Communication Studies Department
Volume 4
February 2016
THE MEDIUM A quarterly newsletter serving Wilkes University students, faculty, alumni, and friends.
Zebra’s Salvation Army Account Team Raised $1,777 in the Fall Semester By: Jared Powell
For the past 12 years, Zebra Communications has accepted the Wilkes-Barre Salvation Army as a client. The main purposes are to raise money, and to also raise awareness around the community. However, this year was a little different from the past--the account team also worked with a new program being ran and funded by the Salvation Army. “This year’s account team seemed to be ready to tackle any task put before them by the Salvation Army. I commend the hard work and time they put in,” said senior account team co-manager Alec Wizar. The team began the semester working with Andreea Higdon on the Salvation Army’s “Bridging the Gap” program.
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Pictured above are some of the Salvation Army Zebra account team sitting: Annelise Przywara, Kim Hein, Taylor Ryan. Standing Jared Powell, account manger, Jenn Flynn, Colleen O’Callaghan and Cara Basile.
TBJC Announces Conference Theme and Keynote Speaker By: Meghan Burns The Tom Bigler Journalism Conference recently announced the theme and keynoter for this year. The Tom Bigler Journalism Conference is an annual conference that focuses on bringing high school and college students from the general area onto campus to learn about all forms of journalism, broadcast media, and public relations. The theme of the 16 annual conference will be Politics and Media. Stemming from the current presidential election, all the sessions this year will fit this theme. The keynote speaker this year will be Lane Filler, a columnist for News Day out of Long Island, New York. During this Page 1
election time, his columns focus mainly on politics. Filler has ties to the area having lived here and worked for the Times Leader newspaper in Wilkes-Barre. Dr. Kalen Churcher, coordinator of the conference, spoke about her choice of Filler as keynoter. “We wanted to find someone who could speak to politics as the keynote speaker and also someone who could keep the attention of people who are in attendance, particularly younger people.” The first session of the day will feature industry panelists from the area. The panelists will include journalists from the Citizens Voice, the Scranton Times, the Times Leader, and other local media outlets. Andy Mehalshick from WBRE
and Mark Davis, who works with PA Senator John Yudichak, will be doing a panel together that will focus on public relations and journalism while covering politics. Scott Schaffer from WNEP and will be attending as well. Next, students will have a choice of different politics oriented sessions they can attend. The final session will be a series of hands-on workshops with the Communication Studies department’s cocurriculars including the television studio, radio station and the Beacon. There will also be a focus group of first time voters conducted by students in the Controlling spin: News, Politics and PR class.
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Communication Studies Department
February 2016
Wilkes hosts 2016 Harold Cox Forensics Tournament; Places three in Pa State Finals
By: Alyssa Stencavage 2015 Graduate
Saturday, Feb. 6th marked another year for the Harold Cox Forensics Tournament hosted by Wilkes University. Harold Cox is a professor emeritus at Wilkes, whose legacy largely supports the tournament’s expense. The tournament has been running for well over eight years. Fifteen colleges and universities, as far as the University of Richmond and Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, came to participate. Faculty of Practice in Communication Studies, Christine Mellon, said Speech and Debate are difficult to distinguish, but both involve a similar skill, with a slightly different goal. “I would say debate is rooted in persuasive argumentation and cross examination,” Mellon said. “Speech is more informative, persuasive, entertaining, and focuses on the audience instead of an opponent.” Near and far, participants agree that Speech and Debate provides an outlet for self-expression that does not discriminate. “If you have a passion for anything, you have a platform to speak,” said Liberty University’s freshman Rebekah Sharpe, whose familiar territory has been theater. Plus, she said the traveling is an added bonus. Miles Boone of George Mason University, also in Virginia, agrees. “It serves as an avenue to really argue issues around the world and a safe space.” Jerome Hannon is local and a student at Wilkes who has been involved with
Pictured above are PFA State Forensics title holders. Left to Right: Thomas Schmidt, Emily Welles and Jerome Hannon. Speech and Debate for a few years and coaches at Holy Redeemer high school. He sees Forensics as a reflection of the power of the mind and an opportunity to share personal explorations with others. “Speech and Debate is a mental gym, Hannon said. “It is where we learn to look deeper into literature, inform others of our stances, and argue points which we feel strongly about.” For Wilkes Pharmacy student, Amber Dietrich, who enjoys public address and informative and persuasive speaking, Speech and Debate is grounds for personal and professional development. “I wanted to get more comfortable talking to people, patients, and health
professionals,” Dietrich said. It is a way “to help build skill to do public speeches.” The tournament ran from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. George Mason University took the crown for overall team winner and Derek Dittmar from Randolph-Macon College for overall individual winner. On Feb. 19-20, the Wilkes Speech/ Debate team competed at the PA State Championship Tournament at Lafayette College. The following Wilkes students now hold PFA State Forensics titles: Jerome Hannon, 2nd place in Dramatic Interpretation; Emily Welles, 6th place in Impromptu Speaking and the team of Emily Welles and Tom Schmidt were Semi-Finalists in Parliamentary Debate.
