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News and information for EIU students in the Department of Journalism April 2014 Vol. 1, No. 2
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James Tidwell in the department’s conference room. Photo by Brian Poulter
Journalism department loses beloved chairman, professor, mentor Staff Editorial Throughout the Eastern Illinois University journalism department, communication law is one of the most revered—and feared— courses required in the curriculum. The man behind the class, James Tidwell, was one of the most respected and known among the students. Tidwell died the morning of April 12 after a 19-month-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He left behind shoes that will never quite be filled in the same way. Starting at Eastern in 1987, Tidwell was a strong proponent of the 1st Amendment and wrote the book on media law in the state of Illinois, Media Law in Illinois: A Reporter’s Handbook . An avid sports fan, Tidwell was filled with Eastern pride. He was also a member of the Coles County Babershop Chorus and sang in the choir at the First United Methodist Church in Gulfport, Miss. Toward the end of Tidwell’s fight with cancer, students, faculty, and alums of the journalism program wrote encouraging and reflective messages about their experiences with the former department chair. Sean Copeland, senior journalism major, took communication law with Tidwell this semester and said that he was a kind of mentor to him. “I didn’t meet James Tidwell until I was admitted to Eastern and I remember how he showed me the program and
what classes I need to take in order to achieve my goals,” Copeland says on Facebook. Copeland says that while he did not always agree with the former department chair, he respected Tidwell and his devotion to the First Amendment and Eastern Illinois University. Some students took to social media to pay their respects to Tidwell without even knowing him. “I will forever regret not getting to know you, though you did help me get my first semester in order,” Jason Howell, current journalism student, said. “Despite what every one says about Comm. Law, I was looking forward to the challenge.” Some faculty noted that Tidwell was also a huge fan of the Swedish Pop group ABBA. “The chance to sit in a dark and dingy Dairy Queen, complete with three DQ workers smoking in a nearby booth while eating chicken strips in rural Indiana as James sang the ABBA classic, Fernando,” journalism professor Brian Poulter says. “It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it.” Some were surprised to hear that Tidwell was a big fan of ABBA. “Aware of his Oklahoma roots, I would have assumed that his ears bent more towards Nashville, rather than Stockholm,” Dan Crews, Director of Patron Services at Doudna Fine Arts Center says. “So today, when I think of Anni-frid, Benny, Bjorn and Agnetha, I also think of James.”
“I didn’t meet James Tidwell until I was admitted to Eastern and I remember how he showed me the program and what classes I needed to take in order to achieve my goals.” — Sean Copeland Although Tidwell may be gone he will live on in the memories of all of us in The Agency,the journalism department, Eastern Illinois University and supporters of the First Amendment. “James Tidwell lives on – a part of him in every EIU student he taught or mentored,” journalism instructor Liz Viall says. Survivors include his wife, Muriel Everton, also a professor at Eastern, whom he married in 1991; his father, Ray Tidwell, and his stepmother, Bette Chasteen Tidwell, Moore, Okla.; his sister, Phyllis Foree and brother-in-law Roger Foree, Pasadena, Texas.
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Journalism/Student Media Scholarships, awards focus of May 2 department event
By Richard Upshaw Every year the journalism department puts on an end-of-the-year banquet, and this year is no different. On Friday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. the journalism department and student media will gather in the Grand Ballroom for food, speeches, and for students to be recognized for outstanding achievements. At the event speakers and advisers will give out
awards to students wh0 have shown exemplary leadership in groups such as The Agency, The Daily Eastern News, The Warbler and Fresh. Also, students who have taken the responsibility of spear heading the organization they are affiliated with will be recognized for their achievements. Scholarships will also be awardsed to students who have applied and performed at an excellent lev-
el in their academic field of study. The department awards up to 19 scholarships each year, which are funded by alumni and friends of the department. The journalism banquet will be a night of relaxation and fun that is open to faculty, retired members of the journalism department, scholarship donors, and students alike. Students tickets are $10; tickets for all others are $15. Gina Volk is the new editor of The Warbler, EIU’s yearbook. Photo by Liz Grubart
Gina Volk takes Reins of Warbler
By Liz Grubart
Since incorporation at EIU in 1983, Kappa Tau Alpha has been recognizing academic achievement and encouraging scholarship among journalism and mass communication students. Kappa Tau Alpha acknowledges the top ten percent of graduating students and extends to them an invitation to become members of an elite group. April 1 the honor society welcomed four new members. They are Brian Vorce, Seth Schroeder, Shea Lazansky and Josh Jones. Photo by Joe Valenzio
JWR JWR is a publication of the EIU Department of Journalism. 2521 Buzzard Hall, 600 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL 61920 217-581-6003 www.eiu.edu/~journal
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is organized, edited and designed by The Agency, the student-run public relations firm at EIU.
