Communicator, Summer 2013

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INSIDE: Job fairs serve students ... Faculty earn Deans’ Excellence Awards ... Jaffe named Distinguished Alumnus

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CONTENTS 4

CARNEGIE NEWS

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FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

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DEVELOPMENT NEWS

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STUDENT NEWS

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Closeup: Accreditation report offers praise Award-winning visitors stress journalism basics Communications-specific job fairs a success

Dillon named inaugural Eberly Professor of Practice Awards honor teaching, research and service Research: People may welcome “smart� objects

Match increases for Trustee Scholarship supporters Gifts push Page Center support to $4.8M Friends bolster Boland Fund

Davis Awards recognize ethics in class, beyond Student group honored among pros with Silver Anvil Research leads to rare AEJMC student presentation

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ALUMNI NEWS

Closeup: Florida TV station relies on Penn Staters Jaffe recognized among class of Distinguished Alumni Victor honored with Alumni Achievement Award

DEPARTMENTS

From the Dean, 3 / Alumni Notes, 56 College Calendar, 59 / Contact the College, 59

ON THE COVER

Four Penn State students competed at the individual championships of the Hearst Journalism Awards Program in San Francisco. They were (left to right): Savannah Smith, Jill Knight, Stephen Pianovich and Brittany Horn. (Photo by John Beale)

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THE COMMUNICATOR The Communicator is published twice a year by the College of Communications at Penn State.

Dean: Douglas Anderson Editor: Steve Sampsell Publication Policies: All items relating to the College and its faculty, staff, students and alumni will be considered for publication.

Correspondence: The Communicator Penn State College of Communications 302 James Building University Park, PA 16801-3867 Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce. U.Ed. COM 13-110

FROM THE DEAN The College could not be more pleased with its every-six-years national accreditation review.

The seven-person site team, chaired by the president of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), Peter Bhatia, spoke in glowing terms of our faculty, students, staff, facilities and offerings.

(See story on pages 4-6.)

We have earned national recognition because of the strength of our programs and the excellence of our faculty, students and staff. I’m proud of their accomplishments, which were duly noted in the accrediting report.

But possibly the most pleasing part of the site team’s review was its assessment of how the College serves its students.

We’ve always wanted to be recognized as the most comprehensive, best-balanced, student-centered, ACEJMCaccredited program in the country. We wanted that recognition not simply as a marketing strategy, but because we truly care about the students.

So I was delighted when the site team concluded: “Although the College is the largest nationally accredited communication program in the country, the level of personal attention and support provided to students rivals that of much smaller institutions. ...

With a highly talented and dedicated staff ... focused on advising, internships and career placement, and multicultural affairs, this self-proclaimed ‘studentcentered’ College lives up to this promise.”

We’re proud of our tangible accomplishments, just as we’re proud of the intangibles.

I smiled with satisfaction when I read this bulleted item in the site team’s summary of the College’s strengths: “A camaraderie and overall level of satisfaction among the faculty and staff that is eyeopening and uncommon.”

We’re grateful that the team praised the teaching, research and creative accomplishments of our faculty, along with the public service the College provides to

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our external constituents and professions.

But we are here, very simply, to serve our more than 3,150 undergraduates and 80 graduate students. If we don’t do that, the rest is a mirage.

We’re elated with the review, but we know there is more work to be done. And we will do it.

We’re pleased also with the success our students have enjoyed in recent competitions. When our students captured scores of awards in various contests during the 2011-2012 academic year, including the overall national championship in the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Journalism Awards Program, I half-jokingly asked: What could we possibly do for an encore?

As it turns out, a lot.

This spring, the Broadcast Education Association named the College’s weekly television news program, the “Centre County Report,” the “Best of Festival” for student newscasts—No. 1 in the country.

And our students once again excelled in the annual Hearst contest, earning a second consecutive overall national championship built on a repeat first-place finish in the intercollegiate writing competition, second place in photojournalism, third place in broadcast and fifth place in multimedia. (See our special “College of Champions” insert in the center of this magazine.)

Our consistent success in major competitions is a testament to our deep pipeline of gifted students.

It reflects the environment and facilities that we provide for those students, and the dedication of a faculty that takes pride in preparing our majors for the media fields most of them will enter.

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CARNEGIE CLOSEUP Assistant Dean Bob Martin welcomes students to “Success in the City,” the annual College of Communications job fair at the Time Warner Building in New York City and an example of the opportunities available to students, as cited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. (Photo by Katherine Rodriguez)

Rave Review

Accreditation report praises all aspects of program

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he Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) has reaccredited the College of Communications.

The council, during its annual meeting in Phoenix in May, concurred with the recommendations for reaccreditation made earlier by the national accrediting committee, which met in Chicago in March, and by the sitevisit team, which was on campus in mid-October.

The next review for the College—which encompasses the departments of Advertising/Public Relations, Film-Video and Media Studies, Journalism and Telecommunications— will be during the 2018-2019 academic year.

The College was found in compliance with all nine of the accrediting council’s review standards: l mission, governance and administration; l curriculum and instruction; l diversity and inclusiveness; l full-time and part-time faculty; l scholarship: research, creative and professional activity; l student services; l resources, facilities and equipment;

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l professional and public service; and l assessment of learning outcomes.

The site-visit team, comprised of academics and professionals, was chaired by Peter Bhatia, who also serves as president of the council. Bhatia is editor and vice president of The Oregonian in Portland.

Other members of the site-visit team were: Joel Kaplan, associate dean, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication, Syracuse; Raul Ramirez, executive director, news and public affairs, KQED Public Radio, San Francisco; Maryanne Reed, dean, P.I. Reed School of Journalism, West Virginia; Merrill Rose, independent consultant, New York; Dulcie Straughan, professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, North Carolina; and Deb Wenger, associate professor, School of Journalism and New Media, Mississippi.

The team’s report noted that the College “remains a fixture of excellence at Penn State, largely due to . . . outstanding faculty and students, an amazing commitment to student service, internships and alumni, and a culture of assessment that could be a model for any program.”

The team quoted from the program’s self-study: “The 4

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CARNEGIE CLOSEUP College seeks to be recognized as the largest, most comprehensive, bestbalanced, student-centered, ACEJMCaccredited program in the country— one that emphasizes professional preparation of undergraduates; one that provides a blend of technique and conceptual courses; one that operates an academically rigorous graduate program; one that pushes internship experiences for its students; and one that insists upon scholarly, professional and creative productivity from its faculty.”

The team wrote: “While there is no question there is more work to do, a strong case can be made that the College is achieving its goals.”

The report cited what it called “two examples that indicate the extraordinary nature of the College:” exceptionally positive results on the latest university-wide survey of faculty and staff attitudes, which were significantly more positive than the institution as a whole, and the honor code created by students, one of only two among the Penn State academic colleges.

The report noted: “As one senior administrator put it, the College of Communications sets the bar for the rest of the university” when it comes to faculty and staff morale.

On multiple occasions, the report cited the College’s concerted commitment to students.

“Although the College is the largest nationally accredited communications program in the country, the level of personal attention and support provided to students by faculty rivals that of much smaller institutions,” the team wrote. “Students offered high praise for the academic and career counseling, professional connections and other guidance they receive from faculty.”

The report noted the College’s threeprong approach: providing students with rigorous in-class instruction; encouraging students to take advantage of the wide array of on-campus media opportunities; and emphasizing the importance of students completing internships.

