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Staff

Mass Media Messenger

Volume 36, Issue 1

Editor-in-Chief: Luis Martinez

Copy Editor: Reid McEvoy

Design Director: Elena Toenjes

Editorial Staff: Taylor Bockover

Mogli Gautier

Celena Gordon

Ethan Matthias

RJ Mitchell

Shay Watts

Cover Design: Celena Gordon

Faculty Adviser: Regina Cassell

The Mass Media Messenger is produced during the fall and spring semesters by the students in MM 403, Advanced Professional Media Writing.

Letter from the editor

As the semester ends, we welcome you all to the 2024 fall issue of the Mass Media Messenger.

Our staff worked hard to bring you news and stories we think you will enjoy.

There are several great profiles about alumni using their skills and advancing their careers.

As editor-in-chief, to guide our magazines content, I was nervous when I was given the opportunity, but the mass media faculty have been nothing but helpful and amazing. I also want to thank all of the staff who worked on this magazine. The staff have made this process so much easier and fun. I am glad to have met all of the staff and established new friendships along the way.

I hope you all find this issue fun, informative and engaging and receive a new understanding about the department and our alumni. Thank you all for the support that you give the department, as this would not be possible without it. Now, enough talking from me, enjoy this issue of the Mass Media Messenger. Best regards,

Luis Martinez

Washburn University 1700 SW College Ave. | Topeka, KS | 66621

Krueger brings passion, humor, patience to classes by Taylor Bockover

Ichabod takes his pitching into the marketing world by Reid McEvoy

TV Studio Production class provides students with opportunities by Luis Martinez

Alumna leaves healthcare for law by Shay Watts

Options serve majors by Mogli Gautier

Two more mass media grads join Washburn’s team by Elena Toenjes

Students explore their passion for film by Shay Watts

20 Mass Media Messenger by Celena Gordon & Elena Toenjes

Taylor Romanchek’s journey at Washburn by Ethan Matthias

Alumna’s journey to HR director shows power of adaptability, creativity by Taylor Bockover

Alumna finds unexpected career at private high school by Luis Martinez

artwork by Dean Krueger

Dean Krueger, a mass media lecturer, showcases his creative artwork on Instagram @dean.krueger94 blending artistic expression with digital innovation. His perspective has been shaped by his academic background and personal experiences.

Krueger brings passion, humor, patience to classes

by Taylor Bockover

Growing up with media-obsessed parents, Dean Krueger’s family dinners weren’t just about eating; they were like mini deepdives into movies, books and music.

Every night, his parents would introduce a new film or album and the conversation would last well past dessert. While many struggle to find common ground with their parents, Krueger bonded with his dad over anime and video games.

“Not many people can say that,” Krueger said, “and I know how lucky I am.”

Fast forward to now and Krueger’s living his dream in mass media, working as a lecturer and student mentor. For him, the most rewarding part of his job is supporting his students. He stays on

photo by Ethan

Matthias

Krueger loves sharing his passion for movies, music and creativity with his students every day. Today he’s all about helping students reach their goals and find joy in their work.

top of his game because he believes students deserves to get their money’s worth.

Krueger said that watching students finally “get” a program they once thought was impossible is the best part of his job.

“Seeing them light up,” Krueger said, “makes all the effort worth it.”

But his journey wasn’t always smooth. Krueger studied fine arts at Northern Illinois University, eventually working his way through some low-paying illustration and animation gigs to build his portfolio.

“There were tons of fake offers paying in ‘exposure’ instead of money,” Krueger said, referring to the challenges that many creatives face. But with patience and hard work, he said he found his footing.

Krueger said one of his favorite projects was a DIY parody of Japanese gangster movies, filmed with friends just for fun.

“Imagine freezing temperatures, filming fight scenes in industrial warehouses, and just hoping the shots looked halfway decent,” Krueger said.

Editing is still a work in progress, but he said the memories make it all worth it.

A career highlight for Krueger was hosting a variety show during his last year of grad school in Chicago. For one night, he got to be a stand-up comedian, cracking jokes and presenting student films.

“Even if people cringed a little, it was a blast,” he said.

Keeping up with media trends is part of the job, but Krueger said that it’s effortless for him because the trends are right there every time he opens his phone.

“Ads, YouTube, social media, it’s all there whether I want it or not,” Krueger said.

