FALL 2015

College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts Communication News Love at first site Online dating study earns major grant

ow more than ever, that remains to be addressed. information, or do they focus it people use technology “Online dating is the second- on human-generated informa- to help them make most popular way for single tion, such as profiles?” decisions — which Americans to meet a romantic Preliminary results have been Nrestaurants to visit, which stores partner, behind being introduced somewhat surprising. to shop, which brands to buy, to someone by a friend or fam- “I’ve been surprised at how which route to take to work. In ily,” she says. “We’re interested in much people trust technology 2015, the online referral business looking at how new online dat- for something that is usually is booming, and companies such ing technology affects the ways thought of as very serendipitous as Yelp and Angie’s List have cre- people initiate relationships and and a ‘just happens’ kind of ated an industry based on peo- the ways they make decisions, thing,” Tong says. “When it ple’s desire to do due diligence when they decide whom to date, Stephanie Tong: comes to romantic encounters, before making daily social or and whether or not to pursue the “I’ve been surprised we’re finding people do trust economic commitments. So it relationship.” at how much people these sites and algorithms a lot comes as no surprise that more Tong is collaborating on her trust technology for to help facilitate that process.” and more people are turning to interdisciplinary study with something that is usually Though much of her study is technology to help them make Richard Slatcher and Jeff Han- thought of as very centered on compatibility algo- romantic decisions as well. cock, the co-investigators on the serendipitous and a rithms, Tong says her team is Stephanie Tong, assistant pro- grant. Slatcher is an associate ‘just happens’ kind of less focused on the mathematical fessor of communication studies professor of psychology at Wayne thing. When it comes workings of these systems and at Wayne State, has been study- State, and Hancock is a professor to romantic encounters, more on people’s perceptions ing the relationship between dat- in the Department of Communi- we’re finding people of them. ing and computer-mediated cation at Stanford University. do trust these sites and “We’re not trying to communication for more than a Tong’s eight-student research algorithms a lot to help reverse-engineer eHarmony or year. In September, she received team at Wayne State conducts its facilitate that process.” anything,” she says. “What we’re a three-year grant totaling experiments in the Online Inter- really interested in is people’s $851,462 to continue her action Lab in Manoogian Hall, attitudes and opinions of algo- research. The grant is from the analyzing data from various sur- rithms, and how that affects the National Science Foundation’s veys and eye-tracking exercises. decisions they make. Whether or Interdisciplinary Behavioral and Tong says these types of research not the algorithm is actually suc- Social Sciences Division and is methods allow her team to see cessful is irrelevant for us.” the largest in the communication how participants react to the Tong and her team are study- department’s history. system-generated cues of dating ing whether there are particular Tong has had a long-running websites and whether they trust circumstances in which people interest in online communica- the website’s recommendations. are more or less inclined to trust tion and relationships and says “There are lots of different fea- technology in their search for she wants to know how the rela- tures of online dating websites love, or types of people who are tional landscape in American that come from algorithmic more or less inclined to do so, society is being affected by the selection or curation,” she says. but she says it’s still too early to rise of online dating. Finding out “Where do people focus their tout any results. what the social implications are, attention? Do they focus it more Studying the effects of online Tong says, is an important issue on machine-generated CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 FROM THE CHAIR | LEE WILKINS

All the right moves

omentum. undergraduate program became Kelly Jakes have moved into It’s one of those things officially certified by the national the leadership of their respective Myou can pinpoint best Public Relations Society of divisions. Assistant Professor in retrospect, but this last year America. Certification is an Jim Cherney serves on the has been one of broad-ranging external validation that the pro- Legislative Assembly. Assistant accomplishment for both stu- gram is among the elite — not Professor Stine Eckert is now dents and faculty. just in the state, where only one vice chair of the Feminist Stud- The faculty have had a spec- other program carries this dis- ies Division of the International tacular year in grant funding. tinction, but in the nation. Add Communication Association, Not only did Assistant Professor to that another first: Wayne while Assistant Professor Stephanie Tong land the largest State’s chapter of the Public Rela- Michael Fuhlhage now holds a grant in the college’s history, but Lee Wilkins: “This tions Student Society of America three-year term as research chair Assistant Professors Kelly Jakes last year has been in cooperation with the PRSSA for the American Journalism and Michael Fuhlhage landed one of broad-ranging chapter at Michigan State Uni- Historians Association. sizable internal awards as well. accomplishment for versity will sponsor the regional The forensics program had the Assistant Professor Elizabeth both students and PRSSA conference to be held best year — Associate Professor Stoycheff snagged internal funds faculty.” here in March. Plus, a podcast of Kelly Young believes — in its to purchase 10 iPads for report- this year’s Ofield Dukes Diversity history. Lambda Pi Eta has more ing students. Of course, the trick Summit, “Busting Bias,” can be than 50 student members. Time with grants is not just landing downloaded for free from the to graduation continues to them but also doing the work; Department of Communication’s decline, and the department that impact will be seen over the new website. awarded more scholarships in the next two years. Finally, there’s momentum past year than ever before. Living Then, there’s the momentum in academic leadership. Here at in Detroit is once again cool. of the public relations program. NCA, Associate Professor Kat Momentum. in November, the Wayne State Maguire and Assistant Professor — Lee Wilkins

ONLINE DATING STUDY | CONTINUED

dating on how single Americans “It’s convenient. people turn to in order to get networks. You get access to a choose romantic partners is together, is that going to change larger dating pool. I think a lot important, Tong says, because That’s one of the the relational landscape over of people see the benefits of it.” now there is enough history and time?” Tong and her research team data associated with the technol- biggest advantages Memberships in online have presented their pilot data ogy to ascertain whether people dating sites have surged since to the International Communi- view it as a viable long-term way of online dating.” Match.com launched in 1995, cation Association, the National to meet people. with at least one in 10 American Communication Association, “The stigma is fading. I think adults now saying they’ve used a and the Central States Commu- it’s becoming a pretty standard dating site or app, according to nication Association. Once the practice, especially with young the Pew Research Center. Tong study is completed, Tong plans adults,” she says. “These ‘new’ says she attributes this swell in to pursue other media outlets. technologies are not that new popularity to today’s mobile- Students interested in partici- anymore, and that’s another friendly society. “It’s convenient. pating in the study may email good reason to study it. If so That’s one of the biggest advan- online.dating.at.wayne@gmail many people are using these sites tages of online dating,” she says. .com. Tong says the study is and this is truly one way that “You get to widen your social slated for completion in 2018. •