BY THE NUMBERS 3 Degrees offered (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral)

4 Departments (Advertising/Public Relations, Film-Video and Media Studies, Journalism, Telecommunications) 5 Majors (advertising/public relations, film-video, journalism, media studies, telecommunications)

9 University general-education courses offered

14 Online courses offered, with seven more under development

212 Average communications course sections offered each semester

3,150 Undergradutate students 80% Four-year graduation rate 88% Five-year graduation rate 925 Average yearly degrees conferred

69 Full-time faculty 41 Part-time faculty 38 Full-time staff

7 Centers, institutes, research labs 21 Instructional labs, studios 5 Endowed lecture series 7 Endowed chairs and professorships 110 Endowed scholarships $29.2 million Permanent

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endowment value 5

“This formula relies both on student initiative and intense support from faculty and staff,” the report said. “A stellar example of this approach is the way the College assists students with preparing for and obtaining jobs in the professions. Under the leadership of an assistant dean with seemingly unflagging energy and enthusiasm for his role, the Office of Internships and Career Placement facilitates 550-650 internships taken for credit each year and assures that each graduating senior leaves with a career plan tailored to his or her interests.”

The team praised the College’s “Success in the City” event, which has been held in the spring in New York for 10 years and which in recent years has drawn more than 150 recruiters from 60 communications organizations to meet the 350 students who travel there by buses.

The report concluded: “With a highly talented and dedicated staff of 13 full-time employees focused on advising, internships and career placement, and multicultural affairs, this self-proclaimed ‘student-centered’ College lives up to this promise. Its consistently high graduation rates no doubt reflect the personal attention provided to students beginning the moment they cross the threshold of the Carnegie Building.

“Faculty and staff advisers work hand-in-hand with students throughout their time in the unit to help them understand their options, guide them toward graduation and successfully launch their careers. This approach engenders intense loyalty among alumni, who often express their gratitude by supporting the College and its graduates in multidimensional ways as they become established in their careers.”

The report praised the College’s Office of External Relations, which “serves as a vital link between the campus and the professional communities and facilities frequent campus visits by alumni and other professionals. Three major advisory boards involving nearly 75 alumni and other professionals meet regularly and

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CARNEGIE CLOSEUP interact with the leadership team and the faculty to help define and advance issues of interest to the College.”

The report praised the College’s student learning assessment plan, which was adopted in 2003 and has been modified through the years. It annually involves more than 45 faculty members, alumni and working professionals who work Four-year graduation rates in the College of Communications, which confers an average of 925 decollaboratively grees per year, are the highest of any college at Penn State. (Photo by Steve Manuel) on sampling and assessing large SUMMARY OF STRENGTHS portfolios of student work. The team quoted Rob Pangborn, interim executive vice president and provost, who said that Strengths of the College of Communications as listed in the the College was an early adopter of meaningful assessment summary section of the accreditation report: and is “one of the trendsetters at the university.”

The report praised the College’s diversity efforts, which it l Excellent, experienced leadership that serves the College noted is reflected in “clear language and in symbolic, subtle internally and externally. detail: Group photos on the College’s website, bulletin l Strong, collegial faculty and staff that work well together and board arrangements along corridors and many College are accomplished in the classroom—and in scholarly and public announcements (that) reflect an interest in promoting professional work. diversity.” l A camaraderie and overall level of satisfaction among the The teaching and research of the faculty were evaluated in faculty and staff that is eye-opening and uncommon. glowing terms, as were the College’s equipment and facilities, l Prolific scholarship by tenured and tenure-track faculty. and expansive public service activities. l Outstanding student services, particularly around advising The team cited a challenge that the College needs to and internships, as well as an equal commitment to alumni continue to address—incorporating digital learning across its relations. curriculum. l Important special centers and institutes around timeless “The College’s professional programs offer flexibility while topics such as ethics and the First Amendment. emphasizing the importance of acquiring valuable skills for l Extraordinary facilities and equipment including state-oftoday’s varied media environment,” the team wrote. “Like the art studios that create real-world learning for students. many communication schools, the College continues to work l Growing opportunities for students to get international on the delivery of the appropriate amount of digital and experience through study and internship experiences. multimedia offerings.” In the report’s summary, the team l A culture of assessment that permeates the work of the wrote: “While progress has been made, more work is needed College and results in tangible improvements to curriculum. to incorporate digital learning.”

The team also noted that the College “is a finely tuned machine. Students are getting a strong education.”

It is the agency formally recognized by the Council on ACEJMC is dedicated to fostering and encouraging Higher Education for accrediting programs in professional excellence and high standards in professional education in education in journalism and mass communications in journalism and mass communication. institutions of higher learning. l

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CARNEGIE NEWS

‘On the Media’ earns second Bart Richards Award Public radio’s weekly media criticism show, “On the Media,” produced

by WNYC and NPR, was selected as the 2012 recipient of the Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism, presented annually by the College of Communications.

With its submission, “On the Media” (www.onthemedia.org) focused on how news organizations cover elections and use facts, as well as how quickly they share information—and especially how the race to be first impacts news judgment. With its selection, “On the Media” became the first back-to-back winner in the 19-year history of the award, which was presented in May at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The Bart Richards Award recognizes outstanding contributions to print and broadcast journalism through responsible analysis or critical evaluation.

Several pieces around two themes comprised the “On the Media” submission for cohosts Bob Garfield, a Penn State alumnus, and Brooke Gladstone, who also serves as the show’s managing editor. One area of emphasis was the reporting of politics and the politics of reporting. The other area of focus was the rush to judgment by news organizations.

In the first instance, “On the Media” pointed out examples of how facts were used, or not, by the media. The program also examined little-known deals made with politicians to get quotes, a process even practiced by The New York Times. While focusing on the speed with which the media did its job in regard to certain stories, “On the Media” found news organizations made decisions they should have known were wrong. Such flawed reporting produced immediate and lasting consequences.

Judges for the award cited the impact and value of the work. The three judges were: Richard Cole, dean emeritus of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina; Carole

“On the Media” cohosts Brooke Gladstone (left) and Bob Garfield.

Feldman, director of news operations and finance for The Associated Press in Washington, D.C.; and Brian Healy, a distinguished broadcast news professional who crafted an Emmy Award-winning career as a producer for CBS News for more than 35 years.

“The ‘On the Media’ pieces explored timely yet lasting issues of importance—especially true for a political campaign but also true for good journalism anywhere and anytime.

They were presented in an interesting and compelling way,” Cole said. “In addition to journalistic enterprise, they showed reason and common sense.”

Feldman and Healy appreciated both the insight and entertainment that the pieces provided. “‘On the Media’ looks at some of the worst in journalism, tries to make sense of why it happened and what lessons can be learned for the future,” Feldman said. “Its focus on the race to be first and how accuracy is sometimes sacrificed in that race was especially poignant.”

“The program provides timely, informative, accessible criticism of issues that can taint journalism and journalists,” Healy said. “It’s a service to journalists as well as citizens who rely on an open, unbiased media in a democratic society. The reports are also entertaining.”

Garfield earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Penn State in 1977. Along with his work for “On the Media,” he is a columnist for MediaPost and The Guardian and cohost of Slate’s

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language podcast “Lexicon Valley.”

He’s been a contributing editor for the Washington Post Magazine, Civilization and the op-ed page of USA Today.

Garfield has also written for The New York Times, Playboy, Sports Illustrated and Wired, and has been employed variously

by ABC, CBS and CNBC. As a lecturer, he has appeared in 37 countries on six continents, including such venues as the Kennedy Center, the U.S. Capitol, the Rainbow Room, the Smithsonian, Circus Circus casino, the Grande Ole Opry and a Thai Kickboxing ring in Cape Town, South Africa. He has written five books, most recently “Can’t Buy Me Like” (2013).

Gladstone is the cohost and managing editor of “On the Media.”

After working in print media, she joined NPR in 1987 as senior editor of “Weekend Edition” with Scott Simon.

She became senior editor of “All Things Considered” in 1989. In 1991, she spent a year at Stanford University as a Knight Fellow and then reported for NPR from Moscow during Boris Yeltsin’s presidency from 1992 to 1995.