The Agency meets: Every Thursday in 2434 Buzzard Hall 5 p.m.
Agency Director:
Michael Wolbers
Agency Assoc. Director: Katelyn Ifft
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The Agency produces JWR and writes news for the department’s blog
Blog: www.eiujournalism.wordpress.com Twitter: @EIU_Journalism Facebook Page:
search for Eastern Illinois University Journalism
Website: www.eiu.edu/~agency Staff: Editor:
Ty Noel
Associate Editor:
Alex Seidler
Photographers: Liz Grubart Joe Valenzio Brian Poulter
Writers:
Alex Seidler Joe Valenzio Richard Upshaw Liz Grubart Katelyn Ifft Katelyn Donovan Michael Wolbers
The Agency Adviser: Liz Viall, ekviall@eiu.edu
Gina Volk, a junior journalism major with a focus in photojournalism, was chosen to be the new editor for The Warbler. Volk began working as an editor for the yearbook while attending East Richland high school, which sparked her interest in journalism and started her pursuit for yearbook. “I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do,” Volk said. “I was very devoted to it.” After attending Olney
Central College, she transferred to Eastern and began working for The Warbler immediately. Volk said the main theme for the yearbook is focusing on individuals and profile pieces. “I love yearbook because it’s very photo heavy and you can be more creative with designs and ideas,” Volk said. “It’s also great because people always go back to look at their old yearbooks, and it’s good to know that people will be looking at my book years from now.”
23 named as candidates for spring, summer 2014 graduation Candidates for graduation in journalism this spring and summer include, for spring 2014: Nick Blankenship, Sabrina Duncan, Kaylia Eskew, Natalie Fedder, Margaret Hockenberry, Shea Lazansky, Jalisa Paramore, Amir Prellberg, Emily Provance, Seth Schroeder, Daniel Somenck, Jillian Stock, Brian Vorce and Michael Wolbers. Candidates for summer 2014 graduation are: Sa-
sha Corwin, Brandyce Gordon, Kyle Mayhugh, Tyler Noel, Ashleigh Owens, Miranda Ploss, Jasmine Randle, Bryce Ricketts and Juwaan Wright. Fall 2013 graduates in journalism included Piper Black, Stacey Catterson, Robyn Dexter, Sara Hall, Dana Jackson, Erik Jensen, Samantha McDaniel, Kathryn Richter, Rachel Rodgers, Jordan Thiede, Lauren Thomas, Alex Warpinski and Merritt Whitley.
The Agency is looking for you! The student-run public relations firm at EIU will be hiring editors for paid positions in fall 2014. If you’re interesting in writing, design, public relations and campaigns, join us fall semester. Contact Katelyn Ifft,2014-15 director, at krifft@eiu.edu
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Warbler continues tradition of the coffee table layout By Katelyn Donovan The 2013-14 edition of he Warbler, the EIU yearbook, will be distributed to graduating seniors upon cap and gown pick-up. The layout will again be in the form of a ‘coffee table’ book, which started in 2011. Sally Renaud, a journalism professor at EIU as well as the adviser to The Warbler, gives a big thanks to ad sales. The longevity of the members created a special bond which will be celebrated along with the book at a dinner. This is when the
staff really gets to see the book for the first time. Renaud said she was proud of the staff, which welcomed newbies and the non-journalism majors. “We will miss the graduating seniors. These last weeks with no pressures makes it feel like they moved out of the news room onto a different life. It is bitter sweet,” Renaud said. Renaud was especially grateful to Betsy Jewell, along with student publications and The DEN. “It is a great feeling to have all of their support.”
She also recognized Brandyce Gordon, the graduating editor of The 2013-14 Warbler. “She is a great teacher, and is still helping out with this upcoming book. It is hard to imagine life without her here when she goes on to bigger and better things,” Renaud said. Gina Volk was hired as the new editor. She already has her management team set up, and they have the next book in progress. It is a nonstop process; just like the news, it comes every day. The Warbler staff meets on Sunday evenings.
The 2013-14 cover of The Warbler is black with spotches of color, a contrast to the previous year’s white cover.
