Communication Studies Department
Volume 2
October 2016
THE MEDIUM The Homecoming Edition
A quarterly newsletter serving Wilkes University students, faculty, alumni, and friends.
Communication Studies Department Welcomes Alumni By: Dr. Mark Stine
Welcome Back Alumni! The excitement is mounting as we anticipate our department’s move into the new Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media and Communication Center at 141 South Main Street! Many thanks to our friends and loyal donors, the Karambelas’, for a generous naming donation for the facility! After almost two years of planning all of the Communication Studies facilities and co-curriculars will be united in one state-of-the-art building. We hope to be
moved into the center by the start of the fall 2017 semester if all goes well during the construction phase. The highlight of the facility will be a centralized newsroom for use by students from all of the student media – Wilkes Now Television, WCLH Radio, and The Beacon. A large television studio along with a theater-style viewing room will be included in the plan, and we’ll have a radio air studio that will be visible for passers-by on the sidewalk. Zebra and Speech & Debate will also have new spaces in the facility that will allow for
interaction among students and faculty members. We believe that bringing all our facilities and offices together will create a synergy and atmosphere of collaboration that will lead to many creative and exciting projects. And, our location on Main Street by the new Campus Gateway provides us with great visibility and accessibility on campus. We can’t wait to be in our new digs, and look forward to having our alumni stop by!
Dr. Churcher and Alyssa Mursch awarded mentoring grant By: Nick Ruggerio Wilkes University offers mentoring grants from the Mentoring Project Fund Grant for Students to work with a professor to conduct research on specific activities. Dr. Kalen Churcher, assistant professor of Communication Studies and senior Alyssa Mursch have been presented a Mentoring Project Fund Grant. They are examining how the news media frame stories that have a focus on individuals who identify as transgender. Mursch stated,“We are specifically doing a textual analysis of two prominent papers, The New York Times and the LA Times, using the framing theory to examine how they portray transgender individuals and transgender issues.” They have gathered information to study from five and a half years ago, beginning in June 26, 2010. Mursch is a Communication Studies major with a concentration in journalism and minors in political science and women’s and gender studies. Dr. Kalen Churcher has played a huge role for Alyssa here at Wilkes. “Dr. Churcher is my professor, advisor and mentor. I had my first communication Page 1
studies class with her and she is a big part of why I chose to declare the major. She has been my greatest influence over the past three years, since I officially declared during my sophomore year,” said Mursch. Churcher enjoys working with Mursch and adds, “Alyssa is a great student to work with. It’s as if I am working with another colleague.” They have grown very close and are able to work well together providing each other with new methods and ideas for research. Alyssa Mursch says working with Dr. Churcher is easy and they agree on many things. “She critiques my work as I go and guides me in the research process, which has made me feel better prepared to do
research on my own in the near future,” added Mursch. They began research in June, 2016 and recently had it extended through this fall semester. Mursch has received money from the grant based on the amount of hours of work put in. Churcher and Mursch are expecting to get their finding published when they are finished. “We will be submitting it to be published and are hopeful that it will be. We will also be submitting it to at least one conference in hopes of being accepted and getting to present our findings,” said Dr. Churcher. By filling out a form with specific information, one can apply for a Mentoring Grant that also allows budget for conducting research.
Pictured from left: Dr. Kalen Churcher, Alyssa Mursch
Photo Courtesy: Gabby Glinski
Communication Studies Department
October 2016
Micaela Oliverio awarded 2016 Alumni & Friends Scholarship By: Rachel Leandri Micaela Oliverio, junior double major in communication studies and musical theatre at Wilkes, was awarded the 2016 Alumni and Friends of Communication Studies Scholarship at the department’s annual Colloquium. The scholarship is awarded to a student who has shown academic excellence, leadership in the department and financial need. The award is a monetary scholarship put directly onto the cost of tuition. Students are able to apply their sophomore or junior year. Though a bit surprised, Oliverio was appreciative to be presented with this scholarship because it meant that her progress as a student was not going unnoticed. “I always feel a little behind with Communication Studies because people generally group me as a Theatre student,” she stated. “I was extremely thankful and shocked when Dr. Stine announced my name, because I can guarantee every student who also applied is very talented within our department.” Along with Oliverio’s involvement in the University’s live news broadcast, Wilkes Now, she has performed in seven theatrical shows over the last two years. Captain of the Wilkes women’s soccer team, Oliverio plays positions of both forward and left wing. Though her plans for graduation are to be determined, Oliverio’s ultimate goal is to pursue acting and singing in potentially New York City or California. As for her communication aspirations, Oliverio foresees herself in any line of work involving broadcast production, as a longtime dream of hers is to become a successful late night television show host. Either way, she feels her career opportunities are limitless because of Wilkes. “My favorite part about Wilkes Communication Studies is that it applies to literally everything,” she exclaimed. “I can be a writer, speaker, or producer that interacts with people, markets ideas, and knows about current events while also learning about interpersonal relationships and the media, which helps me with everyday life.”