TBJC Conference Cont. Continued from page 1 Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall will moderate a College 101 session. There will also be a real voting machine at the conference. Students will get to cast their vote for whom they believe should be president and possibly answer some other questions. This will give students in attendance the Page 2
opportunity to get accustom to a voting booth before the election. The conference is run not only by Dr. Churcher and the communications studies department faculty but also by the student coordinator Alyssa Mursch and a team of various Communications Studies students. The conference commemorates Tom Bigler, a Wilkes University professor in the communication studies department, a pioneer of journalism in the area.
Dr. Churcher said, “when I’m thinking of speakers or when I’m thinking of themes I keep him in the back of my head to think of what types of speakers he would be having and if we are living up to the expectations he would have.” The Tom Bigler Journalism Conference will be held on Friday, April 8 from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. with registration in the Student Center Ballroom.
Communication Studies Department
February 2016
Justin Topa and Nicole Zukowski Named Kirby Scholars of Communications By: Colleen O’Callaghan The Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Wilkes University is dedicated to teaching the principles of free enterprise and entrepreneurship and serves the entire University and region of northeast Pennsylvania. The Kirby Scholars Program provides current undergraduate and graduate students at Wilkes with hands-on experience in their chosen discipline while serving as a resource for business at the Center. The selection process for the program looks at top-performing students in accounting, marketing and project management amongst other areas. This year, Kirby Scholars in Communications have been added. The Pictured above are seniors Nicole Zukowski and Justin Topa. Both are serving Kirby Scholars provide services to the as the APKCFEE Communications Scholars performing public relations for the businesses at the business incubator, Center. This is the first time this position was filled but is planned to be a regualr receiving valuable experience in their position for the following years. field of study and formal recognition of their work. combined, we really balance out each of diversity coming together, creating a Justin Topa and Nicole Zukowski, other’s skill sets and achieve the best fostering and creative environment. I see both undergraduate students in the results,” Topa said. a lot of hope for the progression of the Department of Communication Studies In this role, the two will work with center coming out to help the community were chosen in their field as the 2015each client partner to foster relationships and the ideas that they have,” Zukowski 2016 Undergraduate Kirby Scholars in with the public, as well as write and edit added. Communications. for the center’s newsletter and serve as Zukowski also stated, “One of the great “We were approached for it after being spokespeople for the center and its clients. aspects about the center is their focusing recommended for it by multiple people When asked what they hope to get on mentoring.” including Dr. Mark D. Sine, Dr. Jane out of their involvement in this program, Topa went on to add that “Under the Elmes-Crahall, and Mrs. Vicki Mayk,” Zukowski said “Through this experience, leadership of Dr. Rodney Ridley, we have said Topa. He also added, “We were I hope to sharpen my public relations seen a wide range of departments, faculty, chosen based on our level of involvement skills. I find this opportunity to allow me staff and students coming together and on campus and the to focus more on being able to take the great ideas they have quality of our work.” the community already had and launching them into real, The actual job outreach as well.” tangible organizations that are built from “... when our efforts description for the new Topa stated the group up in a way in which they will are combined, we really “I really hope position was written by hopefully find success.” balance out each other’s it gives me the Dr. Elmes-Crahall and The Kirby Center Scholar in Dr. Stine. opportunity to help Communications position will not end this skill sets and achieve the Originally, the build on the skill semester. It will be a regular position at best results.” position was for one sets and successes the Center. person, but the program of each of the One of Zukowski’s and Topa’s decided that it was in amazingly brilliant responsibilities in this position is actually ~ Justin Topa their best interest to client-partners to find a scholar for next year. If this hire both Nicole and represented by the sounds like a position you might be Justin for the semester. center.” interested in contact one of the two by “Nicole and I are both excellent “I find the Allan P. Kirby Center to email. students, but when our efforts are be a really dynamic place. There is lot Page 3
Communication Studies Department
Drs. Briceno and Estwick publish article on Portrayal of Black Women on Reality TV By: Rachel Leandri Professors, believe it or not, do more than just show up to class, grade students’ papers and create difficult tests. Both a part of the Communication Studies Department at Wilkes University, associate professor Briceno’s and Estwick’s article, titled “Are Black Women Loud? Neoliberal and Postfeminist Protagonists in OWN’s Televised Sphere” is chapter 4 in a collection of 11 critical essays. The collection of essays, edited by Donnetrice C. Allison, is titled, Black Women’s Portrayals on Reality Television: The New Sapphire and published by Lexington Book Press. In Black Women’s Portrayals on Reality Television, page 63 is where one will find Chapter 4 co-authored by these two colleagues entitled Are Black Women Loud?: Neoliberal and Postfeminist Protagonists in OWN’s Televisual Sphere. The theory aspect of the chapter is
credited to Briceño as that is her area of expertise. However, Estwick’s passion for media studies equally comes into play. This endeavor all began in early 2014, when Estwick saw an opportunity on a NCA Listserv in the area of African American Communication. She immediately asked Briceño if she would be interested in collaborating. Briceno gladly accepted. “This was all up my alley and I was happy to work with a colleague,” Briceño shared. “I saw this as a good opportunity not only for Evene and me as individuals, but also for the department.” Briceño and Estwick focused their research on three particular reality shows featured on OWN, and dissected the similarities across the content as the protagonists of each embodied values of both motherhood and entrepreneurship. No matter what the storyline within the three diverse reality shows, all main characters were regular women with regular, everyday problems. Yet, they
February 2016
were cast as hardworking individuals with positive attitudes. “Our goal here was to offer a different perspective, because though we see these black women in different roles, it’s always about being aggressive and dramatic,” Estwick stated. “We offer that these characters portrayed on OWN are in a different category.” Using a postfeminism position, both professors found it important to emphasize that the female characters became successful for their individual work and perseverance, which is atypical for most black women in television. All considered a part of the neoliberal postfeminist type of woman, these characters are not only taking care of families, but providing for them by working hard and being the strong women who care about creating their own career paths. “These characters are a token representation,” Briceño explained.
