Volume 5
Communication Studies Department
April 2015
THE MEDIUM A quarterly newsletter serving Wilkes University students, faculty, alumni, and friends.
Welcome to the 15th annual Wilkes Communication Studies Department’s Tom Bigler Journalism Conference By: Dr. Kalen Churcher
Greetings, and welcome to the 15th annual Tom Bigler Journalism Conference. The conference was designed to introduce high school and college students to media-related careers including, but not limited to, print and online journalism, broadcasting, public relations and radio production. This year’s conference theme is Global Journalism and Diversity, two topics that were incredibly important to the event’s namesake, Tom Bigler. Bigler was a former Wilkes University professor and a pioneer in local journalism, including radio, TV and print. He loved journalism, his community and teaching students. Thus, this year, an effort was made to educate students by pulling from the talents and media richness of the region. As the faces of our communities and
our nation continue to change, we believe this year’s theme to be particularly relevant. No matter what a person’s career path may be, he or she will, no doubt, be asked in the future to work in a diverse and global environment. Photojournalist Jim Gavenus, our keynote speaker for this year, has spent years documenting some of that diversity. Originally from Kingston, Pa., Gavenus is an award-winning, internationally known documentary photographer whose work has taken him from back roads in the deep south to earthquake-shattered Haiti. More than 50 of his pieces on the history of the Civil Rights Movement are displayed in Selma, Ala., at the National Voting Rights Museum. He recently returned from Selma, Ala., covering the anniversary of the Selma marches. His awards include the Gordon Parks Documentary Photographer of the Year.
He currently teaches photography, lectures and exhibits photography throughout the United States. In addition to featuring Gavenus, the conference includes two sessions of speakers and a high school journalism competition. In the speaker sessions, one group will speak specifically to mediarelated professions while another will address more directly the conference theme. The day will conclude with a series of hands-on workshops led by industry professionals. There is a misconception by some people that journalism is a dying profession. However, many professionals are likely to challenge that idea, saying instead that this is an exciting time to be engaged with the journalistic process. Our goal with the conference is to share some of that excitement with the high school and college students in attendance.
The Beacon, student-run newspaper, wins three Keystone Press Awards By: Justin Topa
Five members of The Beacon staff have been chosen as recipients for the statewide Keystone Press Awards for the 2014 calendar year. Shawn Carey, The Beacon’s social media director and a senior within the Department of Communication Studies, won first place in the “Personality Profile” category for his piece entitled “Fighting ALS: How one professor’s brave fight is inspiring a whole campus”. Elyse Guziewicz, a freshman within the English Department, was awarded second place within the “column writing” category for a series of three columns. James Jaskolka, editor-in chief and a junior in the Department of Communication Studies, Sarah Bedford, Page 1
Pictured above are the staff members who won awards. Seated from left: sarah Bedford, James Jaskolka and Alyssa Mursch Standing: Elyse Guziewicz, Shawn Carey and faculty advisor Dr. Kalen Churcher.
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Communication Studies Department
April 2015
Alumni Update: Andy Mehalshick, ‘83 By: Alyssa Stencavage
After nearly 40 years in the broadcast industry, Andy Mehalshick has covered plenty of stories involving plenty of people, in plenty of places. Mehalshick is the lead I-Team Member for WBRE/WYOU Eyewitness News, and has been at WBRE for about 30 years. Throughout the years, Mehalshick has pretty much seen it all – from his first professional radio job at WQEQEXPX in Hazleton in 1982 to a full-time position at WBRE and the positions at a Sunday afternoon newspaper and WNEP in between. As a result of hard work and dedication to the field of journalism, he was part of two team-based Emmy nominations for best newscasts – one in 2014 for the Ross Township shooting and another in 1995. Other individual awards include Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasting, for his coverage of the Sandusky scandal, and the Kids for Cash scandal. Mehalshick said an Emmy Award requires something special. It looks beyond the sound bites and process of the everyday news-gathering process – at the achievement and impact on the community level. “Every day isn’t an Emmy, but you know when something is above the fray,” he said. He said the meaning is in acknowledgment by those who are empathetic of journalistic challenges. “The public may see what you do and appreciate what you do, but for those in the business, it means you’ve gone above and beyond,” he said. “It recognizes your professional achievement. Everyone once in a while, there’s a story you do – it may be the same story everyone else did – but whether it be your presentation, maybe you took it a step further, that your colleagues in the academy of sciences – it made them stop and say, ‘wow’.” Despite his appreciation to others for noticing a job well-done, he said the awards are not at the forefront of his thoughts when he sets out to do a story – and they’re certainly not everything. “When you’re doing a story, in the heat of the battle, you’re not thinking about awards, you’re thinking about doing the Page 2
best job you can as a journalist,” Mehalshick said. Mehalshick has had several opportunities to advance in his career, such as Pittsburgh and Buffalo. But there were other factors involved, like family and his love of working and living in the area. He believes he did more for his career by staying true to his heart and staying local. He may be making strides in journalism every day, but through it all, Mehalshick remembers his college roots. His experience at the radio station had a profound impact on his career, and he credits his Communication Studies Faculty mentor, Dr. Bradford Kinney, as well as Political Science professors, for being significant mentors during his time at Wilkes. As a “student of the news,” with the intent to attend law school, current events were always a big hit for him. In fact, that love isn’t far from what you’ll find him doing now – covering legal incidents, crimes, and more – on a daily basis. Simply paying it forward underscores Mehalshick’s passion for broadcast. “In this business, yeah, you got your stories that you face every day to feed the beast,” he said. “But there are so many more mornings when you wake up and say, ‘what can I do today to make a difference?’” That is the question at the heart of what he loves about his career. Some of the best examples of stories that have allowed him to do that include an Internet Predator Sting story in 2006/2007, which took six sexual predators off the streets, a story in which he helped bring nationwide attention to a system for placing foreign exchange students in local homes, and the
Photo Credit: Andy Mehalshick
Kids for Cash scandal – which allowed him to get the word out for children in the area. “When you get more experience, you become your own franchise,” Mehalshick said. Mehalshick counteracts the claim that broadcast is a dying element: “It’s not dead yet.” While he certainly believes the tables will turn for broadcast, he just as firmly believes there will always be a place for it – because there will always be those who admire the good old television screen. “It may be on your wristwatch. It’ll be more accessible and on different platforms,” he said. “I don’t think we can imagine what platforms are yet to be invented.” And to students who may wish to pursue the industry, he said take the bad with the good and “keep your eye on the ball”. “Prepare yourself and learn everything you can about the business. Keep your options open. Do what it takes to get what you want.” Most importantly, “be willing to do anything” – and remember, “you can’t move up until you get in.”
