Spring 2022 Mass Media Messenger

MESSENGER 2022

Washburn University Bachelor of Arts Mass Media

Letter from the Editor

by Alyssa Storm, 2022 Mass Media Messenger Editor-in-Chief

As I write this letter, I wonder if we will ever return to life as it was before COVID-19. I’ve had a different college experience than many alumni, but I am thankful that I have still been able to take hands-on classes in an online mode and still learn something from them, which is more than I can say for many of my peers.

I am grateful that this Messenger class has had the ability to gather and create some memories as we work around the tables in Henderson 7. We have new computers in the lab this year, but don’t be too jealous -- Adobe still likes to take its own sweet time opening files.

I know most of you reading have been a part of the production of the Mass Media Messenger in one way or another and can relate to the amount of demanding atten tion the department needs from us. Let me just say it has not gotten any easier. Being able to sit in a classroom and work collaboratively is a luxury I didn’t understand until it was taken away. Getting to share a laugh while designing a spread or arguing about AP style until we inevitably turn to Google is good amidst the incredible chaos which creates this magazine.

The Department of Mass Media does a great job of preparing its students for the real world. I’ve had the add ed benefit of serving as editor-in-chief of the Washburn Review, which now exists in website and email newsletter formats. Having the ability to apply what I’ve learned in classes into the Student Media office that same day has helped me not only grow in my position, but I have gained a new appreciation for my mass media classes.

In another year, I, too, will join the legacy of alumni in our department. I want to encourage you all to stay in touch and come back to campus when you can. Alumni make terrific guest speakers, and we especially love to hear your stories either at the Keynote Speaker Event or at the WIFI Film Festival. The involvement from the alumni in our various events means a great deal to the department, faculty and students. We appreciate your generosity and continuous support throughout the year and hope that you enjoy this newest issue of the Messenger.

Faculty & staff briefs

Maria Stover, Professor & Chair Stover took a sabbatical during fall 2021, to conduct research projects, one of which is for View - The Journal of European Television History & Culture. Stover’s research is over the longest-running parody show in Bulgaria. Stover and colleague Kristen Grimmer are working to add an extended introduction to an autobiography published by long-time Topeka columnist, Dick Snider. Stover’s sabbatical allowed her to develop presentations for one national and two international conferences.

Regina Cassell, Senior Lecturer & Director of Student Media Cassell has been accepted into two summer programs at The Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. She will complete Poynter’s Diversity Across the Curriculum and Teachapalooza: Front-Edge Teaching Tools for College Educators program in early June. In March, Cassell took six undergraduate students to the Spring national conference for the Associated Collegiate Press in Long Beach, California.

Matthew Nyquist, Assistant Professor Nyqust has kept busy throughout the year, working on multiple film projects on top of his usual teaching. Nyquist

has recently written, directed and shot a short documentary about the world class musicians that play in Topeka each summer. The project was shown at both Sundance Film Festival and was briefly shown on PBS. Currently, Nyquist is in the early stages of writing and directing a narrative feature film.

Kristen Grimmer, Assistant Professor

Grimmer’s latest research focuses on the effect the media portrayal of rape and sexual assault associated with high profile cases has on college-aged men and women. She will conduct individual interviews to investigate how the media messages have impacted her subjects, including what her subjects have learned from both the victims and perpetrators.

Tracy Horacek, Office Coordinator

Horacek was promoted by the College of Arts and Sciences. Horacek now works with a team of coordinators within the college to fill office vacancies, train administrative assistants and find ways to streamline regular office tasks. She is excited to work in the position, which is completely new to Washburn.

Andrew Anglin, Assistant Professor Anglin organized the return of the mass

media tailgates this past fall. He also led 17 students on the trip to Walt Disney World over spring break. Anglin is also excited to announce that mass media students won 15 ADDY awards from the Topeka Advertising Federation for work that was completed in his courses.

Sam Finch, Assistant Professor

Finch began working toward a Master of Fine Arts degree at University of Missouri - Kansas City in the Fall of 2021. Finch also plans to teach a special topics summer course, Exploring Iconic Film Directors.