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Salvation Account Team Cont. Continued from page 1 “Bridging the Gap” is a program that is designed to educate, motivate, and support families and youth. The program helps youths ranging from ages 12 through 17 who are on the brink of falling into the dangers of society. The program accepts applicants who have committed nonviolent offenses, are having truancy issues, and/or having behavioral concerns amongst other concerns. “I want this program to be a preventive one, not a program that is enforced upon someone that has already done an uncivil act” said Andreea Higdon. The Zebra team wrote backgrounders FAQs and had a number of Letter to the Editor published in the local papers about Bridging the Gap. As November was coming to a close, the team held a fundraising event to support the Salvation Army’s annual kettle drive with Hoopla, and Moe’s, two neighboring businesses. Moe’s is a southwestern restaurant, while Hoopla sells frozen yogurt. The dynamic duo of Page 4
food and desert allowed the team to make a killing by receiving 15% from Moe’s and 20% from Hoopla of all people that showed the flyer at the register. Towards the end of the semester, the account team needed to make one last effort in fundraising for the Salvation Army. A bake sale, infused with the well known Salvation Army kettle was the last fundraiser of the semester. Instead of just sitting around a table and begging for money, the team challenged several groups around campus to sit with the kettle and see who could raise the most money. This challenge included: the Wilkes Football team, the Communications Studies faculty and other faculty around campus, and various members of the Zebra Communications PR agency. WBRE came to visit when they heard of the challenge, and gave the football team a quick segment later that day on the news. Zebra Communications however were victorious in this challenge in which they raised $360.50, this could be slightly affected by the bake sale that Zebra held
while sitting with the kettle. “One of the ways in which we raised awareness was by having WBRE come in and interview William Deemer and his teammate Nick Brady to get the Salvation Army some TV time,” said junior Annelise Przywara. The account team took on eleven angel tree tags from the Salvation Army. Each tag was linked to a child that had a description of gifts they hoped to receive for Christmas. Zebra takes the initiative each year to sponsor less fortunate children for Christmas. This was very successful year raising awareness and raising money. Salvation Army had a quick segment on WBRE, and had various press releases published in the local papers. “Knowing I am helping the community, and the less privileged makes me work harder and care more for this particular account team” said William Deemer. The account team concluded the semester by donating all of the $1,733.79 raised to the Salvation Army.
Communication Studies Department
February 2016
Department Places 13 Spring Interns By: Amanda Fulk Internships have become essential when trying to land the dream job. For the spring 2016 semester thirteen Communication Studies students decided to take advantage have having an internship not only to gain experience in their perspective fields, but also to add a vital component to their résumés. With the number of interns representing almost all aspects of the Communication Studies Department this semester, there are certainly many stories to share. Nicole Zukowski and Justin Topa, senior communication studies majors, both chose to intern for Boscov’s Department Store located in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The two serve as Public Relations Interns representing their Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Hazleton and Pottsville locations. Nicole explained how it is working for four stores. “The unique thing about this internship is that there is only one PR professional working for four Boscov’s stores, essentially making it four jobs in one.” During their time at Boscov’s so far, both Justin and Nicole completed community-based work, which in turn allows for a more satisfying atmosphere in the retail industry. Justin explained just how important community outreach can be for a company and had this to add, “I have seen more acts of kindness and community involvement in this setting than in some organizations designed strictly for community outreach.” Amanda Kornak, senior communication studies major, chose to intern for The Luzerne Foundation located in Luzerne, PA where she serves as the Public Relations Intern. Interning at The Luzerne Foundation has given Amanda the opportunity to not only serve the community that she grew up in but to also allow her to become more comfortable as a public relations practitioner. With the great relationships and the amount of time Amanda has put in to her internship she states that she, “is comfortable asking questions and making suggestions to both the Director of Operations as well as the President/CEO.” Evan Willey, senior communication studies major, chose to explore sports PR. Evan serves as the Public Relations/Media
Evan Willey spends her Sat. nights at the arena for her internship at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Intern for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Evan has not only been able to gather more PR experience but also has been able to learn a thing or two about the game of hockey itself. “Since this is sports PR I have been able to learn stats and special details about each team that I had no clue about before the internship”, Evan stated. With her internship, Evan has had a few perks such as scoring great seats in the press box during home games at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Rebecca Filipski, senior communication studies major, took on her internship this semester as the Productions Intern at WBRE news station. During her time there, Rebecca has been able to get to know local celebrities very well and been able to assist the local lifestyle show “PA LIVE!” Rebecca’s experience so far has been enjoyable, “I enjoy working with on air personality and they are the nicest people I have ever met” Rebecca stated. Jennifer Magnotta, senior communication studies major, chose to intern for Calex Logistics, ISCS. She has been able to apply various skills that she has obtained as a Communication Studies major and apply them to her role as Marketing/Sales Intern. Although she has been able to use a variety of skills Jennifer stated, “I hope to gain a new skill