Communication Studies Department
April 2015
TBJC Keynoter: Jim Gavenus, A Snapshot Into Social Change By: Rasha Shaker
Jim Gavenus, this year’s Bigler Conference keynote speaker, has a way of capturing humanity within the confines of a single frame. Jim is a Kingston native, graduating from Wyoming Valley West. After high school, he received a B.A. in Communications at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Jim received an applied science degree for photography at Daytona Beach State College, formally called the Southeast School of Photography/ DBCC. Currently, Jim operates Gavenus Photography where he works for a variety of clients in the areas of photojournalism, portraiture, weddings, advertising and music. Travelling all over, he has taken pictures of the homeless, the hungry and the hopeful. This year, Jim ventured down to Selma, Alabama for the 50th anniversary of the civil rights march that occurred over the bridge to the town. Eager to speak to hopeful journalists, Jim will tell them stories of change and sacrifice - all for the greater good. How does photography tell a story, that perhaps writing or speaking cannot? Pictures leave a lasting impact on people. [People] might not remember a quote or an entire story. Someone can tell you a child is hungry, but when you see a face you can’t turn away from it.
Explain how you sense the “moment” when a shot captures a unique perspective. I don’t know if we do. For me, I’m not a photographer that shoots and leaves. I spend time with people I shoot. I’m able to read body language, how they act. I look for expression. What would you like to tell future journalists, including the students at the Bigler Conference? The one thing I try to tell people is, if you’re going to do that kind of work, do it for the right reason. Don’t take advantage or exploit people. We cannot lose sight of treating them with respect and dignity. It’s not natural to go into a stranger’s home to learn their dark stories. Maintain respect and dignity and they’ll see that and be more likely to open up to you. What was it like going to Selma on the 50th anniversary of the civil right’s march? I’ve been going to Selma for 15 years for anniversaries and other times of the year. There were approximately 80,000 to 100,000 people this year. I thought it was pretty incredible to celebrate that.
Photo Courtesy: Jim Gavenus
How did you become a photographer? Why this kind? It’s really strange. I never thought I’d be doing this kind of photography. I met a homeless guy at Daytona Beach. I took pictures of him and he showed me where they lived and I began photographing them. I’m learning things other people don’t know, and so I’m sharing that so others know. What are some things that you will be covering at the conference? I was asked to talk about the civil rights project, and I will introduce other photographers who do similar work. I’ll talk about how to start a project. These projects come with great sacrifice, it’s money out of your own pocket. It’s an emotional strain. You can’t see these events and go home and have a night’s sleep. Respect and dignity are what Jim swears by when it comes to photographing people and events. In journalism, a reporter should adhere to those words even if their story is written. As keynote speaker, Jim Gavenus will share much more, teaching each student what matters most in this line of work - change for the betterment of others. You can find his work on his website, gavenusphoto. com and see for yourself the power of a photograph.