Gladstone served for six years as NPR’s first media correspondent and then joined “On the Media” when WNYC relaunched the program in January 2001. She has been the recipient of two Peabody Awards, a National Press Club Award, an Overseas Press Club Award and several others. She also is the author of “The Influencing Machine” (2011). l

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CARNEGIE NEWS Writers David Finkel and Inga Saffron talk with students during an on-campus reception. (Photo by John Beale)

Award winners stress importance of ethics, facts

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here’s no debate—David Finkel is a genius. That status was cemented in 2012 when he received a MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant worth $500,000 to support his research and writing.

Finkel has been an editor and writer for The Washington Post since 1990 and he earned the Pulitzer Prize for explanatory reporting for stories about U.S. democracypromotion efforts in 2006.

His book, “The Good Soldiers,” was named one of the 10 best books of 2009 by The New York Times Sunday Book Review. It also received the New York Public Library’s Helen Bernstein Book Award, the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize and the Overseas Press Club’s Cornelius Ryan Award.

So Finkel clearly knows his craft. He shared his insights and not-so-secret secrets with a mostly student audience during a visit to Penn State for the Foster-Foreman Conference of Distinguished Writers in April.

Finkel kept it simple.

“Be a reporter first and a writer second,” he said. “Get it right, and then share it with others.”

He used the reporting process for his book as an example of that approach. When he was covering an infantry battalion in a particularly dangerous section of Baghdad, he was worried about many things on a daily basis—with staying alive never far from his thoughts at any

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moment. Still, he had a luxury the soldiers did not.

He could exit the war front from time to time to collect his thoughts, prepare and review his work and even visit home.

He would invariably return, though, focused on getting all the facts for his story. He wanted to get the sometimes boring, sometimes exciting and sometimes gruesome story right.

Finkel’s nine months of work provided the foundation of the book. And while he necessarily got close to his sources he was careful to keep a distance, too.

To maintain his distance, or at least continually remind others he was working, Finkel always had a notepad or recorder in hand when talking with them. Still, he got close to the soldiers and said he wrestled with what to include or not in the book. He said the confict between potentially exploiting those he got to know and serving the readers was an ever-present challenge.

“I feel very connected to all the people I write about,” Finkel said. “You can’t protect yourself from what you’re trying to immerse yourself in.”

Still, Finkel balanced the challenges well—earning praise for his book and respect for his work from those who were its subjects.

For example, sometimes personal stories he shared of soldiers in the war zone helped family members who had 8

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CARNEGIE NEWS no access to their loved ones that way.

One key story in the book focuses on a soldier who was killed by a roadside bomb the same day his wife gave birth. Finkel said he struggled with deciding what details of the man’s death to include and eventually felt his obligation was to the reader. “[I was] trying to tell the story of a bunch of guys … their lives took them to Baghdad and those roads, and those bombs,” Finkel said.

Finkel is working on a sequel that will document the long-term psychological effects of the soldiers’ war experience.

Somewhat similarly, Saffron, who writes about architecture, design and planning for The Philadelphia Inquirer, stressed the importance of reporting and serving the audience with her work.

So, while their subject matter differs greatly, their approach does not.

Saffron said preparation and research, along with careful interviews and a consistently questioning approach make her columns stronger.

Her column, “Changing Skyline,” has appeared weekly since 1999.

Pushing beyond the usual boundaries of architectural criticism, her columns focus on the buildings and public spaces that Philadelphians encounter in their daily lives.

In her criticism, Saffron applies a reporter’s skills and sensibility to explore the forces—political, financial, cultural—that shape the city. Her columns on waterfront development, zoning and parking issues have led to changes in city policy.

Saffron, who began her career as a magazine writer in Ireland, joined The Inquirer in 1985 as a suburban reporter.

She spent five years as an Inquirer correspondent in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, covering wars in the former Yugoslavia and in Chechnya. In 2012, she completed a Loeb Fellowship at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. She has been a Pulitzer Prize finalist three times. l

Alumnus tells aspiring journalists to stay calm, work hard in careers Award-winning writer and multi-talented Penn State alumnus Gene Collier (‘75 Journ) told an audience of mostly students to be calm, and be themselves as they pursue careers.

Collier, a columnist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, was on campus in April for a daylong visit highlighted by the free public session titled “A Conversation with Gene Collier,” which was held at the Nittany Lion Inn Collier, who boasts credentials as a sports writer, playwright and stand-up comic, entertained the audience with his dry humor and wit. Collier has written sports, politics and media criticism for Gene Collier more than 30 years and twice has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

In 2012, he was honored as Pennsylvania Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Casters and Sports Writers Association.

In addition to his duties as a sports columnist for the Post-Gazette, Collier has been a popular guest on Pittsburgh-area radio stations. His radio appearances and writing popularity have led to a secondary career as a stand-up comic, corporate speaker and playwright. His comedy lampoons family life, media culture, music, politics and sports.

On campus, Collier addressed everything from ethical issues to a column he writes annually to present the “Trite Trophy” for the most used sports cliche´ of the year. He said that column, which has run for 29 years in late December, was at least partially a stroke of luck ... and then some laziness.

“It was born out of full deadline panic in December of 1984. I had to write a column for Monday and it was Sunday. At that point I was out of opinions,” he said. “When you become a columnist, you think you have all these opinions to write and then after four columns you’re out of ideas. I’ve always hated sports clichés, so I thought I would write about the worst sports clichés ever and try to pass it off as a column, and it worked. Can you believe I get away with this stuff?”

Collier has also written a play about the founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Art Rooney.

It became the most popular play in the history of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre and was later made into a book and a DVD. Another Penn Stater, Tom Chaffee (’81 Bus) served as one of the coexecutive producers of the DVD. Still, Collier remains self-effacing about the effort—and honest about how what happens on stage compares to reality. “The play is a bit of fiction,” Collier said. “What the actor says in 88 minutes it would’ve taken Rooney four hours to say.”

The “Conversation” and question-and-answer session was moderated by alumna Lori Shontz (‘91), a senior editor for The Penn Stater magazine and a member of the advisory board for the John Curley Center for Sports Jornalism. l

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CARNEGIE NEWS

The international reporting class and Professor Bu Zhong (far left) are all smiles as they conclude their China trip with a visit to the Great Wall. (Photo by John Beale)

International reporting class reports from China Seventeen College of Comand McClatchy Newspapers, MORE ONLINE munications students spent the students’ work will be spring break in an exotic http://commedia.psu.edu/special-coverage/topic/china distributed widely. location on the other side of During the trip each stuthe world, but it was all about work—not a vacation—for dent worked on one main story. The students set up the aspiring journalists. their own appointments, interviewed sources and conThe students, members of COMM 402 International ducted research according to their topic of choice. The Reporting, began the semester by preparing for their students were also required to do a secondary story. trip to Shanghai, China. As they readied for an intenThis was the second time the international reporting sive, weeklong working trip, they emersed themselves in class has made a trip to Shanghai. the country’s culture and history.

For Tony Barbieri, the Foster Professor of Writing In order to make the most of the trip, they were completing necessary background work for stories on topics and Editing who teaches the course, the primary chalsuch as censorship, economic development, fashion, lenge remains the same for any journalist, or student higher education, music, politics and sports. in the class. He stresses that good stories are about During a brainstorming session early in the semester, people, and that personal connections make stories students suggested a wide range of story ideas, includeven stronger. ing Chinese body image, environmental issues, Islamic Along with Barbieri and the students, three College culture in Shanghai and plastic surgery. of Communications faculty members made the trip.

