FALL 2019
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION
CONNECTION
A Note from the Dean Since the creation of the College of Communication and Information 10 years ago, we’ve expanded our resources in order to enhance student experiences within our College and strengthen our role in the education of all Florida State University students. Programs in speech language pathology, information, information technology, advertising, public relations, media and communication studies, and media production continue to attract FSU’s best and brightest to the College. New courses in emerging technologies, public speaking, information ethics, digital media, and American Sign Language draw students from a wide range of fields—over 13,500 students from across the University enroll in one of more of our courses annually, and that number is growing. The ideas, goals, and motivations that brought us together as a College 10 years ago will help guide the next decade. The College has produced graduates that become leaders in their fields and in their communities. In fact, the College produces 25% of FSU’s master’s graduates and 16% of the bachelor’s graduates in the areas in which the State of Florida needs more graduates. We’ve doubled the size of our faculty from 48 in 2009 to 96 in 2019. Through the remarkable dedication of faculty, we have been able to create environments that promote experiential learning, research, and encourages students to pursue internships and clinical experiences. Faculty have also driven the growth of the College’s resources over the past decade so the opportunities for these experiences can exist through labs and centers like the Communication and Early Childhood Research and Practice Center, the Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication, and the Innovation Hub. In the years ahead we expect to expand our academic offerings with courses in data analytics, building communication, technology, and media production skills, as well as the ethical and effective use of communication and information. The experiences and success of our students and graduates motivate our commitment and focus on the most important and applicable skills in information and communication. Let us know what you are doing so we can brag about you online or in our next newsletter Larry Dennis (hello@cci.fsu.edu).
Dean and Professor
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION ALUMNI-PRODUCED FILM CELEBRATES STRENGTH OF HURRICANE MARIA SURVIVORS Xabier Climent ('18 M.S. Public Interest Media Communication) and Aaron Kudja ('18 B.S. Digital Media Production) highlight the story of a rural community's resilience during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico with the film, Mariana Pa'Lante. Featuring Proyecto de Apoyo Mutuo Mariana (Project for Mutual Aid Mariana), the documentary was selected for the MADRIFF, the Madrid Indie Film Festival, and took home awards at the Georgia International Latino Film Festival, Cine Miami Fest. Mariana Pa'Lante streams on Amazon mid-December.
FACULTY NAMED FSU ALL ACCESS CHAMPIONS Associate Professor Sindy Chapa, Assistant Professor Jessica Wendorf Muhamad, and Professor Donna Nudd were named All Access Champions by FSU. The All Access Champion award recognizes faculty at the University who are "committed to providing opportunities for students with disabilities to succeed in their academic endeavors beyond what is required by the FSU Student Disability Resource Center." These faculty are determined to help students succeed, and are committed to seeing FSU continue to excel as an academic institute.
Sindy Chapa
Jessica Wendorf Muhamad
Donna Nudd
CENTER FOR HISPANIC MARKETING COMMUNICATION CALLED "PIONEER PROGRAM" BY FORBES Commemorating its 15th anniversary in 2019, FSU's Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication was referred to as "a pioneer"of multicultural marketing programs in higher education in a June Forbes article titled "Where do Multicultural Marketers Come From?" The article discusses how the program educates students on the nuances of Hispanic/Latino culture and how to apply them in order to connect with consumers. 2 SC H O O L O F CO M M U N I C AT I O N
ALUMNI SWEEP FPRA GOLDEN IMAGE AWARDS
Tom Derzypolski
Allison Leavitt
Whitney Lee
The Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) recognized many CCI alumni when they announced winners of FPRA Golden Image awards in August 2019. Tom Derzypolski ('04 B.S. Public Relations), won an Award of Distinction in the Public Relations Programs division for his work at BowStern Marketing. Allison Leavitt ('19 B.S. Advertising) received the Award of Distinction in Student Projects, and Whitney Lee ('10 M.A. Integrated Marketing Communication) won four awards in the Digital Tools division. For a full list of award winners, visit bit.ly/fpragoldenimage2019. DOCTORAL STUDENT CHOSEN FOR HONORS SEMINAR
Abigail Reed
Abigail Reed, Ph.D. student, was selected to attend a prestigious seminar hosted by the National Communication Association this summer. Reed was one of thirty students selected from a pool of papers and recommendations from academic advisors.
