UW-Oshkosh Journalism Alumni Announcements July 2007

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Journalism Alumni Newsletter • http://www.uwosh.edu/journalism/alumni New curriculum set for fall 2007 semester By: Marisa Cuellar focus group said these courses sparked the new structure also benefits students their interest in the field and helped them because those who are interested can get he new curriculum offered in choose their emphasis. more experience in visual journalism. Tfall 2007 will allow students to In addition to taking courses in their Previously, students interested in visual be better prepared for the changing emphasis, students will be required to journalism had to choose news/editorial or journalism industry. By choosing from take at least six distribution requirement advertising/public relations. five emphases – writing/editing, public credits from other emphases and six One course that has not been offered to relations, advertising, visual journalism or elective credits, three of which must be journalism students before is Broadcast media studies – students will become well from a different emphasis. Students also News Workshop, which is cross-listed rounded in their selected area. are required to take at least three media with the radio-television-film department. The changes were inspired by studies credits. These requirements will Students will write and report television recommendations from the Accrediting allow students to build skills outside news for the campus station and learn Council on Education in Journalism and their emphasis. Some course overlap the basics of producing a newscast. Mass Communications, which regularly among the emphases will allow students This course is one way to address the reviews the department. The new to choose more than one to become trend of media convergence, which curriculum is one way the department may more knowledgeable in different aspects requires graduates to be versatile and become re-accredited in future reviews. of journalism. For example, classes knowledgeable of several types of media Under the new format, the four core like Magazine Editing and Production to complete in the job market. classes – Introduction to Journalism and Online Publishing appear under No new journalism courses are currently and Mass Communication, Writing for multiple emphases because of their scheduled for fall 2007; however, the Media, Editing and Law of Mass interdisciplinary approach. information about the new curriculum can Communication – will remain the same. Dr. Tim Gleason, who chaired the be found on the department Web site. Participants in a recent journalism alumni effort for revising the curriculum, said Journalism faculty welcomes new member By: Kendra Sohm and Production. Looking forward, she hopes to add a creative strategy class to the here will be a new face around the curriculum. “I hope that I can teach students Tjournalism department this fall. Dr. to think in new and exciting ways.” Elizabeth Crawford recently completed her Crawford believes her previous work Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee and experience will enhance her teaching. She will begin teaching advertising and public interned at WFRV-TV in Green Bay and relations courses. worked at the Post-Crescent in Appleton and Citing her creativity as her greatest strength, Northern Michigan University. “The Post- she said, “I think that the most important Crescent and WFRV-TV taught me about tool in advertising is the human mind.” In fall 2007, Crawford will teach Principles of Please turn to FACULTY / Pg. 3 Advertising and Advertising Copy, Layout Dr. Elizabeth Crawford

Chairʼs Remarks (2) Mock interviews (9) In this issue: Alumni updates (6) NSAC team ﬁnishes best of department of Wisconsin Universities (11) journalism Students visit People magazine, university of wisconsin oshkosh Art Institute in Chicago (7) Bateman competition (12) Department / Faculty

Chairʼs Remarks Greetings,

The 2006-2007 school year has been both a challenging and productive one for the journalism department. We have made several changes in the program that have laid the groundwork for growth in years to come. The following are highlights of major developments accomplished mostly within the year. The department has painstakingly revised the curriculum since 2005 according to the suggestions from the last accrediting report and academic program review. The new curriculum was formally approved last fall and will be in place fall 2007. The new curriculum includes five emphases: advertising, media studies, public relations, visual journalism and writing/editorial. More details about the new curriculum will be available on the department Web site in the summer. The rapidly evolving industry in journalism has brought up the new trend of media convergence. Working across platforms demands students to be knowledgeable of both print and online skills in advertising, public relations, news/editorial and visual journalism. As a first step toward increasing literacy of media convergence, the new curriculum will require journalism students to take a Web designing class beginning in fall 2008. More ideas will be discussed and planned later. We have recently made significant progress on diversity in journalism education. Almost 90 percent of the courses in the department address the subject with various perspectives and activities. For example, the Speaker Series on Minorities and Women in Journalism has become a routine jointly sponsored activity by the African-American Studies program, the Women’s Center and the journalism department. A field trip to Chicago that visited People magazine, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chinatown was conducted last fall. Professor Gleason continues to organize his study abroad tour, which will be held in Cambridge and London this summer. More information on diversity activities is available on the department Web site. Three senior faculty members have retired from the department since 2005. We have successfully recruited a top-notch Ph.D. candidate, Elizabeth Crawford of the University of Tennessee, who will be joining the department as an assistant professor in fall 2007. Her teaching specialties are advertising creativity and design. You can learn more information about Elizabeth Crawford in this newsletter. The department has entirely revamped the internship program by appointing an alumna and media professional, Barb Benish, who has built remarkable ties with local organizations, to be the program coordinator. The journalism internship Web site and bulletin boards have been frequently updated to provide internship information. In addition, the internship program worked with the University’s Career Services to invite 10-15 professionals per semester to conduct mock interviews and offer professional advice to journalism students. Both internships and mock interviews have been remarkably successful. The format will continue.