in sales and use my PR skills to advance my marketing skills and vice versa.” Amanda Stickles, senior communication studies major, chose to intern for 99.9 The Hawk radio station as the Promotional Intern but has been encouraged to explore any other positions that interest her. “I enjoy how involved they allow me to be with projects, upcoming events and anything I am willing to partake in,” Amanda stated. Eric Casey, senior communication studies major, chose to intern for WYLN News in Hazleton, PA. He has been able to participate in many aspects of the internship but explains that most of his work involves the camera. “I like how there are many opportunities for me to do things and everyone seems easy to get along with”, Eric explained. Kimberly Hein, junior communication studies major, chose to intern with The Osterhout Free Library located in Wilkes, Barre, PA. Kimberly is the libraries Development and Community Relations Intern. Her minor, sports and event management, will become of great use too while planning numerous events for The Osterhout Free Library. “The library is just providing me with endless networking opportunities and I have been able to get a lot done in a friendly, comfortable environment”, Kimberly stated. Colleen O’Callaghan, senior communication studies major, decided to look into the nonprofit aspect of PR. This semester Colleen is interning for the American Red Cross. Alec Wizar, senior communication studies major, chose to intern for Fellerman and Ciarimboli law firm where he is responsible for much of their social media updates. Cara Basile, senior, is interning with the acting Luzerne County Manager where she handles a range of public relations activities, including working on a newsletter. Ashley Evert, senior, is mixing her experitse of hair and communications interning with a Philadelphia stylist. Internships are wonderful ways to submerge yourself into the “real world” and to discover what truly best suits you. As a college student, take every opportunity you can get and see what an internship can do for you. Page 5
Communication Studies Department
February 2016
Churcher Publishes Harry Potter Research By: Ashley Evert Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, Dr. Kalen Churcher received a copy of her ninth publication just before the spring semester began. She and graduate school friend Dr. Meghan Sanders, a dean at Louisiana State University, co-authored a chapter titled “Political Activism and Harry Potter” in the collection From Here to Hogwarts: Essays on Harry Potter Fandom and Fiction. “When the call came out for chapters, we tried to figure out how we could incorporate both our areas of research into a chapter,” Churcher explains. Sanders’ background is in identity formation and Churcher focuses on cultural studies. The chapter takes a look at political activism from an identity standpoint. It discusses how engaging in political activism can help people formulate their identities. “We looked at some of the instances
Churcher poses with From Here to Hogwarts: Essays on Harry Potter Fandom and Fiction. across all of the Harry Potter books and did a textual analysis about those instances that were similar in many ways to a youth activism that has taken place,” Churcher says. “In this fictitious story, it was true to form to how young people were acting outside of it in the ‘real world’,” she
reveals. It took about six months to brainstorm, gather information and write the article. The 20-page chapter discusses youth participation in politics and how people formulate ideas by finding groups of
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The Trials and Tribulations of a Transfer Student By: Zach Smith I began my college career initially like most of you as soon as I was done with High School. Unlike most of you however, situations arose where I was unable to complete my associate’s degree until several years later. I am 28 now and having completed my associates finally last semester and transferring over to Wilkes, I would be happy to share some insights with you all regarding the transfer process. First off, and I cannot stress this enough, TALK TO YOUR ADVISOR!! Creating and maintaining a good relationship with your advisor will help you immensely. With transfer students more than anything your advisor is there to make sure you’re making the transition as smoothly and painlessly as possible. I would recommend making appointments after your first week, around midterms, and towards the end of the first semester to make sure you’re getting settled into your new environment. You should also take some time to look at the list (available on the Wilkes Page 6
University website) that details what classes from your first school will transfer over to Wilkes and what they transfer as. If you ever consider registering on your own for classes this list is invaluable. I have already made the mistake of taking a class, which I did not need because I had already taken a compatible class at LCCC. Many schools, Wilkes included, offer up a handy list of what classes you’re taking at your current school and what or if they translate to in terms of Wilkes classes. Your advisor will of course know what transfers to what, but if you’re like me and attempt to do it on your own, this list is crucial. You’re also going to want to take some time on your own to explore the campus. The tour will give you a general understanding of the area, but you can shave time off of your commute and your travel time between classes if you explore a little bit on your own. It also helps to familiarize yourself with the area surrounding the school if you’re not from the immediate area. The roads in WilkesBarre are subpar, to say the least, and
construction is a normal thing in this area. Learning the roads will help avoid any anxiety that might come from seeing road work along your normal route to class. One thing I was not prepared for was the change in academic atmosphere. LCCC is a great school and I’ve learned a lot and had many great experiences there. My first week or two at Wilkes however, definitely made me realize I was playing on an entirely different level. Remember this is an entirely new university; it’s going to feel overwhelming at times adjusting to all the new places, people, and schedules. Just keep in mind that there are people around, like myself, who are going through the same things you are. If you’re ever feeling mentally exhausted and need to talk to someone there are counselors readily available, or your advisors, or you can even e-mail me if you want to at Zachary.Smith1@wilkes. edu . If there is one thing I have definitely taken away from my first semester here, it’s that there is no shortage of people willing to help. Oh, and Welcome to Wilkes University!