Patrick Early, Adjunct Professor

Early continued to oversee and coordinate COVID-19 updates for Washburn. Along with hiring recent graduate Ellie Walker to the department, he plans to double the size of Washburn’s digital signage on campus.

Tim Hrenchir, Adjunct Professor

Hrenchir continues to work as a trending news reporter for The Topeka CapitalJournal and CJOnline, and he was elected to a one-year term as president of the Shawnee County Historical Society in December. His wife, Catheryn (Ready) Hrenchir, 1992, joined him at the paper as a entertainment writer, copy editor and coach.

Matthew Nyquist

Regina Cassell Sam finch tracy horacek Andrew anglin Maria Stover kristen grimmer

story by Hayden Kalp photos by Perla Soto

Journalist leaps into public relations

by Brooke Donaldson

Josh Rouse, 2012, has a chance to put his mass media skills into action every day as the communications coordinator at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Rouse began this journey in December 2021, after working at the Topeka Capital-Journal for almost 10 years. During his time at the Journal, he worked in copy editing, online editing, assisted with the statewide planner and started their outdoors column (running it for over five years).

Now he spends his days writing content for social media and press releases, copy editing, creating videos, designing content, interacting with donors and handling general communications with the community.

“One of the things I love most about this job is getting to see the kids have a blast with the exhibits,” said Rouse. “During Dino Days, I was able to help set up the ‘Tiny Titans’ display and see the kids’ initial reaction; it was endearing to see how excited they were.”

The Discovery Center features two to three exhibits a year, the current being Tiny Titans to go along with Topeka’s Dino Days exhibit, with many ways for children to learn through activities and exploration. Rouse worked directly with other museum staff to install the entire exhibit, keeping in focus how important the first impression is for children.

While attending Washburn, Rouse was heavily involved with Student Media, the Kaw yearbook and other forms of student publications. He continues to apply the skills he learned as part of the Department of Mass Media every day in the workplace, and he said he is appreciative of the staff and faculty who helped him.

“Regina Cassell helped me tremendously throughout my time at Washburn,” said Rouse. “She provided me with guidance not only in the classroom, but also in my professional career as well.”

Rouse continues to stay involved with the University by attending different sports games and judging student media contests.

photo courtesy of Josh Rouse

Josh Rouse discovers passion for public relations through working at the Discovery Center. He begins this career after working many years at the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Product specialist rides in style

by Katie Hampton

Sam Zlotky, 2016, had no idea how life would be after graduating from Washburn University.

Six years later, he finds himself on a flight to Cleveland, Ohio, to present and campaign for brands at an auto show.

Zlotky has been working as a product specialist and an in-vehicle host for Stellantis, a new automotive company that owns 16 different global brands: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Mopar, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall, and Mopar auto parts.

Zlotky and his coworkers are “sent around the country to represent different brands at auto shows.

Sometimes we do ride and drives, where we let people take the cars out and drive them themselves.”

Zlotky explained his itinerary for his 10-day business trip in Cleveland the weekend of February 25.

“I will be on the show floor engaging with consumers if they have any questions about vehicles. We are pretty highly trained on specs of the vehicles in our lineup this year.”

While promoting the vehicles, he receives consumers’ email addresses for data capture and acts as a middleman between sellers and consumers.

Zlotsky is also a part of a team that planned to launch a new cryptocurrency called Moon Rover in late March 2022. The currency plans to be the first to directly fight against climate change, and he is very excited to establish this type of non-

fungible token. He often spends time checking his accounts and his progress with the currency more as an investment in the future.

Before Slellantis, Zlotky worked in San Diego as a production graphic designer and various other jobs as a brand ambassador.

Currently, Zlotsky lives in California. In his free time, Zlotky takes advantage of the beautiful San Diego weather and spends his time outdoors as much as possible.

He does not plan on living in California forever, so he likes to soak in the beach as much

as possible. However, Zlotky claims that he is “notoriously bad at free time,” because he loves what he does and enjoys working.

