Volume 3
Communication Studies Department
December 2016
Holiday Edition
THE MEDIUM
A quarterly newsletter serving Wilkes University students, faculty, alumni, and friends.
Department inducts new members into honor societies By: Jennifer Flynn November 17, 2016 marked the Communication Studies Department’s first combined Honor Society Induction Ceremony. Pi Kappa Delta, Lambda Pi Eta, and PRSSA all welcomed new members, as well as acknowledged 24 students with honors and awards. Dr. Mia Briceño, newest advisor for the Wilkes University chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, opened the ceremony with sincere congratulations to the students and a warm welcome to all in attendance. Dr Briceño felt this ceremony was a perfect way to “congratulate all the hard work the communication students do.” Senior Amber Dietrick, 2016, spoke at the ceremony and offered a warm welcome to all. “Congratulations to everyone in this room, both the students for the hard work and effort and also to the parents who supported and encouraged their children to succeed,” said Dietrick. Dietrick was very active in Speech and Debate winning numerous awards for the team. She offered advice to those in attendance about how important and influential Speech and Debate was for her and said, “Take what you learn here
Lambda Pi Eta inductees from left to right: Sarah Bedford, Jacqueline Kurovsky, Annelise Przywara, Kimberly Hein, Rachel Leandri, Micaela Oliverio, Taylor Ryan
with you, it will give you more respect for others, and others will have more respect for you.” Dietrick is a lifelong member of Pi Kappa Delta. Wilkes University’s chapter of Pi Kappa Delta is advised by Dr. Christine Mellon. Dr Mellon is very proud of her students and all they have achieved. Pi Kappa Delta is an honor granted to those who have excelled and achieved in speech and debate. The Wilkes university Speech and Debate team has won many awards and are very talented individuals. This year Pi Kappa Delta welcomed three new members; Jerome Hannon, Rebecca Keller, and Thomas Krutsick. They also had two seniors whom were presented with honors; Amber Detrick and Peter Feno.
Comm. Studies Faculty in attendance of induction from left to right: Dr. Evene Estwick, Dr. Mark Stine, Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, Dr. Briceño, Dr. Christine Mellon Page 1
Wilkes University’s Chapter of PRSSA is advised by Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall. PRSSA is the largest undergraduate program for students interested in the field of public relations. Amanda Bialek, Meghan Burns, Jennifer Flynn, Kimberly Hein, Rachel Leandri, Annelise Przywara, Nicholas Ruggiero, Taylor Ryan, Zachary Smith, and Nshimirimana Zawadi all took the member code of ethics pledge as both new and returning members. Zachary Smith, who has been a member of Zebra Communications for the past two years, felt this was an “honor and a privilege to be inducted and welcomed into the PRSSA.” This year Lambda Pi Eta welcomed eight new members; Sarah Bedford, Jacqueline Kurovsky, Alyssa Mursch, Annelise Przywara, Kimberly Hein, Rachel Leandri, Micaela Oliverio, and Taylor Ryan. Lambda Pi Eta is an honor program for Communications students who have went above and beyond in their field. These students have maintained a 3.5 GPA with 60 credits in their major, while embodying the code of Logos, Pathos, and Ethos upon which the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society is built. Senior inductee Sarah Bedford said that “it’s great to be recognized for all the hard work we do as a department over the past four years.”