2 • Communication News • Fall 2015 RECOGNITION

PR program receives national accreditation

ayne State’s under- Performing and Communication to Detroit’s professional commu- graduate public rela- Arts. “The PR community nity that ensured this national W tions program was throughout Michigan has long Wayne selected for recognition.” awarded the Certification in Edu- recognized the strength of the PRSSA conference Four core faculty members, cation for Public Relations in July program. With this accreditation, The Wayne State and supplemented by the communica- from the national governing the program moves into the ranks Michigan State chapters tion department’s journalism and board of the Public Relations of the elite.” of the Public Relations communication studies faculty, Society of America. Wayne State’s In February, a two-member Student Society of Amer- provide instruction for the depart- public relations program is one of site review team visited campus ica have been selected ment’s 130 majors. only two in Michigan to achieve and issued a preliminary report, by PRSSA National to PRSA’s Educational Affairs this prestigious status and is the citing the Wayne State program as co-host a Regional Con- Committee also strongly sup- only one in metropolitan Detroit a model that should be emulated ference this spring in ported the Wayne State faculty’s to hold the credential. nationally. The evaluators specifi- Detroit. The conference, retention strategy, leading the “This significant endorsement cally pointed to the existence of a “The Tale of Our City: committee to suggest in its report by the Public Relations Society public relations learning commu- Storytelling’s Role in that the number of new public of America places Wayne State nity and the annual Ofield Dukes Detroit’s Revitalization,” relations professionals coming out in the ranks of the most rigorous Diversity Summit. The team also will take place on Wayne of this quality program should academic programs in the world,” noted that the student body State’s campus in March. increase in the coming years. said Bob Pritchard, a PRSA site makeup is diverse in race, gender, “Heartfelt thanks go out to all reviewer and University of Okla- current occupation and rural-to- of the professionals in the public homa PR faculty member. “Con- urban backgrounds. relations community who support gratulations to the faculty, staff, “Diversity is part of our defini- our students in so many ways,” students and alumni of Wayne tion of excellence in public rela- said Shelly Najor, PR area coordi- State on this achievement.” tions,” said Lee Wilkins, chair of nator. “We also thank our alumni “This is a milestone for one of the Department of Communica- who continue to give back and our most successful professional tion. “It was the program’s diver- PR faculty members at other insti- programs,” said Matthew Seeger, sity plus the dedication of the tutions who sing our praises.” • dean of the College of Fine, faculty and the strong connection

Major grant will fund journalism project

anialle Karmanos, a 2001 create professional and impactful community. We thank graduate and former journalistic work,” said Matthew Danialle Karmanos for supporting Dmember of the Board of Seeger, dean of the College of this important work.” Governors, has donated $100,000 Fine, Performing and Communi- Karmanos and her husband, to establish a program aimed at cation Arts. Peter, have previously funded developing student-driven public Faculty members will choose scholarships, programs and issues journalism. projects from a range of ideas research across the university. The Danialle Karmanos suggested by students. “I am pleased to support this Public Issues Journalism Project “Public issues journalism is important initiative,” Karmanos will fund student work such as vital in an urban community,” Danialle Karmanos: said. “Wayne State’s journalism documentary films, investigative said Jack Lessenberry, area head “I am pleased to program prepares students to be series, human interest stories and for journalism. “It represents the support this important hardworking professionals with a community-based news websites. interests, concerns and perspec- initiative.” deep commitment to improving “Wayne State is grateful to tives of our diverse population our community through truthful Danialle Karmanos for providing and allows students to find their communication. I am proud that students with opportunities to voice while advocating for their I can help further this work.” •

Fall 2015 • Communication News • 3 ALUMNI AWARDS

3 honored for outstanding achievement

hen the university history of involvement with honored outstanding Wayne State, providing gifts of W alumni at Homecom- support to the university. Chris- ing on Oct. 10, three Department tian is a charter society member of Communication graduates of the Anthony Wayne Society. were in the lineup. Distinguished He has also acted as a frequent Alumni Awards went to Ed advisor to the College of Fine, Christian, who earned a B.A. Performing and Communication in mass communication in Arts and has hosted regional 1973, and Nancy Kaufman, who alumni events. earned a master’s in speech com- Christian was honored with the munications in 1979. Katherine National Association of Broad- Cockrel, who earned a B.A. in casters National Radio Award in public relations and political 2009 for his service as a national science in 2007, received the leader for radio and for his pas- Recent Alumni Award. sion for public service. In 2012, Distinguished Alumni Awards he received the Michigan Associa- are presented to alumni for one Ed Christian has been called one of the most influential tion of Broadcasters Lifetime or more of the following: out- radio executives in the U.S. Achievement Award. standing service to the university The broadcast publication over a period of years, personal reporting the news and selling Radio Ink has called Christian accomplishments that enhance radio time. one of the most influential radio the prestige of Wayne State, dis- In 1974, shortly after receiving executives in the U.S. Saga has tinguished service or accomplish- his B.A. in mass communication, regularly been included in the ment in any field, or singular he was appointed vice president highly selective Forbes list of contributions to the develop- and general manager at Detroit the 200 best small companies ment of the cultural or spiritual radio station WNIC AM/FM, in America. life of any community. where he was charged with nurs- Christian also holds positions The Recent Alumni Award goes ing the ailing station back to on many civic and professional to a graduate who has received an health. Within three months, boards. He is a board member of undergraduate degree or certifi- WNIC was again showing a St. John Hospital (Detroit); board cate in the past 10 years. The profit, and soon after became one member and chairman, Radio recipient must demonstrate out- of the area’s most influential sta- Music License Committee; board standing professional achievement tions because of its innovative member, National Association of as well as community contribu- programming strategies. Broadcasters; board member, tions or service to the university. Christian founded Saga Com- Broadcasters’ Foundation; board munications in 1986, and the member, Vision Alliance Ed Christian, company initially purchased eight (Detroit); and board member, Distinguished Alumni radio stations. It now holds 91 Historic Trinity Inc. (Detroit). Award radio stations, three state net- A Detroit native, Ed Christian works, two farm radio networks Nancy Kaufman, has held a variety of communica- and eight television stations in 26 Distinguished Alumni tions-based positions since he markets across the U.S. Award began his career in radio in 1958 “If you have compelling radio Nancy Kaufman has dedicated at age 14. Now serving as chair- that serves your community, if herself to helping children who man, president and CEO of Saga you have great people, if you treat have speech, language, motor sen- Communications Inc. in Grosse advertisers with respect, then sory or social development needs. Pointe Farms, Christian got his profits will follow,” Christian said. The owner and director of the start running control boards, The Christian family has a long Kaufman Children’s Center for