End of the year
Spring 2014 went by in a whirlwind and a blur By Alyssa Stockton As usual, journalism students at EIU have been busy this semester. The Agency has constantly updated the journalism department’s Twitter account to keep other students, alumni and friends informed of the latest happenings. Posts varied from upcoming events and visiting alumni on campus to new articles on the department’s Wordpress blog to retweets and mentions about other campus activities. The loss of Dr. James Tidwell became the biggest news this semester, when he died Saturday, April 12, after a 19-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Tidwell was the journalism department chairman and taught communication law at EIU for 27 years.
This year marked a milestone for the Daniel Thornburgh chapter of PRSSA. Celebrating 30 years, the chapter welcomed back Thornburgh’s widow, Adrien Thornburgh, as well as retired faculty adviser Terry Johnson. The Agency brought back the Salvation Army Talent Show for it’s second year, with increased attendance and performance variety. Emcee Michael Wolbers kept the crowd entertained, and the judges named beat-boxer Danny Trevor as the winner for the second year in a row. In February, Homecoming North, the annual Chicago gathering of journalism alumni and student media, was successful. Professor Cameron Craig spoke at the Society of Collegiate Journalists’ After
Hours Program about his documentary in progress, “Expedition Endurance: An Inquiry into Human Survival.” Also, Buzzard Hall said farewell to Dave Ross, a building service worker who retired after 10 years with EIU. Nearing the end of the semester the department prepares to say farewell to graduating seniors, including Brad Kupiec, a broadcast journalism student who is using his experience with Hit-Mix radio at EIU to pursue his goal in sports announcing. Hit-Mix 88.9 was nominated for an MTVu Woodie Award for outstanding college radio this semester. Campus welcomed multiple journalism alumni all semester long, including Timothy Martin (‘06), Ted Gregory (‘81) , and Barbara Harrington (‘11). They talk-
ed about their times at EIU, involvement on campus, and current careers. The Daily Eastern News won 11 awards in the Society for Collegiate Journalists’ national contest this semester. The News took first place in staff editorials and third place in companion website. Zachary White took second place in photo essay. Dominic M Baima took second place in news photography and third place in sports photography. Mia Tapella took third place in column writing. Rob Downen took third place in feature writing and received an honorable mention in column writing. Dominic Renzetti received an honorable mention in the editorial page category. Ashley Holstrom received an honorable
Gregory co-writes book on soccer journey By Alex Seidler Ted Gregory (’81) has co-authored a book with Paul ‘Whitey’ Kapsalis on Kapsalis’ experience in college soccer. Gregory and Kapsalis visited EIU April 8 to talk about the book. Gregory talked to journalism classes during the day. He and Kapsalis spoke about their book in the physical sciences auditorium that evening. Kapsalis was told by friends, coaches and professors throughout college that he would never make it as a college athlete. “You shouldn’t be concerned about the outcome,”
Kapsalis said. “It’s all about the journey.” The book follows his journey as he goes from a struggling member of the soccer team at Indiana University to leading his team to an undefeated season as its captain. Gregory decided to take on the project of co-authoring the book about his cousin’s experience, which he has said is the soccer version of Rudy. “I found the project exciting and compelling,” Gregory said. “One of the best parts was reconnecting with my cousin.” Over the past year Gregory traveled all around with Kapsalis to promote the story.
“If you learned from the journey and odyssey then no matter how it ends it’s very worthwhile and you shouldn’t be concerned about the outcome,” Kapsalis said. Kapsalis said he tries to not have any regrets. He has advice for those who want to follow their dreams. “Just when you get inspired, have confidence coupled with perseverance to get where you want,” he said. “Always keep an open mind and never lose sight of the original seed.” Gregory writes for the Chicago Tribune. In 2008 he was part of the Chicago Tribune team that won the
Pulitzer Prize in investigative reporting.
The book is now available on Amazon.
mention in front-page layout and Aldo Soto received an honorable mention in sports news story.
Friday, May 2
IHSA Journalism Competition - all day, main site in Buzzard Hall 6:30 p.m. - Journalism and Student Media Banquet, 6:30 p.m., University Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
Saturday, May 10`
Journalism Graduate Breakfast, 9:30 a.m., 7th Street Underground, MLK Jr. Union College of Arts and Humanities commencement, noon
PRSSA seeks new members PRSSA is a professional organization for students studying public relations at EIU. Students must pay $60 dues each year to join the national and local organizations. Each year PRSSA sends members to national and regional conferences, holds workshops and networking events, plans events and campaigns and meets public relations professionals. Dr. Brian Sowa is the group’s adviser. The EIU chapter is named after Daniel Thornburgh, the founder of the journalism department at Eastern.