Communication Studies Department
December 2016
PRSSA officers travel to Indianapolis, IN to attend National Conference By: Annelise Przywara Wilkes University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) sent officers, Kimberly Hein, Treasurer; Rachel Leandri, Vice President; and Annelise Przywara, President, to the 2016 PRSSA National Conference in Indianapolis, IN. While in Indy, the three had the opportunity to network with other officers from chapters across the country, as well as hear established public relations professionals speak about numerous areas of the field. During their first day at the conference, they attended a resume critique session, in which volunteers took the time to review their documents and provide feedback. The officers had the chance to speak one on one with these professionals and ask questions that would enable them to enhance their resumes and return with the knowledge and advice necessary to potentially host a resume workshop of their own. “In my opinion, the resume critique is one of the main attractions at the conference,” said Rachel Leandri. “Having someone with career experience review your resume and provide feedback is really helpful for college students beginning internship and job searches.” After the resume critique, Przywara attended a chapter presidents’ leadership workshop and Leandri and Hein went to a PRSSA adviser session. The welcome day concluded with a mixer and dance party in the ballroom titled, “The PRSSA 500” Opening Night Celebration. Here, attendees mingled and enjoyed a buffet complimentary of the National Conference. On the second day of the conference, activities were kicked off with Keynote Speaker, Allison Melangton, former President and CEO of the Superbowl and current Senior Vice President at Hulman Motorsports Corporation. Melangton offered a unique perspective as she had excelled in an area of event planning and public relations that is typically perceived as being male dominated. Following Melangton’s speech, various awards were presented and each school confirmed their attendance by chanting their chapter “roll call.” “We knew we had to come up with a chapter roll call, but we were definitely Page 2
nervous since it was only the three of us,” laughed Kimberly Hein. “Finally we settled on singing, ‘It’s fun to be at PRSSA’ to the tune of the YMCA. There is a video so check it out!” After the welcome event, the officers split up to attend different lectures and workshops. Hein attended the session with public relations representatives from Vera Bradley in which they discussed the company’s new branding campaign called “Why It’s Good To Be a Girl.” The session was so popular that entrance was capped at 200 students. In addition, Leandri attended a crisis communication session with Myra Borshoff, Founder of Borshoff and Jen Dial, Global Communications Manager at Eli Lilly and Company, while Przywara went to hear former RNC Chief of Staff and current President of Hathaway Strategies, Anne Hathaway, speak on the topic of political communication. The three then sat in on a lecture focused on event planning with Theo Tyson, Fashion and Event Director at trinity productions. The group concluded their conference experience with three more sessions. A conversation with representatives from Warner Bros. Television discussed television publicity and entertainment public relations. Again, the session was so popular that entry was limited. Later, Przywara attended a PRSSA
officer workshop, in which chapter presidents, vice presidents, secretaries and treasurers participated in a group discussion. They touched on areas such as sustaining membership, attracting new membership, chapter successes, chapter problems, and much more. Hein and Leandri, on the other hand, attended the student-run firm workshop. “Attending the conference was a wonderful experience and I’m so grateful we were able to go,” said Hein. “Listening to industry professionals speak really opens your eyes to all the career possibilities available to us and though it may be a bit overwhelming, I left feeling enthusiastic about the future.” Overall, the officers agree that a PRSSA membership is an invaluable asset to a young public relations professional looking to start a career in the field. Hands-on experience gained through work at Zebra Communications, the studentrun public relations agency at Wilkes University, is a perfect foundation with which to complement with a membership to a professional, nationally recognized society. “I definitely urge succeeding PRSSA officers to take advantage of these conference opportunities,” said Leandri. “Whether it’s a national or regional conference, they will benefit greatly from the workshops and networking that are offered at these events.”