4 • Communication News • Fall 2015 ALUMNI AWARDS | CONTINUED

Association of North America, and on the board of visitors of Wayne States Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development. She is the speech-language pathologist con- sultant for the Parish School and Carruth Center in Houston and Follow Wayne State’s the Suburban Speech Center in Department of Commu- Short Hills, New Jersey. nication on Twitter: Kaufman received the 2011 @WSU_COM Michigan Speech-Language-Hear- ing Association Distinguished Service Award. The Kaufman Katherine Cockrel, who received Children’s Center has received the the Recent Alumni Award, was Michigan Speech-Language-Hear- named a “20 in Their 20s” winner ing Association Clinical Service by Crain’s Detroit Business. Nancy Kaufman has devoted Award and Corp! magazine’s “Best her career to helping children of Michigan Business” award. Detroit and is a member of the with speech and language Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s development issues. Katherine Cockrel, active professionals committee, Recent Alumni Award Riviere 28. She serves on the advi- Speech, Language, Sensory- Last summer Katherine Cockrel sory board of Detroit Soup, a Motor, and Social Connections was named an associate vice micro-granting dinner that funds Inc., Kaufman developed a president in the Detroit office of creative projects. specialized treatment approach Finn Partners, providing public In June 2015, Cockrel was rec- to help those children become and community relations counsel ognized as a Crain’s Detroit Busi- effective vocal communicators. for the firm’s local and national ness “20 in Their 20s” winner. Families from around the clients. “Katy’s experience in commu- world travel to the Kaufman A Detroit native, Cockrel nity relations, events activation, Children’s Center in West Bloom- brings a good deal of agency and national, state and local field Township to participate in its experience to Finn Partners. Over media relations fills an important specialized therapy programs. In the course of a four-year tenure part of our growing needs,” said addition, the Kaufman Speech to at Ignition Media Group, she Dan Pooley, managing partner for Language Protocol (K-SLP) has helped build the agency’s PR Finn Partners, in a July press been adopted by specialists for practice from the ground up, tak- release announcing her appoint- helping children with autism ing its client roster from two to ment. “Katy’s connection and spectrum disorders. more than 10. commitment to Detroit and Kaufman has developed a She also has held positions at Michigan matches our commit- number of materials, including a Duffey + Petrosky in Farmington ment and investment in this mar- DVD set, to support therapists Hills, Fleishman-Hillard Inter­ ket and the culture of our Detroit who use her protocols. She also national Communications in office.”• lectures both nationally and inter- Chicago, Fingerprint Communi- nationally on childhood apraxia cations in New York and Franco of speech and other speech-sound Public Relations Group in disorders in children. Detroit. Kaufman serves on the pro­ Cockrel is the volunteer PR fessional advisory board of the director for the Detroit-based Childhood Apraxia of Speech voter awareness initiative Vote

Fall 2015 • Communication News • 5 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Communication at the highest levels

arinda Washington, who experts from the private sector Washington provided public earned a master’s degree serve on temporary rotations or relations guidance to the Prop- Kfrom Wayne State in com- sabbaticals to the DHS. erty Tax Foreclosure Prevention munication and is now with the In addition, Washington led Project, meeting with local pub- U.S. Department of Homeland an effort to establish a Loaned lic officials and attracting finan- Security, returned to campus this Professor Program for the aca- cial support to keep more than fall for a guest lecture on organi- demic community using the 10,000 families in their homes. zational communication. Intergovernmental Personnel Act Washington earned a bachelor’s An external affairs specialist Mobility Program. She also is degree in English at Eastern in the Private Sector Office, developing a program that will Michigan University. Her master’s Washington manages the DHS allow federal employees to be from Wayne State was in commu- Loaned Executive Program and Karinda Washington detailed to private-sector organi- nication: public relations and serves as a liaison to private- is an external affairs zations for training. organizational communication. sector offices regarding public- specialist for Homeland Prior to joining DHS, Wash- She currently serves as a private partnerships. Security. ington served 10 years and held communications strategist for Washington established the multiple positions for Michigan a charter school in Memphis, Loaned Executive Program in Legal Services in Detroit. The Tennessee, and for Restore 2011 as a best practice, advising organization provides free legal Northeast Detroit, a grass-roots leadership throughout the inter- assistance to deserving families organization dedicated to agency on how to implement it. facing mortgage and property tax rebuilding Detroit’s east side, Through the LEP, subject-matter foreclosure. During her tenure, where Washington grew up. •

AP promotes Moore to Wisconsin post

raduates of Wayne to have him take on the chal- Enquirer. Moore has also served State’s Department of lenge of shaping AP’s report as an adjunct professor at Ari- GCommunication have in Milwaukee.” zona State University’s Walker long been well represented in Moore joined AP in 2011 as Cronkite School of Journalism Detroit media. Thanks to an editor on the West regional and Mass Communication. another alumnus, the depart- desk, working on national stories Moore credits his Wayne State ment’s reach is now extending such as gay marriage, health care education with helping him across Lake Michigan into reform, the 2012 presidential develop into the professional Wisconsin. election and the 2014 midterm he is today. Greg Moore, who graduated elections. In 2013, he was part of “I really can’t overstate just in 2006, has been named super- a team that developed a strategy how important Wayne State was visory correspondent in AP’s to improve AP’s training and to my development,” Moore Milwaukee bureau, where he Greg Moore: “I really internal communication. said. “Wayne State not only will be responsible for handling can’t overstate just “What I love most about taught me the theory of journal- stories that cover a full range of how important Wayne this field is playing a key role ism, but I learned about its topics relevant to the region. State was to my in telling people a story,” Moore practical application and was “Greg has shown himself to development.” said. “I just love helping people given access to major media pro- be a strong newsman, with a get what they need to know, fessionals and decision makers. keen eye for what makes a good and why.” I got to see how and why they story,” said Doug Glass, AP’s Before joining AP, Moore make the decisions they do news editor for Minnesota, worked at the Kansas City Star, when it comes to the news.” • Wisconsin, North Dakota and the Detroit Free Press, and the South Dakota. “We’re excited Columbus (Georgia) Ledger-

6 • Communication News • Fall 2015 FACULTY ACTIVITY

Book captures beloved attorney general

ore than 100 people “Throughout gathered at Wayne MState’s Law School in his career, he September to celebrate the pub- lication of The People’s Lawyer: prosecuted The Life and Times of Frank J. Kelley, the Nation’s Longest- wrongdoers who Serving Attorney General. The book was written by Frank others wouldn’t Kelley with Jack Lessenberry, area head for journalism. take on, and Known as the “eternal general,” Kelley was Michigan’s 50th attor- defended those ney general and served for 37 years (1961-99), giving him the who most needed distinction of being both the youngest at age 36 and the oldest defending.” at 74 attorney general in the state’s history. He holds the record — Jack Lessenberry for longest-serving attorney gen- eral in U.S. history. The People’s Lawyer chronicles Kelley’s early life and career, from his days as a crusading lawyer in Michigan, through his accom- plishments in civil rights and equal representation. Kelley is credited with establishing the consumer protection and envi- ronmental protection divisions for the state of Michigan. He was the first state attorney gen- eral in the nation to establish such agencies. In the book’s introduction, change and taking on cases his launch or influence the careers Lessenberry explains why he predecessors wouldn’t. of Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Gov. thinks Kelley is so beloved: “I also “He populated his army of the James Blanchard and U.S. Sen. knew he was candid, honest, and people’s lawyers with competent Carl Levin. He also worked with that while in charge of the legal African-Americans and women both John and Robert Kennedy, affairs of the state of Michigan before that was the norm,” and Bill Clinton. there was never a whiff of scandal Lessenberry says in the book’s Lessenberry says Kelley is more or corruption. And I knew that introduction. “Throughout his than deserving of all of the praise he was trusted by the voters in a career, he prosecuted wrongdoers he receives: “Frank J. Kelley made way that would seem almost who others wouldn’t take on, and a difference, in a way that I think unimaginable today.” defended those who most needed would have made his beloved Lessenberry believes Kelley’s defending.” father proud. It has been an good standing with Michigan Kelley brushed shoulders with honor — and a lot of fun — to voters was also owed to his every major player in the state’s work with him on this book.” • record of pushing for social Democratic Party and helped