For students hoping to get into media, Krueger’s advice is straightforward: make every project count toward the job you want.

“Thinking about your dream job while working on assignments can make it way more fun, and it builds a portfolio that reflects your goals,” Krueger said.

Balancing work and life isn’t always easy, but Krueger has a routine that helps.

“Taking walks, noticing the little things and soaking in the world around me keeps me inspired,” Krueger said.

He gives himself a two-hour “no work” window before bed so he can unwind.

Outside of work, Krueger stays creative by staying curious.

In the Classroom

TV Studio Production class provides students with opportunities

by Luis Martinez

MM 311 TV Studio Production, taught by Lecturer Sam Finch, offers students many hands-on opportunities to learn about TV studio production in a variety of roles.

Finch, who was hired in 2018, said one of the first things he did was pitch the idea of bringing the TV studio production class back to Professor Maria Stover.

“We have always closely monitored trends in the industry to bring them into the classroom,” Stover said. “The TV Studio Production class teaches a wide variety of valuable skills to students from all concentrations, not just film and video. I also believe that Professor Finch has the knowledge and skill set to teach this course at a level that’s both engaging and effective. So it was a no-brainer to ask him to take on this class.”

Finch’s first TV Studio Production course was in spring 2019, but the following spring, the pandemic made it impossible for the class to gather in the TV studio in Henderson.

“In a hands-on studio environment, it is hard to do anything over Zoom,” Finch said.

Fall 2024 was the first semester Finch was able to teach the class since the pandemic. Students going

photo courtesy of Peggy Clark

Sam Finch, a lecturer for MM 311, is excited to teach TV Studio Production class. It has returned after a four-year pause due to COVID-19.

into broadcast journalism still find the curriculum relevant because the class allows students to gain key experience with producing a show.

“I think it’s most important for students to understand the key roles, responsibilities and technical requirements in a television studio production environment,” Finch said.

Finch said students learn skills like technical directing, operating a camera, speaking on camera, directing in production situations,

and using software and equipment.

Additionally, Finch said the first big project of the year is a news story where students practice with the camera and learn behind-thescenes techniques. The following assignment involves two people on camera, and then students can decide whether to film a talk-show, an interview or a similar project.

The final project is where students get in groups and decide what type of show segment they want to create. Finch says the parameters of this assignment are less strict and allow students freedom to display the skills they have learned.

Finch said he has a lot of fun teaching this class and believes students develop a great connection with one another.

“Every time I teach this class, I notice a camaraderie among students in the class,” Finch said. “They are much closer than they would be in a normal class environment because they are working hands-on with each other. It is fun to watch the students grow acquainted with each other over the semester.”

Lauren Cassaday, a mass media minor, is in MM 311 this semester and has had a positive experience.

“I thoroughly enjoy this class,” Cassaday said. “Coming from the kinesiology department, I knew

nothing about media, especially TV broadcasting. It is so fun to be hands-on, and I love learning by actually doing the actions. This class isn’t super necessary for my future career, but I do think being in this environment builds my resume.”

Cassaday said she believes this class is important for the mass media department because it imitates what anyone on a working set would do in a professional environment.

TV studio production in mass media can lead to plenty of promising career opportunities because it helps prepare students for a potential career in television and gives them experiences they need to succeed in a professional workplace.

(top) Students in MM 311 attend a live studio production. KTWU is the television station the students got to visit, which gave them a first hand of another studio.

(bottom) Students in MM 311 on a trip to KTWU. Students get a behind-the-scenes look at a live studio production from the production control room.

photo courtesy of Sam Finch

Taylor Romanchek’s journey at Washburn

by Ethan Matthias

Senior Taylor Romanchek’s journey in mass media is a testament to the ideals that represent the Ichabod spirit showcasing personal growth, community involvement and the pursuit of self-discovery.

As a dedicated student leader and advocate, Romanchek has navigated her academic and extracurricular pursuits to reach her goals. From her first day on campus, Romanchek said she recognized the importance of balance in her life while in college.

Romanchek’s professors have played a crucial role in her development, offering support as she navigated her academic journey.

“They challenged me to explore my interests and take on leadership roles that I didn’t think I was capable of,” Romanchek said. “Their belief in me has made a significant difference in my confidence and decision-making.”

Romanchek served as the Homecoming intern in fall of 2024, and remained an active participant in Delta Gamma, her sorority.