Pictured left to right: Rachel Leandri, Annelise Przywara, Kimberly Hein
Communication Studies Department
December 2016
Students held focus group for recent 2016 Presidential Election “My students did not want to be labeled with the two parties. It’s not The 2016 Presidential Election has voting on blind partisan loyalty like back been like no other before. With two in my day,” commented Dr. Elmescompletely opposing presidential Crahall. candidates with opposing viewpoints, it The focus groups indicated that is vital that young voters be heard. the young voters are increasingly Young voters are now the largest and becoming conservative and more fastest growing segment of the American independent. They are less likely to align electorate, having grown larger than with a particular party. Within the 40 baby boomers. participants of the focus groups, there Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, professor were 7 independent voters, 7 unaffiliated of Communication Studies, has taught voters and 9 who were unsure of their the Controlling Spin: News, Politics political views. and Public Relations class at Wilkes Another main focus of the University every election groups was the way in which year since 1996. The class young voters received their news this presidential season about the election. The majority was taught in the spring of stated television was their main 2016. source, citing stations such as Within her class, 14 Fox News, CNN and MSNBC. students held a series of Other news sources included focus groups made up social media, political blogs and of young and first time conversations with family and voters. The class held a friends. total of five focus groups, A final question asked was spanning ages 17 to 29. “how can the candidates be more Four of these focus groups effective in reaching young were held during the voters?” primary elections with Various participants responses one being held before the stated that schools do a very poor final presidential debate in job of educating students about October. the election. Many would like to Sarah Bedford, senior see more in that area. Another The focus group was held in Studio C in the lower level of the Communications Studies Stark Building on Wilkes campus. popular response was to reach young major at Wilkes University, voters via social media sites. commented on the importance of the an election year,” Annelise Przywara, The focus groups conducted in the focus groups. senior Communications Studies student Controlling Spin: News, Politics and “Millennial voters are now the largest at Wilkes University, she added, “I truly Public Relations class were able to voter block in our system. Knowing believe we have invaluable perspectives give young voters a voice in the 2016 where they align and how to reach to communicate.” Presidential Election. them is critical to politicians and their When asked to describe the 2016 “In many cases it is always assumed campaigns as well as knowing the future presidential primary in a word or phrase that all young voters think alike and of elections,” observed Bedford. various focus group participants used have all of the same values. Each of The focus groups lent great insight adjectives such as: “chaotic”, “childish”, the focus groups showed very different into young voters feelings and how “unique”, “nasty”, “action packed”, “like observations and values among they have changed throughout the 2016 a reality show”, “filled with smack talk”, young voters,” Taylor Ryan, senior presidential election. “confusing”, “scary”, and “entertaining.” Communications Studies student, A majority of the 45 focus group However, despite all the negative commented. participants believed that the presidential attitudes toward the current election, the The focus groups have gained candidates had not addressed important large majority still planned to vote in the attention from local and regional news issues that matter to them. 2016 election on November 8th. media. On various occasions media “Young voters will turn into old Elmes-Crahall noticed that students sources such as WBRE, the Citizen’s voters at some point. It makes sense in the 90’s would most likely follow the Voice, the Times Leader and WNEP to keep an eye on what all voters want party of their parents. In the early 2000’s covered the focus groupws in detail. to see,” stated Zachary Smith, a senior students became more independent. By: Meghan Burns & Nick Ruggerio
Communications Studies student at Wilkes University. The issues that the young voters were concerned about were the economy, environmental issues, and national security. Many students felt that Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were looking past the millennials thinking they were uneducated about the presidential campaign. “It is critical, in my opinion, for candidates to acknowledge our thoughts, opinions, and concerns, especially when looking to gain support during
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Communication Studies Department
December 2016
Zebra raises $1,515 for Luzerne County Special Olympics
It made all of the stress of coordinating the event worth it,” Nathan Hughes, On Sunday, November 20, Zebra senior double major of Sports and Sports Communications hosted the Fun and Management and Zebra Staff Member, Fabulous Sports Bash where both the said. University and the local community came According to Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, together to provide 20 Special Olympians Zebra Adviser, “This event was a major with a memorable afternoon including a achievement for several reasons. From dance party, basketball competition and a PR point of view, we had extensive kickball games. coverage from WNEP and a page one story from the Times Leader. But more importantly our Wilkes students established long lasting relationships and respect for the Special Olympians.” “Aaron, a very talented Special Olympian basketball player, at one point tapped me on the shoulder and challenged me to a shooting contest. It made him happy to see me try my hardest and sometimes miss the basket, which made me happy,” Emily Kramer, Zebra account team member, said. The account team, which was comanaged by seniors Rachel Leandri and Kimberly Hein, included Emily Kramer, Nathan Hughes, Nikki Zula, Nshimirimana Zawadi, and Austin Ely. Zebra account team presents donation of $1,515 to Board Member of Special Olympics Zebra will continue working with the Luzerne County Chapter, Megan Boone Valkenburg. Pictured from left to right, back row: Nikki Zula, Nathan Hughes, Emily Kramer Luzerne County Special Olympics in the Front row: Rachel Leandri, Kimberly Hein, Megan Boone Valkenburg, Nshimirimana Zawadi 2017 Spring Semester. By: Nikki Zula
Approximately 100 volunteers from the wrestling team, field hockey team, dance team, women’s and men’s lacrosse, and women’s soccer team participated. WCLH provided music for the entire afternoon and food was donated from Haystack’s, Rodano’s, and Aramark. “It was gratifying to see the smiles on the Special Olympians faces while competing with the Wilkes athletes.