Photo Courtesy: Jim Gavenus
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Communication Studies Department
A Number of Alumni Honored with Emmy Awards By: Shawn Carey, Marisa Farronato, Cara Basile, Amanda Fulk
Winning awards seems like something that has become quite the tradition for alumni of the Communication Studies department here at Wilkes. Winning and being nominated for Emmy awards is the ultimate honor for those in the broadcasting industry. Over the years, Wilkes alumni have won and been nominated for a total of around 17 awards. Nominees have a wide range of backgrounds. Whether they are just beginning their career or have been working for 30+, one thing is always the same, it is an honor to be nominated by such a prestigious group. “ It's an honor to be nominated not because the award would have been be a cool thing to win, but because I can say I was nominated along with a terrific team,” said Anthony Dorunda ‘11. Dorunda was nominated for his work at WKRC-TV Local 12 news in Cincinnati for Best Evening Newscast in a medium market in 2013. For him he did not expect to be nominated, but says with the nomination came reassurance that he was in the right career field. “What it really did for me is give me the assurance I needed that I am in the right business,” Dorunda said. “Getting an Emmy nomination in my first year as a news producer really allowed me to sit back and say, 'Hey, this is what I was meant to do.'” He says he owes a lot of his success to the education he received while he was at Wilkes. “I wouldn't say it was the books and the classes -- but the extra curriculars and the professors,” Dorunda said. “I was pushed -- even dared -- to do things outside of my comfort zone.” Through his short career, Dorunda says he is extremely proud to be where he is and what he has already accomplished in such a short career. “I sincerely believe that it was because of the push from the professors at Wilkes to do things you wouldn't be comfortable with that I can say I say I am the 11pm producer at one of the highest rated CBS newscasts in the country.” Dorunda may be just starting his career, Page 4
April 2015
but for another Wilkes alumnus and fellow Emmy nominee and winner, Andy Mehalshick, he is just as humble as Dorunda when it comes to Emmy nominations and wins. Andy Mehalshick graduated from Wilkes in 1983 with a degree in Political Science, but it was an offer from a fellow student that got him a radio show on WCLH 90.7 FM. The rest is history. Mehalshick is currently the lead I-Team investigative reporter for Eyewitness News for more than 30 years. He has been honored with Emmy nominations, and also many wins. Mehalshick has also taken Many Wilkes alumni win Emmy awards for their hard work. home awards from the Pennsylvania Association said, “Wasn’t about the recognition but of Broadcasting for his the service she was providing for the work on the Sandusky Scandal and the community.” Kids for Cash scandal. Mehalshick says Kyla Campbell is a television not every story or news show is Emmy broadcaster who had an Emmy nomination worthy. for “Continuing Coverage” of Flood “Every day isn’t an Emmy, but you Watch of 2011 with WBRE (63HRS. of know when something is above the fray,” coverage) Mehalshick said. Other Wilkes alumni who won Emmy Mehalshick says that he does not worry awards are Kathy Bozinski ‘XX, anchor about the award nominations, but rather for WBRE 1997, Mid-Atlantic Emmy focusing on the story at hand and how to for Best Regional Newscast. Frank make it better than the competition. Tomaszewski ‘99, Executive Producer “When you’re doing a story, in the heat at WCAU-TV, 2005 for a Mid-Alantic of the battle, you’re not thinking about Emmy. Tom Lavan ‘99, technical director awards, you’re thinking about doing won five Emmys from ESPN, including the best job you can as a journalist,” “Outistanding Show/Daily for Sports Mehalshick said. Center” in 2003; Technical Effects For anyone who has been nominated for Sports Center, 2003; Outstnding or won an Emmy award, it is certainly an Weekly for Sunday Countdown, 2003; experience that they will not soon forget. Outstanding Daily Show, Sports Center, Wilkes has become a school with a 2004; and Outstanding Weekly Sunday strong foundation for producing high NFL Countdown, 2006. quality journalism from alumni with More Wilkes alumni who were strong integrity and an ethical approach to nominated are Jason Evans ‘00, freelance journalism. producer and photographer, for a Daytime Receiving prestigious awards for hard Emmy in Outstanding Travel Program, work is nice but relaying information “Awesome Adventure,” 2004 and Brian when it matters is what matters. Nalesnik ‘90, director, nominated for When asked how much it meant to Countdown with Keith Olbermann have Kyla Campball ‘03 to have her ESPN2, 2014. work recognized by the Emmys she
Communication Studies Department
April 2015
Q and A with Dr. Stine about the Dept. Revised Curriculum By: Adam Lubas The Communication Studies Department decided in 2013 to bring the Department curriculum into the 21st century. Now, beginning the fall semester of 2015, Communication Studies will have a revised curriculum. Dr. Mark Stine, Chair of the Communication Studies Department spoke about the mission, changes, and the benefits of the new curriculum. Q: How does this new curriculum help advance students? Dr. Stine: “The new curriculum creates depth and breath for new students so that they can experience what is typical in today’s communication industries. Industries are looking for students to know a much wider area of knowledge, in which many communications areas crossover in a profession. Our new curriculum creates a cutting edge hands-on experience that benefits our students. We have renamed each one of our tracks to better reflect what the industry considers
to be beneficial and more encompassing. The new curriculum aligns with broader University goals and poises us for more interaction among the concentrations.”
Q: What are some changes to the requirements? Dr. Stine: We reduced class concentration requirements from 3 to 2 classes and we reduced elective requirements and from 3 to 2 classes. We eliminated writing requirements and brought classes into the department core, to increase the depth and breath. The only additions were 2 practicum credits for students to make sure that students participate in the co-curricular in their areas of concentration. Q: Does participation in practicum credit benefit students? Dr. Stine: “Absolutely! It ensures that students will come out of program with experience in the industry. In addition, they will receive a grade that will add to the seriousness of the co-curricular.”