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Pictured from left: scholarship recipient, Micaela Photo Courtesy: Taylor Ryan Oliverio; Chair of Comm. Studies Department, Dr. Mark Stine said. “Despite being remarkably busy she According to Oliverio, the scholarship has an excellent grade point average, and has provided her with the chance to ease we feel she will benefit greatly from the the stress of student costs so she can fully scholarship.” focus on her education. “Because of this honor, I can put all of my effort into studying hard now, so I can enjoy working hard in a job that I love later,” she added. Oliverio plans to expand her cocurricular involvement within the Comm. Studies Department this year by participating in The Beacon and the Speech and Debate Team to better peak her interests and detect a suitable career path post-graduation. Dr. Mark Stine, chair of the Communication Studies Department, spoke on behalf of the faculty and staff stating how pleased they were to select Micaela as this year’s recipient as she demonstrates both need and strong academic ability. “Micaela’s academic efforts are clearly evident based on her dual major,” Stine
Congratulations, Micaela! Best of luck to you!
Communication Studies Department
October 2016
For Credit or No Credit: Four Fall Interns Gain Experience By: Kimberly Hein Internships are crucial in the Communication Studies field in order to gain the knowledge and experience that one needs for after graduation. Students learn the importance of an internship from their first day on campus, throughout their entire college career. At Wilkes University, students have the opportunity to take an internship for credit or just for experience. One can obtain three credits if they participate in 150 hours at the internship a week, or six credits if they do 200 hours a semester. Some students this semester are doing their internship for credit. Senior, Rachel Leandri, is taking on her internship at the F.M. Kirby Theatre of Performing Arts, in Wilkes-Barre PA for three credits. She said that although it is unpaid, she feels as though she will be just as dedicated as the internship she had in the summer that was paid. She knows that no matter what the benefits of the internship are, at the end of the day, it still provides her with experience, to help her grow into a successful professional. Leandri says that she is living in a “life-long dream come true,” at her internship because she is going to get the opportunity to combine two things she is passionate about, public relations and the arts. She is looking forward to learning the specific details of how a small
community-based theatre maintains it’s to my various projects I will be doing,” positive reputation and longstanding Burns says. success for some many years. Aside from taking an internship for “The credit, there Kirby is a are two miniature students this “I feel as though it will provide version of new insights and may introduce semester the Radio that are me to a public relations field City Music participating Hall in New that I previously didn’t consider in an York, and as a career possibility. Any time internship to someone you work in a new setting with a just to gain like me, an new team you are improving your experience, internship without versatility and professional skill enrolling for cannot sound more set.” credit. magical than Annelise that,” she Przywara, continues. senior Communication Studies student, Meghan Burns is also participating is interning with Aramark, the dining in an internship the semester for credit. provider for Wilkes University in She is interning under the Assistant marketing/PR. Development Director in the marketing “I feel as though it will provide new department at the Wilkes-Barre Family insights and may introduce me to a public YMCA. relations field that I previously didn’t She believes that this internship is consider as a career possibility. Any time going to help her professionally because it you work in a new setting with a new will provide her with real life experience. team you are improving your versatility She is looking forward to seeing all of her and professional skill set,” she says. hard work pay off, whether it be in the Przywara is mostly looking forward newspaper or a Facebook post. She feels to working in the food pr/marketing field. that it always feels good to see all of her She is excited to work with a department hard work pay off. that is directly involved with day-to-day “I am able to apply all the skills I have activities at Wilkes University. worked hard to acquire in the classroom “People love food and there’s myriad
Rachel Leandri signing into an information session for credited internships in the Student Center Ballroom.
Photo Courtesy: Kimberly Hein
ways to creatively promote food-related events - the internship will allow the opportunity to be creative and I’m excited for that,” she adds. Another senior who is taking an internship for experience is Zach Smith, who is interning with the Public Relations Department at Boscov’s. He says that he feels that by working next to the well respected public relations direction, Irene Kelly, he will gain a great insight into what Public Relations entails in the “real world,” apart from the classroom. “I’m looking forward to learning from Mrs. Kelly and acquiring real world experience in a field that is difficult to break into right out of college,” Smith says. Page 3
Communication Studies Department
October 2016
Zebra Communications begins semester with new clients By: Jennifer Flynn This semester Zebra Communications has four clients: The Anthracite Curling Club, Wilkes University Department of Communication Studies, Special Olympics of Luzerne Country and The Children’s Miracle Network. These clients are vastly different and present great opportunities for all involved. The Anthracite Curling Club worked with Zebra Communications last spring to try and recruit new members and spread the word of their team. Their goal this year is the same. The Curling Club was established in February 2006 with the purpose of teaching the Olympic sport of curling to the residents of NEPA. The Curling Club had their “Learn to Curl Event” on September 24, at the Toyota SportsPlex, on Coal Street in WilkesBarre. Zebra handled the publicity. Meghan Burns, Sam Earley and Jennifer Flynn are co-managers of this account. Wilkes University’s Department of Communication Studies is a resting client within Zebra. Zebra helps them with rebranding and updates, as well as keeping all the information about faculty and staff fresh and current. This semester’s main
goal is to get The Medium up online more so than it has been in the past and to publish 5 editions of The Medium. Rachel Leandri and Annelise Przywara are coeditors of The Medium. One of the new clients that we are extremely excited to work with is the Luzerne County chapter of The Special Olympics. This local Chapter has athletes ranging from 13/14 years old – 60 years old. Sports include bowling, snowshoeing, basketball, bocce, long distance running & walking, track and swimming.