Joy Bailes, the director of internal communications and brand management at Washburn, worked with Romanchek on the Homecoming committee.

“College is a unique time to learn new skills and grow,” Bailes said. “It’s a safe environment to explore different leadership roles and discover parts of yourself you didn’t know existed.”

This pivotal moment mirrors Romanchek’s experience as she has found her niche at Washburn through encouragement and opportunities, including her internship with the Student Life team.

“The role of mentors is to help students recognize their potential and guide them toward opportunities that align with their strengths,” said Eric Grospitch, the vice president of Student Life.

Grospitch said that mentorship goes beyond academic guidance, playing a critical role in fostering

Mass media senior Taylor Romanchek was the 2024 Homecoming intern, a position she grew into during her time at Washburn.

personal development and resilience.

“Mentors help students build confidence and navigate challenges,” Grospitch said. “They can provide insights and support that significantly influence a student’s trajectory.”

Grospitch also said that the relationships students build with their mentors often shape their experiences and future opportunities.

photos courtesy of Taylor Romanchek

“Strong connections with faculty can lead to internships, networking opportunities and even lifelong friendships,” Grospitch said.

For Romanchek, this journey has included stepping outside of her comfort zone to engage in various campus activities and community service projects. She has taken on leadership roles within her organizations, contributing her skills and passions to make a meaningful impact on campus life. As Romanchek reflects on her experiences, she acknowledges the importance of seeking support and advice from mentors while also fostering independence.

“It’s about learning the difference between asking for the answer and seeking guidance,” Romanchek said.

dents that it’s OK to have fun and explore interests without the weight of academic obligations.

“Sometimes just having fun is OK,” Bailes said. “College is not just about academics; it’s about finding your community and enjoying the journey.”

Bailes said she encourages students to embrace their growth processes and emphasizes identifying strengths and weaknesses.

“If you’re a strong communicator but struggle with design, find someone who excels in that area,” Bailes said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving success.

Grospitch said this is an important approach, and encourages students to take initiative in their development.

“Self-advocacy is key in college,” Grospitch said. “Students should be proactive in seeking opportunities and finding mentors who resonate with their goals. It’s about taking ownership of your education and making the most of the resources available.”

In an age where students face heightened pressures and expectations, Bailes said she reminds stu-

Romanchek said she has embraced this philosophy, often participating in campus events and social activities that allow her to unwind and connect with fellow students.

Romanchek’s story illustrates the essence of the Ichabod spirit, encouraging others to embrace their unique paths while fostering connections within the campus community.

As she continues her journey, Romanchek said she wants to be a shining example of what it means to be an Ichabod, dedicated to personal growth, community engagement and the pursuit of knowledge. Her story serves as an inspiration to her peers, reminding them that their college experience is what they make of it.

“Take advantage of the opportunities available to you,” Romanchek said. “Explore new interests, seek support from mentors and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.”

Romanchek’s words resonate with the core values of mass media, encouraging students to be proactive in their development and to seek out diverse experiences that enrich their lives.

As the semester progresses, Romanchek said she looks forward to continuing her journey in mass media, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.

Ichabod takes his pitching into the marketing world

by Reid McEvoy

Nate Lorenzen, ‘20, came to Washburn to play baseball, and he left on a path that allows him to work on behalf of Major League Baseball and NBA teams.

Lorenzen is a senior sales coordinator for a company in Houston, Texas, known as Professional Sports Partners.

PSP is an advertising service focused on sports that connect brands with impressions. Lorenzen described his position as one of a “matchmaker” because he seeks out partnerships for clients of PSP, sometimes beginning with an event or team who are in need of sponsors, and other times it begins with an advertiser looking for an event or team to sponsor.

In 2023, one of his larger projects was selling the naming rights to the Motor City Invitational basketball game in Detroit, which became the Motor City Invitational, presented

by Rocket Mortgage.

“I connect with brands and learn what they’re trying to do,” Lorenzen said.

Brand identity and brand recognition are the focal points of his work. He has established business relationships with national and local brands and knows what kind of partnerships brands are looking for. He maintains these relationships by matching clients with opportunities.

But Lorenzen also brings new brands into the world of sports, especially when finding partners for things like stadium naming rights and bowl game sponsors.

Lorenzen, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, said he gained relevant work experience both at Washburn and afterward at the University of Nebraska, where he earned his master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic administration.