Communication Studies Department
February 2016
The Colonels of Communication Studies: Rachel Leandri By: Taylor Ryan
Rachel Leandri is a junior, communication studies major with minors in women’s and gender studies as well as dance. Rachel is very active both within the department as well the university. Rachel was the recipient of the Communication Studies’ 2015 Friends and Alumni Scholarship, due to her dedication and hard work within the department. She is currently the Sports Editor for The Beacon, a staff member for Wilkes Now, a board member for Zebra Communications, on the Wilkes Dance team, and a member of the committee for the annual Tom Bigler Journalism Conference. Rachel is also a certified dance instructor at the David Blight School of Dance in Pittston. Rachel credits all of her heavy involvement and focus on her education as well as her newest endeavor to both of her parents. Both of her parents have a disability, and she says she does this all for them. Her newest endeavor is joining the Miss America organization this past October. This is an organization that prides itself and all that are involved in community and charity. It is a way to get young women to influence their local communities for the betterment of those around them. Rachel recently started competing in the Miss America organization and won her first local title this past October as The Miss Wilkes-Barre Scranton 2016. It is the meaning behind her reign that is her true motivation. When first entering the pageant world, Rachel was intrigued to compete due to the scholarship aspect of the organization. Now, as a titleholder she is responsible for much more, including her declared platform, “Surviving with Scleroderma.” This is a platform that provides unique perspective into all the diverse aspects of Scleroderma ranging from the severity of the physical illness to the extent of whom it affects and how it is dealt with. Scleroderma is a chronic connective tissue and autoimmune disease that varies from mild conditions to life threatening. Her mother has endured this rare disease for over 20 years now, as her joint pain is extensive all over her body and her hands
Photo Courtey: Rachel Leandri
are almost fully crippled. Pain medication only serving as a temporary fix, there is no cure for scleroderma. In terms of funding for her platform, Rachel addresses the specific issues of support, education and research. As someone that has directly dealt with this disease her whole life, she knows the kind of support system this disease requires, and hopes to give all of those that endure, that system of support. Through these three areas all proceeds will go to the Scleroderma Foundation. When asked why she does this, Rachel says her mother is the first thing to come to mind. “Despite all her hardships, my mother lives every day with a smile and optimistic attitude. She accepts her disability, and for that she is the most courageous individual I know. She inspires
me to want to help other families within the Scleroderma community by giving people living with the disease a voice to be heard with a fight they will not have to battle alone. No one deserves to watch their loved ones struggle,”, she added, Both of Rachel’s parents attended Wilkes and left their legacy. Rachel puts every part of herself into everything she does here in hopes that she can leave her own legacy here. “I want to do whatever it takes to make things a little bit easier on them. I just want to make them proud.” Rachel’s next competition will be in June, where she will compete for the State Title, Miss Pennsylvania.
Best of luck, Rachel! Page 7
Communication Studies Department
Alumni Update: Anthony Dorunda ‘11 By: Jen Magnotta Graduation is a moment of many emotions—happy, sad, bittersweet, exciting, scary, etc. We have no idea where we are going, where we are going to end up, or what is going to happen along the way. Anthony Dorunda said that is the whole point. As Dorunda updated me to where he is now, we spoke about graduation. Anthony Dorunda, graduate of 2011, currently produces the 11 P.M. newscast at WKRC-TV, the CBS affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio. In order for Dorunda to get to where he is now, he started his career as a part-time editor at WBRE. After a couple months he got his first full-time position as a news photographer. Eight months later, he got an opportunity to produce a few shows and stuck with it. He was nominated for an Emmy at WBRE in 2013 for "Best Evening Newscast." Since graduation, Dorunda has had many wonderful experiences and has made many great memories. “Getting a job was the best for sure. It is huge relief knowing I’ll be able to, you know, live on my own and not have to mooch off my parents forever,” laughed Dorunda. He also visited San Francisco for a week, a place he has always wanted to go. He said it was an “absolute blast”. He also loves his new city, Cincinnati. The MLB All-Star Game was in Cincinnati this year. “That by itself was awesome. All the people. The energy. The charisma. The city got to show itself off, and it did a damn fine job.” Todd Frazier, a Reds player, won the Home Run Derby, too. “This place went nuts. It was
awesome to be a part of that.” As this year’s grads begin to reminisce, Dorunda, also shared some memories he was fond of from our Alma Mater. He began with Conygham Hall. Anthony recalled, “I loved my team on The Beacon and every weekend spent with them. I made some life-long friends in that office in Conyngham Hall.” It is quite amazing, the fun times we have in our department, as work is being accomplished and we gain experience. He also loved Saturday Game Day with the football team. “But senior week takes the cake,” Dorunda confidently said. Being able to spend one last week with the people he had grown so close to and shared so many memories with was “phenomenal”. Dorunda argues, “It will be hard to top.” Dorunda is happy where he is. Although it was a move outside of his comfort zone, his advisor urged him and others to go while they were still in school. He said that had always stuck with him, and made it much easier to make a move to a city where he knew no one. Hearing this advice encouraged me to keep following my dreams and to not be afraid to go where I can get one step closer. The time is now. He said that Cincinnati is really a city on the rise and that there is so much happening there. “I turned down a job offer in Boston because I love it so much, and don't want to miss the exciting new things on the horizon for Cincinnati,” Dorunda said. Dorunda is unsure what is next for him and is enjoying where he is in life. “People may criticize my way of thinking, but I like to live in the moment. I know that old saying "failing to prepare is preparing to fail."’ He believes everyone needs to have
Portrayal of Black Women Cont. Continued from page 4 “These character portrayals are reflective of Oprah, her persona, her brand and what she stands for.” What Briceño and Estwick found is that there is a new type of feminist portrayed on television, along with a new type of representation of black women. Briceño considers the chapter to exemplify the new sapphire through updating such stereotypical representations. “These historical positions of Page 8
characters are infused with stereotypical understandings of who black women are, how they behave in the culture, and how they act as individuals and in a group,” she states. “Though they may not completely go away, those stereotypes may be reclaimed or shift. So, in the chapter, we point out stereotypes and note how they change a little. Whether it is for good or bad, it is up to the particular critic to decide and make that artifact.”