Ultimately, Zlotky feels like he’s on vacation even at work, partly thanks to his traveling business trips and partly because of his love for the industry.

The flexibility and variety of opportunities that make every day feel fresh and exciting.

“It’s a fun, fast-paced work environment. I’m working flexible hours and get to travel to places like Las Vegas or Florida for business. It’s really rewarding,” said Zlotky.

Sam Zlotky, 2016, works as a product specialist for Stellantis, a new car company that owns 16 brands. His job allows him flexibility and the opportunity to travel.

photos courtesy of Sam Zlotky

Former Ichabod coaches linemen

by Nicholas W. Wright & Alyssa Storm

Michael Wilhoite, 2010, has reached another milestone in professional sports by being the linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers.

After working and waiting for his big break,Wilhoite received the call to play in the United Football League with the Omaha Nighthawks.

That kickstarted his career and led him to signing with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad in 2011 and 12 weeks later he was an active member of the team.

He went on to play in Super Bowl XLVII on the San Francisco 49ers against the Baltimore Ravens in 2014. His career took him back to the 49ers in 2016. Then he went up the coast to play for the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.

In 2019, Wilhoite became a special teams assistant coach for the New Orleans

Saints and stayed for two years. Now he has spent the last two years on the Los Angeles Chargers as a linebackers coach.

Washburn University football head coach Craig Schurig mentions that Wilhoite’s work ethic and drive makes him a special component to any team.

“ I think his true gift is to be a coach. He can pass on his experience, drive and intellegence,” said Schurig.

At this point in his career, Wilhoite says that he has gotten to where he is by simply “progressing as a man. It doesn’t have anything to do with having a degree. It is the maturation of myself and of the people that God has placed around me that has influenced me to start reading, and speaking the right way, and dressing the right way,” said Wilhoite.

Wilhoite has spread his knowledge and love of football not only along the chargers, but has also reached the Highland Park

courtesy of the Los Angeles Chargers

Michael Wilhoite, 2010, is the linebacker coach for the Los Angeles Chargers. He played football for Washburn University while earning his mass media degree.

community in Topeka.

He has put on a camp in the Highland Park community as well as given back to Manhattan, where he is originally from.

“More than anything, I think he’s a kind of a role model,” said Schurig.

As Schurig said, we are proud to have Wilhoite be a Washburn graduate and his acccomplishments on and off the field.

Even after being on some of the biggest stages in the world Wilhoite says that he stays close with the same people he knew before his career.

He says that two focuses that influence his success are “always being present, and being myself.”

photos

Vicory receives highest honor

by Hayden Kalp

The 2021 Department of Mass Media Lifetime Achievement Award was given to alumna Sue Vicory, 1976.

Vicory, an accomplished filmmaker living in Kansas City, came from back to her alma mater in late October, 2021 to speak with film students in the Department of Mass Media.

In Spring of 2020, Maria Stover, Professor & Chair of the Department of Mass Media, and Matthew Nyquist, assistant professor of mass media, virtually presented Vicory her award. Vicory said it felt like a ginormous honor to receive this award.

Vicory shared her story and the path that led her to being where she is now. She graduated with an elementary education degree from Washburn and stayed in the education field until she turned 47.

After sending both of her daughters off to college, she decided that she was going to try her hand at filmmaking, signing up that same day for a one-week course in New York City. During that week, she wrote, produced, casted, directed and edited her first film, “The Anniversary Dinner.”

Since her debut film, Vicory has gone on to make multiple documentary style films including, “Homelessness and the Power of One” (2005), “Kansas City Jazz and Blues: Past Present & Future” (2010), “Down Stage” (2015), and most recently, “The Original Jayhawker” (2021).

“What I love about Sue is that she is a connector,” said Stover. “She is one of those amazing people who connects people with opportunities. I find her very inspirational because she is exemplifying her My Power of One brand she established in 2014.”

Vicory’s films have premiered at multiple film festivals and on major networks such as Sundance Film Festival, and PBS.