Fall 2015 • Communication News • 7 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Documentary filmmaker opens up

By Jason Revoir During her time as the of Mohammad Hussein) to Bob Allison (Allesee) intense pro-life activists (12th & s an Academy Award- Endowed Chair for Delaware). nominated documentary Media this fall, Heidi Two were filmed in Detroit: A filmmaker, Heidi Ewing Ewing revealed how she Detropia and The Education of knows what she needs to do to gets her documentary Mohammed Hussein, which pro- capture the stories she wants to subjects to open up filed a traditional Islamic school show to the world. and defended her film struggling to cope with preju- And in October, Ewing, who Detropia, pictured below, dice. The director of that school, holds the Bob Allison (Allesee) to a hometown Brother Nadir Ahmad, was in Endowed Chair for Media at audience. the Wayne State audience for Wayne State for fall 2015, shared the presentation. the experience of stepping into Ahmad said Ewing and Grady’s other worlds through her art in a presence in the community was special presentation on campus. initially met with suspicion. “We Ewing and her partner, Rachel had a tough time … trying to Grady, embed themselves within convince people … that they were communities, where they are legitimate,” he said. But after often outsiders, in order to make some weeks, the documentarians their documentaries. causing her subjects to open up. were embraced by the commu- “People mostly ask me, “‘How Her film work has covered nity, and they ended up spending did you get access? Why did they subjects from the religious right a year filming at the school. talk to you?’” Ewing said. She (Jesus Camp) to strict Muslim Ewing grew up in Detroit credits genuine curiosity with communities (The Education but left when she was 18. In 2009, she came back with Grady to make Detropia, a film about the city and its woes. Much like the subjects of the pair’s other films, the city appeared vulnera- ble. Ewing said she wanted to tell Detroit’s story through the lives of the people who remained. When an audience member told Ewing that Detropia gave her a “ruin porn vibe,” Ewing said that she did receive criticism from Detroiters about the film. “The imagery can be intense, especially for Detroiters,”­ she said. “The film … was made for audiences who don’t see these images every day.” But she offered hope to the local crowd when she closed by saying, “May Detroit rise again.” •

8 • Communication News • Fall 2015 FACULTY RESEARCH

Viral news, Civil War-style

photograph in the Detroit Public Library’s Burton A Historical Collection taken on April 18, 1861, shows a wall-to-wall crowd on Griswold in front of the federal building in Detroit. People were there to hear news — firsthand — about the start of the Civil War, six days after Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter. A six-day delay in getting criti- cal news? That’s unthinkable in an age when we are accustomed to getting information in min- utes or even seconds. What brought all those people into the street at one time? Could news even “go viral” in an age with no electricity, no radio, no phones or televisions. How did By finding some challenges, but Fuhlhage no television, no smartphones, editors share information, and correspondence says they’re good problems to no Twitter or Instagram? what were their motives?” between editors in have. “I’m here looking at the Michael Fuhlhage, assistant In addition to digging up arti- different parts of most diverse collection of 19th- professor of journalism, is seek- cles at the American Antiquarian the country, Michael century papers and magazines in ing the answers to those ques- Society, Fuhlhage plans to make Fuhlhage believes he the country. I’m a kid in a candy tions, thanks to a grant from stops at Harvard, the Massachu- can make a connection store, honestly,” he said. “It can Wayne State. Working from the setts Historical Society, and the between abolitionist be difficult trying to not get lost American Antiquarian Society in Boston Public Library’s special newspapers in Kansas in all of this information.” Worcester, Mass., Fuhlhage plans collection of manuscripts. and their counterparts After gathering source mate- to create a visual model showing By analyzing correspondence in New England, rial, Fuhlhage, with the help of how information was shared between editors in different parts establishing a frame­ his graduate students, will tran- virally during the secession crisis of the country, Fuhlhage believes work for a 19th-century scribe articles from the secession and, in particular, how informa- he can find the connection version of a news wire. era (1860-61) and enter them tion about the struggle over slav- between abolitionist newspapers into Google Fusion Tables. Using ery spread from Kansas to the in Kansas and their counterparts details about the articles’ origin rest of the country. in New England, establishing a and how they were spread, he Fuhlhage says the project will framework for a 19th-century will be able to create a map of give people an in-depth look at version of a news wire. how the information flowed reporters’ practices and the “We have such a vague under- during the secession crisis. nature of journalism during the standing of how communication “My hope is that this will show Civil War. networks formed back then,” he us how each node in these com- “When we talk about some- said. “It would be easy to infer munication networks was influ- thing going viral these days, it’s that everything was random. But enced by things like faith and something on YouTube that took the more you look at it, seeing elements of human character,” just a few seconds to share,” Fuhl- the manuscripts of personal cor- Fuhlhage said. “I want to under- hage said. “It was a much more respondence between these edi- stand how we as believers in laborious practice back then. This tors proves there was more to it causes and as practitioners of was a time when the [Associated than that.” journalism make the decisions Press] didn’t exist and there were Playing sleuth has come with that we do.” •

Fall 2015 • Communication News • 9 FACULTY ACTIVITY

Provost Fellow focuses on student retention

ssociate Professor Donyale Padgett’s work A helping Wayne State stu- dents draw from their strengths, effectively navigate challenges and persist to graduation has earned her a place in the univer- sity’s inaugural class of Provost Fellows. The fellows have been charged with a variety of tasks to improve Wayne State’s graduation and retention rates through targeted initiatives and engagement with faculty and students. “My colleagues and I are focused on student and faculty engagement,” Padgett said. “That means talking about and working on retainment and increasing the likelihood that every student connects with the university and has a positive “We have to help the reverse this trend.” myself?’” Padgett said. “We want experience.” student connect to the Padgett began working on the to develop citizens of the world During the fellow application material and how it project in spring 2014 with a and people who feel they’ve been process, candidates were asked to translates to the real group of doctoral, graduate and enriched by attending Wayne propose a project focused on one world,” says Donyale undergraduate students. They State. That only happens if fac- of six themes, such as creation of Padgett, sitting second have been gathering data by cap- ulty engages them and creates a a culture of relationships and from right, with Wayne turing student narratives from a safe environment.” mentoring, promotion of inclu- State’s inaugural class variety of groups that she says are To achieve this, Padgett said, sive excellence and reduction of of Provost Fellows. traditionally marginalized. professors have to go beyond achievement gaps, and evidence- “Whether we are talking about what they may think their jobs based teaching and learning. racial minorities, LGBTQ, a require and adapt to an Padgett’s project is a retention first-generation college student ever-changing environment. survey for marginalized Wayne or people who have a physical “We have to teach to the whole State students to better under- disability, we want to hear their student, not just the subject. We stand why some fail to graduate story,” she said. “We need to have to help the student connect while others are empowered to develop programs to help these to the material and how it trans- finish. In the process, she hopes groups. Period.” lates to the real world,” she said. to uncover the challenges that Padgett and her team have “I want to be one of the veins in underrepresented minority already uncovered some common that web — an advocate for stu- groups face during their college issues, such as feelings of isola- dent success. And not just student careers. tion and lack of physical access success, but faculty engagement “Our graduation rate for black to viable workspaces. But the around student success.” students is 11 percent. Obvi- larger issue, she said, is how these Padgett says once the research ously, we have a problem,” she students view themselves as phase of her project is concluded, said. “We need to figure out why members of the community. she wants to share the findings these kids aren’t graduating and “It’s not just that they don’t on campus as well as at national what we can do as professors to graduate. It’s, ‘How do I see conferences. •