Q: For current Communications majors in the older curriculum, should they change to the updated curriculum? Dr. Stine: “Current majors have the opportunity to choose their program of study—either stay with the requirements in place when they enrolled or move into the new curriculum. For current juniors and seniors I am advising them to stay in their current program. I am advising freshmen and sophomores to go with the new curriculum. We will be flexible over the next year to two years, to make sure it is hassle free to graduate in the old curriculum.” Q: With the changing industry is this revised curriculum set in stone? Dr. Stine: “Currently, we have a progressive curriculum that is very reflective of what is happening now in the industry. With that in mind, the curriculum is not static, so in the future we will make minor changes to stay up to date. We think it is key for our students and the classes
Alumni Update: Mike DaRe, ‘93, takes position overseas By: Tyler Thomas
Earlier this year, 2003 Wilkes Communication Studies graduate, Mike DaRe, was named the Head of Public Relations and Influencer for the Global Brand Marketing of Johnnie Walker. With that promotion, DaRe and his family moved to Amsterdam in The Netherlands to direct the global branding of Johnnie Walker, the most widely distributed brand of blended Scotch whiskey in the world. With this move into directing global brand marketing, DaRe is enjoying himself. “Amsterdam is a great city. It’s a very adaptable place. Dutch is the national language, but everyone I have met speaks English. It is a very welcoming city,” said DaRe. Always one to tackle challenges, DaRe notes that while, “It was a major career move, personally my decision to accept the position is going to open up a world of adventure that I don’t know I would have been able to give my children otherwise.” As many current seniors look ahead
Photo Courtesy: Mike DaRe
for career guidance, Mike was quick to explain how a professional work ethic and leadership can guide a career path. Upon graduating from Wilkes in 2003, DaRe, who was a member of the Varsity Football Team and member of the Zebra Board, was hired at Taylor Strategy, a mid-sized PR firm based in New York City. For four years DaRe managed multiple accounts
and gained “the most valuable experience of my career,” he explained. In 2006, DaRe was picked to open Taylor’s West Coast office in Los Angeles. When asked to reflect on why his career has been defined by a series of promotions, DaRe said, “I give a lot of credit to the leadership success I had in football and other sports. I feel that my ability to create meaningful interpersonal relationships is key as well.” By 2009 DaRe returned to New York, where he worked in “Brand PR and Influencer Marketing” for Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business including spirits, beer and wine. Moving from a mid-sized agency to a corporation with 8,000 employees, DaRe noted the importance of interpersonal skills in managing brand marketing. “ For me, it’s always been about understanding what other people are going through, and how my goals align with the goals of other employees. It’s a
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Communication Studies Department
April 2015
Dr. Evene Estwick: a Leader of Diversity for Wilkes Awarded a Scripps Howard Academic Leadership Fellowship By: Justin Topa, Macey McGuire and Nicole Zukowski
Dr. Evene Estwick, associate professor within the department of Communication Studies, has been inducted as one of eighteen national members of the annual Scripps Howard Academic Leadership Academy. The academy, co-sponsored by the Scripps Howard Foundation and the Manship School, brings together academics and professionals to learn administrative strategies and gain insight into academic leadership. The professors, administrators and communication professionals will meet from June 7-11 at Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication. Due to the level of interest for a position in this year’s fellowship program, those who have been accepted were chosen based on having the top skills in their field. Estwick’s qualifications were a large part of her acceptance. Estwick is the second of two members of the Department of Communication Studies to be invited to participate in this national fellowship. Dr. Kalen Churcher, assistant professor and Wilkes University graduate, was also selected to attend in the summer of 2012. “It’s a great opportunity. I’m so thrilled that Dr. Estwick is going to be participating,” Dr. Churcher said.
Photo Credit: Dr. Evene Estwick
While engaging with leaders and future leaders from around the nation, mid-career academics and professionals will meet with seasoned administrators to learn about management, discuss the future of media education and consider issues critical to those interested in or new to leadership roles. Dr. Churcher explained what the adgenda of the days are like, “You listen to speakers, do activies, and attend workshops. There you talk about everything from classes and curriumlum to conflict management and how to market your program better.” Nearly 100 participants have graduated from the academy and hold various administrative positions at institutions
around the country including the University of Maryland, the University of Florida, The Pennsylvania State University and Northwestern. The fellowship is centered around matters of leadership. “Dr. Estwick is a leader, not just in our department on diversity but on this campus when it comes to diversity and reaching out to students with stuff like that” Dr. Churcher said. Being a leader in diversity might not be the first thing someone thinks about when it comes to leadership but it is certainly an area that matters. “Leadership comes in alot of different ways. One doesn’t have to be a department chair nessarily to be a good leader,” Dr. Churcher finished.
said she is excited about the recognition her staff has received. “I’m thrilled to see the students being recognized for their hard work,” said Churcher, who also serves as a professor within the department of Communication Studies. “It’s quite an accomplishment for The Beacon to be recognized with not one, but three awards. It says a lot for the paper, the communication studies department and the university overall.” Churcher also pointed out that The Beacon award recipients and the staff in general span over a variety of concentrations and can be rewarding to students regardless of the field they’re studying.
According to Churcher, who has worked professionally in the journalism field since 1998, the Keystone Press Awards are seen as prestigious and are well known to industry professionals. The assistant professor looks to the future as an opportunity for further Beacon success. “All of The Beacon staffers have worked hard this semester. I’m so proud of everyone and the effort they’ve put into making changes to the paper,” added Churcher. “I’m really looking forward to what’s in store for the future.” For more information on the award recipients or the rest of The Beacon staff, visit their staff profiles via TheWilkesBeacon.com.