He interned in athletic marketing at Washburn for a year. At Nebraska, he worked as a graduate assistant and worked at the university for two more years after graduating.

During this time, one of his responsibilities was sales. The former pitcher found himself making very different pitches, selling brands on the benefits of advertising with Nebraska.

He enjoyed this work and realized athletics-related sales was a great career path for him.

In 2023, Lorenzen’s wife, Paige Lorenzen, WU ‘19, found a job opportunity in Houston, so Lorenzen left Nebraska once more, and settled in Texas to work with PSP.

Matt Hutchinson, associate ath-

letic director and director of athletic development at Washburn, is someone Lorenzen credits with helping him along his path. Hutchinson lauds the way Lorenzen has capitalized on his opportunities.

“I am incredibly proud that Nate has parlayed opportunities at Washburn into additional degrees and professional success in the sports world,” Hutchinson said.

Lorenzen said he is proud of the projects he has worked on and relationships he has established in his first year at PSP, and he is excited for what the future holds.

“Washburn did a great job of preparing me and pushing me in the right direction,” Lorenzen said.

photo courtesy of Nate Lorenzen

Nate Lorenzen pitched for the Washburn baseball team for two seasons before graduating in 2020.

Alumna leaves healthcare for law

by Shay Watts

Kassadee Clark, ‘20, has always wanted to work in a non-profit business where she can display the skills she learned throughout her years in mass media.

Clark worked at Stormont Vail Health throughout her college career and started out as a patient care technician. Most of her roles through Stormont were nursing roles until 2021. She eventually became a department assistant for two years and developed skills that she didn’t get the chance to learn in school, like how to mail merge, which has now become an important part of what she does.

Kassadee Clark went through a series of positions at Stormont Vail before taking a job as office assistant for the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association.

Wanting to do more within her organization, Clark then transitioned to the project manager position within Stormont Vail’s magnet program. In this position, she developed more office skills and also got to use the PR skills she learned in mass media and in her internship. Her previous role helped her feel like an expert because she knew the majority of what she was required to do.

“Working in an office setting isn’t usually taught in college

unless it’s through an internship,” Clark said.

Though she was doing what she wanted to do career wise, Clark said she felt that she needed more so she applied to the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association. She also applied to other positions within and outside of Stormont Vail.

In fall 2024, Clark started her new position as an office assistant at the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association.

“It’s exciting and they really want to utilize the skills that I have and that feels awesome,” Clark said.

Within her new position Clark gets to create flyers for her organization and goes to the Kansas Statehouse to sit in on meetings to assist her director and take notes. She talks about the transition of going to an organization with over 7,000 employees to just three.

“Working in a large organization and something small is vastly different,” Clark said.

As she finds her footing in a new industry, Clark’s goals are “minimal,”and include protecting her work-life balance because it is very crucial.

Clark said she advises people to “do the things you hate the most” because you may hate it right now, but it could be helpful to you and your career within the next couple of years.

She also said that LinkedIn is an important tool that can help you make connections during and after your time in college.

She wasn’t very fond of LinkedIn when she was a student, but now she uses it often even though she graduated and works in her desired career field. She said that you should “try to do as much professional development as you can as a student in your off time.”

photo courtesy of Kassadee Clark

Alumna’s journey to HR director shows the power of adaptability, creativity

by Taylor Bockover

Brooke Boyd, ’22, became the human resources director for HR Partners LLC, and she now oversees 10 businesses in southern New Mexico.

Since stepping into the director role, Boyd has grown in big ways.

“It’s a big responsibility, but I love creating marketing materials, revamping recruitment processes and planning events,” Boyd said.

Her supervisor, Molly Olsen, said Boyd made an impression right away.

“I just did her annual review and got to highlight how much her authoritative voice has developed,” Olsen said. “She juggles priorities, handles personalities with grace, and tackles new challenges head-on.”

Looking back, Boyd sees how many of her experiences prepared her for the job she has now.

Brooke Boyd, ’22, reflects on how her education shaped her career. Now the human resources director for a New Mexico-based management company, Boyd credits her Washburn experience for giving her the skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.

“Communication is key in any job,” Boyd said.

“It’s about understanding how to connect with other co-workers, clients, everyone.”

This foundation has been crucial as she navigated her professional journey.