She has also been an advocate for women in film. Her aforementioned project, “Down Stage,” consisted of an all-female cast and crew and was made in only 48 hours.

She has also hosted multiple women-only film panels and her production company, Heartland Films, just sponsored a panel at the 2022 Santa Monica Women Filmmaker Showcase in March.

Vicory will also host panels for Washburn’s 2022 WIFI film festival. To learn more about her brand and what she stands for, visit www.mypowerofone.com.

Sue Vicory received the 2021 Department of Mass Media Lifetime

Award for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the field of media.

Business Directory

Thunderbirds Grille

2920 SE Croco Rd.

Topeka, KS 66605 785-633-0493

Juli’s Coffee and Bistro 911 S Kansas Ave

Topeka, KS 66612 785-633-0493

Topeka Blueprint

608 SW Jackson St

Topeka, KS 66603 785-232-7209

The Department of Mass Media offers many advertising opportunities for Topeka businesses. Email massmedia@washburn.edu to learn more.

photo courtesy of Sue Vicory

Achievement

Concentrations merge, course names change

by Shalynn Long

In an effort to stay ahead of the ever-changing media industry, mass media faculty make regular updates to classes.

But, sometimes the department has to take a step back and evaluate the curriculum as a whole to make a series of larger changes.

“The last time we had a curriculum change was over 10 years ago,” said Maria Stover, professor and chair of the Department of Mass Media. “The curriculum should be re-evaluated regularly to ensure it is not outdated as many updates can be made over a period of just a few years. Curriculum changes and updates have been on-going for three years because they are required to go through the highest level of approval.”

The biggest changes in the lates revision includes the merging of the Advertising and Public Relations concentrations.

This change benefits students who want to focus on both areas because public relations and creative advertising are both tied strongly to messaging and strategy.

Alumni may remember the MM400 class, Media Literacy, where students worked on a in-depth research paper. Stover’s MM321 Advanced Professional Media Applications was added to

the list of requirements for all concentrations, replacing MM400.

MM300, Media Law, Ethics, and Diversity, now taught by mass media assistant professor, Kristen Grimmer, replaces the previous MM300 Media Law Class and pulls in some concepts from the former MM400 class.

Stover said roughly 85% of all mass media courses got new names to better reflect subject matter and better sequencing of classes.

“I think the name changes are going to help a lot because they clear up a lot of confusion and make registering for classes a lot easier,” said junior mass media major Alyssa Storm.

All mass media minors were updated to require only 15 credit hours instead of 18.

“I’m not sure students realize how intensive this process is,” senior lecturer Regina Cassell said. “I cannot count how many long meetings we had to discuss course names, catalog descriptions, prerequisites, the sequencing of courses…And, that’s nothing compared to all of the additional work Dr. Stover did with regard to the required paperwork and preparing the changes to go through each required approval stage.”

The faculty looks forward to all of the updates reflecting properly in Washburn’s systems and online in the near future.

CONCENTRATION UPDATES

COURSE TITLES

MASS MEDIA MINORS

NEW CURRICULUM VS OLD

Student talent helps department

by Shiann Olberding

Students and alumni continue to help the Department of Mass Media reach new giving heights on the annual Day of Giving.

During the fundraiser in early February, mass media students helped bring in 138 gifts, which will ultimately add $8,848 to the department budget, which funds scholarships, technology and unique opportunities for students.

Three mass media students were in the top 10 as Day of Giving ambassadors for the entire university. Leah Jamison, Maggie Cabrera and Alyssa Storm helped bring in the most gifts to the university by spending time and offering incentives on social media.

The Washburn Alumni Association and Foundation offered a $1,500 bonus to the department who received the most gifts in number, not dollar amount. But, there was also a $1,500 bonus for the top ambassador.

Jamison, a senior, brought in 66 gifts individually as the top ambassador. She personally was responsible for raising $1,117, and she selected the Department of Mass Media to receive the bonus funds.

