Message from Department Chair
Kathy Menzie
The Mass Media Department has from the PhD program in journalism also excited to be able to take advantage been busy this year. We held our first from KU. We are so thrilled that of the expertise of the new director of ever Media Day, bringing more than she will be joining us next fall. Look university relations. Patrick Early will 30 high school students to Washburn forward to some new and interesting be teaching a new class: Prepping for to highlight classes taking Zombies, PR Case Studies. what we place in the It’s been a good year—filled with do in Mass future. great students, a successful search for I am so grateful for the wonderful Media. We Speaking a new faculty member, and terrific were very of new and special events. I am so grateful for the faculty we have and for our privileged interesting wonderful faculty we have and for our amazing and talented students. to have classes, we amazing and talented students. KTWU continue to have as a coTim Hrenchir, a Kathy Menzie is the chair for the sponsor for Topeka CapitalWashburn University Mass Media the event. Student visitors had a tour Journal reporter teach the Murder, and the Communication Studies of campus, including KTWU; heard Mayhem and Media class, which is one departments. from film students and watched of our most popular classes. We are some student projects; tried out a PR scenario; came up with a new name for a cold medicine and planned a commercial; and wrote headlines with the Washburn Review staff. We had many students express an interest in coming to Washburn. It was a great day, with lots of fun and lots of connections being made. The students from Maria Stover’s fall and spring Career Development class planned the event and made sure everything ran smoothly. This is an idea the faculty has talked about doing for years, so we’re excited that we actually held it this year. It will become an annual event, and we hope it will grow significantly. Another exciting happening is that we had a successful search for a new Mass Media assistant professor! Kristen Grimmer will be joining the faculty in fall 2016. Kristen graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media from Washburn, then completed her master’s Courtesy of Kenzie McCoy and doctorate at the University of Kathy Menzie, pictured with Amy Reinhardt (left) and Kenzie McCoy, dresses up to Kansas. She is one of the first graduates celebrate student achievements during the 2016 Roarin' 1920s Mass Media Banquet.
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2016 Messenger Contents Editor-in-chief: Michael Hibler Copy Editor: Amy Reinhardt Editorial Staff: Fahad Alfaryyan Tylor DeNoya Myles Hibler Lauren Kostusik Mark Kotich Derek Richardson Terry Richardson Contributors: Stephanie Cannon Brian Cervantez Jena Dean Kenzie McCoy Abigail Mies Lesley Ostmeyer Katie Wade
Photo by Terry Richardson
Brian Cervantez, left, Derek Richardson and Amy Reinhardt practice their media skills.
04 Roarin' 1920s Banquet 06 Media Day 2016 08 Student gains cultural awareness 10 Turning a minor into more Cover Design: 11 Students explore photography Mark Kotich Alumni shine, Portfolio class preps students 12 Faculty Adviser: 13 Freshmen in media, Alumna joins staff Regina Cassell 14 Student sets up for success The Mass Media Messenger is annually produced by students 16 Alumna uses degree to help community in the MM 431 Creative Media 17 Department to add new minor Practicum course. 18 PR offers new adjunct To see 26 years of archives, 20 Alumni class notes visit issuu.com/messenger 22 Congratulations, 2015-2016 graduates
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MASS MEDIA BANQUET 2016
Photos by Fahad Alfaryyan
‘Elegance and Excellence’ the Roaring 20’s
By Lauren Kostusik Students and guests put on their best 20s garb and celebrated the past year Great Gatsby style. Top hats, black and white dresses, pearls and feathers were the outfits of choice this year. Guest speaker Misty Kruger talked about her years at Washburn, as well as what it’s like to be out in the working world and what they should expect. She gave the students advice to live by. An Italian buffet was served for dinner, which included a choice of fettuccini alfredo or pasta marinara with meat sauce, a dinner salad and bread sticks, all topped off with refresing iced tea and water. Emcees Mindy Barks and Josh Wallentine drew winners for door prizes from event sponsors Cashmere Popcorn, Pie Five, McAlister’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Panda Express.
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The banquet featured a photo booth with props for guests to use. Fahad Alfaryyan, event photographer, gave students ideas for creative poses. The decorating committee transformed the Washburn A room into the Roaring 20s. The tables were decorated with glittery gold bottles, diamonds and candles. An array of black, gold, and white balloons were scattered about the room and stars lined the walls. The event was quoted as being both elegant and excellent. “What I enjoyed most about the night was seeing everyone support one another and dressing up in Great Gatsby style,” said Lauren Pierce, member of the decorating committee. “We all did our part in making this night as successful as it was.” Many students received scholarships
and the traditional outstanding student awards were presented in each emphasis. Lesley Ostmeyer was named Outstanding Film and Video Student and Adam Vlach was named the Outstanding Student for Student Media. Shauna Van Syoc earned Oustanding Creative Advertising Student; Monica McDougal won Outstanding Public Relations Student; and Jena Dean was recognized as the Outstanding Student in Contemporary Journalism. The night was a complete success, according to the positive evaluations. In the words of Jay Gatsby himself, “A little party never killed nobody.” Lauren Kostusik, lauren.kostusik@ washburn.edu, is a senior public relations emphasis.
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“A little party never killed nobody.” — Jay from the “Great Gatsby” To see more photos from this event, make sure you are connected to our secret Facebook group. Simply friend a member of the faculty and ask to be added. It’s that easy.