10 • Communication News • Fall 2015 STUDENT ACTIVITY

Say nice things about Detroit — and Wayne State

enior journalism major site in July, focuses on distin- Carly Adams: “If you Carly Adams believes it’s guishing characteristics such as: look at the facts, Simportant for high school • People are really nice. WSU has fantastic students to take a hard look at • We have less crime than opportunities for Wayne State when they start U of M. students, great planning for college. • Our campus is beautiful. programs, dedicated And to help make that hap- • Being in Detroit is actually faculty members and pen, Adams wrote an opinion awesome. was just listed as one column for the social content • We can gain hands-on experi- of the 50 safest colleges platform Odyssey Online that ence in our field. in the country.” debunked what she considers • We enjoy the diversity. to be common misconceptions about the university. Her piece, “It’s important for people to which appeared on the

see this because WSU is a great option,” Adams said. “If you look at the facts, WSU has fan- tastic opportunities for students, great programs, dedicated fac- ulty members and was just listed as one of the 50 safest colleges in the country.” In just 500 words, Adams, who serves as the editor-in-chief of the Wayne State chapter of Odyssey Online, made a com- pelling case for not only the university but the city as well. “Being in Detroit and at Wayne State is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of something amaz- ing: the rebirth of one of the greatest cities in the United States,” she said. Odyssey Online crowdsources ideas from millennial thought leaders in their communities. Launched in 2014, the site is now in more than 350 commu- nities nationwide. •

Fall 2015 • Communication News • 11 STUDENT ACTIVITY | CONTINUED

All social all the time: Wayne State students bolster Detroit Grand Prix social media presence

witter and Facebook were buzzing after a group of Tnearly 20 Wayne State Department of Communication students served as the social media team for the 2015 Chev- rolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix in May. Together with Alex Fulbright of the Franco Public Relations Group, the Wayne State team provided a unique voice to the event across multiple social plat- forms, drawing eyes from all cor- ners of the mediasphere. CBS Detroit reported that the efforts of the Wayne State social media team helped create an esti- mated 138 million impressions­ across all social media platforms, compared with 97 million the previous year. Shelly Najor, PR program director, and Kim Piper-Aiken, senior lecturer and manager of the Wayne Midtown TV Studio, led two student teams. Students spent 40 hours during the May 29-31 weekend updating Face- book pages, live tweeting every event, and shooting videos and interviews to showcase the scope of the race. The groups started the week- end with clearly defined roles, Wayne State students bringing back SD cards to help winner’s circle with a cellphone, but once the events ramped up, spent 40 hours during facilitate keeping this visual jug- and sending it immediately so students had to adjust the plan Grand Prix weekend gernaut going.” we could get that instant hit on to keep pace. updating Facebook The digital alliance resulted in Twitter and Instagram,” Piper- “Everybody merged and it pages, live tweeting instantaneous content creation. Aiken said. “I don’t think we became a fantastic team,” Piper- every event, and Students were able to leverage could’ve had a more ideal situa- Aiken said. “I had a couple of shooting videos and their resources to upload pictures, tion for the students.” field groups going out and interviews to showcase videos and interviews in real time. Rain caused a few wrinkles shooting videos, but they also the scope of the race. “While Shelly’s students were on Sunday, but the students were had a production assistant in one doing the community manage- able to keep fans informed about of the public relations students ment and uploading, my stu- updated racing schedules and to go out and do things like dents were out there shooting a answer questions online thanks to

12 • Communication News • Fall 2015 STUDENT ACTIVITY | CONTINUED

“These students Grand Prix experience leads to internship were in the with Fathead

trenches working Caitlin Genord is still reveling in the afterglow of the 2015 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. right next to The junior broadcast journalism major was part of the Wayne State team that helped create a record number of social media connec- journalists and tions during the three-day event in May. But racing fans on Facebook and Twitter weren’t the only ones Genord made an impression on media professionals that weekend. She walked away from the Grand Prix with an intern- ship at Detroit-based graphics company Fathead LLC. from around the “I came across the Fathead booth on Saturday and ended up talking to their vice president of communications before having to world.“ run off to do some more work,” Genord said. “I ran into him again on Sunday, and a few days later he reached out to me with the offer, — Kim Piper-Aiken saying he really liked my energy and my attitude. You just never know who you’re going to run into.” Genord was a late addition to the social media team for the race, joining after another student had to drop out. “Someone got injured last minute, so I volunteered,” she said. “The whole thing was such a whirlwind.” As a public relations intern for Fathead, Genord assisted in promoting the company’s products at various sporting events, especially Detroit Tigers games. “We sell lifesize cutouts of players from all sports that people can put on their walls, and we go to these events to promote the prod- ucts, finding different ways to connect fans with their favorite team or athlete,” she said. “I’m really excited about this opportunity.” Genord says she was eager to learn the basics of communicating with other people in professional media and wanted to take in everything the Fathead team could teach her. Fathead is part of the Dan Gilbert family of businesses. The com- pany sells lifesize wall decals of athletes, superheroes and cartoon a wide-ranging social presence. characters, and has been named one of the top places to work by “That was probably the most the Detroit Free Press for four consecutive years. challenging part of this whole process,” said Caitlin Genord, junior broadcast journalism Students on the social media was there, ESPN was there, all of major. “It was really intense. team were compensated with the big papers were there. These More intense than I expected, credit for a directed study, but students were in the trenches and there was a lot of pressure on Piper-Aiken says that wasn’t the working right next to journalists us to get great content as fast as biggest takeaway from the event. and media professionals from possible. We couldn’t let the rain “We were positioned across the around the world. You’re rarely slow us down. We had to make way from international racing going to have another experience the best out of what we had.” journalists,” she said. “Channel 7 like that.” •