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION SCIENCE & DISORDERS HAPPI FOUNDATION ENDOWS $25,000 IN MEMORY OF ALUMNA ROBIN PARKER The Robin Shari Parker HAPPI Foundation, Inc. endowed a gift of $25,000 to the School in memory of Dr. Robin Shari Parker ('86 M.S. Communication Science and Disorders), a highly respected speech language pathologist known for her expertise in autism spectrum disorders.
Robin Parker
SHANNON HALL-MILLS NAMED FLASHA PRESIDENT Shannon Hall-Mills, assistant professor, is the new president of FLASHA, the Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. "I'm looking forward to finding efficient ways to advance the association's membership and visibility Shannon Hall-Mills throughout the state," she said. LISTEN CAMP CONNECTS CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HEARING LOSS Founded by faculty member Linda Sasser, FSU’s L.L. Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic hosted its first-ever Listen Camp in July. From kindergarteners to third graders, each of the eight campers were paired with a graduate student to help them throughout each day of the camp. Using a listening and spoken language approach for communication, the camp connected these children with others who also experience hearing loss through fun activities. With generous support from the FSU Foundation Board of Trustees and 31 individual donors through SparkFSU, the camp ran for one week at the FSU Reservation.
PROFESSOR RECEIVES FUNDING FOR CLINICALLY ORIENTED STUTTERING RESEARCH Christopher Constantino, assistant professor, was awarded an Advancing Academic-Research Careers grant from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and an award from the National Stuttering Association to support clinically oriented stuttering research. "These awards will allow me to conduct research that will help people who stutter reject prejudice and find value in their unique voices," he says.
Christopher Constantino
FSU NSSLHA AWARDED 2019 GOLD CHAPTER HONORS The FSU chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) was awarded with the 2019 Gold Chapter Honors. These honors are awarded to chapters that demonstrate an outstanding effort to support National NSSLHA's mission to inspire, empower, and support students in communication sciences and disorders programs. Over 100 students are actively involved with the organization. SC HOOL OF COMMUNI C AT I ON SC I ENC E & DI S O RDE RS
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SCHOOL OF INFORMATION ALUMNA PUBLISHES BOOK "THE AFRICAN AMERICAN STRUGGLE FOR LIBRARY EQUALITY" Aisha M. Johnson-Jones ('15 Ph.D. Information Studies) has committed her life to researching African American and southern public library history. Her book, The African American Struggle for Library Equality: The Untold Story of the Julis Rosenwald Fund Library Program, is the culmination of years of hard work, revealing “a new understanding of library practices of the early 20th century.” Johnson-Jones is the Supervisory Archivist at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum at the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
INSTRUCTOR/DOCTORAL STUDENT RECEIVES ISACA ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP AWARD Christy Chatmon, an instructor and doctoral student, received the Academic Leadership Award from ISACA Tallahassee's SheLeadsTech "for demonstrating exceptional academic leadership within the community." A program of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), SheLeadsTech seeks to increase the representation of women in technology leadership roles and the tech workforce. The award adds to Chatmon’s list of recognition for her contributions to student success, including a 2018 FSU Undergraduate Teaching award from the University, a 2018 FSU iSchool Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching award, and a 2017 nomination for an FSU Transformation through Teaching award.
ALUMNUS SELECTED FOR 2019 ASKEW YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD The FSU Alumni Association and Young Alumni Council selected Zach Heng ('07 B.S. Information Technology) for a 2019 Reubin O'D. Askew Young Alumni Award. The award was presented to Heng in recognition of his significant contributions to his profession, community, and alma mater. With over 12 years of experience in the information technology and management consulting industry, he is currently an associate at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, D.C. Heng serves on the FSU Alumni Association's National Board of Directors and is President of the Greater Washington chapter of Ascend, a non-profit organization for Pan-Asian business professionals.