WCLH Update: 90. 7 competes for best college radio station By: Kimberly Hein The campus radio station, WCLH has vbeen nominated through Electric City’s Best of 2016 for the “Best College Radio Station,” where they competed against Marywood, Kings College, University of Scranton, Keystone College and many more. The winner will be announced on December 15, and voting closed on November 18. The station has provided entertainment to the area for 45 years and with that anniversary coming up in February, the staff is brainstorming ways to celebrate such a special event. Over the 45 years, the station has made many changes and developed new programs. Some programs offered this semester are: Receso Comunitario, which is our Spanish specialty program, Democracy Now, Metal-Mondays, HipHop, Country, Alternative, and much more. Page 4
John Michael Rey, a sophomore DJ and the Production Director, says that he is most excited about a new DJ, Darien Jacques. “The man is an old school DJ who will actually be doing live studio mixes on air. I think it is cool that our station is bringing that back,” he said. After about two months on maternity leave, Kristen Rock returns to WCLH. While she was away, the e-staff members have been under the direction on Dr. Stine. Rock explained, “During my leave, I received updates on what was happening at the station which was perfectly fine. But, I’d much rather be here, that’s why
it’s great to back on campus!” Rey said that he is excited that Kristen is back and feels the station will continue to grow into a bigger and better college radio station.
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Communication Studies Department
December 2016
WCLH Update Cont. Continued from page 4 At the first e-staff meeting with Kristen back, the staff members welcomed their “radio mom” back and caught up on the events that took place during the semester. “Now, I’m not going to lie, I was nervous about being gone for so long. But, I’m happy as well as proud of the way they handled everything while I was away,” Rock continued, while saying that working with a “great group of students” has made her transition back very easy. Throughout the semester, the WCLH has participated in four events and they will be attending one more during the semester. WCLH was responsible for providing music at the campus Outdoor Challenge, Alcohol Awareness Walk, YMCA’s Halloween event, and the Fun and Fabulous Sports Bash. They provided music for the Battle of the Halls resodemce life event in early December. Looking ahead to the Spring semester, WCLH is planning fundraisers to provide money for the station and they would also like to donate money to keeping music programs alive in the education system.
WCLH DJ’s provided music for the Alcohol Awareness Walk on campus earlier this fall semester. Pictured from left to right: Emily Bellanco, Kya Lewis, JM Rey, Kimberly Hein, Cody Colarusso
Alumni Update: Michael J. Zeto ‘96 By: Nathan Hughes As a student coming out of college, there is a perception that we can only have a career in our chosen field of study. But that’s not always true. Wilkes alumni Michael Zeto is prime example of someone who can take what he’s learned and apply it in many different careers. Zeto who was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, graduated from Wilkes University in 1996 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. While in school he competed on the Wilkes Basketball team and was also Class President for three years. After graduating, he spent 10 years in Boston High Tech industries before getting his Executive MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University. Then he started a software company and moved to Atlanta where he is currently living with his wife of 10 years, Kate, who he met in Boston. Even though he got his B.A. in Communications Studies, Zeto has
always been an entrepreneur at heart, owning a restaurant J. CarMichaels while attending school. After college it didn’t take long for him to assume leadership role in the business field. He left Boston and High Tech Industries to move to Naples, Florida where he got his MBA while also being the President and Owner of Boston Beer Garden. Now he is a General Manager for AT&T. Zeto’s current position is General Manager and Executive Director of AT&T Smart Cities, which is a global business unit inside of AT&T’s Internet of Things. With this role, which he assumed two years ago, comes a great deal of responsibility, critical thinking and decision making. “I am leading the world for AT&T standing at the intersection of technology and politics while doing good for the citizens of our country and the world,” he said.