February 2016
Photo Courtey: Anthony Dorunda
a plan and to map thing out, but we need to know if something does not turn out exactly as planned, to not be disappointed. We will all get there when we get there. “I never expected to be where I am now, doing what I'm doing. But, I wouldn't trade it in for anything else,” Dorunda said. As we move onto the next chapters in our lives, Dorunda said we should to give all of our effort. “Hard work really does pay off. It's as simple as that. You have to have a talent, sure. But if you have talent... and don't work for things, you will only get so far. Nothing replaces enthusiasm and a will to work harder than the person next to you,” said Dorunda.
Chair of the Communication Studies Dept., Dr. Mark Stine is gratified to see Dr. Estwick and Dr. Briceño’s research published. “Their co-publication shows that our department values scholarship, and that our faculty understand its significance and relationship to classroom teaching and education,” he said. “Moreover, the fact that they worked together on this book chapter emphasizes the great collegiality we have in the Communication Studies Department.”
Communication Studies Department
Update: Kristen Rock, A Year Later By: Rebecca Filipski For a little over a year, Kristen Rock has been general manager at 90.7 WCLH, the student run radio station. She started at the radio in June 2014 and has come a long way since she first started at WCLH. Rock came to the Wilkes staff as the general manger of the radio station, and the instructor for Basic Audio Production. This semester, her role has evolved as an instructor in COM 101: Public Speaking. “I love teaching, I never expected to do this, but I love seeing students working and seeing that they get what I teach, its very rewarding,” Rock says. Aside from becoming an instructor for COM 101: Public Speaking, Rock’s role has evolved with the radio station. When she was a student at Wilkes, she was a part of the radio station as the Program and Alternative Director. She says the radio station has changed since she was a student. Rock explained that the radio station was not involved in the campus community as it is today. She said that the DJs had to get involved in events on their own. When she became the general manager at WCLH, she wanted to get more involved on campus. “I wanted to get WCLH’s name out there and for people on campus to recognize who we are, Rock says. This
semester WCLH made live appearances at campus events such as the Alcohol Awareness Walk, and hosting a Stop The Violence, Stop the Hate event. In addition to being the general manager of WCLH, Rock remains a fulltime broadcaster as the morning drive DJ at MAX 102. She is also in the process in getting her Master’s degree in Teaching. Most recently, she was granted a position as a host for PA Live. She heard about this position when she was at a wedding. The person she was sitting with told her about a position at PA Live for a substitute cohost, since she was an on air radio personality. Rock auditioned for the position, and a couple days later, she got the job. She explained that working on television is different than working on the radio. “When I am on the air for the radio, I usually don’t have to worry about my hair and my makeup, but on TV I have to make sure my hair and makeup look good, she says. Rock also explained the radio is more of your personal content and on TV it is already done for you. She explained there are similar things as well. “I can take what I learned from radio and use it in TV. I can ad-lib and think on the spot of what to say”, she says. Rock is having a good experience working on PA Live and is having a lot of fun.
February 2016
With all of these responsibilities it’s clear that Rock doesn’t like to be bored. She says it can be stressful at times, but she likes to be busy. Rock explained that she gets through everything by having a positive attitude and to have good time management skills. In the spring semester, Rock will be teaching the COM 323: Advanced Audio Production class. Her plans for the class are not absolute yet. She plans on speaking with Dr. Stine to see what students learned in the Broadcast Production class, and work from there. One idea that Rock plans to do in the class is for students to make their own podcasts. Rock is very excited for the new Communication Studies Center coming the next school year. She thinks that WCLH will be a perfect fit for the new center. The radio station will be located where people can see DJs doing their shows from outside the window. As a whole, she thinks the new center will be good for the department. It will be a great opportunity for the department to be all together, instead of separate places. From working as the general manager at WCLH, Rock is very proud of her staff. She says that they came a long way. She has gotten close with them and is glad to work with them. The staff has worked very hard, especially the awards they have been receiving. She is most proud of being a part of a radio station with hard working staff that do great work.