The organization needs are varied, from fundraisers, to publicity, social media as well as a re-branding with their logo, posters, flyers and an updated FAQ. Kim Hein and Rachel Leandri are co-managers of this account. Zebra is set to meet with The Children’s Miracle network in the upcoming weeks, which is when we learn what they would like for us to do, as well as learn a little bit more about them. Beginning September 15, Zebra will meet alternate Thursdays at 11 a.m. in Bresieth 013. New members are welcome.
Zebra members held meet and greet with clients of the Antrhacite Curling Club this past September.
Photo Courtesy: Nikki Zula
Wilkes Now ready for season with new staff onboard By: Daniel Van Brunt After the first meeting of Wilkes Now, the executive staff believes they have a great group of people to start the year off with. Nearly all of the students who participated last year, freshman communication studies majors and some new students were present. “The new members of Wilkes Now seem to be eager to learn and be a part of the show. We definitely have some people who are experienced and I’m very excited to see what they have to offer. As always, I love seeing freshman who are taking the initiative to be active in a co-curricular, but I’m also happy to see some new faces who are sophomores, juniors and seniors. I’m confident we’ll have a successful show given our returning and new talent,” said Director Annelise Przywara. Danny Van Brunt, junior, is Producer; Page 4
senior Annelise Przywara continues to be the Director; senior Rachel Leandri will be Assistant Director and the Assistant Producer position still needs to be filled. “Personally, I am looking forward to creating my own segment that focuses on reviews of television shows and superhero movies. I also would like to do more reporting for Wilkes Now because going out and meeting new people to create a news story is something I’d like to do,” sophomore John Rey said. Our segments can be as creative as the student’s want it to be. Rey came back to Wilkes Now for a second year because he loves television and making new friends. “I know we graduated a great group of seniors, but I am still very optimistic about our staff this year. We have a very conscious staff that I know will set the bar up higher,” Chief Engineer Carl Brigido
said. The executive staff has been very involved with Wilkes Now during their time here. Przywara and Leandri used to be co-anchors and are very well acquainted. I was the sports anchor alongside them, and have worked with them in various other co-curricular activities. We are confident that we will work together efficiently to make the best of the year. “I am most excited to see the end result of how far we have come as a show in the past four years. Being that this is the first club I joined on campus as a freshman, I am so excited to be Assistant Director and to be able to share my past experiences, both good and bad with this year’s team in order to be successful with content, packages and the overall consistency of the show,” Leandri said.
Communication Studies Department
October 2016
Communication Studies Professors to present at national NCA conference By: Zachary Smith Professors from Wilkes Universities Communications Studies Department will be giving multiple presentations at the National Communication Association’s annual convention this November in Philadelphia. Joining them in the presentations will be Dr. John Hepp from the History and Languages Department and Dr. Benjamin Franklin from the Hazleton Area School District. Dr. Mark Stine, Dr. Linda Winkler, Dr. Evene Estwick, Ms. Kristen Rock and Dr. Kalen Churcher all will be presenting material and/or teaching a “short course” during the conference. With only a 25% acceptance rate for proposed presentations, many obviously do not make the cut. Dr.Stine, Chair of the Department, is quite humble about being chosen for not one, but two sessions. “ It is gratifying to know that what you put together and propose is something that your colleagues feel is important for your peers,” he remarked. The first session, being presented by Dr. Estwick, Dr.Stine, Dr. Winkler, Ms. Rock along with Dr. Franklin, is entitled “Using College Radio to Facilitate Civic Engagement in the Spanish Speaking Community.” The session will focus on
the implementation and impact of “Receso Comunitario” a Spanish language program that airs weekly, focusing on numerous issues, such as politics, economic and health, which are relevant to the Spanish speaking community. The professors will also discuss how other universities and colleges can implement similar programs themselves. The second session being presented by a Wilkes professor is a short course being taught by Dr.Stine along with his colleague Dr. John Hepp, from the Global History and Languages department. The course, entitled “Study Abroad Reimagined: The City as a Teaching Tool”, will focus on the benefits of using the city itself to teach students the uses of communication in a global context. While the class will focus on Dr.Stine’s and Dr.Hepp’s personal experiences with London and Philadelphia, they will also discuss how any city can be used in a similar way. The final session, entitled “Celebrating 20 Years of Looking for Justice in all the Wrong Places: On a Communication Approach to Social Justice,” will feature a presentation by Dr.Churcher. Done in panel format, the session will discuss the impact of an article by Lawrence Frey,Barnett Pearce,Mark Pollock,Lee Artz and Bren Murphy from 1996 entitled
Photo Courtesy: NCA “Looking for Justice in all the Wrong Places: On a Communication Approach to Social Justice”. The discussion will include the influence the article had on scholarship, activism and pedagogy, as well as how the article nurtured the growth of communication activist social justice scholarship. The convention, one of the largest of its kind in the United States, is in its 102nd iteration. With over 1200 convention sessions, it is on track to be one of the largest conventions the association has had yet. “Conferences are an important part of academia.” Dr.Stine stated, “They allow faculty to share ideas and then bring those ideas back to campus and apply them in their classrooms, with their students.”