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Michael Zeto Page 5
Communication Studies Department
December 2016
Wilkes Now Update: shows now to be viewed on YouTube By: Amanda Bialek The 2016-2017 academic year has brought some exciting changes to Wilkes Now. Originally, Wilkes Now could only be seen locally on Service Electric Channel 97. Mr. Carl Brigido, Director/Chief Engineer of the Thomas P. Shelburne Television Center, has now made the television show accessible on YouTube. Anyone can view the show live on www.youtube.com at noon on Tuesdays or watch at their leisure by searching “Wilkes Now.” “This opens the door for plenty of new viewers, who previously were unable to watch our program, and I am excited for that,” John Michael Rey, assistant producer and segment host said. Another new addition to the show this year is Reviews with JM & M. Sophomore communication studies majors, John Michael Rey and Micah Evans developed and host this segment on a weekly basis. The pair discuss and critique movies to
inform viewers about the latest movies. There are currently 16 active members participating in this club. Wilkes Now welcomes seven new members including Micaela Oliverio, Samuel Sebia, Kylie Dillon, Luke Modrovsky, Mark Makowski, Tyler Aldinger, and Joe Ruiz. “Wilkes Now gives me the opportunity to feel what it’s like to be on a live production,” Micaela Oliverio, junior communication studies and theatre major said. Oliverio is the main co-anchor along with Allyson Sebolka, sophomore communication studies major. Kylie Dillon, freshman communication studies major, is a reporter for the television show. “I chose to participate in Wilkes Now because I took part in a television station in high school, and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Dillon said. “I also potentially may one day pursue a career in this area, so the more hands on experience I can get now the better.” In addition, there also have been
The main anchor set in studio B is where the majority of Wilkes now episodes are taped live.
some transitions regarding positions for returning members of Wilkes Now. Daniel VanBrunt, junior communication studies major, was a sports anchor last year and now is the producer. “I am in charge of scheduling when shows will be aired,” VanBrunt said. “Every person has exceeded my expectations, and we have put together some great shows so far.” In the past, Jaqueline Kurovsky, junior communication studies major was responsible for cameras and the teleprompter. This year, she is in charge of operating the switcher. “While all positions are equally important to the show’s success, I enjoy it more than my past positions,” Kurovsky said. “I like sitting at the head of the control room and knowing I control what the audience sees onscreen.” Previously, Amanda Bialek, sophomore communication studies major, co-anchored the television show. This year, she hosts Connect with a Colonel, a segment where she interviews alumni. “From anchor freshman year, to now Assistant Director, I’m proud to have seen it all over the last four years, and I can honestly say this is the strongest the club has been,” Rachel Leandri, senior communication studies major said. Both the executive staff and participating members are looking forward to the upcoming shows in the future. “This year I think we have a really enthusiastic and dedicated crew,” Annelise Przywara, director of Wilkes Now said. “Our first couple shows have really been great and everyone is prepared week after week. Therefore, I’m excited to continue at this pace and only improve as we go.”