STUDENT RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN COMPUTING CONFERENCE Kallayah Henderson a senior majoring in Information, Communication, and Technology, received a scholarship to attend the Grace Hopper Conference, a gathering of women technologists. She was chosen for her outstanding academic accomplishments and drive to pursue a career in computing. Kallayah Henderson 4 SCHO O L O F IN FOR M AT I ON
ALUMNA NAMED ONE OF TALLAHASSEE'S TOP 20 UNDER 40 Emily Lee ('18 B.S. Information Technology) received a Golden A.C.E. Award as one of Tallahassee's top 20 under 40. She works as a Strategic Partnerships and Innovation Programs Coordinator at the Tallahassee Community College Center for Innovation.
Emily Lee
DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Cheers to 10 Years!
by Mafé Brooks, Director of Development
The College’s 10 Year Anniversary marks a milestone in an amazing philanthropic journey. We exceeded campaign goals, continued the commitment of major gift donors, increased volunteer participation through board initiatives, and met with thousands of alumni and donors. The last decade has been enriching and rewarding as I learned about the experiences that inspire donors to give back to the College in the name of student excellence. Incredible student experiences are made possible because of the generosity of donors, and this continues to be the driving force for us to surpass our fundraising goals. We raised more than $12 million during the University’s eight-year Raise the Torch Campaign and blazed the trail with our SparkFSU online giving initiatives by setting a record number of 37 campaigns, raising more than $160,000. And through the continued Dean Larry Dennis and commitment of our major gift donors, our endowment has grown to Dr. Randolph Barker approximately $4 million. Donor support has had a profound impact on the lives of CCI students over the past 10 years, and this past year continued that legacy with the creation of professorships, scholarships, and awards for students. Through the generosity of Drs. Randolph and Sandra Barker, an endowment was created for a $1 million professorship in Communication. The Barkers are both FSU alumni. Randy was selected as the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus by the School of Communication in recognition of his incredible career and accomplishments as a Professor Emeritus in Management at Virginia Commonwealth University. Communication alumnus Jeff Hewlett and his wife, Cathy, made a gift of $850,000 to endow a professorship in Media Production and a fund for Student Excellence in Media Production. This support will be used to fund scholarships, leadership opportunities, student productions, research, costs to attend conferences and other related activities that will prepare students for success. Additionally, 2019 was marked with gifts representing the continued devotion of our donors. CCI Leadership Board member and iSchool alumna Elaine Crepeau made an additional gift in honor of her favorite professor, the late Dr. Martha Jane Zachert, to support School of Information students pursuing a degree in Information. Former debate coach and CCI Leadership Board member Dr. Marilyn Young and her husband, Dr. Michael Launer, made another gift to support the debate endowment. Dr. Paul Marty and Dr. Michelle Kazmer, two of our outstanding faculty members, made a gift to endow a fund for outreach and engagement that supports student recruitment and faculty and staff engagement. Gifts in memory of loved ones who left us too soon were also established during the past year. The Ensley Family and their friends honored Gerald Ensley, a consummate journalist, community icon, and friend of FSU, with the establishment of an endowment in his memory in order to support student scholarships in Communication. In memory of Kevin Neidorf, 2013 Digital Media Production alumnus, the Kevin Neidorf Student Award was established to serve as a lasting tribute to the commitment of Kevin’s family and friends to celebrate and honor Kevin’s inspirational life. For the first time this Fall, these two awards were given to two outstanding students, Dana Sardina and Ada Colli. The last 10 years at CCI would not have been the same without the hard work and commitment of our dedicated volunteers. Our CCI Leadership Board members are dedicated to supporting student and faculty success with awards of excellence and programs to engage alumni with current students. Additionally, the Center for Hispanic Marketing and Communication Advisory Board remains instrumental in raising philanthropic support for the endowment in honor of the Center’s founders, Felipe and Betty Ann Korzenny. They are also excitedly organizing the Center’s Quince/15th Year Anniversary Celebration in Miami on February 27, 2020. Everyone is invited to this special celebration—save the date! It is a privilege to be on this philanthropic journey with our donors and I am excited for the next 10 years as we continue our path to excellence in the College. Cheers to 10 years and for the next decades to come! For charitable tax deductible donations to support student success, please contact mafe.brooks@cci.fsu.edu or (850) 645-8312.