“I started out as a business and art major and didn’t enjoy it, and then I found mass media,” Jamison said. “Once I started classes, I realized this is what I wanted to do; this is what I’m really passionate about.”

Cabrera, a junior, brought in 26 gifts.

“Mass media has really been a creative outlet for me in general,” Cabrera said. “I think it has opened so many doors for me and allowed me to be myself.”

Storm, also a junior, ended the day with five gifts.

“I have participated in Day of Giving events in my mass media classes throughout my three years of college,” said Storm. “Being able to raise money for things like new technology, educational trips and bringing in guest speakers not only helps educate mass media students, but it also helps us improve our networking skills. Having to engage with our social media followers, family and alumni brings awareness to the department and the incredible things that we are learning and doing.”

Many students and their families contributed to the number of gifts along with

faculty, staff and friends of the department, which led to the department’s success. Maria Stover, professor and chair of the department, expressed her gratitude.

“We are humbled by the support we received. It is a day of giving love and appreciation,” Stover said..

The total amount the university raised in 2022 was $359,498 through 1,185 total gifts.

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

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Attend evening classes once a week from anywhere with our 100% virtual option. Choose a pace that fits your schedule and earn your MBA in as few as 12 months.

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For more information: email mba@washburn.edu or call 785.670.1308

Master of Business Administration

graphic by Leah Jamison

Mass media magic moves to Disney

by Alyssa Storm

“The Happiest Place on Earth” is where 17 students spent their spring break.

The Impact of Disney on Society is a course, taught by Andrew Anglin, assistant professor, that covers the history of The Walt Disney Company and how it has shaped the industries of entertainment, show business and guest services.

Because the course is designed to focus on more than just the media aspect of Disney, students of any major can benefit from this course in one way or another.

Being a business major, senior Diana Martinez-Ponce doesn’t normally get to be creative within the classroom.

“I really like the creative side of [the class],” said MartinesPonce. “As a business major, you don’t usually dive into creativity, but I liked learning about that side of it.”

A week-long trip to Disney isn’t all fun and games as students were there to learn how the theme parks are operated in big and little ways. Students saw Disney’s business practices first hand, which matched with the concepts covered during the class.

Students are bringing the trip back into the classroom by creating a proposal for their own theme park as the final project.

Martinez-Ponce said that visiting the theme parks in-person gave her plenty of inspiration to improve her final project. One of the ideas was to put a gift shop at the end of the rides.

Students gained an appreciation for the details that can make a big difference.

“The focus on the little details that Disney has, down to the look of the water fountain, the different areas of the park or the placement of trash cans or the placement of every tree – it’s intentional,” said Kevin Conner, a senior computer information science major. “I paid more attention to what was around, what I could see from where I was, and what I could hear all the time with the background music.”

This trip was funded in part through generous donations received through the Day of Giving as well as the receivign the Washburn Transformaional Experience schoalrship. Keeping the cost minimal for the students is a way the Department of Mass Media educates students instead of worrying how much it’s going to break the bank.

Washburn students spent a week at Disney World learning about all things Disney. Students pose in front of the castle and outside Magic Kingdom. Along with photo opportunities, they learned how to design their own theme park.h

photos courtesy of Disney photographers

Alumni Class Notes

*Fahra (Noorani) Ali Daredia, 2010, is a circulation library associate at Kern County Library. She is married and now has a daughter. She is working on her masters in library science.

Thomas Allen, 2003, will celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary in May of 2022 and his son, Gabriel, graduated from Shawnee Heights in May of 2021.

Alan Amado Jr., 2018, will be moving to Paris this fall to attend EM Normandie University to receive his Master of Science degree in luxury marketing and lifestyle.

*Katharine Arroyo, 2013, is an English teacher at the Haidian International School of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, where she lives with her husband of six years, Wang Zhen. She is enrolled in a dual master’s program at Emporia State working toward degrees in instruction and curriculum design and educational administration.

*Allie Broockerd, 2018, welcomed a baby boy with her husband in May of 2021.

*Kyle Brooks, 2011, has been married to his wife for four

years and together they have two boys.