achievable list requirements they must meet to be invited to induction. Students must complete 60 semester credit-hours, have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0, complete the equivalent of 12 semester credit-hours in Communication Studies, have a minimum GPA of 3.25 for all Communication Studies courses, currently be enrolled as a student in good standing, and as determined by the institution’s policies rank within the highest 35 percent of one’s class in general scholarship. Currently, Peter Feno, senior double major in accounting and communication studies, is the President of Lambda Pi Eta at Wilkes University. The short-term goals of the newly reignited Lambda Pi Eta Chapter are to get students inducted into the chapter, elect new officers, and to get more students interested in doing research
within the discipline. “Doing research is a great opportunity to travel and go to conferences,” Dr. Briceno said. She explained that our Department has a tradition of faculty and students collaborating on original research projects. Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, Professor of Communication Studies, has co-authored a number of studies with students over the years. “Some of the most interesting research I have done has been done with a student co-author. Often the topic has a personal significance for the student and I am able to work with them to take a good idea and turn it into a scholarly work,” she explained. You could be next. Students who are eligible to join can qualify for a Lambda Pi Eta membership today. If interested, contact Dr. Mia Briceno for further information.
” Lambda Pi Eta Dr. Briceno reactiviates Wilkes Chapter of By: Nikki Zula At the recent Department Colloquium, Dr. Mia Briceno, assistant professor of Communication Studies, announced that she plans to reactivate the Wilkes chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, LPH, the honor society of the National Communication Association for four-year institutions of higher education. Most seniors in the Department associate LPH with maintaining good grades and with a fancy cord and pin for graduation. However, the broader purpose of the honor society is to promote outstanding academic achievement in the Communication discipline. Simply put, LPH is an honorary society that recognizes the academic excellence of our best students. So who qualifies for Lambda Pi Eta? Students have a lengthy but very
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Communication Studies Department
October 2016
The Colonels of Communication Studies: Taylor Ryan By: Daniel Van Brunt Taylor Marie Ryan is from Fredricksburg, VA and graduated from Courtland High School. She is a senior communication studies major with concentrations in public relations and broadcasting. She will also have minors in women and gender studies and marketing. Ryan found interest in Wilkes University when she was recruited for field hockey. She was looking at other schools at the time as well, and was considering a Division 2 program over our Division 3 program. After multiple visits, she found great interest in a Division 3 program and in the Communication Studies Department, as well. She was very interested in a program that would give her the opportunity to be thoroughly involved in her department. Her interest in broadcasting comes from her family, particularly her father. Her father worked as an Air Force production person and worked with visual communications in NY. When she was younger, her goal was to be a female sports broadcaster. Recently, her new interest is in health public relations because of her experience interning with the Gift of Life Donor Program during summer 2016. At Wilkes, Ryan participates in many extra-curricular activities. She is the CoChair of Zebra Communications, a Kirby Co-Scholar, Sports Co-Editor, and Field Hockey Capitan. She has taken various
classes, and one of the most rewarding classes was with Kalen Churcher. She studied the Harry Potter series and its link to self-governance. The research from the class was presented at a conference by Churcher. “I think Wilkes is very well equipped. I accomplished way more than I ever thought I could have!” Ryan said. “I came into this program with Taylor our freshman year and knew from the start she was a kind-hearted and ambitious person. Now, as we begin senior year, I can say Taylor is one of the most dedicated and reliable people I have ever worked with and I’m very happy to have her not only as a classmate, but a close friend,” said Ryan’s friend, Annelise Przywara. One of the biggest obstacles Ryan faced during her time her at Wilkes was when her field hockey coach resigned halfway through her freshman season. They managed to win the MAC Conference that year despite getting a new coach. “Taylor is the true definition of a team player. She is one of our captains this season and her positive attitude and tremendous work ethic have made her stand out. I can’t say enough about her, I am so happy to have her as a leader this year. Taylor makes everyone around her want to work harder and I feel very lucky to have been able to coach Taylor for the last three years,” said Ryan’s Head Coach Sara Myers. Taylor’s first goal this year is to finish research methods, then work very closely with the people in Zebra to fill her position because their faculty advisor, Dr. Jane
Taylor Ryan
Photo Courtesy: Steve Finkle
Elmes-Crahall will be retiring. Finally, she hopes to win the MAC for a fullcircle ending to her field hockey career. Finishing while reaching her highest goals motivates Taylor in all of her activities. “Taylor and I met at orientation and we’ve been inseparable ever since,” explained Rachel Leandri, a best friend of Taylor’s. “Having almost every communications class together for four years, she knows exactly how lessen my stress by always putting a smile on my face, and gets just as excited as I do when we ace the test we had studied all night for or nail the paper we have been writing for days. She is my ‘comm. partner in crime’ and I don’t know what I’ll do without seeing her every day after graduation.” “The Communications program is intimidating, but you need to just jump in. Everyone is very nice, so don’t be afraid to get involved,” Ryan said.
