unit, received a tip. It’s what Vap did with this tip that made a difference. Vap, a 1991 J-School graduate, and her “9Wants to Know” team moved on the story of a man accused of defrauding vulnerable people feeling the brunt of the economic downturn. “You know any time there is a trend like that, someone is going to try to take advantage of it,” Vap said. “So we went for a bigger story there because we knew we could find one.” “9Wants to Know” found that a man calling himself Greg Castle was conning people into giving up their homes prior to foreclosure. Not only did Castle fraudulently claim these homes, but Vap and her team also discovered he was turning around and illegally renting the same homes to still more unsuspecting people. The series of reports earned Vap the prestigious Alfred I. duPont – Columbia Journalism Silver Baton award. The citation for broadcast Nicole Vap is pictured at right at the Alfred I. duPont – Columbia Journalism Silver Baton awards excellence was the first for the 9NEWS Denver ceremony with Anna Hewson, producer/photographer, and Jace Larson, investigative reporter. NBC affiliate. Vap said it was thrilling to be recognized for a story that did so much good. “Our best asset and biggest secret is that we do all the However, Vap does not take sole credit for the success of work together,” she said. “We want to present the story in a the Greg Castle series and other “9Wants to Know” reports. way that people can better understand, and really feel.” During her time at KU, Vap served as student station manager for KJHK radio station. The experience, she said, gave her real-life management skills she could not have gotten outside of a live broadcast setting. Vap’s hard work did not go unnoticed and for that her success is something associate professor Max Utsler saw coming. “She showed the commitment to be a true news person,” Utsler said. “Clearly I don’t think anybody was going to be able to outwork her.” Journalism Job Listing Service As her career moved beyond the crimson and the blue, Vap shifted from producing live newscasts to investigative The Journalism Career Center provides an online features. She has had the opportunity to work in four news listing of jobs in the journalism industry that require markets across the U.S. In addition to her most recent honor, at least two years of experience. The job listings and Vap has received six regional Emmy’s and a 2009 Regional descriptions are posted online at www.journalism.ku.edu, Murrow Award for investigative reporting. under “Alumni & Friends.” This service is for jobs that Although broadcast was always a calling for the Mc- require two-four, three-five, five-seven and 10 or more Cook, Neb., native, she ended up on the other side of the years of experience. We hear about such positions on camera than her parents may have predicted. a regular basis and immediately post the jobs online. “When I was three, in our family hardware store, I would If you know of relevant job openings that should be set up the plungers and they would be my audience,” Vap listed, please e-mail Patty Noland, journalism career said. “And I would talk into a screwdriver.” q development coordinator, at [email protected].