Sarah Buchanan, 2021, started a job at Advisors Excel as a Digital Intern at the end of January.

Elizabeth Bukaty, 2015, will be getting married in June of 2022. She works for K12 as an operations manager.

*Nigel Burgess, 2021, was promoted from partner marketing intern to marketing specialist Aug. 7, 2021, at Reltio.

Ally Burr, 2019, took over the guest group communication coordinator role at Young Life’s Saranac Lake camp in the fall of 2021, in addition to her previous role as retail manager. Her responsibilities include booking all guest groups, managing guest billing, providing resources for planning, communicating contractual expectations and more.

Emily Charles, 2010, is a science manager at the Institute of Molecular Biology in Mainz, Germany.

*Brittney Clark, 2020, was promoted to the marketing and event specialist for the Arizona branch of Katie’s Kennel, which

was established in Kansas City, Missouri, in January of 2022.

*Grace Cole, 2020, started her master’s program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary online in spring of 2022. She is currently working as the social media coordinator for World Net Connect.

*Ian Edwards, 2013, was recently married and purchased his first home in Shawnee with his spouse. He works for Tyr Energy Development Renewables as a Project Development Manager.

*Michael Edwards, 2001, recently accepted the assistant vice president for development position at the Oklahoma State University Foundation after 10 years as assistant vice chancellor for development at Texas Christian University. He will be responsible for leading the development teams related to OSU Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and OSUTulsa.

Allison (Kimble) Elder, 2010, has been the wealth management data analyst at Advisors Excel for five years.

James Gorman, 2020, works as a Program Analyst for

Kate Arroyo

Brittney

Clark

Grace Cole

Ian Edwards

Michael Edwards

Corey Hollar

Allie Broockerd family

Nigel Burgess family

Fahra (Noorani) Ali Daredia family

Kyle Brooks family

by Brooke Donaldson & Jossie Hicks

Richard Kelly

Lacey

Kinder

Olivia Marshall

Annaleise McEvoy

Marissa Meis

Alicia Mowder

* indicates a photo

General Services Administration.

Valerie (Caviglia) Gough, 2010, has three daughters and is expecting a fourth, due in May of 2022. She is currently the co-owner and president of AllSource Construction Specialties, LLC, and has been there for six years.

Jamie Hackmann, 2011, started a new job in January of 2021 as an outside sales representative at American Gypsum. Hackmann previously worked as an outside aggregate representative for Hamm Quarries for eight years.

Jessica Herrera Russell, 2014, started as the senior communications manager at Kansas Action for Children in November of 2021.

Grace Hildenbrand, 2012, graduated from Purdue University in August of 2021 with a doctorate in communication. She is currently the assistant professor of leadership studies at LSU in Shreveport, Louisiana.

*Cory Hollar, 2021, is the promotions assistant at Cumulus Media.

Kyle Kelly, 2012, welcomed his first child, a son, with his wife, Hazel, in September of 2021. He has been working at Kaw Valley Bank as a Senior IT Technician for the last five years.

*Francesca KelleyMiller, 2021, married Daniel Kelley-Miller in October of 2021. Started at the Dept. of Children and Family as a video production specialist on March 7th.

*Richard Kelly, 2013, was recently elected chair of Forge Young Talent in Topeka for 2022 and is the alternate public

address announcer for Washburn athletics.

*Lacey Kinder, 2008, has worked at the Capper Foundation for 12 years. She was promoted to communication specialist in 2019.

*Olivia Marshall, 2015, works as a licensed insurance broker for Sea to Sky Insurance company in Denver, Colorado. She earned her property and casualty insurance license in January of 2022.

*Monica McDougal, 2016, is working at Trinity United Methodist Church as a pastor of young adult outreach in Lafayette, Indiana. In May of 2021 she graduated with a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. She is getting married in November of 2022 to fiancé Mack Owings.

*Anneleise McEvoy, 2019, was recently promoted from social media specialist to social media account executive within a year of working with Champion Management in Dallas, Texas. She runs 5+ accounts of full service social media posting across all platforms.