DEV ELOPME N T
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CLASS NOTES/COLLEGE HAPPENINGS Jardan Doneghy (’09 M.S.) is the manager of West Coast brand communications for Delta Air Lines. Lea Ann Gates ('07 M.S.) is the senior instructional design consultant for the Florida Department of Education. Beth Jones ('11 M.L.I.S.) is the library director at East Georgia State College in Swainsboro, GA. Alyse Jordan ('97 M.L.I.S.) was published in the Journal of Academic Librarianship.
Students joined CCI mascot Jerome the Gnome at the Fall BBQ to commemorate 10 years of CCI.
We celebrated 10 years of CCI at the annual Fall barbeque.
Silvia Lopez (’82 M.L.I.S.) won the 2018 Reichert Gold Medal for Young Children's Literature in the Florida Book Awards. Gregg McBride ('86 B.S.) sold a drama series, "Sister Code," to BET Networks. Stacey McClain ('04 M.S.) is the library systems administrator for the Jacksonville Public Library in Jacksonville, FL. Celia Mott ('14 B.S.) is the director of communications and marketing for First Coast No More Homeless Pets in Jacksonville, FL.
Professor Patrick Merle cycled a leg of the Tour de France in July 2019.
CCI staff "went pink" for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by writing cards for Girls Love Mail.
Michael Rodriguez ('14 M.S.) is President of ACRL New England Chapter. Nic Stoltzfus ('12 B.S.) published a book about his family's history and Amish heritage. Krista Witiak ('19 B.S.) is a digital reporter for FOX21 News in Colorado Springs, CO.
JD Doughney ('03 M.S.) spoke to four CCI classes during a visit to FSU about his career with Facebook.
Ritesh Gupta ('90 B.S.) won CLIOs for Dwayne Wade video.
Casey Yu ('16 Ph.D.) was nominated for the Glenn-Howell award by Leon County School District.
SHARE YOUR CLASS NOTE Send your update, class year and degree to:
hello@cci.fsu.edu.
Please note not all updates may be printed.
Master's grads ran into FSU President John Thrasher at Summer graduation.
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CCI staff had a visit from career liaison Kate Herron's baby, Marysol.
CCI welcomed nine visiting scholars to Tallahassee for the Fall semester from South Korea and China.
Professors Nancy Everhart (China) and Andy Opel (Norway) received Fulbright Awards.
iSchool attended the ALA conference.
Students participated in Bedtime Story program at HOPE Community Center.
Grad students put their skills to the test at the Speech-Language Pathology Boot Camp.
Florida State Debate won a tournament at Morehouse College.
University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications visited CCI.
Ad Club and the FPRA Student Chapter spent a week in NYC visiting agencies.
CCI hosted local high schoolers for the second annual FSU iCamp during Summer 2019. Staff celebrate FSU's rise to #18 in the nation by U.S. News.
CCI doctoral students presented research at the Fall Doctoral Student Poster Session.
Alumni recruited current students at the Fall CCI Career and Internship Fair.
Students shared advice about college to high school seniors from Fort Walton Beach.
Alumni in the Orlando area met with STARS Alliance students for a networking dinner.
Associate Dean Ebe Randeree was given a FACTE Humanitarian Award.
COLLEGE HAPPE N IN GS
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Awarding Greatness
As promised, I am continuing the saga of CCI’s Leadership Board. In early November, the Board presented its first Student Leadership Award in the amount of $1,000 to Shannon Mitchell (pictured at right). Shannon is a grad student majoring in Public Interest Media and Communication, and she will be attending the Leadership and Executive Communicators Conference. I had an opportunity to meet Shannon and she lived up to her application! What a hard decision it was as there were forty-four amazing applicants, any one of which could have been the recipient—their qualifications were mind-blowing. Next year the Leadership Board hopes to present three awards—one for each school in the College. We continue to explore ways to engage young alumni and encourage them to become active participants in CCI alumni activities. What an amazing opportunity is here for all as CCI has wonderful resources to offer not only for current students, but also for alumni—including us “oldie goldies.” Get involved and take advantage of them! Let’s make the second decade of CCI even greater than the first. Under the leadership of Dean Dennis and our outstanding faculty members, that is a sure bet—don’t think Vegas would be interested in setting odds on that one! Diane Ervin ‘72 M.S. In ‘Nole spirit, Chair Diane Ervin
CCI Leadership Board