Fall 2015 • Communication News • 13 RECOGNITION FACULTY BRIEFS

National Communication Association JIM CHERNEY honors two Wayne State alumni • Cherney, James L., and Margaret A. Price, “In Conversation: The Timothy L. Sellnow, Wayne State Ph.D., received NCA’s Gerald Honors go to Rhetoric of Disability and M. Phillips Award for Distinguished Applied Communication Schol- Detroit News Access,” in Rhetoric Across Borders, arship this year. reporter ed. Anne Demo (Anderson, SC: The award, which acknowledges Sellnow’s international stature as a Detroit News Parlor Press, 2015), 274-277. scholar in the field of risk and crisis communication, comes during Lansing reporter Chad • James L. Cherney’s 2011 essay his first semester at the University of Central Flor- Livengood was named “The Rhetoric of Ableism,” origi- ida as a professor of strategic communication in Journalist of the Year nally published in the Disability the Nicholson School of Communication. Many in October by Wayne Studies Quarterly, has been Wayne State alumni know him from his years of State’s journalism pro- selected to be reprinted in the service at the University of Kentucky. gram for his coverage of book Landmark Essays in Rhetoric Sellnow has written and co-written dozens the Todd Courser-Cindy and Disability, to be published by of peer-reviewed articles and numerous books Gamrat legislative Routledge Press. on risk and crisis communication. Among them scandal. Sellnow is a forthcoming book from Stanford University KELLY JAKES Press, written with Matthew Seeger, dean of • Won a $21,000 grant from the Wayne State’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. Research Enhancement Program Sellnow has conducted funded research for the U.S. Department of for Arts and Humanities and the Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Centers University Research Grant in sup- for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection port of a book project. Agency, and the U.S. Geological Survey. He has also served in an • Was elected secretary of the advisory role for the National Academy of Sciences and the World Rhetoric and Communication Health Organization. Theory Division of the NCA. • Organized and presented Wayne State alumnus David Bodary this year received the Michael research on a panel at the Center and Suzanne Osborn Community College Outstanding Educator for European Studies annual con- Award, NCA’s only organization-wide honor for community college ference in Paris. teachers. He is the third person to be so honored. • Participated in a competitively Bodary is a professor of communication at Sinclair Community selected seminar on the status of College in Dayton, Ohio, where he has taught for social movement studies at the the last 15 years. He has written several texts, one Rhetoric Society of America’s of which is used at Wayne State. biennial Summer Institute in “Sinclair has afforded me a chance to do what I Madison, WI. love as a classroom teacher in an environment where students really benefit and value what I can RAHUL MITRA offer them,” Bodary notes on his website. “As a Publications graduate of a Ph.D. program, I was expected to • Mitra, R. (2015). “Reconstituting Bodary want to teach at a four-year university including ‘America’: The Clean Energy graduate students. I was not drawn to that envi- Economy Ventriloquized.” Envi- ronment. I felt and continue to feel called to work with students who ronmental Communication. need better teachers. While I didn’t realize what a great environment Advance online publication. Sinclair was when I first joined in 1994, it has turned out to be a very • Mitra, R. (2015). “Proposing a supportive environment. Sinclair allows and encourages me to be the Culture-Centered Approach to best teacher I can be.” Career Scholarship: The Example Bodary frequently returns to Wayne State and regularly attends the of Subsistence Careers in the US annual NCA conferences. Arctic.” Human Relations. Advance online publication.

14 • Communication News • Fall 2015 FACULTY BRIEFS | CONTINUED

• Mitra, R., and Buzzanell, P.M. Communication Association, Wayne State in September 2015 (2015). “Introduction: Organiz- Madison, WI. (Top 3 Paper, on the theme “Social Institutions ing/Communicating Sustainably.” Public Relations Division.) and Sustainability” (with Dr. A. Management Communication • Mitra, R. (2015, April). Delibera- Eckert joins Moldavanova, Wayne State Quarterly, 29, 130-134. tive Tensions of Water Stewardship women’s leadership Department of Political Sci- • Mitra, R., and Warshay, N. (2015). in a Multi-Stakeholder Initiative. program, named ence), attracting 25 scholars “Policy Discourse and Mandatory Presented as part of a competi- Kopenhaver from across the country (and CSR in India,” in Development- tively selected panel at the Center Fellow Canada). Oriented Corporate Social Respon­ Central States Communication Assistant Professor Stine • Member, Editorial Board, Man- sibility: Volume 2; Locally Led Association, Madison, WI. Eckert was selected by agement Communication Quar- Initiatives in Developing Economies, • Mitra, R. (2014, November). the Lillian Lodge Kopen- terly (November 2014-present) eds. D. Jamali, C. Karam, and Organizing Foreignness: Of Aliens, haver Center for the • Member, NCA-Forum Advisory M. Blowfield. Greenleaf Publish- Permanence, and Shape-Shifters. Advancement of Women Board (June 2015-present). ing. 106-120. Paper presented to the NCA, at Florida International • Chair, Nominating Committee, Competitively selected Chicago. University as one of the NCA Organizational Commu­ presentations • Mitra, R., and Fyke, J. (2014, 2015-16 Kopenhaver nication Division Awards • Mitra, R. (2015, May). Fostering November). Technologisation of Center Fellows at the (2015-16). Institutional Connections at Discourse in Purpose-Driven Consul- program’s workshop in • Member, Organizational “Waternet”: Discursive Tensions of tancy Firms: Organizational Develop- August. Communication Paper Reviewer Interorganizational­ Engagement. ment for Conscious Capitalism and The workshop, which Nominating Committee Presented to the Social Institu- Sustainability Communication. Paper focused on promoting (2015-16). International Com- tions and Sustainability confer- presented to the NCA, Chicago. leadership by empower- munication Association. ence, Wayne State. • Mitra, R. (2014, November). Text/ ing female media scholars • Member, Advisory Board, • Mitra, R. (2015, May). Discursively Conversation and the Organizing of and professionals, took Humanities Center of Wayne Positioning Environmental Sustain- “Foreignness.” Presented as part of place during the 2015 State (September 2015-present). ability as Competitive Driver in a competitively selected panel Association for Education • Core member and co-organizer, Emerging Markets. Presented to discussion at the National Com- in Journalism and Mass Sustainability Scholars’ Forum, a the International Communication munication Association, New Communication conven- research group sponsored by Association, San Juan, Puerto Orleans. tion. Eckert was one of 20 the Humanities Center of Wayne Rico. Miscellaneous research blurbs new fellows selected. State (October 2014-present). • Mitra, R. (2015, May). Immigrants’ • Co-edited a Special Forum of Eckert teaches Broad- Negotiations of Career Inheritance: Management Communication cast News Writing & Dig- STEPHANIE TONG A (Dis)Placement Framework. Pre- Quarterly (2015, volume 29), ital Editing and Web • Corriero, E.F., and Tong, S.T. (in sented to the International Com- comprising five invited essays Design for News Con- press). “Managing Uncertainty munication Association, San Juan, from noted organizational com- tent. Some of her primary in Mobile Dating Applications: Puerto Rico. munication and management research involves gender Goals, Concerns of Use, and • Mitra, R., and Warshay, N. (2015, scholars, on the theme “Organiz- and social media. Information Seeking in Grindr.” May). Mandatory Corporate Social ing/Communicating Sustainably” Mobile Media & Communication. Responsibility in India: Policy Dis- (with Dr. P.M. Buzzanell of Pur- • Tong, S.T., and Walther, J.B. course and Mainstreaming CSR. due University). (2015). “The Confirmation and Presented to the International • Mitra, R. (2015, March). Commu- Disconfirmation of Expectancies Communication Association, San nicative Complexities of “Integrated in Computer-Mediated Commu- Juan, Puerto Rico. Arctic Management”: Enactments of nication.” Communication • Husain, A., Mitra, R., and Archer, Career and Policy/Practice. Invited Research. J. (2015, April). Crisis Communica- talk, presented to the Humanities Peer-reviewed conference tion, Social Media, and Renewal: Center Faculty Fellows’ “Survival” presentations/papers A Multi-Case Study of Domino’s conference, Wayne State. • Tong, S.T., Hancock, J.T., YouTube and BP’s Oil Spill Disasters. • Co-organized an interdisciplinary Slatcher, R.B., Walther, J.B., Presented to the Central States national research symposium at Corriero, E.F., Lennemann, B.,