Journalism has been the fifth most popular major on campus. The increase in enrollment is accredited to multiple factors including the modified advising system, alumni support, dedicated teaching, student achievements and department promotions. The enrollment may continue to rise because of the new curriculum to be installed next fall. More support from the university and alumni is definitely needed in the near future to keep up with the educational quality that we have had achieved so far. The department conducted a focus group to assess the program standard in the end of spring semester. The focus group members made many valuable suggestions. The department will take the information into serious consideration for future planning. As the final note, I will be leaving the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh at the end of the spring interim to join Syracuse University as chairman of the Department of Advertising. Professor Mike Cowling has been elected as the interim chairman to lead the program. I am confident that the new leadership will take the department to great achievements. I am grateful for the invaluable support from alumni and friends who have made my job easier and productive in the past five years. I sincerely hope that you will continue to lend your generous support to the next leadership to make the department an even stronger program in the near future.

Sincerely,

James Tsao Department Chair (2002-2007)

2 Department / Faculty Crawford joins journalism faculty Faculty Achievements Dr. Tim Gleason: FACULTY, from Pg. 1 • Published the research article, “Asia in LIFE: The Magazine’s Representation of Its Troubles and Opportunities,” in EnterText, volume 6, Winter 2006- having a marketing or journalism related career. My experience at Northern 2007 issue. Michigan University taught me to love teaching.” • Published the research article, “The Crime is that She’s so Deep and Complicated: Using an Online A Wisconsin native, Crawford enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and Forum to Generate Students Interpretations of Three skiing. In addition to traveling, she likes to learn new languages and speaks Kylie Minogue Music Videos,” in SIMILE, volume 6, French and Spanish proficiently. She received her Communication, Media & November 2006 issue. Theatre B.A. from St. Norbert College and her Communication (Advertising • Presented “A Hymn Called Faith and Misery: Green and Public Relations) M.A. from Marquette University. Day Music Videos and the Loss of Innocence,” in the Crawford is enthusiastic to join the staff. “I love the college environment. I top faculty papers in media studies session at the Central States Convention Association’s annual convention, hope that I can learn from both my students and my fellow faculty members.” which was held in Minneapolis on March 30. • Received a Faculty Development Program research grant to study Mariko Mori and Julie, two Japanese female photographers, during the summer of 2007. Focus group pinpoints essential Dr. Julie Henderson: • Elected to the 350-member Educators Academy of the skills for journalism graduates Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Board of By: Marisa Cuellar Directors. She was named an at-large director at the 2006 PRSA conference in Salt Lake City. • Presented a research project, “Student Writing: Taking focus group of eight journalism alumni revealed that graduates of it to the Next Level,” at the Scholarship of Teaching and Athe program should be equipped with Web knowledge and internship Learning Fall Showcase on campus. experience to be best prepared for the job market. • “Companies Race to Educate Consumers, Mechanics, All eight agreed that internships should be required, not elective. Jim Collar, about Ethanol,” an article co-written with student Peter a reporter from the Appleton Post-Crescent, suggested that students strive Kleppen, appeared on the Web edition of Public Relations to complete multiple internships before graduation. Now in a position to Tactics. • Spoke at the Wisconsin PRSA Professional Development hire, Amber Christopher, metro editor at the Green Bay Press-Gazette, said Conference in Milwaukee in April 2007. she would not consider a candidate who did not have internship experience. Dr. James Tsao: Working at a student newspaper is good experience, she added, but it does not • Invited to judge the annual advertising contest of the demand the professionalism required at an internship. Wisconsin Community Papers Association in spring Frank Isca, a recent graduate and account coordinator at Jacobson Rost 2007 in Elkhart Lake, Wis. in Sheboygan, Wis., agreed that internship experience helped build his Sara Hansen and Dr. James Tsao: • Co-authored a research study, “Effects of Lifestyle and professional skills. “Internships really helped transition from college to the Media Attitude on Teens’ Trust of Advertising,” that workforce,” he said. Although approaching a company about an internship won a Top Paper award in the 2007 AEJMC mid-winter might be difficult, the participants stressed that the experience they gained was annual convention at Reno, Nevada on Feb. 24, 2007. instrumental to finding their first jobs. Sara Hansen: They also agreed that Web experience is another necessity for graduates. • Presented a paper, “Web Site Usability Drives Credibility,” in the division of information systems All participants said their companies provide news on the Web or use viral of the 2007 annual convention of the International marketing and blogs for advertising. Because the Internet is a prominent player Communication Association at San Francisco. in all aspects of journalism, several participants were surprised that a course in James Tsao and Kevin Rau: online journalism is not required. • Along with three journalism students, assisted the Web experience alone is not enough, they agreed. Graduates should be marketing campaign for Utica Energy, a company versatile. In addition to Web knowledge, students also need the basics: writing, producing ethanol using corn from over 100 Wisconsin farms. The project was sponsored by the UWO Center critical thinking and creative skills. Without these, Collar said Web ability does for Community Partnerships. not matter. Others mentioned that companies are looking for employees who • Joined the marketing team of the UWO Center for are able to work with a variety of media, including print, photography, video Community Partnerships to develop creative concepts for and the Web. Culver’s new drive-through services in spring. Focus group participants made other suggestions to help the journalism Kathy Fredrickson: • Received a Silver Case V award at the 32nd Annual Case department prepare students for the workforce, such as making Media Ethics a V Conference as part of the UW-Oshkosh College of mandatory course and working more closely with the marketing department. Business and University Relations team for the newly Participants included: Alyson Atwood, Jim Collar, Amber (Paluch) updated undergraduate viewbook. Christopher, Frank Isca, Courtney Ramirez, Kurt Schultz, Nicole Wiese and Kate Unger. 