Far left: Seniors Bree Zuchowski, Lauren Kostusik, Kara Mazachek, Mikayla Douglas and David Cox have fun at the photo booth. Left middle: Outstanding Award winners Lesley Ostmeyer (middle) and Adam Vlach (left) show off their awards. Top left: Professors Frank Chorba, Regina Cassell and Maria Stover congratulate the graduating mass media seniors, as Professor and Chair Kathy Menzie introduces them to the audience. Top right: Professor Cranston introduces the trailer to his documentary, “Blessing the Fleet,” which was played for audience members. Bottom picture: Graduating seniors stand to be recognized and include Michael Hibler, Lauren Pierce, Myles Hibler, Amy Reinhardt, Jena Dean, Kara Mazachek, David Cox, Nolan Weigel, Farai Harreld, Monica McDougal, Tylor DeNoya, Bree Zuchowski and Mikayla Douglas.
Photos by Stephanie Cannon
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Media Day 2016
Photo by Lesley Ostmeyer
WU students, faculty and alumni generate MM department interest By Lauren Kostusik
Upperclassmen showed their love for the Mass Media during the department’s first annual Media Day. This event occurred from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 25, 2016. Faculty and Mass Media majors spent the day involved in informing high school juniors and seniors about the opportunities the Mass Media Department has to offer. The event kicked off at 9:30 a.m. with opening remarks from Kathy Menzie and Eugene Williams. From there, the attendees were divided into three colorcoded groups. Members of the upper-division Career Development and Digital Portfolio class were assigned to each student group to guide them around campus and through different emphasis-inspired workshops including contemporary journalism, public
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relations, film and video and creative advertising. The students also received a brief campus tour led by student ambassadors and a tour of KTWU led by CEO Eugene Williams. Students learned about the First Amendment and headline writing in the Student Media office while Patrick Early, director of university relations, gave crisis communication scenarios for teams to work through during the PR session. Film students watched student work, and the campus tours featured different areas. “My students really enjoyed seeing all the behind the scenes work that goes on at KTWU,” said Kara Mazachek, group leader. “Most of the students in my group were interested in broadcast, so doing the workshops and seeing the facility was the highlight of their Media
Day experience.” After transitioning through the workshops, students reunited for lunch and listened to a panel discussion from Mass Media alumni. Media Day allowed high schoolers to network with current faculty and students, and the experience generated a great deal of interest. Positive feedback regarding the event was given from several high schools in attendance. “I thought Media Day was excellent, and I was told by my students that they had a lot of fun,” said Jennifer Luetje, journalism professor at Washburn Rural high school.
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Lauren Kostusik, lauren.kostusik@ washburn.edu, is a senior public relations emphasis.
Photo by Abigail Meis
#wumediaday
Photo by Lesley Ostmeyer Top left: Alumnus Lyall Ford takes students behind the scenes in Henderson’s TV studio. Top right: Eugene Williams, director of KTWU, shares some thoughts on the film industry. Middle left: Ben Faires and Shayn Jones help students learn the art of writing headlines. Middle right: High school attendees engage in some fun at the photo booth during lunch.
Photo by Regina Cassell
Photo by Abigail Meis
Bottom: Alumni (from left) Haley Pollock, Michael Goehring, Brian Dulle, Maria Rodriguez and Sarah Towle give students advice while Maria Stover moderates.
Photo by Abigail Meis
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STUDENT GAINS CULTURAL AWARENESS through STUDY
“When I was a kid my family went to Europe twice and I spent my summers there, so I knew that when I got to college, I would study abroad,” Dean said. Her adventure began Feb. 11, and during her semester she completed a Washburn Transformational Experience at the Fachhochschule Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences. As a mass media student, she acquired several skills from her print emphasis courses including Editorial By Amy Reinhardt Design and Photography, Creative Writing for Film and Media Ethics. ll she wanted was to spend Though Dean has spent more time the weekend in Milan, abroad than the average student, this Italy with her newly-made adventure allowed her to experience an exchange friends. As the bus even deeper level of Austrian culture. stopped at the Swiss-Italian border for “I have visited a lot of countries,” a routine check, Jena Dean, senior mass Dean said. “I don’t know if I would media major, could see glimpses of Italy move back to Austria, but I will ahead, but she did not see the drama definitely visit the family I have that awaited her. 20 minutes from where I lived in As the border patrol’s drug dog Dornbirn.” targeted a suspect of illegal contraband, Unlike the United States, where a man who happened to be seated right Dean notices more artificial behavior, next to Dean, the Austrian people dog leaped onto are much more the suspect and straightforward began barking in nature. I learned how to be self-reliant relentlessly. After People don’t and can manage so much more a wait of two sugarcoat or hours, the bus than I could before I left. put forth the proceeded to Italy extra level of with the suspect politeness for remaining with strangers that the officers at the Americans are known for doing. border. Another difference was the inevitable Even though Dean arrived in Italy fact that on Sundays and holidays, safely, this was not what she had in which were more common than other mind when she chose to spend her countries, everything is closed. The only semester abroad in Dornbirn, Austria. thing open is the train station. When Dean selected Dornbirn as Dean’s professors sent out frequent her home for the spring 2015 semester, email blasts warning students to stock up she made the decision based on the on food so they wouldn’t be left starving family she has in the Netherlands and on days of zero service. Switzerland. Dean ventured to Austria by herself,
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ABROAD
but upon arrival instantly befriended a variety of international students, and lived in a flat with six of them. “By living in one flat with so many different people I constantly dealt with different personalities that went beyond us all being from different countries,” Dean said. Dean and her new friends spent a lot of their time together exploring the Austrian countryside. A large group of exchange students would gather together at the Dornbirner Ach, a river near their residence, to have delicious barbecues and fires. “The river was so pretty with the mountains, because where I lived there were huge mountains surrounding the entire city,” Dean said. The friendships she developed in Dornbirn were so worthwhile that she still maintains contact with her Dutch, Polish and Australian friends. Their significant cultural differences allow them to challenge each other to enhance their cultural awareness. Dean recommends that students at the very least look into the possibility of doing a faculty-led study abroad trip through the International House. “You don’t have to go all out and travel alone like I did,” Dean said. “But you’ll be able to gain exposure to different cultures, and it’ll open your eyes to more than just the Washburn campus and Topeka and even the American way of life.” In many ways, Dean feels like she returned from Dornbirn a new person. “Looking back I feel like I grew up while I was there,” Dean said. “I learned how to be self-reliant and can manage so much more than I could before I left.”