During their trip, they shared snippets of their work They were: Marie Hardin, professor and associate dean on social media. Their completed broadcast pieces, for undergraduate and graduate education; John Beale, multimedia projects, photo essays and stories later a senior lecturer in the Department of Journalism; and found a home on ComMedia and will be featured on Bu Zhong, an associate professor in the Department of several platforms and special editions.

Journalism. l Through partnerships with the Centre Daily Times

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CARNEGIE NEWS

CHINA CANDIDS Faculty and student photographers found everything from Shanghai’s modern skyline and rush hour on scooters to leisurely board games and exercises in the park during their trip. Along with head-turning exercise and a turn of the cheek for a shave, the onthe-job Penn Staters even found the cameras turned on them as Marie Hardin completed an interview with Chinese media.

(Photo by Michael Hricik)

(Photo by Dave Cole)

(Photo by Michael Hricik)

(Photo by John Beale)

(Photo by John Beale)

(Photo by John Beale)

(Photo by Dave Cole)

(Photo by Katherine Rodriguez)

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CARNEGIE NEWS

Five-part Times series earns Curley Center award A five-part series about high school basketball at a Tennessee school for troubled teens that appeared in The New York Times was selected as the 2012 recipient of the Award for Excellence John in Coverage of Youth Sports—a national award Branch presented by the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.

The series, by Times sports reporter John Branch, focused on the winless girls basketball team, the Lady Jaguars, at Tennessee’s Carroll Academy.

News and sports organizations from across the country submitted entries for the award. Judges were unanimous in their selection of Branch’s series. It addressed several aspects of the program. It told the team’s story through the eyes of the coach, players, school administrators and even the school’s security director.

The award was presented in April at the Nittany Lion Inn. Branch, who was named as a Pulitzer Prize winner just four days before he visited campus to accept the Curley Center award, has been a Times sports reporter since 2005.

“This is a truly special award for me because there’s a place in my heart for this story,” Branch said.

“Usually, I never offer my opionion about award submissions and things of that type, but when we got to the end of the year I asked my editors to share the Lady Jaguars with people. Even now, when I talk about the story and the girls, I get a little emotional.”

Before joining the Times, Branch was a sports columnist at The Fresno Bee from 2002 to 2005. He worked at the Colorado Springs Gazette as a business reporter from 1996 to 1998 and as a sports reporter from 1998 to 2002.

Since covering the New York Giants as a beat reporter for three seasons, through the Super Bowl season of 2007, Branch has been a feature writer, covering events big and small and finding a niche in the remote corners of the sports world.

His 2011 series “Punched Out,” about Derek Boogaard, a professional hockey player valued for his brawling, shed light on the sport’s embrace of potentially brain-damaging violence. The series won several awards, including a Dart Award for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma, and was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in Feature Writing.

Raised in Golden, Colo., Branch earned a bachelor’s degree (1989, business administration) and a master’s degree (1996, journalism and mass communication) from the University of Colorado. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and two children.

The Award for Excellence in Coverage of Youth Sports was established by the Curley Center in 2009. Work nominated for the

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award displays creative, in-depth and innovative coverage of youth and high school sports—especially larger issues and trends related to those levels of athletic competition. Previous winners were: Rob Rossi, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 2011; George Dohrmann, “Play Their Hearts Out,” 2010; and Bob Hohler, The Boston Globe, 2009.

The award has quickly become appreciated and well known.

“Obviously I’m glad my story was honored but I’m just as excited to see an award for these types of stories,” Branch said. “We need to focus on the issues and stories that impact our children.”

The John Curley Center for Sports Journalism explores issues and trends in sports journalism through instruction, outreach, programming and research. The Center was established in 2003 with Distinguished Professional in Residence and Professor John Curley and Dean Doug Anderson serving as founding co-directors.

It was named the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism in September 2006, honoring Curley, whose more than five decades of newspaper experience includes work as a reporter, editor, publisher and, ultimately, president, CEO and chairman of the Gannett Co. He was the first editor of USA Today.

The Center’s undergraduate curricular emphasis includes courses in sports writing, sports broadcasting, sports information, sports, media and society, and sports and public policy, which is cross-listed with the Penn State Dickinson School of Law. The Center emphasizes internships at newspapers, magazines or electronic media and on-campus co-curricular work at the student-run newspaper (The Daily Collegian), the Penn State sports information office or campus radio. l

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CARNEGIE NEWS

FRIENDLY FACE Penn State student Matt Lobida, a member of Nittanyville, waits to enter Beaver Stadium before the game against Ohio State last fall.

(Photo by Dave Cole)

Response shows communications, Penn State remain popular The College of Communications be the largest in program history RISING RESPONSE will and Penn State remain popular selecthis summer. tions for incoming students.

For the College of Communications, The number of prospective communications Through mid-May, at a point when the popularity of its five majors and students who accepted an offer of admission to most students have solidified their attend Penn State increased 18.8 percent from the proven success of its people and choices for the fall, the number of Fall 2012 to Fall 2013. Based on numbers through programs helped drive admissions. “paid accepts” at the University Park mid-May, here’s a look at communications “The opportunities at Penn State rescampus was up 5 percent, with an admissions at the University Park campus the past onate with prospective students,” said incoming class 8,930 students. five years.

Dean Doug Anderson. “They want to For the College of Communications, come to a major research university, the number of paid accepts was 404— Year Offers Paid Accepts Yield with rich traditions and cultures that 993 404 41% up 18.8 percent from 340 the previous 2013 have been here for more than 150 2012 1,077 340 32% year. That came after a decrease in years, and take full advantage of the 2011 1,124 361 32% offers (993), producing a 41 percent 2010 1,108 399 36% facilities and faculty and programs we “yield” rate.

2009 1,141 377 33% offer.”

In addition, the applicant pool continued to be filled with high-quality Students interested in communistudents, as evidenced by applicants’ SAT score distribucations also have the opportunity to find scores of clubs tion and high school cumulative grade-point averages. and interest groups, as well as cocurricular experiences “These numbers continue to reflect Penn State’s and opportunities—among them ComRadio, The Daily strength in attracting the best students from Pennsylvania Collegian, PSN-TV and Valley Magazine–that allow them to and around the world,” said Rob Pangborn, interim execu- participate in hands-on activities related to their potential tive vice president and provost. He also cited the Universiarea of study as soon as they arrive on campus. ty’s efforts with enhanced marketing and recruiting efforts “There are any number of ways for students to get directed toward prospective students. “Collectively, these involved with communications-specific experiences as soon efforts have led to a significant increase in the yield rate on as they want once they arrive on campus,” said Jamey Perry, the offers of admission made to qualified students.” assistant dean for academic services. “We’re a professionalPenn State has experienced an increase in international ly oriented college and those things provide a complement applicants and more students are electing to start their to our commitment to classroom instruction and our college careers in the summer.

In fact, the University’s popular Learning Edge Academ- internship program, which provides another important opl ic Program (LEAP) for first-year students at University Park portunity for students.”

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SUMMER 2013

CARNEGIE NEWS

Annual communications-specific job fairs offer unrivaled opportunities Few things appeal to a college student less than an early wake-up call (especially on a Friday) but more than 375 students awoke before dawn for a special event in mid-April—the annual Success in the City job fair, conducted specifically for College of Communications students.

Many of the students boarded buses at Rec Hall to ride to New York City and back, which produced an 18-hour commitment. Still, the students understood the value of the trip.

Success in the City is one of two job fairs for Penn State communications students coordinated each year by the College’s Office of Internships and Career Placement.

Between JobExpo.Comm(unications), conduced on the University Park campus two weeks earlier, and Success in the City, a record 800 students were able to meet with recruiters from a most-ever 122 different companies this year.

JobExpo celebrated its 14th year and Success in the City has been conducted for a decade. The job fairs are in addition to University-wide fairs that attract recruiters from hundreds of other businesses and industries each fall and spring.