J-Links | Spring 2011 23 >> Alumni News & Notes

1984 Design in Somerville, 1981 Patty (McCarthy) Yeardi N.J. The advertising and manages accounts for Pat design company celebrated Jill (Mitchell) Langan is a Kelly (Lyne) Irvin is the Riha Productions in Kansas its 20th anniversary in senior partner at Mediacom public relations manager City, Mo. 2010. Its services include Advertising in Chicago, Ill. for the San Antonio Parks website design and and Recreation Department. development, e-mail and 1979 Randy Sands has been She also is an author Internet marketing, printed named executive vice and her second romantic advertisements, brochures Lynn Bretz, MSJ, was president for business suspense novel, “No Child and direct mail and custom inducted into the KU development for Weber of Mine,” will be released in exhibit booths. More at: Women’s Hall of Fame. Shandwick in Minneapolis. September 2011. She recently www.ito-y.com/index.html She was one of six women, He has been with the signed a contract with distinguished in their agency for 12 years and was Harvest House Publishing fields and connected to previously executive vice for two more books. 1982 KU, who were inducted president in the financial April 5. She is director of services practice. In his new Susan (Sellers) Buttram is a University Communications role, Sands works closely 1980 consulting nutritionist with at KU. Before joining the with each practice area to Midwest Feedlot Nutrition staff at KU, Bretz worked further build relationships Kathleen Conkey has in Hutchinson, Kan. for Commodity News and implement new written a new book, Services, a division of strategies for approaching “Counseling Content Mark Hamrick has been Knight Ridder, in Kansas new business. He is the chair Providers in the Digital elected president of the City, and for the Lawrence of the board of directors of Age.” She owns a law firm, National Press Club in Journal-World. She began at the Bloomington Chamber The Law Offices of Kathleen Washington, D.C., for 2011. KU as a writer/editor for of Commerce. He is a Conkey, focusing on media More information at University Relations, where member of Minnesota PRSA and entertainment law www.press.org. Hamrick is an she progressed to become and in 2006, completed the and intellectual property. Associated Press broadcast director in 2002, having Public Relations Leadership Formerly she worked for journalist. He previously served as interim director Forum, sponsored by the MTV Networks. served as vice president of for three years. She was Arthur W. Page Society the 3,400-member group. appointed to her current and the Council of Public Grant Overstake is the For nearly 25 years he has director of communications position in July 2006. Relations Firms. Under worked for The Associated his leadership, his account at the United States Sports Press. He is a national Steven South works as chief teams and clients have won Academy, located on the business reporter whose operating officer for the Bott industry recognition with Gulf Coast in Daphne, work encompasses video, Radio Network. He lives in SABRE awards, PRWeek Ala. The Academy is an radio and text. Previously, independent, non-profit, Lenexa, Kan. awards and PRSA Bronze he worked at radio stations Anvil awards. accredited, special mission in Buffalo, N.Y., and Kansas. sports university created 1978 The theme for his inaugural to serve the nation and the 1983 celebration Jan. 29 will world with programs in Jerry Seib has moved into be “We’re Not in Kansas instruction, research and Anymore” and will feature a new role at the Wall Street Steve Flood is director service and to prepare men food from his home state. Journal. Previously he was of dealer development at and women for careers in the Washington Bureau Hyundai Motor America. the profession of sports. Lori (Clintsman) Joseph Chief, and he now leads the He lives in Orange County, Formerly he was a director recently joined the combined Newswires and Calif., with his wife Sharon of communications at Tabor National Association of Journal teams. In his role as (Bodin) Flood, (KU under- College. Intercollegiate Athletics chief of a unified bureau, grad in journalism in 1985, (NAIA) in Kansas City as Seib continues to write his economics in 1987 and MBA Holly Cadden (Jenks) vice president for marketing market-moving Capital finance in 1987) and their Soptick is a tele-recruiter and communications where Journal column once a week three children. for The Mid-America and provide leadership for she is responsible for leading Chapter of the Leukemia branding, marketing and the Journal’s journalists in Mark Yearick is a partner and Lymphoma Society. Her communications activities Washington. at Y Marketing & ITO son, Jayson Jenks, is a junior for the association. attending the KU J-School.

24 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Alumni Profile: Gordon Docking Journey from journalism to healthcare by Sarah Norden, student communications assistant