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Amy Reinhardt, amy.reinhardt@ washburn.edu, is a senior contemporary journalism emphasis.
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“It’s relying on yourself. No one else is responsible for you. So if you make a mistake, it’s on you.” 1
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1. Jena Dean, senior contemporary journalism emphasis, takes in the picturesque view from the hillside to look upon the brightly colored town of Dornbirn. 2. Dean sees many Austrian fields in the Vorarlberg countryside in the springtime.
4 3. Dean poses with American friend Chloe Wolfe and Dutch friend Milann Veldink after a student welcoming party. 4. Dean saw the Karren mountain in Dornbirn, Austria. 5. Dean and her friends enjoy barbecues by a river near their home as they revel in the beauty of Austria. 6. Dean traveled to Switzerland with her aunt.
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Photos courtesy of Jena Dean
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Turning a minor into more
Mass Media partners well with several other majors By Jena Dean College is a time of gaining experience, and many students achieve this by immersing themselves in their major and becoming involved in extracurricular activities. However, some students truly go the extra mile by taking on the challenge of more than one declared major. Lisa Herdman and Katie Wade have both gone beyond the Mass Media Department’s 40 credit hour requirement by tackling an extra major. Herdman, senior, is majoring in Mass Media and English, while Wade, junior, is studying Mass Media and history. With less than five Mass Media double majors, Herdman and Wade chose to complete two degrees simultaneously, requiring them to take more than the average amount of credit hours per semester. “The skills I’ve gained through both majors really apply to each other, and it’s been beneficial to have classes from both majors already,” Wade said.
Both students started in majors side,” Herdman said. “My dreams other than Mass Media, but they soon have been made more possible and came to realize the benefits tied to a plausible by having two majors.” degree in contemporary journalism. After always having a passion for Herdman, who added Mass Media as writing, Wade discovered her passion her secondary major during her junior for media during her second semester year, realized the connection between when she joined Student Media and an English added Mass degree and an Media as her emphasis in other major. journalism. “I came into My dreams have been made more “I have college with possible and plausible by having two always been history as my majors. in love with major because English,” I wanted to tell Herdman said. “I want a job that stories. About a year into my major, I allows me to read all day long like had decided I wanted to try something an editor or writing agent, and I fell else,” Wade said. “I thought, hey, this is into Mass Media with the Washburn modern storytelling.” Review and realized that English and After taking many courses that media writing go well together.” were already incorporated into the With an additional 40 hours Mass Media curriculum, Wade found tacked on by the Mass Media degree juggling both majors easier. requirements, the workload has been In addition to history and Mass challenging for Herdman. Media, Wade is completing a minor “The most difficult part of having in women and gender studies that both of these majors requires a capstone project. is having to complete “I decided to have a minor because two senior projects at of all of the shared credits I was getting the same time while from both of my majors,” Wade said. also taking classes,” “It was just worth it to put the extra Herdman said. time in.” Herdman will After graduation, Wade plans to complete a capstone continue her education by pursuing a for English and master’s degree in history. Eventually, advanced courses she hopes to work in an academic and projects for Mass setting conducting research. Media. However, “I want to say a big thank you the struggle of to all of my professors I’ve had in completing two both majors,” Wade said. “I have had degrees is worth it for nothing but strong support from both Herdman. sides.” “I enjoy being able to see two different Jena Dean, jena.dean@washburn.edu, areas, the creative is a senior contemporary journalism Photo by Fahad Alfaryyan writing side of things emphasis. Katie Wade, left, and Lisa Herdman have become friends and the non-fiction during their time on the Washburn Review editorial staff.
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Students explore photography A new course allows students to develop and sharpen their skills By Terry Richardson In fall 2015, the Mass Media Department offered a new special topics course, Commercial and Fashion Photography. The class offered a handson opportunity for students to explore photography. Over the course of a semester, Charles Cranston taught the importance of composition, lighting, exposure and the rule of thirds. Students were told to think outside the box in order to capture the best images they could. “I have always had an interest in photography, so I decided to take the class,” said Lesley Ostmeyer, senior film and video emphasis. During the first half of the semester,
Cranston focused on photographic composition without the involvement of people. Student assignments included urban decay, prairie landscapes, shadows, reflections and liquids. Some of the assignments were completed with mobile devices like cellphones and tablets. Students were introduced to mobile editing apps like Photoshop Express and Photo Genie. They were expected to edit their photos and create the highest quality of interest with the focus remaining on commercial photography. The goal for the students was to be able to sell the object they were photographing. “I think my the most memorable assignment would be the shadows and the alternative fashion,” Ostmeyer said. “I really enjoyed those.” During the second half of the semester, the course’s focus transitioned from commercial stills into fashion. Students were required to find models, both male and female, in order to fulfill the assignment needs. Cranston offered model connections to Photo by Skippy Muiruri
Top: Students use photoshop to enhance composition in their creations. Photo by Lesley Ostmeyer
Left: Students use shadows to increase visual interest in Charles Cranston’s commercial photography class.
the students who were unacquainted with “model type” individuals, ensuring equal opportunity for all of his students. “I feel like I learned a lot about taking and giving criticism, which helped me take better photos,” said Stephanie Cannon, film and video emphasis. Throughout the semester as students learned more about the importance of composition, exposure and editing, they continuously edited their works. “The best thing I got out of the class was more pieces to add to my portfolio,” Ostmeyer said. “This motivated me to take really good photos.” The result was a high quality online photo portfolio that most students linked to their professional portfolios. “If you look at our photos in the beginning and compare them to the end, there was drastic improvement,” Cannon said.