Thanks to months of coordination and planning—along with cooperation through numerous units in the College—the communications-specific job fairs each spring benefit both recruiters and students.

“I don’t know of any other school in the country that coordinates two major job fairs for its students,” said Bob Martin, assistant dean for internships and career placement. “We’re committed to our student-centered approach, and these job fairs provide a wonderful opportunity for students.

“Plus, it’s a huge benefit for recruiters to have our strong students right in

Assistant Dean Bob Martin (top) welcomes recruiters and students to Success in the City before students had the chance to visit with 155 representatives from 63 companies. (Photos by Katherine Rodriguez)

front of them, prepared and ready for jobs.”

Recruiters and students alike echo those comments, especially in regard to the proactive, take-our-students-tothem approach made possible with Success in the City—which was conducted again this year at Time Warner Center in the heart of New York City.

For example, praise after this year’s event included these comments from Luise Heikis, talent acquisition manager for Momentum Worldwide: “I just wanted to let you know the event was well thought out and well run and your students were overall well prepared and very professional. You’re definitely on our list for next year.

Thanks for everything.”

Students from all majors in the College—advertising/public relations, film-video, journalism, media studies and telecommunications—are invited to attend the job fairs and invariably find interested potential employers from companies big and small. l

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SPECIAL SPEAKER Alumna Jungmiwha Bullock (‘00 Adv/ PR), the CEO and founder of J.S. Bullock & Associates, an international consulting firm that inspires, motivates and bridges clients with their unmet educational and professional goals and dreams, presented a guest lecture as part of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in March. The free public event was coordinated by the College’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.

SUMMER 2013

CARNEGIE NEWS

Pockrass Lecture evaluates portrayals of global cultures, lifestyles on TV A leading media scholar cultures within globalizing addressed television poreconomies, respectively. trayals of different cultures Her fieldwork and when she presented the critical analyses of how gloRobert M. Pockrass Memobalization is experienced in rial Lecture on campus in various part of the world, April. particularly India, have During the free public been widely published. In Divya lecture, Divya McMillin, 2012, she earned the DistinMcMillin professor of global media guished Research Award, the studies and director of global honhighest faculty award for scholarors at the University of Washington ship at the University of WashingTacoma, presented “Curing Taste: ton Tacoma.

Lifestyle Television and the GlobalThe Pockrass Lecture was named izing Subject.” for the late Professor Robert M. McMillin is the author of Pockrass, a member of the Penn “International Media Studies” State journalism faculty from 1948 and “Mediated Identities: Youth, to 1977. He specialized in public Agency, and Globalization,” which opinion and popular culture, served draw from postcolonial theory to as the graduate officer and taught critique international scholarship and to empirically examine youth radio news writing. l

Pulitzer Prize winner addresses ethics Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Bill Marimow delivered the annual Oweida Lecture in Journalism Ethics on campus in February.

During the free public session Marimow, editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer, addressed “Ethics in Journalism: In Theory, In Practice.”

Marimow has also been a top editor for National Public Radio and the Baltimore Sun. When he returned to the Inquirer in 2012, the newspaper reaffirmed its commitment to investigative journalism. He previously served as the editor from 2006 to 2010.

While a reporter at the Inquirer, Marimow earned a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting in 1985 for uncovering abuse by Philadelphia K-9 police officers whose dogs mauled innocent, unarmed citizens. He and a partner earned the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 1978 for an investigation that revealed how Philadelphia homicide detectives beat

statements out of witnesses. During 11 years with the Sun as metropolitan editor, managing editor and editor, Marimow helped the newspaper earn three Pulitzer Prizes.The Dr. N.N. Oweida Lecture in Journalism Ethics is supported by an endowment from Margaret L. Oweida in memory of her husband, the late Dr. N.N. Oweida, a surgeon from New Kensington.

Previous visitors for the lecture include: Thomas Kunkel, former dean of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland; Keith Woods, dean of faculty, The Poynter Institute for Media Studies; Alex Jones, director, the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy, Harvard University; Michael Getler, ombudsman, The Washington Post; Michael Josephson, founder, the Joseph and Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics; and Kevin Klose, formerly of NPR. l

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NEWS, NOTES l The Comm GRAD Forum hosted a conference exploring approaches to communicating beliefs and ideas about social justice in mid-March. The “Voices of Resistance”: Communication of Social Justice conference featured a keynote address by activist-scholar Robert Jensen of the University of Texas and a performance by activist/hip-hop artist Jasiri X. In addition, a driving force of the conference was its intention to highlight student work.

Research conducted by graduate students from more than a dozen universities was featured in eight panel presentations spread over four sessions. Sessions examined how social justice can be promoted through the arts, public spaces and various new media technologies. Professors and activists from Penn State and other universities also participated in specialized panel sessions.

In addition to scholars examining how to teach social justice and what it’s like being a scholar-activist, community-based artists discussed and reflected on their own experiences with activism. l Nearly 100 people participated in “Films and Friends VI,” the sixth annual meet-and-greet, networking and film screening session for film-video alumni, friends and students in New York City in April. The event, conducted at the Dolby Picture Screening Room, allowed students to connect with alumni and friends in the film-video, media studies and television areas. A 90-minute meet-and-greet session started the event and that was followed by a panel discussion titled “Breaking Into the Biz.” After that, alumni and students screened samples of their work before a final period for networking. l More than 130 Penn Staters took every possible seat for “The Making of a Magazine,” part of the City Lights Series coordinated by the Penn State Alumni Association and sponsored by the College of Communications. The April 13 event at the Newseum in Washinton, D.C., attracted an attentive and energetic crowd for the presentation by Tina Hay, editor of the Penn Stater Magazine.

SUMMER 2013

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

John Dillon named Eberly Professor of Practice

A

Penn State faculty member with more than 30 years of professional journalism experience and a half decade in the classroom has been selected to fill a first-of-its-kind position in the College of Communications.

John Dillon has been named the inaugural Norman Eberly Professor of Practice in Journalism. The position was created through the University’s ongoing Faculty Endowment Challenge to provide support for an outstanding professionally-oriented faculty John Dillon (above) was named the inaugural holder of the professorship created by Joseph and member in the DepartShirley Eberly (at right). (Photos by John Beale, ment of Journalism. top, and Will Yurman, right.)

A major gift by Joseph Eberly and his wife Shirley endowed aging editor and deputy managing editor. the position in the name of NorThe Eberly professor of practice man Eberly, who graduated from is expected to possess exceptionally Dickinson College in 1924 and strong professional credentials and then worked as a newspaper jourskills, have extensive contacts at menalist for 20-some years—first as an dia outlets and organizations, stand undergraduate—before joining the among the best classroom teachers Penn State staff as a writer-editor in in the College, work within the the College of Agricultural SciencCollege to help facilitate internship es. He helped publicize agricultural and career placement opportuniextension and outreach efforts across the state of Pennsylvania and ties, and serve as a liaison for the program with relevant journalism also worked closely with student associations and organizations. Dilwriters. lon will continue to teach and bring Dillon, who spent nearly all of his career at the Richmond Times-Dis- professional journalists to campus who possess specialty reporting patch, teaches news writing and expertise in fields such as business, reporting, news editing and newsscience and technology. In addition, room management. the endowed position will provide In addition, he annually leads an support for embedded instruction independent study option for top in existing courses, special workjournalism students to write for shops, and travel to important acathe Centre Daily Times during the demic and professional conferences. academic year.

“We’ll be able to serve our jourDuring his tenure at the nalism students like never before,” Times-Dispatch, Dillon served as a Dean Doug Anderson said. “John feature writer, business news rewill, in essence, help mold and porter, assistant city editor, special assignments editor, assistant manenhance our journalism curriculum

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and he will ‘grow’ the professorship and its impact. He will enable us to do a better job than ever before of preparing our students for the changing media landscape they will enter.”