Olsen said Boyd’s unique resume and website along with her experience as a collegiate athlete and ability to balance school, work at the university, and a job at the country club really stood out.

Olsen also said that Boyd’s mass media background gives her an edge in human resources.

“She understands how people work in groups and as individuals,” Olsen said. “Brooke can adapt her communication depending on the setting, which is so

photo courtesy of Brooke Boyd

important.”

One project that really stood out to Olsen was Boyd’s work on promotional videos for the company.

“They were excellent and played a crucial part in our recruitment efforts,” Olsen said.

Olsen also spoke highly of Boyd’s abilities.

“Her ability to multitask highly detailed projects is impressive,” Olsen said. “Day-to-day, she’s warm, joyful, organized, and patient. She’s made a huge impact on our team by combining professionalism with kindness.”

Since graduating, Boyd has witnessed the media industry evolve rapidly.

“It’s always changing, and my advice to current students is to stay adaptable,” Boyd said. “Embrace the shift and be ready to learn continuously.”

During her senior year, Boyd completed an intern ship as a communications assistant at the Washburn Alumni Association & Foundation.

“This was a game-changer for me,” Boyd said. The internship allowed her to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, from managing social media budgets to writing articles and creating videos.

This hands-on experience taught her the importance of collabo ration and adapt ability in a pro fessional setting.

“I learned so much, not just about media, but about myself,” Boyd said, high lighting the impact of her pro fessors and peers on her growth.

“Dr. Stover’s creativity was contagious,” Boyd said.

Stover encouraged her to dig deeper and pushed her to believe in her design abilities.

In their capstone class, Stover had students set professional goals, which helped Boyd feel more prepared to enter the workforce.

A standout memory from her time in the mass media department was the WIFI Film Festival.

“Our class worked all semester to create marketing materials for the event, and seeing it all come together was so fulfilling,” Boyd said.

Sharing this experience with friends she made in class made it special.

“We celebrated our hard work over dinner afterward, and it really encapsulated the spirit of collaboration and creativity that I loved.”

Reflecting on her journey, Boyd emphasized the importance of self-advocacy.

“You need to know your skills and how to communicate them effectively. That’s what sets you apart in interviews,” Boyd said.

Boyd’s advises students to stay flexible and keep learning.

“The media world is always changing,” Boyd said. “Be ready to adapt and embrace the shifts.”

“You need to know your skills and how to communicate them effectively. That’s what sets you apart in interviews.”

One professor who stood out to her was Maria Stover.

Though she now lives out of state, Boyd stays connected with her Washburn and mass media community through LinkedIn and other social media.

“I enjoy keeping up with the university’s updates and reconnecting with former classmates and professors,” Boyd said.

Boyd believes Washburn significantly shaped who she is today.

“It helped me discover my potential and gave me the tools to turn my aspirations into reality,” Boyd said.

Options serve majors

Mass Media faculty work with students to create a degree plan that helps them reach future goals.

by Mogli Gautier

Currently, the mass media department offers three concentrations for students to choose from: contemporary journalism, film and video, and advertising and public relations. These allow students to design a degree unique to their interests and career goals.

By integrating these pathways, mass media empowers students to discover their niche in the media world and gain versatile skills for a variety of roles.

For students like Cauy Rokey, ’23, a freelance videographer, the mass media program was transformative. Initially focused on film and video, he envisioned creating visually compelling content but knew less about the client-oriented skills essential to running a freelance business.

That changed after he took advertising and public relations classes with Professor Maria Stover.

“Those classes were eye-opening for me,” Rokey

Cauy Rokey uses his mass media degree in combination with his entrepreneurship certificate to run his own freelance videography business. The path he chose when taking classes helped him achieve what he wanted to do in life.

said. “They taught me how to communicate effectively with clients and helped me build a network.”

Pairing his mass media degree with a minor in entrepreneurship, Rokey developed a strong foundation that prepared him for the demands of freelance work. He also appreciated the department’s open-ended approach to learning.

“All of my professors did a great job in letting me be an individual student,” Rokey said. “They graded my technical skills while nurturing my creative ideas.

Without the skills I picked up in Ad/PR, I’d be missing key tools to cater to my clients’ needs.”

Today, Rokey collaborates with businesses to create ads that highlight their unique stories, and he said he feels his time in the mass media program was instrumental in his journey. Through his business, Lightwave Media, Rokey now offers clients professionally

photo courtesy of Cauy Rokey

produced video content. To learn more about his work, visit lightwavemedia.co.