Fall 2015 • Communication News • 15 FACULTY BRIEFS | CONTINUED

Rochadiat, A., and Tadi, P. (2015, Communication, Cultural-Critical Fred Vultee, Wilkins will be guest May). “Algorithms, Attributions, Studies Division, San Francisco. editing a special issue of Journal- and Decision-Making: The Effects • Vultee, F., Barakji, F., and Wilkins, ism Studies devoted to the theme of System Design Features on L. (2015, August). “The Depen- “What Are Journalists Owed.” Mate Selection in Online Dat- dency Gap: Story Types and Publication is scheduled for ing.” Presented at the annual Source Selection in Coverage of 2016. conference of the International an International Health Crisis.” • At the request of the US Depart- Communication Association, San Poster presented at the annual ment of State, Wilkins spoke with Juan, Puerto Rico. Follow Wayne State’s conference of the Association government officials, representa- • Corriero, E.F., Tong, S.T., Department of Commu- for Education in Journalism and tives of non-governmental orga- Van De Wiele, C., Lennemann, B., nication on Twitter: Mass Communication, Inter­ nizations, a number of news and Rochadiat, A. (2015). @WSU_COM national Communication Divi- media outlets and individual jour- “Uncertainty Management & sion, Montreal. nalists, and students attending Information Seeking in Grindr.” Invited presentations the University of Slovenia, on Presented at the annual confer- • Excellence in Journalism, media ethics and crisis communi- ence of the International Com- Orlando, FL, September 2015: cation in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from munication Association, San Juan, “Preliminary Data on Journalism Oct. 12-14, 2015. Puerto Rico. Organizations Services and • Van De Wiele, C., and Tong, S.T. Member Needs.” KELLY YOUNG (2014, November). “The Uses • American Copy Editors Society, Conference presentations and Gratifications of Grindr.” Pre- Orlando, FL, September 2015: • National Communication Associ- sented at the annual conference Editing seminar. ation conference, both featured of the National Communication • American Copy Editors Society, on Top Paper Panels: “Embracing Association, Chicago. San Francisco, August 2015: Debate 2.0: The Rhetorical Circu- External grants Editing seminar. lation of the Digital Debate Sub- • Tong, S.T. (Principal Investiga- • Media Ethics Division, profes- ject” (co-authored with WSU tor), Hancock, J.T., and Slatcher, sional freedom and responsibility Ph.D. candidates Avery Henry R.B. (September 2015-August panel, Association for Education and John Koch); “Obama’s 2019). “IBSS: The Impact of in Journalism and Mass Commu- Missed Opportunity: Embracing Online Technologies on Inter­ nication, San Francisco, August Change in Drone Strikes, Citizen- personal Communication and 2015: “Reporting News When ship, and Endo-colonizing Rheto- Perceptions.” National Science Journalists Are the News.” ric” (co-authored with WSU Foundation, Interdisciplinary • Study of the United States Insti- Ph.D. candidates Avery Henry Behavioral and Social Sciences tute, Ohio University, Athens, and John Koch). Division. Funding: $851,462. OH, June 2015: “Introduction to • Rhetorical Society of America Quantitative Research Methods biennial conference in Atlanta, FRED VULTEE in Journalism and Mass Commu- May 2016: “Throwing a Penalty • Vultee, F. (2014). “Audience nication.” Flag on the NFL: The NFL’s Dra- Perceptions of Editing Quality: matic Framing and Botched Assessing Traditional News Rou- LEE WILKINS Efforts to Change Racial Dis- tines in the Digital Age.” Digital • Wilkins, L. 2015. “Paying for course” (co-authored with WSU Journalism. Journalism: An Ethics Based Ph.D. candidates Avery Henry • Vultee, F. (2015, August). “Sabo- and Collaborative Business and John Koch). tage in Palestine, Terrorists Busy: Model,” in Media Ethics and Justice Historical Roots of Securitization in the Age of Globalization, eds. Framing in the Press.” Poster pre- Shakuntala Rao and Herman sented at the annual conference Wasser­man. New York: Palgrave of the Association for Education MacMillan, pp. 80-99. in Journalism and Mass • Together with Associate Professor