Dillon earned his bachelor’s degree from Creighton University and his master’s from the University of Minnesota. He is a former co-chair of the Virginia Press Association Diversity Committee, a former president of the Society of Professional

SUMMER 2013

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

Elavsky earns top University teaching honor A faculty member from the College of Communications was one of six from across the University honored with the 2013 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Michael Elavsky, an associate professor in the Department of Film-Video and Media Studies, was recognized with the award that honors excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level. The award is named for Penn State’s seventh president.

Elavsky became the second faculty member from the College to be honored with the Atherton Award and the fourth communications faculty member to earn a University-wide teaching award in the past five years.

Professor Marie Hardin, a member of the Department of Journalism, was honored with the Atherton Michael Elavsky Award in 2009.

Professor Matt McAllister, a member of the Department of Film-Video and Media Studies, and Robert Richards, the Curley Professor of First Amendment Studies and a member of the Department of Journalism, earned the Teaching Fellow Award in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Recently renamed the Alumni/ Student Award for Excellence in Teaching, the honor is made possible by the Penn State Alumni Association, the Undergraduate Student Government and the Graduate Student Association.

It recognizes distinguished teaching and provides a forum for encouraging effective teaching.

Elavsky, who teaches 400-level conceptual classes, a

Journalists in Virginia and a former board member of the SPJ Educational Foundation of the Virginia Professional Chapter.

Joseph Eberly, the Andrew Carnegie Professor of Physics at the University of Rochester, learned the importance of writing from his father. His exams often include essay questions—which, he said, are not often a favorite of physics students.

“Physics students are not used to that. But, if they cannot explain their science, there’s no way to

large-enrollment general education course and a first-year seminar, earns ratings by students that are “nothing short of spectacular,” a nominator said. “Since Day One, he has held students spellbound.”

Elavsky believes “the most rewarding educational strategies seek to effectively link the students’ understandings, experiences and interests to considerations of larger questions beyond the classroom, illuminating how the students themselves are implicated in those concerns.”

Elavsky has used a variety of social media and innovative pedagogical strategies to enhance student engagement in and out of class, giving students the opportunity to engage with peers “in ways that are atypical in large-enrollment classes,” according to one nominator.

Elavsky brings an extensive background of teaching, research and service to his position.

He has taught numerous classes, including: media and democracy, world media systems, international mass communications, and the political economy of communications. In addition, his international media studies course includes an “embedded” component that enables students to travel abroad to the Czech Republic and spend a week in the country in order to examine media agencies and organizations there. His research interests include: media studies, ethnomusicology, postsocialism, international studies, politics of globalization and representation, cultural studies, popular culture and music. l

know if they really understand,” said Dr. Eberly, who earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Penn State in 1957 and his doctorate in physics from Stanford in 1962. He was named recipient of the Outstanding Science Alumni Award from the University in 1998.

“They need to know how to write, especially the graduate students for dissertations and publications.”

Norman Eberly retired from Penn State to continue his writing career with the Pennsylvania Department

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of Agriculture, where he coordinated public relations efforts for the secretary of agriculture and made an impact across the Commonwealth, but he always stayed connected to Penn State. Until his death in 1996 at age 99, he faithfully followed Penn State football.

“It’s clear that my father wasn’t an academic, but a writing-editing journalist,” Joseph Eberly said. “My wife and I hope that Dad would like having his name associated with journalism at Penn State.” l

SUMMER 2013

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

Excellence Awards recognize faculty accomplishments Four faculty members, a faculty affiliate and two graduate students were honored with Deans’ Excellence Awards for their teaching, research and service during the 2012-2013 academic year.

Barbara Bird, an associate professor in the Department of Film-Video and Media Studies, earned the Deans’ Excellence Award for Teaching.

Bird, an expert on filmmaking, teaches documentary production, narrative production and screenwriting.

She’s committed to student learning and progress and consistently earns outstandHonorees included faculty affiliate Lori Shontz (left) and graduate stuing student evaluations from her hands-on dents Brian MacAuley and Karina Kim. (Photos by John Beale.) classes. In addition, students consistently Frank Dardis, an praise her skill in handling questions and comments associate professor in as well as her ability to convey her experiences with the the Department of subject matter. According to student nominations, they Advertising/Public especially appreciate her “openness to discussion of other Relations, was named viewpoints.” as recipient of the Bird’s own filmmaking work (“Handmaidens,” 1995, Deans’ Excellence and “Album,” 2002) has been recognized and juried in Award for Service. prominent festivals such as The Women in the Director’s Dardis devotes Chair International Film Festival and The American Film Barbara Frank extensive time to his Bird Dardis Institute National Video Festival in Los Angeles. In 2007, department, the Colshe earned the Deans’ Excellence Award for Service. lege, the University Marcia DiStaso, an assistant professor in the Departand the discipline. ment of Advertising/Public Relations, earned the Deans’ Specifically, he Excellence Award for Research and Creative Activity. served as the coordinaDuring the academic year, DiStaso, who has earned the tor for student learnrespect of academics and professionals, had refereed jouring assessment for the nal articles published in Public Relations Journal, the Journal advertising major (a of Public Relations Research and Public Relations Review. She duty he has performed also was the author or coauthor of a handful of juried Krishna Marcia diligently since 2010) conference papers.

Jayakar DiStaso and his service to the DiStaso was recently honored for producing a “top five College is substantial—and consistent. He has served on article of the year” in Public Relations Journal. the College promotion-and-tenure committee, the United Her research focus is on social media—and she has Way committee and the academic integrity committee. emerged as a leading scholar on how public relations He also serves on two University-level graduate comprofessionals in companies are using and measuring social mittees and as an applications reviewer for the Schreyer media. As she noted in her narrative in her annual review, Honors College.

“While the official statement from Wikipedia is that I am Dardis serves the profession and discipline with disa ‘nuisance and to be ignored,’ my efforts on behalf of the tinction as well. He is, for example, on the membership public relations industry are appreciated.” committee of the American Academy of Advertising—as In fact, she was recently named an Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication “Emerging well as the research committee. He’s held both assignments since 2005.

Scholar” recipient for her project exploring the credibility He also serves as a University marshal at commenceof health information on Wikipedia.

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SUMMER 2013

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS ment exercises each May, August and December.

Krishna Jayakar, an associate professor in the Department of Telecommunications, earned the Deans’ Excellence Award for Integrated Scholarship.

Jayakar was honored as an excellent teacher, as a far-reaching and unselfish provider of internal and external service, and as an active producer of scholarly work.

In the classroom, he contributes significantly to the College’s undergraduate and graduate course offerings—teaching two different 300-level courses, a 500-level graduate seminar and a freshman seminar.

He had one of his strongest research years ever, with five refereed journal articles published, along with an opinion piece in a daily newspaper.

Jayakar also received a significant grant from the Pacific Telecommunications Council to undertake a five-country comparative analysis of policies and programs promoting broadband access for persons with disabilities.

He presented seven other conference and workshop papers and continued to provide extraordinary service as a member of his department’s student learning assessment team and as a representative to the University Faculty Senate.

His service to the discipline is stellar as well. He is a member of the national steering committee for the Academic and Cable Telecommunications Forum, and is active with the Media Management and Economics Division of AEJMC. He also serves on the editorial boards of two journals.

Lori Shontz, a senior editor of the Penn Stater Magazine who has been teaching in the Department of Journalism since 2009, was honored with the Deans’ Excellence Award for Faculty Affiliate.

With her strong journalism background, Shontz challenges her students with real-world assignments and high expectations. In addition, students appreciate her accessibility and approach.

Along with her job at the magazine and teaching, Shontz serves as a

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local adult literacy tutor, a part-time master’s degree student in the College of Education and as adviser to the recently created student chapter of the Association for Women in Sports Media at Penn State.