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Terry Richardson, terry.richardson@ washburn.edu, is a contemporary journalism emphasis.
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Alumni shine in media careers By Derek Richardson Some people end their college careers unsure about where their life is going, but this wasn’t the case for two recent Mass Media alumnae. Kara Protasio and Carly Willis, May 2015 graduates, soared beyond other students in terms of their involvement while they were Washburn students.
Photos courtesy of Kara Protasio and Carly Willis
Both Kara Protasio, left, and Carly Wills are following their dreams of being TV news reporters.
Extracurricular activities along with their contemporary journalism emphasis assisted them in achieving the job they wanted most. During senior year, Willis and Protasio worked on an independent study, led by Protasio, that focused on the development of a campus TV news show called KSWU News. Willis, now employed at KOAM TV in Pittsburg, said it was really neat that after being KSWU anchors, they both achieved their dream of becoming reallife news reporters. “I think [KSWU] was vital to my career path,” Willis said. “I’m grateful to Kara for letting me be an anchor for two semesters.” Protasio currently works as a multimedia journalist for WOW 6 news in Lawrence. “What really got me started with good writing was Creative Media
Writing with Dr. Menzie,” Protasio said. “I also think that the extracurricular course Murder, Mayhem and Media with Tim Hrenchir was a good class for writing and learning how to handle relationships with media and political figures, criminals and police.” In addition, Protasio took advantage of opportunities in Student Media by creating a weekly podcast on sports and serving in various editorial positions. The opportunities Protasio and Willis created at Washburn gave them each a chance to thoroughly refine their skills before entering the job market. “Students should take every opportunity they can to get the most experience possible while they’re in school,” Protasio said.
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Derek Richardson derek.richardson@ washburn.edu, is a senior contemporary journalism emphasis.
Revised portfolio class prepares graduates By Amy Reinhardt | With reporting by Brian Cervantez
The final semester of college is a advertising emphasis, said the terrifying, exhilarating time. To make professional speakers give great insight the transition easier, the department into the real world and how students has returned to an updated model should prepare for it. of senior seminar by creating Career “I feel the class is going well, Development and Digital Portfolio. and each semester we will do little “The portfolio class is beneficial tweaks here and there, but the major to senior students. Dr. Stover is very projects will be staying because they’re helpful and dedicated to preparing beneficial to students,” Stover said. your resume, cover letter and portfolio One assignment is the mock for the professional world,” said Kara interview where students participated Mazachek, senior public relations in a scheduled interview with a Career emphasis. Services staff member. A series of guest speakers provide “The one thing that I like about advice mock interviews regarding is that we’re going resumes, job through Career I feel the class is going well, and interviews and Services, because each semester we will do the current job those employees know little tweaks here and there. market. how to drill students Samantha on questions an actual Carlson, interviewer would senior creative ask,” Stover said.
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The largest project is the online portfolio presentation at the end of the semester. Students present their completed portfolio to help strengthen their public speaking skills and finalize their work samples. “It greatly benefits me to have a digital portfolio as a film and video student because of how hard it would be to showcase my techniques through a physical resume,” said Vanessa Nunez, senior film and video emphasis. With the help of the course seniors gain the confidence they need before graduation. “I love this class and its emphasis on how to help you after graduation. It’s a class that is truly about you and your future success,” Carlson said.
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Amy Reinhardt, amy.reinhardt@ washburn.edu, is a senior contemporary journalism emphasis.
Freshmen gain media skills in Student Media By Kenzie McCoy Joining the Student Media staff during freshman year provides students the chance to gain crucial learning experiences while creating a strong base for the remainder of their college years. Being a staff member gives students access to theatre dress rehearsals, White Concert Hall shows and other events. These experiences allow new reporters to step outside their comfort zones and experience their first year at Washburn in a new way. “I’ve learned interview skills, how to write in AP Style and use InDesign, which I didn’t know anything about before the Review,” said Shayndel Jones, freshman Kaw Yearbook editor. Dylan McManis, a freshman English major and Washburn Review reporter, said he always wanted a career in journalism. “My job helps me talk to random people, set up interviews and it allows me to figure out what people expect from my stories,” McManis said. Interviewing techniques and training allow Review reporters to practice journalistic skills. “There’s really no way to compare classroom learning to Student Media,” said Regina Cassell, Student Media director. “It’s an amazing problemsolving experience for any student.” Although many skills are taught in Mass Media classes, freshmen who work for the Review gain early access to learning skills that can be polished in upper-division classes. McManis said he encourages other freshmen to look closely look at the Washburn Review’s weekly papers to see if it peaks their interest. “This job was an opportunity and I took it, and I haven’t regretted it since,” McManis said.
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Kenzie McCoy, mckenzie.mccoy@ washburn.edu, is a junior contemporary journalism emphasis.