16 • Communication News • Fall 2015 DISSERTATION DEFENSES

Sadaf Ali (2014) Janella Hudson (2015) Title: Trust, Credibility, and Title: Agency and Resistance Authenticity: Race and Its Effect Strategies Among Black Primary on Audience Perceptions of News Not defended, Care Patients Information from Traditional and full-time positions Advisor: Katheryn Maguire Alternative Sources found Current position: Post-doctoral Advisor: Fred Vultee • Craig Hennigan fellowship, Moffitt Cancer and Current position: Assistant Lecturer and assistant Research Center, Tampa, Florida professor tenure-track, Eastern director of forensics/ Michigan University debate, Truman State Scott Sellnow-Richmond ‘Busting Bias’ seminar University (2015) available as podcast Dale Anderson (2014) • Avery Henry Title: Communication and Iden- A podcast from the fourth annual Title: Re/presentation of Hip Hop: Assistant professor tity: The Paternity Leave Decision Ofield Dukes Diversity Summit in An Exploration of White Hip Hop tenure-track and direc- Advisor: Loraleigh Keashly October is now available on the Fans, Consumers, and Practitioners tor of debate, South- Current position: Assistant Department of Communication’s Advisor: Donyale Padgett eastern Missouri State professor tenure-track, Columbus Media Arts Blog. Current position: Instructor and University State University Highlights from the seminar, director of Speech Communication • John Koch “Busting Bias: Recognizing and Center, Del Mar College Visiting assistant profes- Ryan Stouffer (2014) Overcoming Inherent Bias in sor and interim director Title: Political Content and Communications and Hiring,” Alisha Beckrow (2015) of forensics, University Political Behavior: Using Func- include how to: Title: Perception of Social Bonds, of Puget Sound tional Theory to Test the Ability • Identify bias in yourself and your Social Engagement, and Social • Renata of Political Content to Stimulate communications. Capital by Social Network Site Kolodziej-Smith Political Interest • Overcome bias in interpersonal Users Lecturer, University of Advisor: Fred Vultee relationships. Advisor: Matthew Seeger Central Florida Current position: Assistant • Overcome bias in communica- Current position: Independent • Nathan Stewart professor tenure-track, Long- tions and hiring practices for social media strategist and copy Instructor tenure-track, wood University more authentic and effective writer; adjunct faculty, Northwood Parkland College outcomes. University • Stephanie Wideman Noriaki Tajima (2015) Visiting assistant profes- Title: Rhetoric of Young Non- The summit was created to Scott Burke (2015) sor, State University of Regular Workers in Post-Bubble honor the late Ofield Dukes, a dis- Title: A Comparative Content New York-Oswego Burst Japan: A Genealogical tinguished PR professional, educa- Analysis of African-American Analysis tor and journalist. This year’s event and Caucasian Role Portrayals Advisor: Kelly Young was sponsored by Wayne State’s in Broadcast Television Enter­ Current position: Faculty Department of Communication, tainment Programming member, Kanda University of PRSA Detroit and General Motors. Advisors: Hayg Oshagan and Inter­national Studies, Japan The podcast can be found at Pradeep Sopory wsumediaarts.blogspot.com/2015 Current position: Lecturer, Rick Ulrey (2015) /11/busting-bias-podcast.html. Oakland University Title: Knowledge Acquisition Processes: Understanding the Anthony Cavaiani (2015) Communication Event Title: Detroit’s Sport Spaces and Advisor: Donyale Padgett the Rhetoric of Consumption Current position: Senior man- Advisor: Kelly Young ager, Plastipak Corporation Current position: Assistant professor tenure-track, William Woods University

Fall 2015 • Communication News • 17 ALUMNI REMINISCENCE

Reflections on the postwar university

By Duane L. Day The challenges Science Hall were in the process recently established College of Wayne University* Class of 1950 of being built and were rushed to Business Administration but faced by the completion. soon changed to a speech major. he first day of the fall I found myself sitting in classes That switch was a result of my semester 1947 was a day university with fellow students who were involvement in the university’s T quite unlike any previous 10 to 20 years older than I — forensics program, which was, in day in Wayne University’s history. administration more worldly, widely traveled, the debate and oratory programs, It was a day marked by the some already parents. Despite as successful in the late ’40s as it enrollment of thousands of men and faculty were the age differences, many became has been through subsequent and women who had served in friends: Jim Spaulding, my clos- years. I remember with gratitude our nation’s armed forces during large, pressing est friend, had served in the U.S. and affection my coaches Jim World War II. Legislation signed Army in both Europe and the McMonagle (Mac), a superb by President Roosevelt in 1944 and complex. Far East. We were to remain teacher and organizer, and had created the G.I. Bill of close until his death more than George Hinds, a native Colora- Rights, providing financial sup- a decade ago. doan who had served during the port for veterans as they pursued I had entered with a declared war in the army’s famed 10th their educational goals. They major in advertising in the division of ski troops. Rupert arrived on campus that day in surprising numbers. I was a 17-year-old graduate of Mackenzie High School (sadly, now closed), and I commenced my education at Wayne on that day, too. The challenges faced by the university administration and faculty were large, pressing and complex. They included where to find qualified faculty in num- bers sufficient to serve the new students, where to find space required by the new students, and how to provide essential student services. It was an exciting time. Some- how, faculty was found — some had served in the military during the conflict; others were in the process of completing their grad- uate degrees. Classes were held in The Wayne campus temporary buildings on campus in the early 1940s. In — some in the recently acquired just a few years, the Webster Hall (a former hotel) university would need that was also to become the stu- more buildings to dent union and dormitory, some accommodate the large in area churches and office build- numbers of students ings, some in the garages of who enrolled after homes in the area. State Hall and the war. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

18 • Communication News • Fall 2015 Cortwright, chair of the speech after my high school graduation. I remember Association”) to wrest control department, was also president of Another mark of that time was from previous student leadership; the National Speech Association that student life and student heated discussions at some level it can be said that — kind, smart, patient. groups appeared to be more ori- we succeeded. Jim became presi- One of the marks of university ented toward national problems with fellow dent of the Student Council, life during the postwar years was and the world than toward cam- which served him well as a pre- that students were in a hurry to pus life. I remember heated dis- students (young cursor to his subsequent life in complete their degrees. For the cussions with fellow students politics. veterans, the war had interrupted (young and old) about the and old) about the In 1948 Wayne was to see one their lives — they wanted to get Nuremberg trials, the aggressive of our student athletes win gold on with their careers, their fami- posture of the Soviet Union, the Nuremberg trials, in the London Olympics. These lies and their financial plans. role of the United Nations in were the first Olympic Games Younger students also got caught international affairs. the aggressive since the 1936 Games in Berlin. up in the hurry-up mode. In my Jim Spaulding and I created Lorenzo Wright was an African- case, I rushed to complete my the Better Student Government posture of the American track star who scored bachelor’s degree in 1950, a Association (our opponents his gold medal win in the 4x100 month or so less than three years called it “the B.S. Government Soviet Union, relay. I had occasion to talk with Lorenzo several times both before the role of the and after his medal win. I learned that he actually did some of his United Nations workouts by running in the halls of Old Main. Following gradua- in international tion, he had a successful career as a coach and athletic administra- affairs. tor in Detroit. He met an untimely death in 1972. During my years at Wayne, I was heavily committed in debate and oratory, with a win- ning record in debate and a state and national championship in oratory. I was incredibly well served by my Wayne faculty; in every sense they helped me grow up. After graduation I went on to earn both a master’s degree and a doctorate from highly regarded East Coast institutions. Wayne and the people I came to know there — faculty, administrators and fellow students — occupy a special spot in my memory and in my heart. •

* Wayne University became Wayne State University in 1956.

Fall 2015 • Communication News • 19 College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts Department of Communication 585 Manoogian Hall • Wayne State University • Detroit, MI 48201 313-577-2943 • [email protected]

About us The Department of Communication is part of Wayne State’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. With approximately 750 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate students, the department is diverse and dynamic, featuring programs in communication studies, media arts and studies, film, journalism, public relations, and dispute resolution. Our students experience the benefit of a world-class education in a real-world context. The department comprises 30 tenure and tenure-track faculty and 35 part-time faculty with strong backgrounds in both scholarly and professional approaches to communication.

Communication News Produced by the Department of Communication Department Chair: Lee Wilkins Designer/Production Editor: Sheila Young Tomkowiak Writer: Michael Suggs