Two graduate students earned the Djung Tchoi Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Twenty-three graduate students taught for the College during the 2012-13 academic year. Their assignments ranged from large-enrollment general-education courses and research methods courses to online courses and advanced, writing-intensive courses.

While many of the graduate students earned strong student evaluations and praise for their effectiveness, two stood out.

Karina Kim and Brian MacAuley were recognized for their approach to teaching, their organizational skills and their focus on students. They were praised for going “above and beyond” to assist students and proving that they sincerely care about student progress and success. l

SUMMER 2013

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

Work screens at Jewish Film Festival in State College A film by two College of CommuniMORE ONLINE cations faculty members that tells an unusual story of female co-existence and Movie Trailer -- http://vimeo.com/40886748 camaraderie in a part of the world more often associated with conflict made its to Israel, lacks the support system Zehava State College debut as part of the inauguenjoys. ral Jewish Film Festival in February.

Raheli, a young single mother whose “From the Black You Make Color” was husband was killed in a terror attack in written, produced and directed by Judy 2004, represents the many Israeli women Maltz, a senior lecturer in the Departwhose lives have been directly touched by the ment of Journalism, and Richie Sherman, Middle East conflict but, after being initially an associate professor in the Department embraced by society, are left behind to pick of Film-Video and Media Studies. The up the pieces on their own. documentary—which follows a group of The stories of all these women come to women over the course of a school year light as they meet and interact at the beauty at Tel Aviv’s oldest beauty academy—had academy.

The filmmakers discovered the previously been shown in New York and beauty academy in 2011.

Washington, D.C. Judy Maltz and Richie Sherman “What struck us as extraordinary was that During the film eight women on the members of diverse ethnic, religious and margins of Israeli society are thrown together during the racial groups—inclined to stick to their own in the outside course of a school year at Tel Aviv’s oldest beauty academy. world—seemed to mingle and interact at this place so natuAmid the combs and colorings, these women present a rally,” said Maltz.

“We learned at the time from the director microcosm of modern-day Tel Aviv—native Israelis and new of the beauty academy that this happened to be the most immigrants, Asians and Africans, among them women strugdiverse incoming class ever in its 50-year history, providing gling with cancer and personal loss. As they learn to create us with an intriguing peg for the story.” beauty on the outside, each woman undergoes a powerful Their storytelling instincts proved correct. transformation on the inside.

“Right away, we understood that it contained the Eva, the head teacher and driving force at the academy, ingredients for a great visual story. On the one hand, this represents a generation of refugees and survivors who was a place that represented a microcosm of what modern immigrated to Israel after the Holocaust and were often Israel had become, and on the other hand, it was a place so shunned by the native-born Sabras. Nigerian-born Debby, an radically different from everything else around,” Sherman outstanding student at the academy, embodies the story of said.

“Our goal is to share an unusual story of coexistence tens of thousands of other African refugees who have made and female camaraderie in a part of the world more often their way to Israel in recent years. associated with conflict and violence.”

The experiences of Irena, a cleaning woman who sees in Maltz worked for seven years as chief economic corresponthis profession a step up in life, are typical of many other dent in Jerusalem for Ha’aretz, Israel’s most respected newsRussian women who immigrated to Israel with great hopes paper, and was one of the founding editors of the Ha’aretz only to become disillusioned soon after by their limited English edition, a joint venture with the International Herald prospects. Adina, airlifted to Israel as a baby from Addis Tribune. She has also worked as a reporter for the Jerusalem Ababa, represents a generation of young Ethiopian Jews Post and Reuters and has written extensively for the Financial who successfully acclimated to life in their new homeland Times of London and other British, American and Israeli but are burdened by the responsibility of caring for parents newspapers. greatly challenged by modern society.

Sherman has shot more than 50 short films and seven Vietnamese-born Linh symbolizes the many non-Jewish independent feature-length films. He previously collaborated women who have fallen in love with Israeli men over the years and left their homes and families to follow their hearts with Maltz on the feature-length documentary “No. 4 Street of Our Lady” (2009), which won the Grand Prize for Best only to discover that their adopted homeland was not at all Documentary at the Rhode Island International Film Festieager to embrace them. val, a Silver Telly Award and the CINE Golden Eagle Award.

Bubbly Zehava, a grandmother seeking new direction in His experimental short films have been in competitive film life after surviving breast cancer, typifies the Sephardi workfestivals, including the Kurz International Film Festival in ing-class woman in her directness and warmth. Her teacher Hamburg, Germany, the Filmstock Film Festival in Luton, and confidante, Anna, an immigrant from Kazakhstan, is England and the Ann Arbor Film Festival in Michigan. l also recuperating from breast cancer, but as a newcomer

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SUMMER 2013

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

HAND TO HAND A candle is passed during a vigil held in December at Penn State for the victims of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. (Photo by Dave Cole)

College Town Film Festival draws crowds, strong response More than a dozen films—including the work of a recent Penn State alumnus making an impact in Hollywood—were screened as part of the College Town Film Festival, which made a four-day visit to Penn State in mid-March.

The first-of-its-kind festival was created to increase communication and collaboration between the academic, creative and business sectors of independent film.

Sponsored in part by the Department of Film-Video and Media Studies, the College of Communications, the School of Theatre at Penn State and the College of the Liberal Arts, the festival was designed around student involvement and fostering relationships between independent films and a variety of audiences.

Organizers hope the first-time visit becomes an annual event.

“This is a totally new festival idea,” said Matt Jordan, an associate professor who served as coordinator of the festival. “Not

only did we show top-notch independent films, but the interaction with the filmmakers during the Q-and-A sessions and in the seminars was geared toward teaching students about the challenges, rewards and realities of making independent films.”

Along with screenings of feature-length and short films, the program included conversations with filmmakers, panel discussions and seminars encouraging interaction between the general public, students, actors, directors and producers. Students participated in the discussions and seminars, and several students served on the jury for festival awards, working alongside VIP jurists who came to town for the event.

In addition to the screenings at the State Theatre in State College, the festival included a special American Film Institute session. Along with a presentation from AFI Conservatory faculty member Joseph Garrity about the conservatory for students interested in becoming AFI fellows, the event

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featured several of the best recent films by AFI fellows—including the work of Penn State alumnus Brandon Hess (’10 Film-Video). Hess wrote and directed “First in Flight” about the Wright brothers.

As part of his project, Hess collaborated with Academy Award-winning composer James Horner (“Titanic”), sound designer Lon Bender (“Hunger Games”) and a group of aerospace engineers to build a replica of the Wright Flyer, the first successfully powered aircraft.

“First in Flight” made its debut Nov. 15, 2012, at the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) and Hess subsequently signed with United Talent Agency, whose clients include stars such as Johnny Depp and Gwyneth Paltrow. Hess has been meeting with production companies about producing a feature-length version of the film, which he created for his American Film Institute thesis. l

SUMMER 2013

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

People may welcome talking tissue boxes, smart objects Just as people have embraced computers and smart phones, they may also give their blessing to talking tissue boxes and other smart objects, according to Penn State researchers.

“Smart objects will become more and more a part of our daily lives,” said S. Shyam Sundar, Distinguished Professor of Communications and co-director of the Media Effects Research Laboratory. “We believe the next phase is that objects will start talking and interacting with humans, and our goal is to figure out the best ways for objects to communicate with humans.”

As sensors and computers increasingly become smaller and cheaper, smart objects will appear in more homes and offices and not be hidden or shielded from interacting with people, according to the researchers.

For example, smart refrigerators could talk or send tweets to signal when certain food items are almost out, or when expiration dates are nearing, according to the researchers.