Senior Callie Holthaus found the flexibility within the mass media program provided the chance to explore beyond her initial aspirations. Initially majoring in communications, Holthaus said she thought mass media lined up better with her ideal career paths.

Holthaus said she wanted more freedom of choice for her career.

“When I looked into mass media, it seemed so open-ended. You could shape your own path,” Holthaus said.

Holthaus ultimately switched to a mass media major with a concentration in contemporary journalism, but she soon found herself drawn to film and video, where she took on a lead role in the short film, “Sins of Midnight.”

“Professor [Matt] Nyquist encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and be in front of the camera,” Holthaus said. “That experience was huge. It helped me understand the power of visual storytelling and gave me confidence.”

Holthaus’ on-screen experience, combined with her journalistic foundation, later proved invaluable. At a career fair, she connected with 13 News, where she now works as a reporter and anchor.

“Having experience both in front of and behind the camera made me a strong candidate for this role,” she said. “It showed I could handle the demands of broadcast news.”

Holthaus said she uses the soft skills she has learned at Washburn every day in her job.

Stover, a longtime faculty adviser, has helped many students find the right pathway.

“Our program is about equipping students to succeed in a variety of media roles,” Stover said. “Whether they lean toward PR, journalism, or broadcasting, students here are encouraged to make a degree that reflects their unique skills and goals.”

Stover said she believes that every student’s path requires different strengths, and that variety has shaped how the mass media curriculum is structured.

“It’s not a cookie-cutter experience,” Stover said.

photo courtesy of WIBW 13 News

Senior Callie Holthaus is an anchor on WIBW 13 News. Her degree path has allowed for a creative approach to reaching her goals.

“We focus on the skills, not the degree. This allows for a wide variety of experiences.”

Guidance from mass media faculty helps students develop a broad skill set and confidence in their adaptability, a quality essential in the media industry’s dynamic landscape.

The mass media program fosters career readiness for both media jobs and career shifts.

Students don’t just study media; they build a personal career pathway with support from faculty mentors, hands-on coursework and crossover among concentrations. This open-ended approach offers a degree that isn’t just a qualification; it’s a launching pad for any role in the media landscape.

Two more mass media grads

by Elena Toenjes

LEAH JAMISON

Assistant Director of Social Media Washburn University

Leah Jamison, ’22, assistant director of social media at Washburn is driven to make content more authentic.

She manages the Bod Talk account and the Washburn president account. She also leads the digital task force, which is a group focused on social media across campus.

Jamison and her interns strive to create relatable and authentic content.

To prepare posts, she takes photos, creates designs and writes copy.

If you had to do college all over again, what would you do differently?

I didn’t start out as a mass media student. I was going to be a dual major. I was going to do art and business because that’s just what I had in my head at the time. I did not know mass media existed when I came to Washburn. I really just wish I would have gone into it sooner because I took a year, maybe a little bit more of those classes. I just think I was able to

accomplish so much in those last two years as a mass media student, and I wish I could have had all four years like that and been exposed to it earlier.

What advice do you have for someone running a social media account to stand out?

I would say following and playing off of the trends can be good, but don’t feel like you have to jump

on every trend because you want to make sure you’re being authentic to your audience and that they’re going to be interested in it, and that it’s authentic to your brand as well. So while trends can be a really good tool to get new eyes on you, it can also kind of bite you in the butt sometimes. You will have to have fun with it by experimenting and trying things out.

*To read previously published profiles about other mass media alumni working

photo courtesy of Leah Jamison

join Washburn’s team*

CHRISTINE STONER

Office Assistant - College of Arts and Sciences

Washburn University

Christine Stoner, ’06, is the office coordinator in the College of Arts and Sciences. She does a lot of organizing, data entry and communicating.

Her past job as an editor for several magazines has given her a lot of experience in the field. She chose to leave that job and come back to Washburn to work. Stoner enjoys many of the facets of her job at Washburn.

If you had to do college all over again, what would you do differently?

I would have geared my education more towards social media, but when I graduated, Facebook had just started kicking off. There wasn’t a lot of advertising money being spent there.

We didn’t know a lot about social media from a tool perspective, there really wasn’t any reason to suspect that print would go by the wayside and that smartphones would take over. Knowing what I know now, I would definitely focus on digital media and learn how to

do search engine optimization.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of your job?