3 Alumni Johnson named Outstanding Young Alumna By: Marisa Cuellar Although Johnson did not emphasize in “I started writing articles for other this area as a student, she said, “Writing publications when I began networking ournalism graduate Melissa Ewey skills and creativity are marketable across with editors through professional JJohnson, class of 1995, was one of a wide variety of professions, so there’s conferences and seminars,” she said. “The four alumni no reason to think you’ll be limited more I wrote, the more I was able to pitch to receive by choosing one concentration over ideas to other writers, and it snowballed the UW- another.” from there.” Oshkosh When EbonyMan stopped publication, She has been freelancing full time since 2006 Johnson became an assistant editor April 2006. Recently, she was published Outstanding at Ebony magazine, where she wrote in the November and December issues of Young a cover story about Grammy winner Fitness magazine. She hopes to build her Alumni Lauryn Hill. She said the story was impressive resume by getting published in Award. She challenging because of the singer’s The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and other popularity and busy schedule at the time. GQ, Esquire and O, The Oprah Magazine. recipients Since then, Johnson pursued her dream Even after all her success, Johnson says were of moving to New York City, where she still gets excited about seeing her recognized upon arrival, she did not have a job. byline. at a After several interviews, she accepted a “I love it when a new issue appears on reception position at Time, Inc. She admitted she the newsstand. I’ll buy it and turn to my Oct. 13, was a little worried about not having a article right there on the street,” she said in 2006, in job at first, but Johnson now considers a UW-Oshkosh news release. Reeve Melissa Ewey Johnson her successful move to New York City She encourages students and recent Memorial Union. her biggest accomplishment. graduates to be persistent in their careers. As a journalism student, Johnson While still working at various “Don’t give up on your big goal, but planned to pursue a public relations career. magazines, Johnson started freelancing. realize that you may have to take a However, her interest in magazines led her Her work appeared in Cooking Light, roundabout route to end up where you to her first job at EbonyMan magazine in Essence, Heart & Soul, Honey, Black want to be,” she advised. “You can Chicago. She has stayed in the field ever Issues Book Review and Real Health, get there if you keep trying and have since. among other publications. confidence in your talents and abilities.” VandeHei leaves Post to pursue online journalism By: Marisa Cuellar The endeavor includes a partnership with CBS News, which entails an W-Oshkosh journalism alumni appearance on “Face the Nation” every Uand standout political reporter other week and appearances on CBS news Jim VandeHei left The Washington Post programs. for a new opportunity in online political Allbritton president Frederick Ryan Jr. journalism. said Harris will serve as editor in chief, He and another former Post colleague, and VandeHei will be the executive John Harris, partnered with Allbritton managing editor. They plan to hire six top Communications to create a nationally- political reporters to join them. focused publication - The Politico - and In addition to working for The its Web site. Washington Post, VandeHei has covered The site uses a multi-media approach President George W. Bush for The Wall to report political news. VandeHei hopes Street Journal and been a member of the the variety of sources will help people White House press corps. In 1999, he was understand what is happening in politics named one of Washingtonian Magazine’s and how Washington works. The Web site 100 People to Watch. is intended to compete with the polical In April 2007, VandeHei served as a coverage of The New York Times and The writer in residence at UW-Madison. Jim VandeHei Washington Post. 4 Alumni Journalism grad joins University Relations team By: Marisa Cuellar requires De Diemar to work closely involvement in higher education, with the UW-Oshkosh Advancement government and the private sector. eanette De Diemar, a 1988 journalism Division team, which is led by Arthur Prior to accepting the position at UW- Jgraduate, Rathjan, UW-Oshkosh Oshkosh, De Diemar was the business was appointed Foundation president marketing director for @Wales, the executive director and executive director Welsh Assembly Government’s business of integrated of development. acceleration program, since 2001. marketing and In a university news Other previous experience includes: communications release, Rathjan said, dean of institutional advancement at at UW-Oshkosh. “She has the experience Beaver Dam’s Wayland Academy; account She replaces to take responsibility for manager at The Hoffman Agency, a former University helping to communicate leading marketing communication agency Relations and coordinate a in Silicon Valley; associate director of executive director new paradigm of college relations at Ripon College and Robin Asbury, how the university is senior civilian public affairs officer with who resigned perceived, understood the 1st Infantry Division in Fort Riley, more than a year and sustained by Kan. Additionally, she taught journalism ago. Since then, the individuals, and public relations classes at Kansas the position was Jeanette De Diemar organizations and State University and Marian College. reorganized communities it serves.” De Diemar earned both her master’s to incorporate marketing and two-way De Diemar’s marketing and and doctorate degrees from Kansas State communications. The new position communications experience includes University. Griffith returns with advertising insight By: Marisa Cuellar Photography Awards. Griffith said he also enjoys how If I’m trying to reach pregnant advertising allows for improvisation. In “women in their first trimester, I start the real world, he said the art director reading maternity magazines,” Jeff Griffith might come up with the copy for an ad, told Intro to Journalism and the copywriter might students. He got a good have a great design idea. laugh, but he was serious Quick Facts: A job title does not restrict about the variety of • Lucie Award, Art someone’s creativity; clients and industries he Director of the Year instead, the whole creative must understand as an in 2003. team brainstorms concepts advertiser. • UWO Outstanding together. During his May 8 visit Young Alumni Award Even once the concept to UW-Oshkosh, the winner. is developed, Griffith Jeff Griffith journalism alumnus and • Published and said it could change businesses to build his portfolio. award-winning advertiser designed ATOMIC, a during production. He Besides creating ads outside of class, he described how he works national retro-culture described situations encouraged students to get internships with and learns about magazine. where a commercial was during the summer, interim and school several entirely unrelated changed because of cold, year. clients each day. It is one of the things he rainy weather and where an improvised After working at numerous agencies loves about advertising. line helped improve a child actor’s throughout the U.S., including a job in To demonstrate this variety, he showed performance. Hawaii right out of college, Griffith is students examples from his television and Griffith also advised students on how currently the creative director at Jugular, print portfolios, which include clients like to break into the advertising business. a New York City advertising agency he ITT Industries, Capitol Lighting, Snickers, As a student, he created ads for Reeve established with business partner and Long John Silver’s and the International Memorial Union activities as well as local strategic director Scott Lackey. 5 Alumni Alumni updates: Where are they now?