Beacon Awards Cont. Continued from page 1 news editor and sophomore political science and communication studies major and Alyssa Mursch, sophomore, were awarded an Honorable Mention for their continued, on-going news coverage regarding the loss of a Colonel, Jonathan Ratchko. The Keystone Press Awards are open to all Pennsylvania higher education institutions. The Beacon staff members competed against all statewide institutions with 10,000 or fewer students. Dr. Kalen Churcher, faculty advisor for the award-winning campus newspaper, Page 6
Communication Studies Department
April 2015
More opportunities added to the 15th annual TBJC By: Nicole Zukowski global journalism and diversity For the past 15 years, the Tom Bigler Journalism Conference has been progressing to bring high school students interested in the field of communications a chance to gain handson experience through workshop panels and the opportunity to ask questions to professionals. This conference also acts as a networking opportunity for current students to connect with alumni and professionals. Each year the conference organizers set goals to improve the previous year’s and add new aspects to the conference that will improve the overall experience. This year, the TBJC is themed around global journalism. The world is fast-paced and expanding everyday. Learning and exploring the diversity career options, varies cultures and legal media laws is important to anyone who is looking to enter the field of communications. “We (organizing committee) decided to change how the conference is organized this year,” Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Dr. Kalen Churcher said. The keynote speaker will speak at 10:20 A.M. in the Henry Student Center Ballroom. This differs from previous years when the keynoter spoke at the very start of the conference. This year, the keynoter is Jim Gavenus. Gavenus is an award-winning photojournalist whose work has been on exhibit throughout the United States. Gavenus currently lectures and teaches photography. The change in time is because in past
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Последние новости: за рубежом. застрелен полицией. Трансгендерных самоубийство. Расовой напряженности растут в Фергюсон. ведро льда повышает осведомленность и пожертвования для исследования. РЕЙС пропадает. ТЕЛЕФОНЫ взломан, ФОТО ОСВОБОЖДЕН. Робин Уильямс найден мертвым. Эбола ВСПЫШКА пугает народ. Последние новости: за рубежом. застрелен полицией.Трансгендерных самоубийство. Расовой напряженности растут в Фергюсон. ведро льда повышает осведомленность и пожертвования для исследования. РЕЙС пропадает. ТЕЛЕФОНЫ взломан, ФОТО ОСВОБОЖДЕН. Робин Уильямс найден мертвым. 最新消息：攻方式海外。 جراخلانومجاهي. ةطرشلا صاصرب. ايسنج نيلوحتملا راحتنالا. تاعربتلاو يعولا ةدايز يف ومنت ةيقرعلا تارتوتلا警察。性人自。种族关系生在。 斗挑引起重， ثاحبأل. نيدوقفملا نع ينغو ةلحرلا زنيالريا ايزيلام. ريهاشملا فتاوه捐款的研究。来西航空公司的航班去。名人， قارتخا، ترشن يتلا روصلا. اتيم هيلع رثع. فيخي عافدنا الوبيإ. 照片放。死亡。埃博拉爆恐慌。拉拉·素福扎伊 مالسلل لبون ةزئاج زوفت يز فسوي الالم. يناثلا سلوب انحوي ابابلا尔和平。教宗若望保禄二世册封。拉脱接受 بوط. ةلمعك ورويلا لدبتست ايفتال. افيفلا زوفت ايناملأ. تايالولا后。德国。美国宣布空在叙利。最新消息： ايروس يف ةلمح ةيوج ةراغ نلعت ةدحتملا. جراخلانومجاهي. ةطرشلا صاصرب. 攻方式海外。警察。性人自。种族关系生 نيلوحتملا راحتنالا ايسنج. ةدايز يف ومنت ةيقرعلا تارتوتلا在。 斗挑引起重，捐款的研究。来西 航空公司的航班去。名人，照片放 ثاحبأل تاعربتلاو يعولا. ايزيلام نيدوقفملا نع ينغو ةلحرلا زنيالريا. 。死亡。埃博拉爆恐慌。拉拉·素福扎 قارتخا ريهاشملا فتاوه، يتلا روصلا伊尔和平。教宗若望保禄二世册封。 Mashambulizi ترشن. اتيم هيلع رثع. عافدنا الوبيإ拉脱接受后。德国。美国宣布空在叙 risasi na kufa na POLISI. فيخي. الالم يز فسوي利。最新消息：攻方式海外。警察。 Mageuzi KUJIUA. Mvutano wa rangi 性人自。种 族关系生在。 لبون ةزئاج زوفت kukua KATIKA FERGUSON. huwafufua 斗挑 引起 مالسلل. ابابلا ufahamu NA MICHANGO YA UTAFITI. نحوي Malaysia Airlines flight goes Kuacha. Celebrity
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#bigler15
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Photo Credit: Ashley Evert
The theme of this year’s Tom Bigler Journalism Conference is global journalism. years many high school students missed the keynote address due to late arrivals. Another new feature of this TBJC is the addition of “roving professionals” throughout the day. Dr. Churcher explains, “At lunch and during the workshops we have roving professionals.” The purpose of these wandering people is to allow for what Dr. Churcher described to be a “laid-back and low key” opportunity to network. “Several of the roving professionals are Wilkes alumni and some of the other speakers will be roaming around if students want to ask them questions,” Dr. Churcher said. The conference has centered the theme around global journalism but it is
organized to include all concentrations of communication studies such as broadcast, radio and public relations. All areas of the communication field deal with some form of global interaction. In the last session offered for the day, one of the panels is a Wilkes student question and answer panel. This panel gives high school students a chance to talk directly to current students about life here at Wilkes in the Communication Studies along with being part of other activities and the Wilkes community as a whole. Overall the changes made to the TBJC are in hopes of allowing a more open and inviting environment to the close to 200 high school students planning on attending.