The Medium Newsletter: now available online By: Meghan Burns The Medium, a newsletter published quarterly by Wilkes University students who are part of Zebra Communications, the student-run public relations agency on campus, is now available in paper format as well as online. The Medium features articles about current students and alumni as well as all the co-curriculars and professors. It helps to keep the Wilkes University campus up-to-date on the latest news from the Communication Studies Department. Page 6
The Medium Newsletter will now be available through the website Issuu. Issuu is a free publishing platform found online. Once published on issuu, publications become instantly available to active readers in every corner of the globe who use our site and mobile apps to discover and engage with whatever interests them. Justin Topa, former Zebra Communications co-chair, helped to initiate this process. “In a world in which we already rely on the internet for maintaining relationships and gathering information, it made perfect sense to bring the newsletter
to the digital age,” Topa explained. Ashley Evert, former co-editor of the Medium, also had a large hand in bringing the Medium to Issuu as well. She stated, “We chose to put the Medium on Issuu to make it more accessible to alumni and people in the community. We always put so much effort into the articles and layout, so Issuu is a great way to make that content more mobile so more people can see all of our hard work.” Topa added, “The Medium was always about sharing our story with others. This allows us to reach new levels.”
Communication Studies Department
October 2016
Alumni Update: Dominick Costantino ‘14 Living Faith in the Workforce By: Rachel Leandri William Osler- Canadian physician and one of the four founding professors of Johns Hopkins Hospital- once said, “Without faith a man can do nothing; with it all things are possible.” Like Osler, Wilkes Grad Dominick Costantino has consciously remained faithful to his beliefs throughout both his personal and professional endeavors. Costantino graduated in 2014 with a B.A. in Communication Studies and concentrations in Broadcast Media and Organizational Communications/Public Relations. While a student at Wilkes University, Costantino quickly became involved in the Department’s co-curriculars and traditional events actively participating in The Beacon, Wilkes Now, Zebra Communications, and the Tom Bigler Journalism Conference. He also belonged to the Wilkes chapters of both the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Working in the parish music ministry for nine years and the youth ministry for three, Costantino found that although just part-time jobs, he enjoyed them both immensely. “When searching for a full-time job, I tried very hard to find something that would allow me to stay in those positions,” Costantino shared. “Some job offers I received required large weekend commits, which meant I would have to give up my part time jobs. Eventually a position opened with the Diocese of Scranton that was truly the perfect fit.” Costantino’s position with the Diocese of Scranton is the Vocation Program Coordinator. In this position, he manages the communication platform for the office which includes social media outlets and blogging, along with writing articles for the diocesan paper, The Catholic Light. The Diocese is currently in the process of revamping their entire website, which Costantino will oversee. In addition to the communication aspects of his position, Costantino also helps plan retreats, special masses, gatherings, and socials
throughout the year at different locations within Scranton’s 11-county Diocese. “I’m blessed to work with amazing individuals from all over the area who are passionate and care about their Catholic faith,” he said. Through his career, Costantino recently had the opportunity to attend World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland. On this journey, he helped prepare music for the masses he attended, led group discussions, and also handled all social media for the Diocese by posting daily photos on all three Facebook pages and conducting interviews with pilgrims to highlight their stories. “Seeing the Catholic faith so alive with millions of young adults from the entire world was an incredible experience,” Costantino added. Costantino owes his passion for Communication Studies to the Department’s faculty and staff. “It was great that we students were able to get close with them and they knew all of us by name,” Costantino shared. “That’s not the case at all institutions of higher
education, so I’m very grateful to all of them for making my experience at Wilkes so memorable.” To all Wilkes students in the same shoes Costantino was in only a few short years ago, his advice is plain and simple: get involved. He feels by getting involved in co-curriculars and seeking out internship opportunities, the chance of being hired instantly increases. “You’re not going to get a job in our field by just showing up to classes. The experiences outside of the classroom Wilkes provides are going to make you the most marketable when you are competitively applying for jobs against so many others.” Future plans for Costantino consist of working for a nonprofit whether that may still be with the Diocese of Scranton, or an organization that helps sick children in the hospital, along with furthering his education. Though nothing is definite, Costantino is sure his strong desire to help others will result in making the world a better place in some way, with faith on his side.