ordon Docking returns home at the end of the day to a big hug from his son, Blake, who has Down G syndrome. It’s the highlight of his day. A typical day for Docking, CEO of HMC/CAH in Kan- sas City, Mo., is full of meetings with colleagues and hospital leaders and long drives visiting company facilities all over the country. Upon arriving home, Blake’s hug reminds Docking of what really matters in life—family. HMC/CAH is a national system of rural hospitals. Dock- ing finds rural healthcare challenging, but rewarding. Ru- ral hospitals remain vital to the communities they serve, he said, providing jobs and healthcare to people who would otherwise have to drive for hours to get it. “We own 12 hospitals and want to grow to 40. I am looking forward to being on the front end of an entrepreneurial opportunity like this,” Docking said. “A challenge like this is exciting and hard, but I really enjoy what I’m doing.” But Docking didn’t get to where he is today easily. It took a hard work ethic and strong communication skills, both of which he attributes to his background in journalism. Dock- ing graduated from the KU School of Journalism in 1977 with an emphasis in radio and television. Immediately upon completing school, Docking went to work full-time in radio in Kansas City, Mo. After a few years, Work aside, Docking and his wife became involved with he transitioned to television in Missouri, and then returned other families with Down syndrome children and created to Kansas City to work for Channel 4 News. a fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Guild, which subse- As the professional world transitions to digital, Docking quently raised millions of dollars. They also created a Down remembers Calder Pickett, his former journalism professor syndrome clinic at Children’s Mercy Hospital that provides who had a profound influence on him during his time at KU. programs and sessions for parents of all ages with Down Docking notes that Pickett taught the History of Journalism syndrome children. class in a fascinating way, bringing history alive through “As I look back on it, I think that is part of my son’s leg- multimedia elements, such as music, slides with photos, vid- acy in Kansas City,” Docking said. “Because of his presence, eos and audio recordings. some of these things exist that may not have otherwise ex- “He was multimedia before multimedia was cool.” isted. Docking said. Docking also became involved with Special Olympics by In 1992, Docking left television to work in healthcare. He coaching a swim team. During his time at KU, he was on said healthcare found him, in the form of the marketing and the swim team and had an athletic scholarship. Docking’s public relations director position at St. Joseph Medical Cen- passion for swimming fuels his excitement for teaching new ter in Kansas City, Mo. athletes how to swim. He has been teaching the swim team During his time at St. Joseph Medical Center, he earned in Olathe, Kan., for 20 years. master’s degrees in health administration and business ad- “I get to work with Special Olympians who will run ministration by attending class at night. Shortly after, he be- through a wall or through fire if I asked them too,” Docking came the CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs, Mo. said. “They just want to have fun however they can.” However, gaining acceptance as a leader of a hospital Docking feels a real sense of accomplishment when he wasn’t easy. Many thought, “How can a sportscaster run a assists with a project and it succeeds. He also values time hospital?” Docking overcame this perception by showing spent with his close friends and family. that, with time and effort, any challenge is surmountable. “When I’m away from work, I feel good when KU wins Again, it was the work ethic and good communications a football game, when KU wins a basketball game, when KU skills he learned at the J-School enabled him to excel in the wins the National Championship, when KU wins the Or- healthcare business. ange Bowl,” Docking said. “Mostly because those are events After about two and a half years at St. Joseph Medical where family and friends get together. It’s better when KU Center, Docking decided to join HMC/CAH as CEO, over- wins, but just having my family and friends there makes it seeing expansion from three to twelve hospitals. fun, even if we lose.” q