Professionals speaking at TBJC -Bob Kalinowski, reporter, Citizen’s Voice
-Kathy Bozinski, director of marketing and communication, United Way
-Amada Belcher, vice president, Edelman
-George Spohr, executive editor, Times Leader and Alicia Johnson, sports editor, Times Leader
-Jill Wydra, assistant marketing director, Entercom Communications
-Prospector, radio personality, Rock 107
-Jayne Ann Bugda, senior producer and web producer, WBRE/WYOU
-Jon Meyer, anchor, WNEP
-Gabriel LeDonne: news desk manger, Latin American Financials
-Andy Mehalshick, lead investigative reporter of the Eyewitness News I-Team, WBRE/WYOU
-Christina Zabih, moderator and on-air talent of Tu Voz Con Christina, Pocono 96.7 and 97.3 radio
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Communication Studies Department
April 2015
Alumni Update: Wayne Henninger, ‘93 By:Marcus Leaf
Climbing the Ladder to Success
Former Wilkes University alumnus, Wayne Henninger, continues to climb the ladder of success as he breaks away from interviewing NBA champions, owning a PR firm and writing books to accepting the Senior Communications Executive position at Little League International. Henninger graduated magna cum laude from Wilkes University in the early 90s when he majored in Communication Studies with a focus in public relations and telecommunications. At Wilkes, he found himself part of two clubs IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) and “Wilkes Today”— the university’s news broadcast show at the time. Henninger was also a member of the Wilkes Men’s Basketball team, which all turned out to be the perfect combination for the young opportunistic student athlete. At the end of Wayne’s senior year he received an internship with the Detroit Pistons organization which was made possible by former Pistons General Manager Jack McCloskey. McCloskey grew up in the same area as Henninger in Mahanoy City, Pa. Both Wayne’s family and McCloskey’s family knew each other. The internship entailed a lot of long hours and a lot of hard work, however that did not stop the ambitious young man from striving for greatness. Wayne’s hard work eventually paid off. His internship within the Pistons’ public relations department blossomed into a position on the staff. The department had Henninger handling game-day media, assuring celebrities were taken care of, and writing for the team’s magazine, The Pistons Insider. In that role, he got to interview some of the NBA’s greatest players such as Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, and Charles Barkley. Not only was he fortunate enough to interview these stars, but he also got to sit in on the Pistons practices and build relationships with the team’s stars such as Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman. Learning how a professional team runs their organization, internally and physically on the court, was only the first step to a long and successful Page 8
One of Wayne’s best opportunities came from Little League International in Williamsport, Pa. Henninger worked on media relations initiatives and wrote detailed communication audits, where he examined the organization’s communication efforts. After being an independent publicist for twelve years, Wayne accepted the position from Little League International for Senior Communications Executive in 2013, making the organization a priority rather than one client among many. Little League Photo Courtey: Wayne Henninger International is a nonprofit organization, which organizes local career in sports public relations. youth baseball and softball leagues After leaving the Pistons organization, throughout the U.S. and the rest of the Henninger moved to the nation’s capital world. Henninger supervises the entire in Washington, DC, to start his own PR communications department that is tasked firm, WAVE public relations. He was to share the meaning of Little League a columnist for the Sports Business International to players and parents in over Journal, where he got the opportunity 80 countries and every U.S. state. The to write about athletes, coaches and big department is staffed by 10 people who time companies such as Nike. During handle all media relations, social media, that time, Wayne also found himself to website initiatives, graphic design, all be a contributing writer for ESPN- The internal and external communications, as Magazine, where he pieced together well as several newsletters. stories about sports and entertainment The organization recently celebrated stars such as Ludacris, Carlos Santana the 75th anniversary of Little League and Kristi Yamaguchi. He was elected to International. For this milestone, the PR the Board of the American Independent department setup the Jackie Robinson Writers and was also a member of the West Little League team, winners of the Bethesda Writers Center where he studied U.S. Championship, with a chance to meet under respected author Barbara Esstman. with President Obama and the First Lady After Wayne separated from during this year’s Little League World WAVE PR in 2001, he went on to write Series. several novels, two of which are up for Wayne’s department also handled the submission, HOPE LOST and HANDS, media relations for that event, which saw and to build his communications Little League appear in every U.S. market consulting business. Being an independent in every medium. publicist, Wayne went on to work with Wayne and his wife have three children some of the top brands and companies who will potentially have a chance to such as Chevrolet, Cadillac, Army climb the ladder of success like their National Guard, The Weather Channel, father. and U.S. Department of State among a few others.