Dominick Costantino Page 7
Communication Studies Department
October 2016
WCLH Adviser Kristen Rock is now “Mommy” Rock By: Taylor Ryan Kristen Rock graduated from Wilkes University in 2006 from the Communication Studies Department. From her time at Wilkes she found her passion for radio and spent all of her free time at the radio station. Now years later, she has still found herself spending almost all of her free time in the WCLH studio. After gaining experience in a variety of fields of work, she has found herself back where she started giving students the same experiences and opportunities she had while at Wilkes. Kristen is now the radio station manager as well as an adjunct professor teaching the Advanced Audio course. Fast forward to spring semester of 2016, Kristen Rock announced another addition to the Rock and Colonel family, with the expecting of a baby boy. After announcing to both her students, fellow faculty and the WLCH staff, the Communications Studies department and beyond all became excited for the new chapter for now Mamma Rock. As so many students have created personal relationships with Kristen, they gave us
All photos are courtesy of Kristen Rock Page 8
insights into how they see Kristen as a Mom. Cody Colarusso, an E-Stafff member said “Kristen will be the best Mom ever, She’s always so positive and reinforcing that one can’t deny she’d be a great parent. She’s already, in a way, our Mom at the radio station.” Baby Rock is sure to have an expansive support system here at Wilkes. After the initial excitement, Kristen had to make some decisions in order to compensate for her absence. In order to assure the radio station was well taken
care of and maintained, Kristen asked another professional with plenty of radio station experience to step in during this time. Dr. Stine has agreed to take over while Kristen is on parental leave. The staff of the radio station will definitely miss Kristen, but they are confident that she has equipped them properly and they will be able keep WCLH running smoothly. Emily Bellanco, one of the staff members for WCLH said, “I think the radio station will be pretty different without Kristen around, but I know we’ve got a great staff and we’re all ready to work hard and make sure everything runs smoothly in her absence.” Kristen has left the station in good hands, and everyone will be awaiting her return with open arms. Kristen has
left many of the responsibilities to her E-Staff and is fully confident in their abilities, along with the help of Dr. Stine WCLH will be ran smoothly and efficiently as usual. From all of us in the Communication Studies department, we would like to wish Kristen and her family best of luck on this new chapter. We can’t wait to meet Baby Rock! “Over the years, I have had numerous jobs with many different titles, but my new role as Mom is by far my favorite,” Rock recently shared. “It’s exciting, exhausting, awesome and a little scary all at the same time. To be honest, it’s still sinking in that I’m totally responsible for a tiny human. I’m enjoying spending this valuable time with Nolan, but it’s hard for me to be away from the radio station for too long. So, I do look forward to returning to campus in November!”
Nolan Michael Rock was born on September 6, 2016 at 11:11 a.m.
Communication Studies Department
October 2016
Alumni Update Lauren Pluskey ‘06: turning dreams into reality By: Emily Kramer Wilkes Graduate, Lauren Pluskey, was recently hired as the Director of Development at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. Lauren graduated from Wilkes University in 2006 with a B.A. in Communications Studies and a concentration in Public Relations. As a student she was actively involved in Zebra Communications. While a member of Zebra, she served as an account manager for Children’s Services Art Therapy and was also a part of the Cystic Fibrosis account team. Lauren’s passion of fundraising for different organizations and groups stemmed from her participation in Zebra Communications.
Directly after graduation, Lauren was hired as the Manager of Annual Giving at Wilkes where she was in charge of Phonea-Thon, which entailed calling Alumni for donations towards scholarships for students in financial need. In addition, Lauren was also part of the New Munson Field House Campaign at Wilkes where she and 30 different Alumni raised $1.6 mil towards the renovation of the Munson Field House. After taking the opportunity to ask Lauren about the most rewarding aspects of working at Wilkes she stated: “I think the most rewarding thing was getting to see the use of the raised money, especially in regards to the New Field House Campaign. I also enjoyed watching students in financial need receive scholarships from the money that was
raised through phone-a-thon.” But even with her success at Wilkes, Lauren still felt that there was room for her professional development. “I decided to apply for the position as Director of Development at the F.M. Kirby Center because I knew it would be a career opportunity that would allow me to grow as I gained more experience,” Lauren said. As Director of Entertainment, Lauren focuses on bringing arts to downtown Wilkes-Barre, promoting children’s arts and education, and providing different forms of art shows to the community. In offering advice to Wilkes’ Communication Studies students Lauren said, “Experience as much as you can. Get involved in clubs. Try to get a feel for a little bit of everything. Most importantly, get experience in working internships.”