Speech and Debate Team host high school tournament By: Nshimirimana Zawadi The Wilkes University campus hosted 10 Pennsylvania high schools. Wilkes continued a long standing tradition of tournament competition during the Wilkes Invitational Forensics Tournament held on October 29, 2016. Wilkes University has a winning tradition in speech and debate events at the academic level going as far back as the 1930’s. The teams travel throughout the country each year maintaining such a Page 6
tradition because of the strong foundation of high school forensics. “This high school tournament is a way for us to support and mentor a new group of students who will lead the way,” said Dr. Christine E. Mellon, Director of Forensics at Wilkes University. The tournament offered competitive rounds in nine speech categories and two debate events. Students had the opportunity to show their talents in Public Speaking, Declamation, Dramatization, Dramatic Interpretation, Extemporaneous
Speaking, Oral Interpretation of Prose and Poetry, Original Oratory, Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Public Forum Debate. Trophies and certificates were awarded to all the winners. Meyers High School had the largest number of competitors claiming the first place team award. The community was also invited to watch tournament rounds and some participated as spectators in the awards ceremony. Community judges in the tournament specialized in areas of law, communications, and education.
Communication Studies Department
December 2016
Department of Comm. Studies well represented at NCA conference By: Zachary Smith Professors from the Wilkes University Communications Studies Department visited Philadelphia on November 10th through the 13th, to give multiple presentations at the National Communication Association’s annual convention. Dr. Mark Stine, Dr. Linda Winkler, Professor of Anthropology, Dr. Evene Estwick, Ms. Kristen Rock and Dr.Kalen Churcher participated in several sessions and/or short courses throughout the three day long conference, which is one of the largest professional organizations in the country. The first session, presented by Dr. Estwick, Dr.Stine, Dr. Winkler, Ms. Rock along with Dr. Benjamin Franklin, from Hazleton Area School District, was entitled “Using College Radio to Facilitate Civic Engagement in the Spanish Speaking Community”. The session focused on the implementation and impact of “Receso Comunitario” a Spanish language program that airs weekly on WCLH, focusing on numerous issues, such as
politics, economic and health, which are relevant to the Spanish speaking community. The professors discussed how other universities and colleges can implement similar programs themselves. The session was roughly an hour with a twenty minute question and answer session that followed. Dr.Stine, associate professor and department chair of the Communication Studies department, along with his colleague, Dr. John Hepp from the Global History and Languages department, taught a short course, entitled “Study Abroad Reimagined: The City as a Teaching Tool.” The course focused on the benefits of using the city itself to teach students the uses of communication in a global context. Drs. Stine and Hepp have team taught this study abroad course ten years running. “As a cultural aspect of our society, you can do a study abroad program in virtually every city in the world,” Stine commented. The short course drew considerable attention wit more than twenty faculty enrolling. Dr. Kalen Churcher, assistnt professor of Communication Studies, participated
on a panel entitled “Celebrating 20 Years of “Looking for Justice in all the Wrong Places: On a Communication Approach to Social Justice.” The session discussed the impact of an article by Lawrence Frey,Barnett Pearce, Mark Pollock, Lee Artz and Bren Murphy from 1996 entitled “Looking for Justice in all the Wrong Places: On a Communication Approach to Social Justice.” (The panel) discovered from the audience that there is still a very big interest by students to talk about social justice.” Dr.Churcher said, “Students are really eager to take classes that involve the discussion of current issues that impact social justice.” The NCA is particular about what kinds of sessions get accepted. With over 8,000 sessions proposed, only 2,000 were accepted. “It was really great that the Wilkes University Communications Department was so heavily involved” Stine remarked, “Wilkes was represented in something not everyone gets a chance to be present for.”
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Mrs. Kristen Rock, Dr. Mark Stine, Dr. Linda Winkler and Dr. Evene Estwick share discussion at NCA Conference.