JoLynn Rakow – moved to Sarasota, Fla. to take a marketing associate position at MadahCom, which recently merged with Cooper Wheelock. The company JoLynn Rakow works in emergency control and mass notiﬁcation solutions.

Charles Rathmann – works as a marketing communications analyst at Journalism graduates celebrate with Chancellor Richard Wells after commencement May 12. IFS North America, Inc. IFS is a Swedish software enterprise. Alyson Atwood – is a PR/marketing communications coordinator at the Betty communications specialist at CPM Brinn Children’s Museum in Milwaukee. Kurt Schultz – graduated in December Marketing Group in Middleton, Wis., 2006 and works as an account coordinator which focuses on health care relationship Emily Glass - graduated in May 2007 and at Jacobson Rost and data management technology. accepted a position as project manager at in Sheboygan, Brand Spank’n News in Neenah, Wis. She Wis. Steven Broas was offered the position after working as a – named project manager intern there for a year. Scot senior vice Sensenbrenner president for Maggie Grafwallner – earned a position – was recruited advertising for as a marketing associate at the Fox Cities by Thorne the Milwaukee Performing Arts Center in Appleton, Wis. Research as their Journal after completing an internship there. Vice President Sentinel. of Sales & Frank Isca – graduated in December Marketing. Barbara 2006 and works as an account coordinator Thorne is Kurt Schultz Beuscher at Jacobson Rost in Sheboygan, Wis. the nutrition – returned as industry’s the director of Frank Isca Pamela Koehler – graduated in May leading supplement manufacturer. development for the College of Letters & 2007 and accepted the coordinator of Science at the UW-Oshkosh Foundation. publications position at Affinity Health Kate Unger – started a new job as a Her primary responsibilities include Systems. She works in Menasha, Wis. marketing specialist at Oracular, Inc. in major gifts and serving as the institutional Oshkosh, Wis. in September 2006. planned giving specialist. Lara Margelofsky – started as a copy editor at Miles Kimball in Oshkosh, Wis. Michele Duranso – works as the in July 2006. Congratulations to all the UW-Oshkosh journalism alumni on their outstanding accomplishments. 6 Diversity Students experience journalism, art, culture on Chicago field trip By: Marisa Cuellar experience, she said. This experience includes group of journalism students asking tough questions that Alearned that experience and get quotes readers can connect willingness are key factors in landing a with and calling strangers job during a visit to People magazine’s to get information. Dampier Midwest bureau in Chicago on Oct. 20, said employers are looking 2006. for someone who can knock Journalism students visit People magazine on Oct. 20, 2006. Adjunct professor Grace Lim and 32 on doors, talk to locals, get students met with staff correspondents sources to trust them and city. Lauren Comander, Kelly Williams and get detailed information that gets below After the discussion at People, students Barbara Sandler, as well as Midwest surface issues. She said it is scary at first, had time to explore Chicago. Lim and a bureau chief Cindy Dampier. but candidates who are willing to jump in group of students visited Chinatown for a Dampier and Comander explained that stand out. tour and a dim sum lunch. Other students employers consider quality internships “Make yourself indispensable,” Sandler used the time to sightsee, take photos, dine important when hiring recent college said. She explained that employees who and shop on Michigan Avenue. graduates. Dampier said it might be can do something no one else can or no The trip was co-sponsored by the beneficial if an employer recognizes the one else wants to do are valuable. journalism department and the Photo publication where the student interned, While most of the group visited People Club. Gleason, the group’s adviser, said but not if he or she has nothing to show magazine, Dr. Tim Gleason accompanied Photo Club members and many of his for it. Internships at smaller publications a group of students to the Art Institute of other students requested the trip. He hopes can be better if they challenge the student Chicago. Others opted to photograph the to involve more students in the future and and give him or her strong reporting make the trip an annual event. Speaker series covers ethnicity in media By: Marisa Cuellar media studies. Class diversity activities “The paradox of studying dvertising, public relations and news/ W-Milwaukee associate stereotypes is that we never escape Aeditorial students learned about a variety of Uprofessor Dr. K.E. Supriya them,” she said. She added that lifestyles and cultures through the range of diversity emphasized the importance of global studying stereotypes does not mean assignments offered in the fall 2006 journalism diversity in media at a Speaker perpetuating them. classes. Series on Minorities and When studying ethnicity Students in Advertising Copy, Layout and Women in Journalism in media, Supriya Production tackled issues concerning the local presentation Oct. 12, 2006. suggested considering Hmong-American community by creating advertising Supriya was invited how ethnicity is constantly tactics that would encourage Hmong-American to speak by event co- being revised and how parents to place their children in booster seats. sponsors, the journalism cultures influence each Dr. Julie Henderson’s Public Relations Techniques department, the African- other. class worked with Dr. Norlisha Crawford, director American Studies program Supriya also noted that of the African-American Studies program, to create and the UW-Oshkosh American stereotypes do a public relations plan and tactics to promote the Women’s Center. not always carry over to African-American Studies minor on campus. Dr. K.E. Supriya She explained that other cultures. She said Reporting students were given an assignment called ethnicity and race are not hip-hop music has “Six Degrees of Separation,” in which they were interchangeable and that neither can a negative reputation in some challenged to profile someone who was different be ignored. “Everywhere you look, Americans’ minds, but other cultures from them in at least six respects. Professor Miles there is a different message about portray the genre differently, and it Maguire said students did some of their best work on ethnicity,” she said. is viewed positively. the project. Rather than ignoring these areas She encouraged audience members Diversity projects were incorporated in several to avoid stereotyping, Supriya to be conscious of race and ethnicity other journalism courses, along with guest speakers encouraged incorporating them in in mass media they encounter. and field trips.