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The agency presents: The Agency’s second talent show helps raise food, funds for the Salvation Army By Joe Valenzio
Quinn Hussey and Ethan Kinsella perform ‘Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty one last time together before graduation. Photo by Joe Valenzio
On April 10 parents, students, and children of all ages filed into Pemberton’s Grand Hall to watch students give it their all while they performed their unique talents. The Agency sponsored its second annual talent show. The proceeds from the night were donated to the Salvation Army, and with students bringing either a dollar for entry or a canned good, it was not difficult to make an impact. The night quickly started off on a good note when Mike Wolbers, The Agency director, took to the stage to greet and do a little stand-up comedy to get the night rolling. A lot of talent was in the house that night, with performances including rapping, Irish dancing, and even some yodeling. It was a tough competition to say the least with crowds shouting in pleasure after every performance. Halfway through the show the crowd was treated by a special performance from EIU’s Hello Dali. If you have yet to see a performance by Hello Dali they are an improvisational group geared towards knee-slapping comedy guided with the audience’s participation. The night was coming to an end as the final performance was taking the stage. Danny Treavor, last year’s first-place winner, stood in front of the crowd as he began to produce simulated noises of scratching records, beats, and rhythms while only using his mouth as a source of sound. Danny Treavor is a senior communication studies major who has been winning talent competitions using only the percussions of his voice since he was a junior in high school. The crowds cheers were not enough to gauge who was worthy of taking top prize for their talents. The decision came down to the judges who were looking for creativity, audience appeal, entertainment, and stage presentation. The results were in, and with a drum roll provided by Danny Treavor’s ability, the winners were announced. Third place winners were Quinn Hussey and Ethan Kinsella with a heartfelt duet performance of Free Fallin’ played on acoustic guitar and banjo. Coming in a close second was Konahr Shirley who silenced the crowd with her flawless Irish dancing talent. First place was awarded to Danny Treavor who successfully fended off the competition to remain the most talented in the show. Judges for the talent show were Crystal Brown and Rachel Fisher. In addition, an audience member was chosen to participate as a judge. The Agency collected three boxes of canned goods and about $69 for the Salvation Army.
Kate Pleasant to leave for Sarah Bush Lincoln By Mike Wolbers Having just graduated from Eastern Illinois University’s journalism program in 2006 and now working for the Journal Gazette-Times Courier, Kate Pleasant was writing an article about a television program that was going into its fifth season. The show was Heartland Highways, a program about unique people and places in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. Pleasant interviewed Heartland Highways host Lori Casey about the show for her article. A few months down the road when Casey was searching for a co-host, she remembered Pleasant and thought she would be a
perfect fit. “I had a small town connection and a natural curiosity which helps when you are trying to tell the story,” Pleasant said. Pleasant jumped at the opportunity, and became the new co-host of Heartland Highways as well as a producer/director at WEIU’s NewsWatch. As a student at EIU, leasant had worked for both The Daily Eastern News and WEIU. “You know it was interesting for me because I kind of got to see both sides of the coin,” Pleasant said, “It was different coming back because I had been in the students shoes not that long ago.” While still working on
Heartland Highways and WEIU, Pleasant was able to graduate with a Master’s of Science degree in 2012, majoring in technology and training development. After six years at WEIU, Pleasant will be leaving for her new position at Sarah Bush Lincoln as a performance consultant. Pleasant says that her position will be a challenge. “I will be doing employee training and will be working with the whole staff to make sure that they are always at their best,” Pleasant says. Her background in journalism has helped her become a versatile communicator, Pleasant says. “Journalism in whatever field you take on is a broad skill set,” Pleasant said, “You
are taught to do so many different things that you are not just stuck in one field.” The former WEIU producer/director saw the performance consultant position as an opportunity. “I wanted to branch out and grow, this position and field is new and different for me,” Pleasant said. Even though she is leaving WEIU, Pleasant will not be far from the PBS affiliate. “I will never forget what I learned here,” Pleasant said, “I will miss Heartland Highways, the family atmosphere and the staff and students at NewsWatch.” As Kate says on the Heartland Highways webpage, “Maybe I’ll see you out there on the Heartland Highways.”
Kate Pleasant