Alumna joins staff By Mark Kotich The Mass Media Department will be gaining a new faculty member in fall 2016, and she will focus on the public relations and advertising emphases. Kristen Grimmer is a 2010 Washburn alumna with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media. Grimmer attended Kansas University where she received her M.S. in journalism and mass communications, and she is expected to graduate in June 2016 with a doctorate in journalism and mass communications. Her primary interests are crisis communications and sports and gender in the media. Knowing she wanted to major in Mass Media wasn’t an immediate insight for Grimmer. It was Maria Stover’s Basic Media Writing course that made her realize that Mass Media was the department in which she belonged. Her interest in teaching occurred during her second year in the master’s program when she became a graduate teaching assistant. “It was then [becoming a graduate teaching assistant] that I really understood how much of a challenge and how rewarding teaching could be,” Grimmer said. Grimmer has noticed distinct, significant changes in the Mass Media industry since her time as an undergrad, especially the role of social media. “If you can’t use social media in a professional capacity, rather than just a personal one, you simply won’t be able to be competitive when applying for jobs,” Grimmer said. Knowledge of web design and knowing what’s successful is another skill that Grimmer recommends. Grimmer said she works hard to improve her teaching styles every semester in order to be the best instructor she can be for her students. “I get so excited for my students when they have success in their coursework and in building their
careers because I played some small part in that,” Grimmer said. Her teaching philosophy is to help her students become self-directed learners. She insists on high-quality work from her students so they’ll have the chance to impress potential employers down the line. “I truly believe in my students and want to help them become the best communication practitioners they can be, which is usually why my students say I’m kind of strict,” Grimmer said. Grimmer adapts her teaching styles to fit the particular class she is teaching by taking into consideration the class demographics like size and personality. “I typically try to keep lectures down to only a portion of the class time and spend the rest of the time having my students practice what we’ve learned,” Grimmer said. “This is important when I teach skills classes because I want my students to feel confident in what they learn.” Grimmer is scheduled to teach Intro to Mass Media, Mass Media Bootcamp and Creative Media Writing for the fall semester.
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Mark Kotich, mark.kotich@washburn. edu, is a junior creative advertising emphasis.
Photo by Fahad Alfaryyan
Incoming assistant professor Kristen Grimmer became acquainted with students and professors during the Mass Media Banquet.
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Student sets up for success By Michael Hibler II The 2015 volleyball season was a success for the Ichabods despite coming up short in the NCAA Division II Central Region Quarterfinals. Liz Powell, senior setter, was a crucial component in the 28-win season. Although Powell’s collegiate career is over, she has many things to be thankful for.
Powell majored in Mass Media with an emphasis in creative advertising, and is scheduled to graduate in May 2016. “The Mass Media Department at Washburn has been great,” Powell said. “I believe that I have gotten a lot of real life experience and that my portfolio has a lot of great examples of my work.” Powell received an opportunity to intern at KTWU this year as one of three leadership scholar interns, which is a very competitive position. Powell received the opportunity to run the station alongside Eugene Williams, KTWU CEO and station manger.
development,” Powell said. In addition to her internship at KTWU, Powell received an offer to work as a communications intern for the American Junior Golf Association in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo courtesy of Liz Powell
Powell relaxes with her internship team at the Professional Golf Association in Florida.
Photo courtesy of Gene Cassell
Powell sets up her teammate to score in a close game in Lee Arena.
“The biggest thing I will miss is my teammates and competing,” Powell said. “You create such a strong bond with your teammates; they are like family to me so that makes it difficult to leave.” Washburn was not the university where Powell got her start. After high school, Powell signed on with the University of North Texas. Powell said transferring from division I to division II was easy, but she quickly became aware of all the adjustments she needed to make. “At UNT, we had a lot of extra help available to us for school that was already set up for us,” Powell said. While attending UNT, Powell was required to attend mandatory tutoring sessions each week for certain classes. This is a requirement for most student athletes who choose to compete at the division I level. “Here at Washburn, I had to seek out the extra help for myself,” Powell said.
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Photo courtesy of Liz Powell
Powell networks with Eugene Williams, CEO, during her KTWU internship.
“I have learned so much from him and the rest of the KTWU family about everything from promotions and social media, to programming and
“I am very excited to be able to put what I have learned at Washburn and at my internship to work,” Powell said. Powell has had a remarkable athletic career and is using those same skills to pave her way into a bright future. “I’m ready to move on and see what my next adventure is,” Powell said. Michael Hibler, michael.hibler@ washburn.edu, is a senior public relations emphasis.
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Photo courtesy of Liz Powell
Powell and her team display their spirit during the PGA National tournament in Florida.
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kansas collegiate media AWARDS 2015 WINNER
Alumna uses degree to help community
By Tylor DeNoya Not every person is fortunate enough Manhattan and Topeka locations. to find a career that highlights his or When Burcher was working as a her degree. It’s a special occurrence research associate for GO Topeka, the when Mass Media alumni use the skills management team noticed Burcher’s they worked so hard to gain throughout talent with social media, and told her college in real world applications. that’s what she should focus on. They Mikki Burcher graduated from pointed her in the right direction which Washburn University in December led her to her current job as a digital 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass marketing coordinator. Media, emphasis in public relations. “It’s never boring, there’s always “I always love challenges, and there’s something you can be working on,” always room to improve,” Burcher said. Burcher said. “I mean who else gets to Burcher is currently employed as the play around on Pinterest, Twitter and digital marketing coordinator for the Instagram all day?” I-70 Market for Hy-Vee in Lawrence, Aside from her work as a digital marketing coordinator, Burcher has involved herself in several communitybased organizations including Fast Forward, Topeka Community Conversation on Poverty and TEDx Topeka. “Those are Photos courtesy of Mikki Burcher my big three, Top: Kruger is one of the members of the TEDx Topeka Founding but I love all of Committee. It’s one of the many organizations she’s involved with. my community Bottom: Burcher was honored to receive the Fast Forward Member endeavors of the Year award. equally,”
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Burcher said. “Those are just the ones I have a larger role in or get more of my time.” Burcher and Judy Nicolson serve as co-creators of the Topeka Community Conversation on Poverty, and the two work together to organize and coordinate events. Burcher plays the role of marketing coordinator for TEDx Topeka and Fast Forward. She started as a member of the marketing committee, she then transitioned into the role of Chair of the Community Engagement Committee for a year. Now she is committee coordinator and focuses on completing administrative tasks. Burcher helps these organizations with social media, newsletter distribution, press release creation and several other public relations tasks. Burcher uses her PR skills in every way she possibly can whether it’s for work or her community projects, and she loves what she’s doing. “Pretty much every skill that I learned in Mass Media has been utilized in my community events, whether it’s designing a flier, or helping write a press release, or managing social media accounts, creating logos, or any of that kind of stuff,” Burcher said.