J-Links | Spring 2011 25 >> Alumni News & Notes

1975 local, state and national Consultants, Inc. (DCI), story, “Life behind the lens: organizations. a company she founded Rich Clarkson,” about his David Schemm is a recovery in 1982. Diversified professional work and officer for Mazuma Credit 1972 Consultants, located career in Final Four sports Union, Kansas City, Mo. in Shawnee Mission, photography. The two-page Kan., is an Association spread in the Denver Post is Tom Slaughter was named Lyn (Wallin) Ziegenbein Management/Meeting online at: www.denverpost. Inland Press Association’s is executive director of the Planning firm, with clients com/sports/ci_17760784 new executive director. He is Peter Kiewit Foundation in in the franchise, medical and the former vice president of Omaha, Neb. She oversees accounting industries. She U.S. Newspaper Markets for 1963 a $350 million fund that has lives in Mission Hills, Kan. The Associated Press, and distributed $536 million created AP Digital before Sue Suhler received a to worthy causes. Formed heading the company’s new 1970 second-place award in KU in 1980, the Peter Kiewit media business unit. During International Programs’ 2010 Foundation has supported his tenure at AP, he helped James Czupor is co-founder Picture the World photo culture, youth, community AP complete transformation of the InterPro Group in contest. She is a technical development and other of its fee structure and Denver, Colo. editor and proposal writer efforts. Ziegenbein also product offerings targeted in Lawrence. is a Creighton University at its member newspapers School of Law graduate, and in response to the severe 1969 attended the University of declines in the newspaper 1947 London. She practiced law industry. He also served as James Faulkner is Middle with the Watts Law Office AP’s director of strategic Tennessee executive director Alamada (Bollier) Barrett in Omaha and was as an planning for seven years. He for AseraCare Hospice. was the subject of a Dec. assistant U.S. attorney for began his journalism career 2, 2010, article in the Nebraska from 1978 to 1982. as a reporter in Topeka, Los Angeles Daily News. She joined the Peter Kiewit 1964 Kan., while completing She was an editor of the Foundation, which is part- graduate studies, covering University Daily Kansan in owner of the World-Herald, Gary Bender has announced a session of the Kansas 1947. She was a medical as assistant director in his retirement from Legislature. He later became editor at UCLA for many 1983 and became executive broadcasting, effective at the a full-time reporter in years. Sharon Woodson director in 1987. In 1988 she end of the NBA season. He Sioux Falls, S.D., and was Bryant, 1969 and MSJ 1975 was named a “woman of has been the “Voice of the later transferred to Denver graduate, also is mentioned distinction” by the YWCA, Phoenix Suns,” for the past continuing to cover state- in the article. The article which noted her work in 18 seasons. Bender called wide legislative and political tells the story of Barrett’s supporting education and NFL games for CBS from news. Earlier positions remarkable life. Barrett human services. Last year, 1975 to 1986. He also was also include serving as AP is currently “writing her Ziegenbein was chairman the network’s NBA Finals bureau chief in Newark, memoirs with pen and ink, of the Omaha branch of voice in 1981 and called the N.J., and Seattle. Slaughter remembering the great dust the Federal Reserve Bank Final Four, the first three also holds an M.B.A. in storm in Horace, Kan., and of Kansas City, Mo. She televised by CBS, from 1982 finance from City University the human storm of protest serves on the boards of to 1984. He worked college in Bellevue, Wash. More on against allowing blacks to Assurity Life Insurance Co. football and Major League Inland: InlandPress.org register at the University of of Lincoln, Film Streams Baseball for ABC in the late Mississippi in the 1960s.” of Omaha, Greater Omaha 1980s and called Sunday David Wysong was recently The article is online at: Chamber of Commerce, night NFL games for TNT named Johnson Countian of www.dailynews.com/ Greater Omaha Convention from 1992 to 1994. Bender q the Year. He lives in Mission columnists/ci_16761233 and Visitors Bureau and the plans to return to KU to Hills, Kan., where he is a NU Medical Center’s Eppley serve as a consultant for the retired state senator. Cancer Center. She also has Alumni Association. served on the Nebraska Rhodes Scholarships 1971 1955 selection committee, Council on Foundations and other Terry Underwood is Rich Clarkson was recently president of Diversified profiled in a multimedia

26 J-Links | Spring 2011 >> Faces & Places

Bob Basow’s Strategic Campaigns students visit their 1970 graduate Luis Santos poses with his brother, The 2011 Journalism Career Fair hosted 29 recruiters class client, the Kansas Parks and Recreation Association Juan Santos, president of Colombia from 18 companies; 216 students attended

Dean Ann Brill and speaker Mark Zieman at graduation December 2010 J-School graduation Foreign correspondent Mort Rosenblum visits KU

Megan True discusses her photo exhibit in Stauffer-Flint 2011 William Allen White Day, honoring John Carroll 2011 William Allen White Day luncheon

Media and the Military students visit KCMO-TV Officers visit KU orf the Media and the Military program Journalism Learning Community for new students

Mugur Geana presents to the Kansas Board of Regents Simran Sethi visits with students in Shanghai, China KU Ad Club students participate in an “agency crawl”

J-Links | Spring 2011 27 Non-profit Organization US Postage Paid Permit #116 Lawrence, KS

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28 J-Links | Spring 2011