Lauren Pluskey
Professor Christine E. Mellon is now Dr. Christine E. Mellon because she had a family, older parents and an “amazing husband” to take care of, said Dr. Mellon. Finding the time for this Christine E. Grieco Mellon, Director of project was difficult. During the school Forensics and Visiting Assistant Professor year, Dr. Mellon devoted her Mondays and of Communication Studies at Wilkes, Wednesdays using a few hours each day is responsible for coaching the awardto get work done. During the summer, she winning Wilkes Speech and Debate Team did all of her research and intense reading and teaching public speaking. Recently of the project. she added another achievement t her Dr. Mellon worked on her dissertation resume when she received a Doctorate titled, “Communication Professionals in in Education on May 2016 at Wilkes Pennsylvania Public School Districts,” University. as well as an economic re-development Earning the Doctorate in Education project on the Marcellus Shale Industry in Degree (Ed.D) was not easy. Dr. Melon Pennsylvania. took 8 years of classes, completed an “I advise all the people who are internship, and conducted her research planning to get their Doctorate that being while writing and editing. It took a lot able to self-motivate is very important to of focus because she was very selfthis purpose, also being dedicated to the motivated. It was very difficult for her type of schedule you will need to succeed. By: Nshimirimana Zawadi
It’s also always helpful to talk to the people that have been through the process because they have excellent insight on many of the things you are going through and they can provide support,” she added.
Dr. Christine Mellon Page 9
Communication Studies Department
October 2016
COM 324: Research Methods to Become a Two-Semester Course in 2017 By: Taylor Ryan Every Communication Studies senior has heard the horror stories and felt the anxiety of the required capstone research course that could determine if they graduate in the Department or not. Currently taught in fall semesters, seniors present their research capstones in front of all of the Communications Studies faculty and staff. This class is part of the tradition of our department, but starting next fall 2017, the tradition will change. In the late fall, early spring of the 2015-2016 school year, the department of Communications Studies decided that there was a way to make this experience and class more beneficial for students. The idea came when Dr. Estwick brought the idea to Dr. Stine, the Chair of the Communications Studies department, discussing dividing the already in place Research Methods course into two sections, one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester. This would allow students to create more in-depth research projects, while better understanding the researching process. This will give students a more well-rounded understanding of this process, and give them the necessary tools to take past their undergraduate degree. The first section of the course will be instructed by Dr. Estwick, as she was the one that initiated the reconstructing of Research Methods. The first section is set to cover any and all aspects of research including, literature reviews, the Institutional Review Board at Wilkes University, touch on the various methodologies that can be used, and then lastly students will decide on their topic prior to entering the second section of the class which will be centered in on the Page 10
research paper and project in order to fully adapt the methodologies and incorporate the appropriate ones into the individual projects. The students will be given ample time to collect the necessary data, and synthesize the data into their projects, again allowing the quality of the projects produced to increase. Although this change still needs to be approved by the Curriculum Committee, which it is expected to since the entire Communications Studies department has agreed this change, will be beneficial for all of the students that will be going through the program. The upsides to this curriculum change will be not only the projects produced, but also the opportunities that will come from these high quality projects. For example, with the additional time gaining approval from the IRB will not be as rushed and the collection of data will be much more thorough. Also, it is expected that more
projects will be adapted for conferences and even publishing opportunities. As for the structure of the paper and the presentations, they will for the most part remain the same, it is also the hope of the department that this may reduce some of the apprehension and anxiety that students have tied to this course. Dr. Estwick was asked about her expectations on this change and stated, “I expect that students are really prepared for actually putting their research study in place and able to review the aspects of doing any type of research including literature reviews, IRB, and also that students will in this class decide on a topic so they will go into research methods confident in their topic.� The change is expected to be implemented starting fall of 2017, with approval from the University’s Curriculum Committee. Photo Courtesy: Rachel Leandri
Communication Studies Department
October 2016
Q&A: Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall On Approaching Retirement after 31 Years at Wil kes By: Annelise Przywara Q: Throughout your years of schooling at Bloomsburg University, Ohio University, then the University of Pittsburgh, did you always envision yourself teaching? A: I never imagined teaching at all. As an undergraduate political science student, I was determined not to be a teacher, but rather to attend law school. I loved forensics and was a member of the debate team, yet my area of study was not communications. However, my plans shifted while I was coachiwng and starting graduate school at Ohio University. Q: How did the decision to attend graduate school and then eventually teach come about? A: At a national competition in my senior year I was approached by a coach from Ohio University and asked if I was planning to attend graduate school – I said no. Ohio offered me an assistantship to coach and a threeyear doctoral fellowship in rhetoric/ communications that included teaching one course each semester. After two years at Ohio, I learned that I loved teaching and that teaching was a career I could take pride in. Q: Where did you teach prior to Wilkes University? A: I took a year off from graduate study at Ohio to fill a temporary teaching position at Clarion. I ended up staying at Clarion for 11 years. In fact, I never went back to Ohio University and was
tenured at Clarion after five years. I also served as Department Chair and Associate Dean, as well as started a new forensics program and developed much of their communications curriculum. Q: At this point you still did not have a doctorate. Where and when did you attend school for your Ph.D.?
and I had known Dr. Brad Kinney for a decade because I would judge his students at competitions. He let me know about positions available at Wilkes. Once Brad convinced the Board to allow communications to separate from the Language and Literature department, two positions were offered. I resigned from Clarion and took a position at Wilkes in 1985, then Brinley and I got married in 1986. It was the right choice for me academically and personally. Q: How did you help develop the communications program at Wilkes? A: I was brought on and asked to develop organizational communication and PR. Wilkes didn’t have interpersonal either, so I helped develop that and cross cultural communication. I also revised small group communication, rhetorical criticism, PR writing, and advanced PR.
Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall A: In order to get promoted I needed a doctorate. I looked at schools in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and then the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State. Brinley and I wanted to get married so I took a fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh in Rhetoric. I completed my doctoral coursework in 9 months. Q: What brought you to Wilkes University and what year did you begin teaching? A: I knew of Wilkes because of forensics
Q: What leadership roles have you held within the Department and campus wide? A: There was a point where many departments were collapsed and communications combined with social studies. Drs. Baldino and Tuttle chaired the Division and I worked as the communications “ coordinator” for five years until we became a separate entity again. From 2001 to 2005 I served as Department Chair.
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Communication Studies Department
October 2016
Jane’s Q&A Retirement (Cont.) Continued from page 11 For four years I also served as the head of the Faculty Affairs Council (FAC) and presided over general faculty meetings. It wasn’t until I served as Chair that the faculty presided and set the agenda; prior to that the Provost presided at General Faculty meetings. Q: How have you seen the Department and the University transform during your career at Wilkes? A: The University has grown substantially in graduate areas. There are far more graduate degrees now then when I started 31 years ago and we have grown a lot in certain areas, such as business, pharmacy and nursing. I have also seen a lot of outstanding teachers at Wilkes throughout my career. In Communication Studies, we have grown into one of the most balanced pre-professional degrees that provide students with the experience they need to enter the work place. Many of our grads have earned graduate degrees and were accepted into some of the best programs at places like Syracuse, Columbia, Penn State and the University of Pennsylvania. I’ve also seen the co-curriculars evolve over the years, as well as the addition of Zebra, of course. Furthermore, I would say that the internship program has become an expectation throughout theyears. Q: What are some of your fondest memories? A: In the early 2000’s I taught a Controlling Spin course that met with the Jewish Community Center (JCC). Former Wilkes President, Bob Capin, led a current events class at the center and my spin class joined the senior citizens in their discussion. We partnered first time voters with lifetime voters. It was interesting to see the differing opinions and debates that would arise. The focus groups
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were fascinating and the students really loved their “surrogate grandparents.” Also, the first time I taught intercultural communication it was profound to see the students’ look of awareness as they conducted in depth interviews with people from other cultures and to realize how insulated it was here. In addition, I enjoyed team teaching with Dr. Kinney and four other professors in the school of pharmacy. The two of us taught interpersonal and small group skills, while a business professor discussed the business end, two pharmacy professors taught methodology, and a dean oversaw the course. I team taught that course for several years. Q: What are some of your career highlights or greatest achievements? A: Zebra is first on my list of career highlights. The student-run pr agency grew out of an advanced PR class in 1999 and has since served over 100 clients and raised over $100,000. At Zebra I had the opportunity to see students grow professionally at an undergraduate level. My second highlight would be my active role in civic engagement in the community. I’ve moderated numerous debates, including U.S. Senate debates. The Controlling Spin course ties into this civic engagement aspect because it allowed students to think independently and have a voice. Another career highlight is having been invited to lecture at Chautauqua Institution in 1996 and again in 2000. For me this was a great achievement as a rhetorician, as well as a personal distinction. I am also very proud of my role as the head of the Faculty Affairs Council. I believe that I helped give faculty a stronger voice in governance. Lastly, I take pride in my scholarship and research, as well as building one of the strongest strategic communication/pr programs in this area.
Q: What will you miss most? A: Oh that’s easy - the students. They’re the reason I stayed. Over the years I have learned as much from them as they have learned from me. Q: Do you have plans for retirement? A: I’m still thinking it through. I may be working on some political campaigns for people I admire and there will be more time for consulting and advising. There will be more time for working on research, as well. I want to finish writing a few books and articles - a book on what we can learn from Belva Ann Lockwood to be specific. I know I will be staying in the area, but I would like to travel with Brinley, too. I don’t plan to teach right after retirement; however, in the future I would like the opportunity to teach a course as an adjunct professor.
Q: What advise do you have for the individual who will be taking your place? A: I would tell them to trust their own abilities and to listen to the students because they will be pleasantly surprised. They need to be approachable and understand that the students aren’t pushy, but they are open, honest, and willing to share. Furthermore, trust your colleagues. We have a really strong faculty so take that as a benefit and opportunity. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and share new ideas – everyone will be willing to help. That’s the nature of our Department’s culture.
“Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.” -Henry Adams