I don’t really have anything that I dislike about this job. I love working for Washburn. It’s a great place to go to school, and they really take care of their employees. It’s got a good work culture. Everybody’s delightful to be around and I abso-

lutely love the mental stimulation that comes with working with intelligent people, because I’ve been places where that isn’t the case. I can really appreciate being able to have conversations with professors just randomly and everybody has all these diverse views.

It’s really fascinating.

photo courtesy of Christine Stoner

Alumna finds unexpected career at private high school

by Luis Martinez

Sheri Cafer, ‘98, has ended up in a place she never could have imagined.

After graduating from high school in 1985, she worked at Payless ShoeSource. Payless encouraged her to earn her bachelor’s degree and helped her with tuition. Cafer was a non-traditional student, taking a few classes every semester. She continued to work at Payless for some time in upper management after graduation.

Eventually, she left to work for the state becoming a director of information technology, but she did briefly go back to Payless for a second stint with the company.

One afternoon in 2015, Cafer got a call from a friend and former principal of Hayden Catholic High School, asking if she would be interested in working there.

“I thought this would just be a stepping stone, but it hasn’t been,” said Cafer, who is currently the director of admissions, marketing, communications and social media at Hayden.

She also sponsors student ambassadors and is hosting a Japanese exchange student this year.

Often Cafer spends her day at work catching up on emails, creating and publishing content for the school social media pages, leading

photo

For 10 years, Sheri Cafer, ’98, has put her media skills to work at Hayden High School

tours for families around campus, comforting or listening to students who need an ear, or working on the school communications.

Cafer loves Hayden and working with students. She said she enjoys being a part of their development and growth during their time in high school. She said she also loves the fact she can openly express her faith and how it is incorporated into the school.

“When you come to a school like this, there is more of an ability to be more of a community than what is normal... these young people are not just numbers to us, they are people we care about and we help them be as successful as they can be,” said Cafer.

Cafer also works a part-time

job as a fundraising consultant for Chris Keeshan, founder and president of CKA, LLC, a fundraising coaching, training and consulting company.

Keeshan, also a Washburn alumna who worked as an adjunct in the mass media department from 1991-2007, was one of Cafer’s faculty at Washburn.

Keeshan speaks fondly of Cafer as both a co-worker and a friend.

“She was a stellar student and was instrumental in making the 1997 Mass Media Banquet, which was a huge success,” said Keeshan. “Sheri is smart, relationship focused, enjoys team building, inspires others to reach their full potential whether she is working with Hayden students or CKA nonprofit CEOs, development directors or major gift officers... Sheri is not just a trusted colleague, but a true friend.”

Cafer says a lot of her communication and media skills that she has developed have come from her time at Washburn.

“I think I have the ability to go in a situation that looks difficult and make it better... working with people, learning how to give and receive feedback, I learned this all from Washburn,” said Cafer. “Having this degree, for me, was very beneficial and it opened doors for me.”

courtesy of Sheri Cafer

Students explore their passion for film

by Shay Watts

The Washburn Filmmaker’s Association is a student organization for students who want to show their creative side. Throughout the semester, students work on a series of projects that will help them perfect their craft.

In WFA, students can film, edit, act, write scripts and find community. Regardless of their experience with film, all students are encouraged to join.

For the fall 2024 semester, the members split into two groups to create a film. Within the groups, each student had a role. The theme of the film was “a bad dream.”

Though one group had difficulties in post-production, they still enjoyed themselves and made the most of the situation.

The second project that the students are working on is a discovery script, all students were asked to make a script about someone finding out something along the way regardless of the situation. Students vote on projects they want to pursue next after finisging up each project.

“I like the WFA community; I like that it’s a bunch of students working independently, and we are not doing this as a class. It’s because we like filmmaking.”

-- WFA President Ivan Brandt

“We lost a project but the one we got through was really good,” said WFA President Ivan Brandt.

WFA often has guest speakers come in to talk to the students about their own personal experiences, challenges, and opportunities. The guest speaker for this semester was Washburn attendee

Carlos Chavez who talked about his experience working with clients. Adviser Sam Finch would like to see students in WFA work with at least one client in the near future.

“I’d like them to work on projects in the future that can help them with their professional development,” said Finch.

Brandt said he would like to see WFA creating two to three projects each semester.