7 Journalism Classes Alumni provide insight to Guest speakers Thank you to the following guest speakers who magazine production class shared their experience and expertise with By: Kim Fay journalism students in fall 2006. Janet Bonkowski Reporter covering W-Oshkosh alumni from F+W Publications in Iola, Wis. returned APR, public relations educational policy Uto explain how teamwork is involved in magazine production manager Chicago Tribune Sept. 26, 2006. Schneider National Inc. Amy Sanders Rocky Landsverk, Tom Hultman and Norma Fochs answered Kristy Butler Copy Editor & Page questions from students in Miles Maguire’s Magazine Editing and Account Executive Designer Production class, where students were working on producing their own BurnhamRichards The Gainesville Sun mock magazines. Jennifer Cianciolo Mike Sears Hultman, a 1988 graduate and managing editor at F+W, discussed the Corporate Marketing News Photographer framework of a good magazine. He said creating a publication based Communication Specialist Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on a common interest with a good-sized target market is half the battle. Associated Banc-Corp Scott Spangler His interest in sports cards pointed him to the managing editor position Yunjae Cheong Editor in chief for Tuff Stuff, a monthly magazine that highlights sports memorabilia. Ph.D. Candidate in Experimental Aircraft Hultman said anyone can apply a passionate hobby to print as long as Advertising Association there are other people with the same interest. University of Texas-Austin Dr. K. E. Supriya Fochs, associate publisher of the pop culture and sports collectibles Elizabeth Crawford Associate Professor groups, explained that advertisers keep a magazine alive, but the readers Ph.D. Candidate in Department of Journalism need to come first. She explained that if a magazine does not attract Advertising and Mass Communication readers, attracting advertisers is difficult because they also need an University of Tennessee- University of Wisconsin- audience. Knoxville Milwaukee Landsverk, an F+W editor, gave insight on the differences between Laura Dennisen Lisa Voss working at a magazine and working at a newspaper. One thing he misses Senior Web Site Fox Valley Safe Kids about newspapers is the natural “buzz” of meeting a deadline every day. Content Coordinator in Joe Weidert At a magazine, reporters have a month to complete their stories. He said Communications Brand Spank’n News working for a magazine suits him better because he does not have to Harley-Davidson work weekends or late nights. Tracie Weiss Sean Fitzgerald Apple Seeds Advice about magazine design and layout was especially useful for WinnebagoB2B the students’ projects. The professionals stressed that a magazine cover Phil Weston is carefully thought out, taking into account visual appeal and “stand-out Norma Jean Fochs Owner and Commercial factor” among hundreds of other publications on a bookshelf. Associate Publisher, Photographer Pop Culture and Sports Weston Imaging Group Collectibles Group Thomas Xiong Guest shares emergency PR strategies F+W Publications UWO Adviser for minority By: Marisa Cuellar Mike Fredrick students Associate Creative Director ublic relations professionals and students know they need to Bader Rutter & Associates Preact quickly when a crisis hits. Miami-Dade County Public Tom Hultman Teleconferences Schools marketing director Jeff Ronci shared his experiences handling Associate Editor, Sports Morgan Kuchnia, emergencies when he spoke to the Intro to Journalism class Nov. 21, Collectors Digest copywriter, BVK 2006. Managing Editor, Tuff Stuff Jeff Ericksen, creative Ronci explained how school district officials dealt with several high- F+W Publications director, BVK profile events, including: the trial and acquittal of Luis Alvarez, a Miami Mark Johnson Andy Jorsch, Marketing police officer who shot and killed student Neville Johnson at a video General Assignment and Promotions Manager, arcade in 1982; hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005; and the Reporter Chippewa Valley Newspaper murder of 14-year-old Jaime Gough by a classmate in a Southwood Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Group Middle School bathroom in 2004. Rocky Landsverk These incidents caused concern among students and parents and Sports Group Editorial caught media attention. Ronci described the preparation and response Director for such crises in a school district of 367 schools, 50,000 employees and F+W Publications 360,000 students. Diane Rado 8 Students Mock interviews prepare students for jobs, internships By: Marisa Cuellar “I want to be as prepared