Communication Studies Department
September 2014
The Colonels of Comm. Studies: Amanda Kornak By: Ashely Evert
Amanda Kornak, a junior Communication Studies major with minors in Dance and Women’s and Gender Studies, is studying abroad this semester in Australia at the University of New South Wales. What classes are you taking and how do you like them? “I’m taking four classes: Life of Words, Music on My Mind, Intercultural Interactions, and Indigenous material culture. The classes meet once per week for a two hour lecture, then once per week for a one hour tutorial,” Amanda said. Her Life of Words class is a creative writing class. “I never thought I was a writer but I’m really enjoying this class—a lot more than I ever imagined,” she said. The Music on My Mind class is a psychology class about music. “We’re not conducting studies, we’re the participants in it. We take a survey once a week and there’s a listening lounge where there are puzzles that you do while you listen to music, when you’re done, you answer the survey,” she said. On the Intercultural Interactions class, Amanda said that it is similar to the Intercultural Communication class at Wilkes, but “taking it in another country adds another element to it.” The Indigenous material culture class is, according to Amanda, “all about Aboriginal people in Australia. It’s really cool because we go to museums at least four times [throughout the semester]. It’s a good way to learn about the history of Australia without taking a history course.” How does the environment at UNSW compare to Wilkes? “There are more students at UNSW (50,516) than the entire population of Wilkes-Barre (41,108), but the lectures aren’t as big as I was expecting—they range from to 12 to 200 students. I definitely don’t see the same faces twice,” Amanda said. As far as food goes, Amanda said that it could be worse but is definitely “not like the food back home.” She specifically notes a Burger King variation called
Hungry Jacks and a Burger King/Dunkin Donuts mash-up called “Donut King.” She notes her initial confusion with stores that have the same names as the ones in the States, but sell different things. “There’s a Kohl’s, but it’s spelled with a ‘c’ and it’s a grocery store, Lowe’s is a sporting goods store, and people call McDonald’s ‘Macca’s’ not ‘Mickey D’s’,” she said.
Have you gone through culture shock at all? “The first night I got here, I came at 7:00pm and I was exhausted. I didn’t know anyone, not one person. The plane was stressful because my flight got cancelled. I stayed overnight at a hotel in Dallas, which was the first time I ever checked into a hotel by myself. It was really stressful,” Amanda recounted. “I’m the kind of person who has music or the TV on and I didn’t have either of those in this new country, all alone. I was starving and so thirsty when I got here but I had a box of teabags with no cup or food,” she remembered. “I remember I heard Miley Cyrus playing somewhere that night and immediately felt better,” she laughed. While the first night was stressful for her, Amanda has adjusted quickly and said that the language barrier wasn’t a big deal and that she’s already used to the accents. What’s the most exciting cultural experience you’ve had so far? “Probably Gay Mardi Gras. Sydney has the biggest Gay Mardi Gras parade in the world. Everyone here was so supportive of it—everything shut down. The parade started at 7:30 and busses stopped running at 6,” she said. Amanda also mentioned her experience trying Vegemite. “I wanted to try it, so at dinner one night, I took a piece of bread, toasted it, slathered butter all over it and put the tiniest bit of Vegemite on it. It’s really strong and tasted like bad soy sauce,” she laughed. Have you gone on any adventures? “On the third day here, we went to
Photo Credit: Amanda Kornak
Since her time at UNSW in Australia, Amanda has explored many iconic Australian sites such as the Opera House seen above. Coogee Beach and walked from there to Bondi Beach (two hours) all along the coast and it was gorgeous. I’ve also gone to the Opera House and the Aquarium so far.” What would you say to students who are thinking about studying abroad? “Oh my god, go! Go, go, go and don’t look back! You can’t talk yourself out of it, even if you’re scared the first couple of days – you’ll have the best time of your life. You’ll meet people from all over the world and learn so much. I have a friend from Sweden and we played the Swedish version of Go Fish. It’s an amazing experience to be away from everyone you know at home and be on your own,” she said. “It’s so relaxing because there’s no drama yet because we’re only here for a short amount of time. It’s like a giant vacation for yourself, by yourself. You learn so much about yourself, too. I’m definitely growing up a lot from this. There are so many opportunities to grow and change and figure out who you want to be,” she said. Page 9
Communication Studies Department
Alumni Update: Jill Wydra, 06 By: Alec Wizar On April 10th, The Wilkes University Communications Studies Department will host the 15th annual Tom Bigler Journalism Conference This conferencewill feature themerelated panels with successful alumni who are working professionally in the communications field. Among the alumni will be Jill Wydra, assistant marketing director of Entercom Communications. In her time at Wilkes, Wydra completed a concentration in public relations and a minor in Business, which aided with marketing and advertising. Throughout her time in Wilkes’ Communications Studies Department, Wydra actually worked part-time with Entercom, which made it much easier to apply what she was learning in the classroom to her actual work. Wydra also credits the faculty of the
Communication Studies Department for providing mentorship to her throughout her years as a student. The tightknit environment created within the department resonated with Wydra and greatly contributed to her college experience. She said, “Wilkes gave me the confidence that I needed to take that first step into the real world.” Nowadays, Wydra has become a mentor herself. Having always been a firm believer that internships are vital to securing a job post-graduation, Wydra has taken it upon herself to help out students in any way possible. Wydra believes that the best way to mentor someone is to let them see what it’s really like to work in the field. “To me, a successful form of mentoring would be having a student shadow me for a week to see what all I have to do and exactly what it takes to plan an event,”
April 2015
Wydra added. When it comes to advice for current students, Wydra stresses the importance of the real world experience gained through internships. She also expressed the need to remain humble enough to start at the bottom with low pay, because it will pay off down the road.