Vice President Skylar Smith would like to increase membership and club attendance. He would like to see 30 students active in the organization.

photo courtesy of Skylar Smith

An on-set photo from “Bad Dream,” a project created by the Washburn Filmmaker Association.

Students have long history of creating publications for friends, alumni

by Celena Gordon & Elena Toenjes

It’s a long-held tradition in the mass media department that students learning about copyediting, reporting and publishing are tasked with creating content for department alumni each academic year.

The first alumni magazine, The Communicator, was mailed in spring 1990 and was published under the faculty supervision of Barbara Burgess, an assistant professor in the department of communication studies. Later, in 1993, when the department of mass media was created, the magazine transitioned into The Mass Media Messenger.

Over the years, alumni outreach

(left) “They showed examples in the past, they were well thought out so I wanted something the opposite of that … nobody has done something purposely weird …” said Thad Lockard, ’08.

(right) More recently, the honor of having the selected cover went to Emma Froese, ’23. The tones in the cover bring both Kansas and the fall to mind.

cover by Thad Lockard, ’08

cover by Emma Froese, ’23

by the department has expanded to include both the Mass Media Messenger magazine and the Mass Media Alumni Newsletter, which first started in September 2018 in Associate Professor Kristen Grimmer’s Public Relations 1 class.

After the mass media curriculum redesign, the newsletter moved from the public relations core classes to the mass media faculty member, and the class, which had the most experience publishing alumni content: Regina Cassell’s Advanced Professional Media Writing.

With the additional projects to complete, something had to change in the classroom, which is why the magazine stopped printing afte the spring 2022 semester.

Students no longer had time to sell the advertising that covered the cost of printing and mailing the magazine, and advertising funds were much harder to come by after the pandemic.

One challenge that all mass media graduates who have taken the “Messenger” class over the years have faced is coming up with a compelling design idea for the cover of the magazine.

All the students present their own designs, and the class votes on the winning cover, which have all been displayed for many years on the back wall of Henderson’s Mac lab in room 7.

Grimmer, ’10, said she remembers this exact challenge from when she took the class.

“My magazine was from 2010 and that semester, I remember it was Ben Fitch who won the design,” Grimmer said. “I remember writing some of the stories for the magazine, but I wasn’t a designer at all. Most of that magazine’s overall design was created by Mikki Burcher, who was incredibly creative in that way.”

Cassell said that she believes one of the most unexpected covers

(above) “If I could only choose one, this cover would be my favorite,” said Regina Cassell, senior lecturer. “It was simple, but creative and different at the same time.”

Cassell went on to say that her top choice does not always get selected by the class for the cover.

Cover by Britta Tjaden, ’09

for the Messenger came out in 2007, and was created by Thad Lockard, ’08.

This cover featured Lockard’s creation of the mascot Milo, which eventually came to life in the form of a heavy mailbox dog that was covered in green shag carpet. Lockard’s plan to design a cover that was “a little bit odd” was intended to attract the eye of the magazine’s audience.

class curriculum expanded to give smaller groups of students in the class the opportunity to publish their own issue of the newsletter.

Charlize Easter, a senior advertising and public relations major, took the “Messenger” class in 2022 and was one of the students to work on both the magazine and the email newsletter.

Lockard said that originally, the mascot on this cover was an actual build project named Milo. However, he wasn’t finished creating Milo before the cover was due. So, instead of a photo, Milo got a digital debut instead. Milo the sculpture hung around Henderson 7 for several years before he was lost to a lab update.

With the addition of the Mass Media Alumni Newsletter, to the alumni publications, Cassell’s

“I remember the deadline for my group’s newsletter being the biggest thing that pulled us all together as a group,” Easter said. “It made us grow as reporters and publishers and although it seemed really hectic at the time, I think I definitely learned a lot.”

Even though technology has influenced how the mass media curriculum is taught, some things remain the same since the

department first was created in 1993.

“Having a publication class in mass media is always going to be valuable because it’s a way for our current students to learn and practice, but at the same time, they get to write content that speaks directly to a very special group of people, our alumni, who they are connected to just by the shared experience of taking the ‘Messenger’ class,” said Professor Maria Stover. “I personally always make an effort to stay in touch with mass media alumni after they leave Washburn, but our department also makes an effort through the magazine and newsletter to make sure our alumni know we still consider them family.”