Harry Potter Cont. Continued from page 6 people who are like them. It follows small political acts against status quo in Harry Potter and examines how those acts evolve into full-out war as the characters mature. As the characters mature, so do their actions and their identities. Churcher is teaching a class entitled “Media Industries and Harry Potter” this semester. She says the class was in the works before the article. “Funny enough, the day before classes started, I got the printed copy in the mail and ended up revamping the syllabus to include some other things in it,” she
laughs. “I wanted the class to be able to read something I wrote so they don’t think that everything is so far detached from what’s taking place. It also means students are reading current research, not things written so long ago,” she notes. Churcher wants students to know that research doesn’t have to be boring. “You can have fun research. Research doesn’t have to be these snooty, boring topics. In fact, they shouldn’t be because you’re more likely to read it and enjoy researching it,” she explains. “We [her and Sanders] managed to do our typical research and find a home for it
within something we both loved and ended up getting published for it.” Publishing was a process that involved several steps. Churcher and Sanders wrote a proposal, which had to be approved by a panel. Even when articles are approved, there is still a chance that they could be rejected by the editor when finished. The process of publishing doesn’t deter future projects. “Meghan and I were going to submit another article about morality and characters in Harry Potter, specifically focusing on Snape. If we do something else, that’ll probably be the next project that we do,” Churcher concludes. Page 9
Communication Studies Department
February 2016
Dr. Elmes-Crahall and Dr. Moore to Present Research at ECA in Baltimore, Maryland By: Nicole Zukowski
The term ‘®evolution’ could be used to describe an array of ideas but in its simplest sense one could define a revolution as being a change in the structure of something. The Eastern Communication Association, ECA, is embracing the idea of ‘®evolution’ as the theme for this year’s annual convention. The purpose of 107th ECA convention is to explore how the communications studies field is embracing revolutionary learning and teaching in slow, periodic changes or pervasive and radical overthrows of present circumstances of the field. “The revolutionary theme of the conference is how communication studies manages to eke out a territory in a broader curriculum. We are presenting more on the Dr. Moore and Dr. Elmes-Crahall are participating in a panel discussion theme of evolution rather than revolution,” titled: “Roundtable Discussion-Bridging Academic Culture whiles Teaching Communication in Other Disciplines” at the ECA convention this spring. Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall said. “We’re focusing on how communications has teach students from both backgrounds, by both the Applied Communications evolved as a discipline within the broader communications and IM, how to strike a and Instructional Practices divisions, university curriculum.” balance between design and content and entitled “2-way Bridging: Embedding Communication Studies Professor how to recognize how the skills of each Communications in the School of Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall and Dr. Sara department are being used in the other. Pharmacy Curriculum and Overcoming Moore, Intergraded Media professor, The unique thing about this course is the Content and Design divide in a are participating in a panel discussion that students obtain hands-on experience Team-Taught Advanced PR and Branding titled: “Roundtable Discussion-Bridging working with real clients. This year Course.” While at the convention. Academic Culture whiles Teaching Dr. Elmes-Crahall will also serve as a Communication in Other Disciplines” with students are working with The Institute of Public Policy, Redmond Porcelain respondent, critiquing the top competitive six other universities represented. Works, Embrace a Child and Ruth’s Place. papers in the division. Both professors are team teaching a This course gives students a chance to Dr. Elmes-Crahall commented on the course together that merges ideals from strengthen their skills by teaching others diversity of her teaching over time. As communication studies and integrated the abilities and theories at work behind part of her paper and panel agenda, she media, COM/IM 398: Adv. PR and the design and content made. integrated communication studies in the Branding Campaigns This course is “When you actually teach someone Wilkes School of Pharmacy. evolutionary in the notion that it develops something you gain a better understanding The largest challenge of integrating ideas and teaching styles of both of that concept yourself,” Dr. Moore said. communications into pharmacy Dr. Elmesdisciplines but revolutionary in the matter The class takes the existing structure of Crahall said was “making science students that it is an unique course offering at a college course but revolutionizes it in relax enough to work together and voice Wilkes. to a hands-on, team taught course where opinions; not every question could be “We are presenting about how we plan students are expose to two different fields researched.” for and teach the class. How we benefit of study working together to product The rare two and a half hour round from the experience along with how the quality work making it a perfect example table discussion panel will discuss students benefit from the experience of of the theme of ECA. The course shows the challenges of how to assimilating both fields working side by side as one of how teachings in communication are communications into other disciplines and will be a focus of discussion as well,” Dr. changing and experimenting with other how to overcome those challenges. Moore said. disciplines over time. The convention is from March 30 to The IMMC class meets every Monday Dr. Elmes-Crahall and Dr. Moore are April 3 in Baltimore, Maryland. and Wednesday in the IM labs of presenting their work as a paper sponsored Breiseth Hall. The course is supposed to Page 10
Communication Studies Department
February 2016