Christopher Augustine ‘91 speaks to COM 302 students By: Austin Ely Wilkes University class of 1991 graduate, Christopher Augustine, is no stranger to campus, especially when Homecoming celebrations roll around. Augustine made the trip to Wilkes with his family in order to speak to communication studies students in the
Fundamentals of Public Relations class earlier this fall semester. Augustine spoke about his success and how his career took him from Wilkes to being a top administrator of a large and well known company. While at Wilkes University Augustine was involved in ROTC which ultimately led to his decision to join the Army in
1996 to become a Public Affairs Officer and Director of External and Internal Communications with Special Operations Forces where he oversaw communication regarding Osama Bin Laden’s death
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Augustine Cont. Continued from page 7
in 2011. After serving on active duty twice Augustine moved from a military communications environment to a corporate communications environment when he became the Director of Global Communications for General Electric in 2012. Augustine is currently the Director of Communications for WestRock, a company which packages and brands many consumer products in over thirty countries with over 39,000 employees worldwide. As he spoke on his experiences beyond Wilkes, Augustine noted that much of what he learned while he was in school was valuable and translated to real jobs such as speechwriting, advertising, and even media design and layout . From the private sector, the corporate sector and the public sector, his communications training at Wilkes University remained beneficial. Augustine’s presentation, which was titled “Preparation Meets Opportunity,” was not only meant for communication studies students, but for every student across all majors. The title of the presentation encompasses experiences stemming from early student life to experiences as a professional. Being
Zeto Cont.
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One of the hardest challenges Zeto faces in the workplace is the fast pace of the technology business that takes tremendous effort, vision and communication skills. To solve this, Zeto will help people look two steps ahead and anticipate the next moves in the market so they are proactive, not reactive. He believes in providing employees with opportunities to grow both individually and through the company. The most enjoyable aspect of Zeto’s job is molding his department to what he envisions it to be while focusing on the process of getting the business there. He believes in this process to make his vision come alive by succeeding at building it, growing it, and actually running it while using technology as an asset to enhance the process. Page 8
Communication Studies Department prepared to take opportunities in life will make a person more successful. He spoke of how to get hired and what it means to find what makes a person most happy and productive. Touching on his own experiences he credits much of his success to the experiences he actually had and opportunities he took as a student, and as an entry-level employee, soldier, and administrator. The ability to be honest with employers who are looking to hire a person as well as possessing the ability to think globally from different perspectives are key. Having passion, focus, and humility are important, too not just interviewing for a job, but also in everyday life as well. Through his presentation Augustine gave tips and advice for the interview process. As a professional who interviews possible employees, as well as having been interviewed for a job in the past, Augustine has drawn from an increasingly wide range of experience. “It’s okay to take a detour in life,” Augustine stated during his presentation. This statement resonates with students looking towards their future, but also every person who knows they have one. The perspectives a person gains throughout those detours are what truly matter when faced with starting a career or new job. “Technology changes the world, but you have to know how to execute because technology in the end is just an enabler. You have to be able to use the technology to add value to change people’s lives and businesses for the better,” he said. Even with all of his business success, he stills credits most of it to his undergraduate education from Wilkes. Zeto stated, “Wilkes University changed my life, I needed that degree and I was not a focused student. I played basketball, was involved in all kinds of activities, owned or operated several businesses all while attending school. But people like Jane Elmes-Crahall, Brad Kinney and Dean Jane Lampe stayed with me and helped me focus and get through and get that piece of paper that changed my life. I lead people every day that went to Harvard, MIT, and other major universities that have quite the pedigree, but they work for me because people
December 2016
Alumnus Chris Augustine visited Wilkes University and spoke to the Fundamentals of PR class on Friday, September 30.
“It’s okay to take a detour in life.” at Wilkes cared enough to make sure I completed my degree,” Zeto shared. Not only does he credit the University’s faculty and staff , he also believes his degree in Communication Studies helped him tremendously along the way. “Business is all communication. You must be able to effectively articulate a strategy and why that is the correct strategy to truly lead people. My job is very public. I am in a global role and speak in front of tens of thousands of people around the world every year as well as doing on camera, digital and print pieces regularly so my education, and that training I got at Wilkes is used every day,” Zeto said. Zeto has been very successful in his life after college. With numerous accomplishments, we wish him continued success for the future.