as possible he journalism department and to look for a job,” TCareer Services partnered to host Kurt Schultz said. mock interviews for students Oct. 12, After each 2006. This was the fi rst such department interview, students event for both news/editorial and got one-on-one advertising/public relations students. feedback from the Journalism department internship employers about Journalism students dressed for success before their mock interviews. coordinator Barb Benish said the mock their interview interviews were set up to better prepare skills, résumés and Benish believes the mock interviews students to get internships and jobs and to portfolios. Students also used this time to were benefi cial to all participants. Students assess how well the department prepares ask employers questions about their jobs, received job search advice, the journalism students for the workplace. their companies and other interviewing department was able to evaluate its The event featured 15 employers, many and job searching tips. programs and students and make business of them UW-Oshkosh journalism alumni, Although employers critiqued students, contacts, and the employers said they from a variety of companies and attracted they also pointed out what students did enjoyed mentoring students. 27 students. Each student was interviewed well. “In the real world, if the student doesn’t by at least two employers. Employers “Overall, the students thought the mock get a job, he or she won’t know the reason interviewed students for news/editorial, interviews were enlightening; they didn’t why,” Benish said. “Today’s workplace is photography, advertising and public realize they were doing some taboo things so competitive, and these mock interviews relations positions. that would likely decrease their chances of give our students a real advantage over Senior Melissa Goldmann said she getting hired,” Benish said. other applicants.” participated in the mock interviews “I received good tips from the employers Students who missed the fall session because she wanted feedback about how about improving my résumé, which I or wanted more practice were able to she presented herself in an interview. changed the next day,” Schultz said. participate in the March 29 interviews. Feedback sessions help students, faculty Employer participants By: Marisa Cuellar activities. If possible, students should Thomas Bartsch – F+W Publications e-mail employers PDF fi les of their Dana Baumgart – Brand Spank’n News tudents and faculty were able to get résumés so they can easily be forwarded to Merry Dudley – Krause Publications Svaluable feedback about students’ the appropriate departments. Kelly Edwards – Oshkosh Area Community interviewing skills and technical abilities Résumés also were discussed in the Foundation from employers in two separate sessions faculty feedback session. Employers said WWillieillie Garrett – NBC 26 after the mock interviews. students must make sure résumés are Maggie Grafwallner – Fox Cities Performing Arts Center In the student session, interviewees error-free and have consistent style. They Chris Haywood – Reeve Union asked about their strengths and agreed that résumés with one mistake get Kelly Igl – Gannett Newspapers weaknesses and how to improve interview thrown out. Natalie Johnson – University Relations skills. Employers suggested students go Eric Klister – Appleton Post-Crescent Employers suggested students beyond looking at the company’s Web site Mary Jones, Jim Koepnick, Kelly Nelson, give detailed descriptions of relevant for background information. Candidates Kathleen Witman – EAA experience and show examples from their should speak with someone from the GrGregeg Linnemanstons – The Weidert Group portfolios to enhance the explanations company to learn about the position and Jim Lundstrom – The Scene Students also learned how to improve ask specifi c questions after the interview. Tim Lyke – Ripon Commonwealth Press their résumés. Important information In both sessions, employers commented Ron Montgomery – Winnebago County like skills and relevant experience should on students’ enthusiasm, impressive Jim Moran – Chilton Times be near the top so employers can see internship experience and eagerness Donna O’Brien – University Foundation candidates’ qualifi cations immediately. to improve. Students were encouraged Jeff Potts – Grand Opera House Employers encouraged using white space, continue building skills in areas other than Steve Wuerger – Affi nity Health System which can be done by excluding unrelated their emphasis. 9 Students Two days in D.C. May wins photo award By: Stephanie Barnard By: Marisa Cuellar