The Colonels of Communication Studies: Daniel “Danny” Alan Van Brunt By: Jen Magnotta Originally from Fanwood, New Jersey—a small town inside another town called Scotch Plains—Daniel Alan Van Brunt, better known as Danny, is now a sophomore Communication Studies major concentrating in Multimedia Journalism and Media Production. He is also looking into a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies and perhaps another concentration in Communication Studies. Danny attended Scotch PlainsFanwood High School and was very involved with athletics. “I have always been involved with sports. I played football when I was in elementary school through high school, wrestled my final two years of high school and was on the track throwing team. I understand various sports, and that is why I'm interested in reporting about sports,” Van Brunt explained. Danny first found this interest when he was in high school and met a teacher who introduced him to his broadcast journalism course. His name was Douglas Hooper, and he inspired Danny to pursue a career in communication studies. “In his class we had to manage Raider News, which was the longest running student newscast in the nation. He managed it his whole career and kept everything on tape. My junior year, my class ran a monthly broadcast that was pre-recorded,” Van Brunt said. “For my senior year, my teacher upgraded the studio, influenced enough people to join to make two classes and that meant that we made weekly shows as well as monthly shows. It was such a great experience that I wanted to further my education in the field,” expressed Van Brunt. Danny found something similar here at Wilkes University, specifically within the Communication Studies Department. “I can say great things about all of the teachers. I think Dr. Stine resembles Mr. Hooper in a way. I appreciate him as a
teacher as well as Dr. Churcher. She has taught me so much because I had very little print journalism experience before Wilkes. Dr. Elmes-Crahall and Dr. Estwick have also been very supportive and willing to communicate with me. They are always available and straightforward, and I benefit from that because I trust them,” Van Brunt stated. Maybe Danny will take up rhetoric as a third concentration and meet Dr. Briceño and Professor Mellon. Danny is active at Wilkes University. He has been part of Wilkes Now, the student run television station, for two years and is currently a sports reporter. Van Brunt has also been a staff member of The Beacon, the student run newspaper, for two years and is currently their Assistant Sports Editor. “I came to Wilkes because I wanted to get involved with television. Journalism is closely related, and that is why I'm
studying that too,” Van Brunt said. Van Brunt also had a part-time job during the fall semester. Danny works at the local Rita’s, just over the bridge in Kingston, throughout the fall semester because he works at the works Rita’s near his house over the summer. “My brother works with me too. It's just that perfect part-time job for a college student,” Van brunt aforesaid. Danny enjoys both writing and creating videos to tell stories about sports events and sports news. However, he is not limited to just sports. “I also enjoy other news, too,” Danny clarified. Hopefully in ten years we will see Danny on the sidelines of the sports events.
The best of luck goes out to you!
Photo Courtey: Danny Van Brunt
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Communication Studies Department
February 2016
Controlling Spin class launches Wilkes on Washington blog about the 2016 campaign By: Justin Topa A number of Communication Studies students are spending their spring semester enrolled within a course dedicated to Political Spin. The political spin course, taught by Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, aims to critically analyze the rhetoric of presidential candidates and evaluate perceptions of the candidates throughout a number of demographics. While the students enrolled within the course are of the millennial generation, their goal throughout the semester is to comparatively analyze their thoughts and opinions among younger and older generations of voters. While students are expected to be experts across the board in terms of presidential candidates, each student is responsible for paying close attention to one candidate and one source of news, in particular. Sarah Bedford, a junior at Wilkes University, decided to take Spin because she wanted to combine her interest in political science with communication studies. “I have always followed elections closely and thought this class may expand my understanding of the role media plays in shaping election years,” said Bedford.
Bedford finds the political spin course significant beyond just her general interest, and finds that all young voters could find value in similar analyses. “This class is so important, not just to someone who studies communications, but to anyone who wants to be adequately informed of the issues because we do have news sources that feed our political bias,” said Bedford. “As a society, I don't think we're well informed of how our selectivity of news and media shape our perceptions and, with a race as tight and as unique as this, it's only more important to be educated.” Annelise Przywara is a junior within the department of communication studies. She has recently finished working with a state representative, which has sparked her interest in the political public relations and media fields. “I hope that this class can provide me with more knowledge regarding the media and the way in which it operates during a Presidential campaign,” explained Przywara. “I also hope that this knowledge of media could help prepare me to handle and address the media in a political manner in a possible future career.” Przywara also noted the significane of this particular presidential campaign for current college students and the millennial generation.
“This will be the first election that is going to effect us in our professional careers as opposed to being students in all the past elections,” said Przywara. “Policies regarding things such as taxes or healthcare are going to become much more important aspects of our lives. From a general standpoint, this election does not have an incumbent so the competition is wide open and there could be several historic outcomes, such as a female, Jewish or Hispanic president.” Bedford also finds this election year to be one of great importance. She finds the candidates running and the way in which the general public is handling this election to be unique. “While arguably we have quite a few radical ideologies present, we do have a unique opportunity to really change our country,” said Bedford. “It's amazing how involved in this election young voters are and just how much attention the general American public is giving to this election cycle.” To convey their thoughts and analyses, students have set up a website in which they identify themselves as “Wilkes on Washington”.
This website can be found via WilkesOnWashington.com.
Dates to Remember March 19 VIP Day April 14 Embrace a Child’s Roast and Toast April 15 Tom Bigler Journalism Conference Follow us on the department’s Facebook page at: http://www.faceook.com/wilkescommunicationstudies Page 12