Photo Credit: Entercom Communications
PRSSA host a workshop with Directors of ArtsQuest By: Stephanie Hahn
Zebra Communications and Wilkes PRSSA chapter hosted a workshop with ArtsQuest on March 31st in the Miller Room of the Student Union Building. ArtsQuest is a Non-profit Organization located in the Lehigh Valley. They are well known for the ArtsQuest Center at the Steel Stacks and the Banana Factory Arts Education Center and are the non-profit behind Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA. PRSSA members had the chance to meet Hilary Harper, the director of internships, John Lunger, the director of marketing, and Nicole Dotta, director in new business partnerships. This gave PRSSA members a chance to talk to experienced individuals in the field. Senior PRSSA member, Talia Pantano, found the experience benificial, “getting to speak with the three members of ArtsQuest really gave me the opportunity to ask them questions about the field and what is expected in interviews.” Hilary, John,and Nicole were very encouraging, looking at student’s resumes and answering any questions the students had. The biggest advice they could give to the students was to get involved and make Page 10
Photo Credit: ArtsQuest
Photo Credit: Stephanie Hahn
Members of Wilkes University’s PRSSA chapter met with ArtsQuest directors for a workshop and insight into the arts and entertainment sector of public relations. connections in their community. They were generous in giving the students brochures about ArtsQuest and their business cards. Zebra
Communications gave Hilary, John and Nicole each a Zebra mug to thank them for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with the students.
Communication Studies Department
April 2015
Advanced Video class premieres “Lights Out” Murder Mystery By:Jennifer Magnotta
Communication Studies is one of the largest growing majors in college and requires a vast amount of knowledge after graduation. This knowledge stems from lectures and will mature with experience. In COM 322: Advanced Video Production, students are encouraged to tap into their creative toolboxes and get to work. This course is designed to be a lecture/lab styled class and is offered in the spring semester. Colleen O’Callaghan, a junior in the advanced video class said she likes the structure of the class. She enjoys the lecture on Mondays because it is an opportunity to ask questions that may need more explanation. “I think the lab portion is valuable. This is where we can apply what we are learning and get practice with it to really get a grasp on the material” O’Callaghan said. Dr. Mark Stine, Chair of the Communication Studies Department and Associate Professor of Communication Studies has taught this class for 12 years. He has also taught an exceptional amount of other courses at Wilkes. He said that this was one of the largest assignments in the class and that it was “a lot of fun, but it is a lot of work too.” Students had to use the concepts of video aesthetics learned in class and apply their knowledge in a meaningful way to create a three-part series. Students produced the three episode series titled “Lights Out!” directed by sophomore Annelise Przywara.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Magnotta
In COM 322: Advance Video Production, students have the chance to gain handson experience in scripting, producing, and editing videography “The show is a parody murder mystery in both the lecture section as well as the which features our class as the talent lab, are all working together as a team to besides being the behind the scenes crew. produce a final project. The show takes place in one day as each O’Callaghan said, “I think working of us is interrogated for the murder of together during the production was an our professor. I can't really say much experience in itself because that's just more without giving some spoilers,” what it is in the actual industry. The class O’Callaghan said. is beneficial; with what we have done so Dr. Stine hopes that the students far in the class, I think we've learned a learned to work as a team and to realize lot.” that in this industry problems arise at least This course is worth three credits and is once a day and it is all about how the team a study of the principles and techniques of handles the obstacle. He said the students video production. Scripting, producing and did a “particularly good job” working on editing videography are subjects covered and completing the project. extensively by this course. Each student The small class of only eight students, will produce several video productions.
Mike DaRe takes PR position in the Netherlands Cont. Continued from page 5
humanistic approach to management,” he explained. He defined “a PR and Global Brand Influencer” as someone who understands that it is not just the consumer who shapes sales. “I work with people who need to be influenced in order to get a particular sale, which includes the consumer and our sales force, who I have to motivate to go out and sell the product,” he said. When asked for insights into how the Wilkes Communication Studies Department and students can better prepare for the changing world of global
PR he was very happy to hear that we had a team-taught COM/IM class and suggested it should be permanent. “Also, bring in guest speakers to talk about brand marketing so students begin to understand what makes a brand tick,” he added. A stronger knowledge of business practice is needed. He suggest that soon-to-be-graduates who might be entering the job market in PR/Marketing should become mindful of how they make decisions about products. “Be open to what brands are doing to influence your decisions as a consumer. Think about what affects your
consumerism and it will give you insight into the world of brand marketing,” he advised. DaRe added, “Employers aren’t looking for someone coming right out of college to have a huge block of practical experience. What they are looking for is someone eager to learn and a base-line understanding of the industry.” His final suggestion, “Constantly have your antenna up and be open to do things that may not be exactly what you are looking for…you may find yourself in Amsterdam with stories that you will tell for the rest of your life.” Page 11
Communication Studies Department
Students spend their Spring Break exploring, learning in London
April 2015
Over the course of Spring Break 2015, students from the Department of Communication Studies, Integrated Media and Department of History spent time in London, England. The students, who received class credits for this trip, were able to tour a number of historical sites and museums as well as various organizations related to their field of study. This trip is offered to students on an annual basis and remains popular among students throughout the years. Photos Courtesy of Jimmy Musto
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