n Jan. 23 and 24, I was invited to visit the ournalism student Laura May was Ooffices of The Politico in Washington, D.C. Jselected for the Associated Press The Politico is a new media venture launched by Managing Editors Photo of the Month UW-Oshkosh journalism alumnus Jim VandeHei and Award in June 2006. his business partner, John Harris. After working for Her photo of a local soldier was chosen The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, from more than 100,000 entries submitted VandeHei found himself wanting to do something by professional photographers from a little different. He found a company – Allbritton around the country. Communications – willing to invest in a Web-driven, Stephanie Barnard The photo shows Spc. Clint Kurth of the politics-focused publication. Wisconsin Army National Guard 1157th The Politico prints three times a week when Transportation Company crying from Congress is in session; the blogs on its Web site are constantly updated. The focus is behind a bus window while watching his exclusively on national politics, with an emphasis on the 2008 presidential election. You family wave goodbye. won’t find any news about Britney Spears at politico.com, but you will find the details of May captured the scene while on the latest feud between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. assignment for the Oshkosh Northwestern. VandeHei is an accomplished writer, and now he’s moving into editor territory, She was photographing soldiers from the building a new journalism organization from the ground up. It’s a risky but admirable 1157th before they departed for training in move, and it comes with a lot of prestige, at least in certain circles. During my two days Indiana last June. at the Politico office, the staff mostly tried to promote itself, from getting linked on the In addition to working at the Drudge Report to scheduling TV appearances on the cable news networks. Northwestern, May served as photo The Politico is likely to be very successful, and VandeHei should count himself among editor at the Advance-Titan for two UWO’s most notable journalism alumni. However, while D.C. politics may be fun to years before graduating in spring 2007. read and write about, Americans in the 50 states want the straight story: Where do the While a talented photographer, she is candidates stand on the issues? How can they help the average Joe? While it was fun to also interested in reporting and creative meet and schmooze with D.C. insiders, I also felt isolated from the issues that are truly writing. important to our American audience. Bateman team honors caregivers By: Marisa Cuellar students to recognize those who care for an aging, ill or disabled hen a family member and Wwinter make them aware of storm buried available resources and Oshkosh, Wis. risks to a caregiver’s in a blanket of health. snow Feb. 25, The Care Fair, which UW-Oshkosh provided caregivers Bateman with relaxation, Case Study entertainment and Care Fairy Melissa Goldmann Competition educational resources, prepares to greet caregivers. team members was held at Evergreen feared their Retirement Community In addition to the Care Fair, the students event, the Care Bateman team: The Care Fairies in Oshkosh. Attendees worked to drive traffic to team’s Web Fair, would have attendance as dismal could play bingo, get manicures or site using electronic and mass media and as the weather. But Dr. Julie Henderson massages, collect health care information, promotional materials. The class also and the 11 Care Fairies who organized sample diabetic and heart-healthy recipes created its own blog that promoted the the event were pleasantly surprised when or snack on a variety of refreshments. event and allowed caregivers to share and more than 50 people attended. Bingo winners could choose from a large read caregiving stories. The 2007 competition challenged selection of donated prizes.