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Tylor DeNoya, tylor.denoya@washburn. edu, is a senior creative advertising emphasis.
Department to add new minor By Katie Wade The range of skills needed across Portfolio so students can familiarize various career fields is expanding with themselves with basic media programs. the development of the digital world. Stover noted that there would also be Washburn professors have been options to tailor the minor to include looking for ways to combat the digital basic video editing or advertising. divide and create opportunities for When the instructors started students to enhance their skills in the formulating the minor, they researched media field. positions in the history field and read Inspired by a job advertisement for a job descriptions. history position, Kerry Wynn, associate They pinpointed skills that could history professor, brought up the idea be more thoroughly developed with during a lunch with Maria Stover and the influence of the Mass Media Regina Cassell, Mass Media professors. Department. That lunch turned into a brainstorming “The history field is changing and session that discussed a minor that part of the skills that history majors would give students basic experience in need is what we teach in the Mass applied media. Media Department, so why not “We have a lot of history majors who combine them?” Stover said. are interested in working in museums, Stover noted that the way in which historical we experience societies, and humanities has institutions,” become more Wynn said. digital with One of the things that history “These many museum majors need to work on when are very exhibits and they get out there in the job market competitive collections is how to market themselves. markets so I’m being accessed trying to think online. of ways that The students can applicability get a leg up on the competition.” for this applied media minor will not be The team spent the past year crafting limited to the history field. The minor the applied media minor, adapted from will teach a particular set of skills the current Mass Media minor. This within Mass Media, such as writing minor will still require Introduction to a press release and running a social Mass Media, Mass Media Bootcamp media campaign. and Career Development and Digital “I think this minor would work
really well for anybody who wants to learn a particular type of writing or academic writing in their major and then adapt that knowledge through the use of Mass Media tools,” Wynn said. Wynn noted that the minor would give students a chance to network with Mass Media faculty, which she hopes will open up opportunities for students in these fields. “One of the things that history majors really need to work on when they get out there in the job market is how to market themselves,” Wynn said. “If they have a voice that is original, that is unique, they can use it to market those skills and that’s something that employers are really going to like.” Wynn hopes the minor will teach the skill of adaptability in a digital world that is evolving. By giving students the opportunity to practice with the technology that exists now, it’ll give them the added skill of being able to adapt to next generation technology. The program is currently awaiting approval from the department and from the College of Arts and Sciences. “The biggest challenge with the new minor, like with any new thing, is to promote it and to make students aware that it exists,” Stover said.
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Katie Wade, katie.wade@washburn.edu, is a junior contemporary journalism emphasis.
Washburn.edu/massmedia
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PR offers new adjunct
University relations director starts teaching classes By Myles Hibler It is always a joy to learn about different adjuncts on campus that work behind the scenes. Getting to know Patrick Early, who works as the director of university relations at Washburn, has been quite uplifting. “I was born here in Topeka, Kansas, but my family moved from here when I was 18 months old,” Early said. Learning about Early’s background and some of his experiences while growing up was really intriguing. Early attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and minored in history in 1974. Prior to graduating, Early was involved with photography and the student newspaper known as “The Hoya.” “I worked in a student-run pub on the campus of Georgetown as a shift manager. We sold 35-cent beers, and went through 50-gallon kegs during the weekend,” Early said. After graduating, Early worked in higher education for about 13 years. He worked in a large regional community college in Pennsylvania for 10 years and spent the previous two years at Eastern Illinois University. Early is heavily involved here at Washburn and in the community. He is considered a senior public relations expert with nearly 40 years of success through communications planning, media relations and integrated marketing strategy. On campus, Early’s main priorities are to manage, solicit, coordinate, and provide timely information dissemination from the university to all publics at the local, regional, state, national and international levels. “Besides lots to do right here at Washburn, I’m very involved with my church and have been helping with the
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Photo courtesy of Cheryl Kugler
Patrick and his wife, Anne, moved to Topeka from Pennsylvania, and he has found a home at Washburn University amongst the students, faculty and staff members.
Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty,” Early said. Early also volunteers at Grace Hopice with Calvin, his 11-year-old golden retriever. Calvin is a certified therapy dog, and he and Early have been doing nursing home visits for more than nine years. Despite of all the hard work, Early still manages to find the time to do the things he loves. “I am an avid photographer, so you’ll rarely see me without my camera,” Early said. “I also like to garden, love to read, cook, and have a great interest in politics.” Early is very interested in public relations and communication issues, and has been a member of the Public Relations Society of America since the mid-80s and was accredited in public relations (APR) in 1987. “I was offered a job in public relations with an Iron Foundry in Lynchburg, Virginia, which turned out to be a great choice for me after graduating,” Early said.