*Marissa Meis, 2018, has been a director of communications at Hutchinson Public Schools for 10 months.

Linda Meyer, 2009, is a communications director and contemporary worship director at Faith Lutheran Church. She has been married for 36 years and has a 6-year-old grandson. She is looking forward to her oldest son’s wedding this fall.

*Mikaela (Rengstorf) Maschmeir, 2004, lives in Azle, Texas, with her husband of 17

years, Dustin, and their three children, Luke, 15, Owen, 12, and Lincoln, 7. She has worked as a visual journalist for Lockheed Martin for the past four years and for The 3rd Photography for 11 years. A photo gallery with her best work at Lockheed Martin for 2021 was featured on the company’s website.

*Alicia (Phillips) Mowder, 2008, and husband, Christopher, welcomed Addison Mowder Oct. 25, 2021, who joins big sister Ellie. She started a new job as vice president of growth at Panera Bread in August of 2021.

*Ashley Nadeau, 2011, has a 4 year old daughter Rosalie, 9 year old step-daughter Grace, and a fiancé Andy Wagner. She is the Director of Marketing for Heartland Community Health Center. She also does consulting through Living Brands and is a commissioned artist.

*Ryan Ogle, 2015, has worked as a senior multimedia specialist for four years at Insurance Agency Marketing Services. He has two children: Austin,16 and Ellery,10.

*Reilly Peuser, 2020, is an Account Coordinator for Woodruff in Kansas City, Missouri.

*Lauren Pierce, 2016, has worked as a senior account coordinator for almost three years. She and her boyfriend welcomed baby Holland Rose into the world in November 2020. Lauren is currently working on getting her real estate licenses for Kansas and Missouri.

Jessica (Mills) Reid, 2007, has been with Azura Credit Union for five years and was promoted to

Francesca Kelley-Miller family

Monica McDougal & Mack Owings

Ashley Nadeau & Andy Wagner

Lauren Pierce family

Daphne Reynolds family

Ashley Spahn family

Ryan Ogle Riley Peuser Jera Richardson

Mikaela Maschmeier family

marketing content developer in July of 2021.

*Daphne (Phillips) Reynolds, 2012, has worked as an associate recruiter for seven months at Russell Tobin and Associates.

*Jera Richardson, 2019, is a real estate market lead at Inspirato Real Estate. She resides in Salina, Kansas, and has real estate and insurance licenses.

*Josh Rouse, 2012, resides in Topeka, Kansas and started a new job as a communications coordinator at the Kansas Discovery Center in January of 2022.

Melissa Sowers, 2012, is Vice President - Convention Sales and

Marketing for Visit Topeka and a Kansas Destination Specialist.

*Ashley (Shepard) Spahn, 2011, has worked for nine years as an account supervisor in Wichita, Kansas. She and her husband, Matt, have been married for five years and have a son, Theo, who is almost 2.

*Christine Stoner, 2006, works as an editor at Ogden Publications in Topeka, Kansas. She has recently earned her real estate license.

*Jerrica (Bachmann) Towle, 2012, works as a project specialist and liaison-in the Marketing and Communications Department for Stormont Vail Health.

Ally Ulsaker, 2019, has worked as an event planner and promotions coordinator for two years at American Holistic Nurses Association. She bought a home in Topeka, Kansas, in August of 2020.

Ernie Webb III, 1998, has been a director of strategic marketing and communications for five years. He is married with three kids and resides in Kansas. In fall of 2022 he will be an adjunct teacher in the Department of Mass Media Adjunct and is writing a true crime novel about a murder in Dover, Kansas.

*Erin Wichman Mohwinkle, 2007, started a new job as a

marketing coordinator in July 2021. She and her husband, Ryan, also a Washburn graduate, now have three children –Brecken, 8, Kiernan, 5, and Madigan, 1.