10 Students Ad Club attends Chicago career fair By: Jaimy Szymanski

he UW-Oshkosh Advertising Club traveled to Chicago on TMarch 30 to attend the Leo Burnett Mosaic Career Fair and visit advertising agency Hoffman York. The career fair, held at De Paul University, allowed members to hear guest speakers and recruiters from within the industry, network with professionals and receive résumé and portfolio critiques. There were more than 25 employers present from the advertising and public relations field. After speeches from two creative professionals, students could visit potential employers and learn more about what they had to offer. In addition, creative professionals from across the industry met The 800 Boulevard team poses with their logo made of Coca-Cola bozes. with a select number of students to review and critique portfolios and résumés. Jason James, Advertising Club vice president, enjoyed the NSAC team places fifth, one-on-one critique sessions. “Getting some perspective from industry professionals gave me a lot of ideas on how to improve best of Wisconsin schools my portfolio,” he said. By: Kathy Fredrickson The club’s trip ended the following day with a visit to advertising agency Hoffman York, where they received a tour 14-member team from the UW-Oshkosh achieved the and viewed some of the agency’s exceptional creative work. Ahighest place among Wisconsin Universities competing in the District 8 National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) SPJ members learn from conferences in St. Paul, Minn. April 21. By: Tracy Rusch UW-Oshkosh competed against 11 schools from the Midwest and Canada and placed fifth overall in the district. Fewer than uring professor Mike Cowling’s first year as faculty three points separated the second and fifth place teams. University Dadviser for the UWO student chapter of SPJ, he led of Minnesota – Twin Cities placed first to advance to the national co-presidents Tracy Rusch and Adam Dziewiontkoski to the competition in Louisville June 7. Midwest Journalism Conference in Minnesota on March 23. The NSAC gives more than 3,000 college students the chance to During their stay in Minneapolis, they attended informative create a strategic marketing campaign for a corporate sponsor. sessions with topics ranging from juvenile justice, where a “Many ideas these students come up with are ahead of the ways Minnesotan legislative representative and two law experts traditional marketing firms think,” Kathy Fredrickson said. She discussed consequences of publicizing young offenders’ names, was the team adviser for UW-Oshkosh. to the lucrative life of freelancing, where a panel of professionals The competition required the teams to create an integrated explained how to break into the freelancing business and be marketing plan for Coca-Cola Classic, and the challenge was to successful. increase consumption and brand health with the 13 to 24-year- Students had the chance to network with professionals, learn old multicultural audience. Teams presented their campaigns to a tricks and tips of the trade and explore the journalistic job panel of judges, including a representative from Coca-Cola. opportunities that exist in larger cities. Fredrickson, Dana Baumgart and Kevin Rau of the UWO In February, SPJ members also attended the Wisconsin journalism department taught the class. UW-Oshkosh has Newspaper Association Conference in Wisconsin Dells where participated in the competition for more than 20 years. member Kate Briquelet received a WNA scholarship for $1,500. PRSSA campaign focuses on family organ donation By: Amanda Kutil and Krista Knabenbauer WO Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) members focused Uon family awareness for the annual Organ Donor Awareness campaign using the slogan “Tell ’em… Don’t leave your loved ones in the dark about Organ Donation.” The main event was a graffiti-themed dance party held at Reeve Memorial Union on April 13. During the afternoon on the day of the dance, members organized a table in Reeve. They handed out candy, invited students to attend the dance and encouraged them to fill out postcards to tell their loved ones of their wishes to be organ donors. The PRSSA Organ Donar Awareness Day campaign reached more than 1,800 people, making it a success. 11 Congratulations/Thank You Student Achievements Contributors Journalism Department Scholarships The Department of Journalism is proud to recognize the David J. Lippert Memorial Scholarship: Ricky Nelson, Tracy following alumni and patrons for their generous donations. Rusch. These donors assisted the journalism program by contributing E. Garner Horton Memorial Scholarship: Vanessa Virbitsky. to the Journalism Fund and various scholarships offered by the Gary Coll Journalism Fellowship: Adam Dziewiontkoski, Tracy department. Rusch, Jaimy Szymanski, Melissa Whalen. Multicultural Media Award: Kevin Kosterman. Virginia A. Sokolowski Memorial Scholarship: Kevin Andrew G. Baer Kosterman. George E. Coghill Susan R. Coghill Kappa Tau Alpha new members Dr. Gary R. Coll Kathleen Briquelet, Marie Daniel, Melissa Goldmann, Michael R. Cowling Bryanna Lancour, Michael Rogers, Dean Simon, Jaimy Charles P. Doherty Szymanski. John L. Feld UW-Oshkosh Awards Donna J. Gilson Brian Dedering – UWO Diversity Poster Contest, runner-up. Willard J. Henken Jean Seay Lippert (Estate) UW-Oshkosh University Honors Program Mary C. Meier Marisa Cuellar and Melissa Whalen completed the Honors Donald W. Stoner Senior Capstone, in which they wrote about aspects of advertising and public relations concerning terrorism. To make a donation: 2006 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation College To make a donation specifi cally to the Department of Journalism, Newspaper Awards write a check payable to the UW-Oshkosh Foundation, and Kate Briquelet – $1,500 Wisconsin Newspaper Association include a short note requesting that the donation go to the Scholarship. journalism account. Donations also can be made online at Jeremy Hodges – Photography, 3rd place. www.uwosh.edu/foundation. Click Online Giving in the middle Laura May – Photography, Certifi cate of Merit. of the page, and fi ll in the donation information. Under the Lori Weiss – Investigative Reporting, Certifi cate of Merit. “Please direct my gift as follows” section, click Other, and type Nick Gumm – Feature Writing, Certifi cate of Merit. Department of Journalism. Laura May – Associated Press Managing Editors Photo of the Month Award, June 2006.

Journalism Alumni Announcements

Editor and Designer: Marisa Cuellar Proofreader: Marisa Cuellar

Contributors: Stephanie Barnard, Marisa Cuellar, Kim Fay, Kathy Fredrickson, Krista Knabenbauer, Amanda Kutil, Tracy Rusch, Jaimy Szymanski, Dr. James Tsao, Kendra Sohm

Supervised by: Dr. James Tsao Journalism Alumni Announcements is a publication of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Department of Journalism.

Read Journalism Alumni Announcements online at www.uwosh.edu/journalism/alumni