Family is the most important thing to Early, and he takes full pride in that. Early and his wife, Anne, have one daughter, Frances Wolf, who lives with her husband, Joshua Wolf, in Virginia. Joshua is a Lt. Commander in the Navy and is currently stationed at the Pentagon. Joshua and Frances have three daughters Anna, 9; Gracie, 7 and Audrey, 3. For fall 2016, Early will have another opportunity to teach in the Mass Media Department at Washburn. He will be teaching a public relations case studies class - Prepping for the Zombie Apocalypse. “I am very excited. I plan to have a friend of mine , who is a retired public relations professional, as a guest lecturer for this case study. He is, in fact, a zombie, having played one in the remake of Night of the Living Dead,” Early said. Myles Hibler, myles.hibler@washburn. edu, is a senior public relations emphasis.
Facuty / Staff Updates Regina Cassell served as a contest coordinator for the Kansas Collegiate Media awards competition. Frank Chorba continues work on his hometown timeline as he moves toward retirement. Charles Cranston created a commercial and fashion photography class for students during the fall 2015 semester. The department also thanks Rick Duet for his year of service to the department. Tim Hrenchir continues to teach his popular course, “Murder, Media & Mayhem.� Photo courtesy of Cheryl Kugler
Above: Patrick and Anne Early enjoy some time with Joshua and Frances Wolf, along with their three daughters, Audrey, Grace and Anna. Right: Patrick and and his golden retriever, Calvin, enjoy the beautiful weather. Photo courtesy of Patrick Early
By the numbers Mass Media faculty add it up
12
new student orientations
50 annual junior and senior visits 160
students to advise
x2
Kathy Menzie, and Maria Stover, along with researcher Manu Sharma, developed a social media study called: Do students see social media as a valuable learning tool? They presented their research at conferences in Kansas City, Wichita and Savannah, Georgia. Adjuct and mass media alumna Sarah Towle has now taught Introduction to Mass Media, Creative Media Writing and Public Relations I for the department. The department welcomed Anna Walker, departmental senior administrative assistant, in late fall. Her support of Media Day and other activities in the department make her a valuable member of the team and the overall department. The department thanks adjunct media law professor Eric Weslander for his service the past two years. Congratulations to longtime adjunct Eugene Williams for his induction into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame in March . Photo by Fahad Alfaryyan
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s e t o N s s a l C i n m u Al Michael Goehring, 2015, is a multimedia specialist at Farming Unlimited.
John Anderson, 2007, is
currently a Se2 business analyst. He will be getting married in July 2016. Zoe Brown, 2015, is a digital content producer for KSNT News in Topeka. Mikki Burcher, 2010, is a digital marketing coordinator at Hy-Vee. She was awarded Fast Forward Member of the Year in 2015. Elizabeth Burgett, 2015, is a marketing campaign specialist at NetStandard. She is engaged to be married in October 2016. Jordan Carr, 2014, is a marketing assistant at Kansas City Credit Union. Chelle (Dell) Decker, 1997, is the director of donor development for the Topeka Civic Center. She and her husband, Dan, have a 12-year-old son. Dan Decker, 1997, is the assistant director of employment services for the Kansas Department for Children and Families. Tara Dimick, 2015, is the owner of E2 Communications Inc. Publishing Company of TK Business Magazine.
Lauren (Eckert) Edelman, 2011, is the associate director of the Leadership Institute at Washburn. She and her husband, Kyle, welcomed a daughter, Logan, in October 2015. Ian Edwards, 2013, is working as a manager of client services at Brightergy. Jaime (Ditch) Hackman, 2011, is an aggregate sales rep. for Hamm, Inc. She is married to her husband, Luke. Valerie (Caviglia) Gough, 2010, and her husband, Jacob, welcomed their first child, Gwendolyn in November 2015. Valerie works as the social media manager in Marketing Communications at Indiana University– Purdue University Fort Wayne. Sarah Farlee, 2008, is working as a PR/ Marketing specialist at LJEC/Kaw Valley Electric Cooperative Alliance. Karl Fundenberger, 2008, is the director of Bicycle Operations for Topeka Metro.
Angie (Marquart) Grau, 2009, is an account manager at Advisors Excel Creative. She is also an adjunct lecturer at Washburn University, teaching Marketing Concepts. Kate Hampson, 2011, is a business development & finance manager at Arsenal Colorado, a youth soccer club in Fort Collins, Colorado. Sydney Hansen, 2015, works as a wedding event coordinator and marketing public relation specialist at Kansas Expocentre.
Haley Heincker, 2014, is a marketing coordinator for Ameristar Hotel and Casino in Kansas City. Jessica Herrera, 2014, is as an associate editor for the Florists’ Review Enterprises.
Lydia Housh, 2011, is a sales and marketing manager at Becker Autos & Trailers in Beloit, Kansas. She and her husband had a son, Brixon, in June 2013. Melissa Kay, 2012, is an event coordinator at Finney County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Matthew Kelly, 2013, is an associate editor at Florists’ Review Enterprises. Richard Kelly, 2013, is a recruiter for Key Staffing and a freelance sports writer for the Topeka Capital-Journal.
Megan (Barfield) Hash, 2012, runs the marketing and public relations for the oil-well company she and her family started three years ago. She and her husband welcomed their first child, Wyatt, in June 2015.
Melissa Kershner, 2012, is the director of communications and events at the Kansas Motor Carriers Association. Lacey Kinder, 2008, is an administrative assistant and marketing assistant for Easter Seals Capper Foundation.