*Kendra Wicks, 2020, works as a digital assistant for United States Tennis Association Missouri Valley Section. She is also a content coordinator for Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

*Emma Marie Wittmer, 2021, started a full-time position after graduation that combines digital media and full-time ministry at Fellowship Bible Church in Topeka, Kansas.

Jerrica Richardson

Melissa Sower

Christine Stoner Emma Wittmer

Erin Wichman Mohwinkle family

WFA tackles horror film

by Emma Palasak

The Washburn Filmmakers Association (WFA) provides an opportunity for all students to be a part of a community of similar interests and passions.

While the Filmmakers Association has not been around for long, the organization has grown quickly. Anna Fifer, president of WFA, attributed the group’s success to their welcoming attitude and opportunities for students.

“We encourage all students, even outside of Mass Media, to join. We watch and discuss films and work together on individual projects. We’ve had some great

guest speakers and have more planned this semester. It’s like taking a free class with your friends,” Fifer said.

Adin Replogle, vice president of WFA, reemphasized the inclusivity and benefits of being a part of the association. He brought up Matthew Nyquist’s many contributions, including his connection to Hollywood. Award winning producer of several films including “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” Sev Ohanian, spoke to members via Zoom last spring because of this connection.

According to Fifer, the

Department of Mass Media is growing fast at Washburn, and within it, film and video is the quickest growing concentration. Throughout last semester, WFA spent time reorganizing and preparing for growth in accordance with Mass Media’s increasing popularity. The WIFI Film Festival has been a part of this, attracting attention to and honoring local filmmakers.

“The film festival is the reason I came to Washburn,” said Replogle, who won an Ivy Pruss Screenwriting Award and the Best Film by a Kansas High Svchool Student in 2021 for his film presented at WIFI.

WFA shoots a film of its own every year, and the goal is to shoot and edit it in a year’s time. The timeline is challenging, as those familiar with the film industry can attest, but the growing association finds it to be more manageable with enough hands. This year’s film is titled “Never Fear the Night,” and is intended to be finished in Fall 2023.

photo courtesy of Anna Fifer (front row, from left) Malachi Lewis, Morgan Edgett, Anna Fifer, Ciera Haner, Christa Nioce; (back row) Jerron Meritt, Derek Blanchard, Matt Nyquist, Westen Smith, Adin Replogle, David Craft, Josue Tavares, Wesley Ekstrand

Student Media builds connections

by Kate Drennon

Student Media provides one of the most intriguing opportunities at Washburn’s campus because you’re able to get hands-on experience in the media field. The experience Student Media provides is valuable and useful. “I joined Student Media not only for the job opportunities, but because I am also able to make connections through it,” said Alyssa Storm. Storm joined Student Media as a freshman and quickly grew to love it. She later took on the role of editor-in-chief of the Washburn Review website and newsletter in the summer of 2021. Student Media can be seen as news written by students for students. “[Storm] has really grown into her role. Within her years at Student Media, she has brought new goals and hard work,” said Regina Cassell, director of Student Media. “Editor-in-chief is the hardest position, and she excels at it.” One of Storm’s goals for Student Media was to help it grow into a newsletter and website, as well as a credible news source for students to refer to.

“I want the students of Washburn to know Student Media as a credible news source,” said Storm. “It’s a quick and easy way to gain information at Washburn as a whole. We have the news that students want.” Student Media is not just for the mass media students at Washburn. It’s for everyone who has a passion for writing, photography and editing. Amongst the mass media majors, you will find other students majoring in different areas. You can find Student Media reporting sports, current news and valuable information

across the university. While giving students this opportunity, it also gives students a way to build connections outside of campus. “Student Media has truly given me so many connections and that is another favorite part about it,” Storm said. Storm is looking into an internship with KSNT News this summer. She said that KSNT would be an ideal job for her as Student Media brought her this specific connection for broadcasting.

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photo courtesy of Regina Cassell (from left) Student Media staff Hayden Kalp, Simran Shrestha, Alyssa Storm, Leah Jamison, Olivia Watson and Rakesh Swarnakar traveled in March to Long Beach, California, for the Associated Collegiate Press national spring conference.