Jordan Kinderknecht, 2011, works as an anchor/ reporter at WOWT 6 News in Omaha, Nebraska. She and her husband had a daughter ,Kinley, in August 2015. Josh King, 2010, is a program coordinator of election technology at Wyandotte County Election Office. Misty Kruger, 2007, is the director of communication for Topeka Public Schools. Jillian Lira, 2011, is a digital account specialist for the Denver Post. Cody Lohse, 2012, will finish his master’s of journalism program in the photojournalism model at the University of Missouri. Ben Mack, 2015, is a claims representative at Farmers Insurance in Olathe. He got married in May 2015. Nathan Miller, 2008, is an assistant professor of communications studies at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, California.
Ivan Moya, 2015, is the director of social services for Jesuit Volunteer Corps, in San Antonio. Ronnie Murphy, 2004, is a copywriter and brand specialist at Bajillion Agency in Topeka.
Ryan Ogle, 2015, is a digital news writer and reporter for 580 WIBW. Kelsey Papps, 2015, is the marketing coordinator at Visit Topeka. She is married and expecting her first child in September. Kelsey Parkes, 2014, is working as a production artist for Advisors Excel. Rob Peters, 2012, is a marketing database analyst at Prairie Band Casino and Resort. Kara Protasio, 2015, is a news reporter at WOW 6 News in Lawrence.
Shalyn (Marsh) Murphy, 2009, is now doing freelance marketing and consulting work in Topeka. She and her husband welcomed their son, Elliot, in May 2015. Diego Morales, 2014, started a sign-creation business in Paraguay. Amanda Naverud, 2013, is currently working toward a Master of Arts with an emphasis in strategic communication at the University of Missouri. She expects to graduate in May 2016. Will Nicklin, 2004, is a business development manager at Riverside Marketing & Promotions LLC. Micah Offermann, 2015, is a freelance designer, artist and consulting analyst at Cerner Corporation.
Tricia Peterson, 2013, and her husband, Ryan, own a catering company, 2 Chef Catering, in Topeka. Keri Battershell Renner, 2003, is the director of marketing and communications for Topeka Metro. Daphne (Phillips) Reynolds, 2012, is an admissions counselor at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth. She married Austin Reynolds, WU history grad, Nov. 7, 2015.
Maria Rodriguez, 2011, is the marketing coordinator and social media producer at Prairie Band Casino & Resort. She married Oscar Rodriguez in June of 2012. Paige Ross, 2010, has a graphic design page called Ross Digital Expressions. She also has two sons. Josh Rouse, 2012, won first place in infographics and second place in headline writing from the Kansas Press Association.
Amanda Schuster, 2007,is a federal proposal writer for Catamount Contractors in Colorado.
Carrie Sunday, 2009, is a quality assurance coordinator at Innovia Films Inc.
Nick Sloan, 2008, is a news reporter for the Kansas City Kansan newspaper. He has won two Kansas Press Association Awards on his reporting on local government and education.
Beth Warrington, 2004, is working as a books and features editor at the Military Review for the U.S. Army.
Jeannine Snyder, 2007, is an RASD Biller at YRC Freight.
Jessie Salmans, 2013, is employed at Lifestyle Publications working in graphic design and on special projects. Israel Sanchez, 2015, is a marketing assistant for CoreFirst Bank & Trust. He is also an entrepreneur and author. Cathryne Scharton, 2015, is a reporter for the Emporia Gazette. She writes on the city and crime beats.
Rachel Whitten, 2010, is a communications director for House Speaker Ray Merrick. Stephanie Wilhelm, 2012, is an events and volunteer coordinator for TFI Family Services, Inc. in Topeka. Sarah Williams, 2012, is an engraver at Westside Stamp and Awards in Topeka.
Regina, 2011, and Adam Stephenson, 2012, had their first child, daughter Aurelia Rae, on Oct. 9, 2015.
Carly Willis, 2015, is a reporter and a fill-in anchor at KOAM-TV/KFJXTV in Joplin. Jake Wingo, 2015, works as a freelancer at Time Warner Cable SportsChannel in Kansas City.
Can’t find your name? Give us a call at (785) 670-1836 or email massmedia@washburn.edu. We want to hear from you!
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Kev Mitchell, 2010, is a home and auto insurance underwriter with Farmers Insurance in Olathe.
Page #321
Congratulations,
Mass Media Grads of 2015 & 2016
Amanda Bacon
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Mindy Barks
Justin Braun
Jena Dean
Tylor DeNoya
Jessica Ferguson
Myles Hibler
Avery LaGalle
Olivia Marshall
Samantha Carlson
Sydney Hansen
Kara Mazachek
David Cox
Michael Hibler
Monica McDougal
Lesley Ostmeyer
Lauren Pierce
Amy Reinhardt
Evan Reser
Cathryne Scharton
Courtney Sweeney
Kyle Wiggins
Jake Wingo
Heather Woods
Bree Zuchowski
Graduates Not Pictured
Photo by Gene Cassell
Seniors gather on the steps of Mabee Library for a quick photo. Front: Andrew Hererra-Thomas, Courtney Sweeney, Samantha Carlson and Cyndi Rose; Second row: Mindy Barks, Fangfei Lu, Tylor DeNoya, Kara Mazachek, Amy Reinhardt, Bree Zuchowski and Lauren Pierce; Back row: Sam Zlotsky, Brian Cervantez, Kevin Doyle, Myles Hibler, Kyle Wiggins and Michael Hibler.
Kathryn Clark Bryce Grammer Farai Harreld Andrew Herrera-Thomas Anne Kessler Fangfei Lu Abigail Mies Njoroge Muiruir Vanessa Nunez Spencer Perry Elizabeth Powell Cynthia Rose Nolan Weigel Jamie Mauer 23
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