“We regularly communicate with objects by collecting data from those objects,” said Haiyan Jia, a doctoral candidate in mass communications, who worked with Sundar. “But we wanted to test what happens when objects talk directly to us in a social situation.”

Researchers videotaped participants as they reacted to a talking box of tissues that was on a desk in the laboratory. Once a laboratory worker

sneezed, the tissue box said, “Bless You.” The tissue box “The next phase also responded with two follow-up messages: “Here, take is that objects will start talking and a tissue” and “Take care!”

Participants from two interacting with other groups heard the humans, and our same messages from either a laboratory worker or a talking goal is to figure out the best ways tabletop robot, according to the researchers, who prefor objects to communicate with sented their findings at the 2013 Annual Conference on humans.”

— S. Shyam Sundar, Human Factors in ComputDistinguished Professor ing Systems in Paris.

The participants found the ing and performance systems. talking tissue box just as human-like Sundar said that the study may and as autonomous as the robot, even also help manufacturers design smart though robots are more human-lookobjects. While designers tend to make ing and human-acting. In actuality, a robots look human, many people research assistant operated both the consider robots that are too humanrobot and tissue box by broadcasting like creepy. the pre-recorded statements to the “This study shows that speech is devices.

Researchers invited the 63 subjects a social cue,” said Sundar. “It may to participate under the guise that be enough to make the objects more they were taking part in a cognitive social and not necessarily more hugames study. In addition to watching man-like in appearance.” their reactions on videotape, researchAt least tentatively, Jia said this ers asked the participants to fill out a shows that people will accept smart questionnaire about the lab environobjects. However, she added that fument, including questions on the ture research should investigate if peosmart objects. ple will strongly connect with these People seem to strongly respond to objects and if long-term exposure to the voice of the object, said Jia. Sunsmart objects as social companions dar and Jia also worked with Mu Wu may change people’s attitudes toward and Eunhwa Jung, graduate students these objects over time. in mass communications, and Alice Shapiro, a graduate student in learn— Matthew Swayne

News, events and more online. http://comm.psu.edu

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SUMMER 2013

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

Partnerships can help span divide Forging public and private partnerships that encourage broadband access for people with disabilities may help bridge a technological divide that hinders them from reaching their potential, according to an international team of researchers.

Besides connecting people who have disabilities with resources that may help them become more independent, equipping them with broadband technology also can benefit society and ease the financial burden on taxpayers, said Krishna Jayakar, an associate professor in the College of Communications.

“The benefits of bridging this gap are many and helping people become more independent is just one,” Jayakar said. “What is not obvious are the social benefits to the community and the benefits to taxpayers.”

Jayakar and colleagues examined national policies on broadband Internet access in five developed and developing countries, including the United States, Australia, South Korea, China and India. In the United States, only 54 percent of the 16 million households where someone has a disability have a computer, compared to about 80 percent of nondisabled households. Only 43 percent of households that include a person with a disability have broadband access, while 72 percent of nondisabled households are subscribed to broadband services.

“The principal reason for nonsubscription is that households remain unconvinced about the benefits of broadband, though cost and lack of suitable equipment also are important,” the researchers said.

Building nationwide programs to connect people who have disabilities with broadband equipment should be looked at as an investment, because it can save money by helping to ease the strain on social infrastructure, according to Jayakar, who worked with Gary Madden, professor of economics, Curtin University; Chun Liu, associate professor of economics and management, Southwest Jiaotong University;

and Eun-A Park, assistant professor of communication, film and media studies, University of New Haven.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is one example of how governments can meet the needs of their citizens with disabilities, Jayakar said. However, the legislation does not include provisions for broadband access.

The researchers, who reported their findings at the annual convention of the Pacific Telecommunications Council, said government programs that mandate broadband access for people with disabilities are only one option and might not necessarily be the preferred option. They found that the most successful programs tended to unite public and private sources.

“One possibility is a public-private or purely commercial partnership where governments can work with businesses,” Jayakar said.

According to the researchers, introducing new customers to broadband technology can help expand markets for businesses.

“There is a marketing advantage in adding accessibility features to products in the mainstream market, which can make them more attractive to the general consumer, even as they help people with disabilities, which can help them more fully participate as both citizens and consumers,” Jayakar said.

While businesses can play a role, governments usually have the resources to coordinate a range of grassroots efforts that are spread across the country.

“South Korea, for example, organizes community programs aimed at increasing technology literacy for older people,” Jayakar said. “The country has been very effective at coordinating this digital literacy program on a national level.”

The program offers lessons to older citizens to learn how to operate computers and troubleshoot problems.

For example, the instructors teach the participants what to do if their com-

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Communications, media studies rank among best Penn State ranks in the top 50 in eight subject areas in the recently released QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Specifically, the University ranks 46th worldwide in communications and media studies For these rankings, QS Intelligence Unit (QSIU)—a division of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, an international higher education data-research firm—evaluated 2,858 universities and ranked 678 institutions in total.

Now in its third year, the QS World University Rankings by Subject is an extension of the overall QS World University Rankings.

According to the company’s website, the by-subject rankings are designed to “provide comparative information at discipline level and to highlight the excellence of institutions in specialist areas.”

The by-subject rankings’ methodology draws on six indicators— academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, faculty-student ratio, proportion of international students and proportion of international faculty—to form an international ranking.

For more information and a full list of 2013 rankings, visit www. topuniversities.com online. l puters crash and how to protect their machines from computer viruses.

While local libraries and other community groups host the computer literacy courses, the government helps to coordinate the effort across the country. The Pacific Telecommunications Council and the Time Warner Cable Research Program on Digital Communications supported this work.

— Matthew Swayne

SUMMER 2013

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

HONORING HARDIN Professor Marie Hardin was honored by the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication with its Distinguished Alumni Scholar Award. Hardin earned her doctoral degree from the school in 1998. She is pictured with (left to right): Jeff Springston, associate dean for research and graduate studies in the Grady College, Jody Danneman, chair of the Grady Society Alumni Board, and Cully Clark, dean of the college.

Study: Bonding with virtual self may alter actual perceptions When people create and modify their virtual reality avatars, the hardships faced by their alter egos can influence how they perceive virtual environments, according to researchers.

A group of students who saw that a backpack was attached to an avatar that they had created overestimated the heights of virtual hills, just as people in real life tend to overestimate heights and distances while carrying extra weight, according to Sangseok You, a doctoral student in the school of information, University of Michigan.

“You exert more of your agency through an avatar when you design it yourself,” said S. Shyam Sundar, distinguished professor of communications and co-director of the Media Effects Research Laboratory, housed in the College of Communictions, who worked with You. “Your identity mixes in with the identity of that avatar and, as a result, your visual perception of the virtual environment is colored by the physical resources of your avatar.”

Researchers assigned random avatars to one group of participants, but allowed another group to cus

tomize their avatars. In each of these two groups, half of the participants saw that their avatar had a backpack, while the other half had avatars without backpacks, according to You. When placed in a virtual environment with three hills of different heights and angles of incline, participants who customized their avatars perceived those hills as higher and steeper than participants who were assigned avatars by the researchers, Sundar said. They also overestimated the amount of calories it would take to hike up the hill if their custom avatar had a backpack.

“If your avatar is carrying a backpack, you feel like you are going to have trouble climbing that hill, but this only happens when you customize the avatar,” said Sundar.

The researchers, who presented their findings at the 2013 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in Paris in May, recruited 121 college-aged participants—58 female and 63 male—to take part in the study. The students entered a virtual reality lab and were asked to evaluate the hills. To keep the students from guessing why the researchers added a backpack, they created a cover story

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saying the backpack made the hiking experience as lifelike as possible.

Sundar said the study may help trainers and game developers design virtual reality exercises and games that are more realistic and more immersive. For instance, just as participants who customized their avatars with a backpack in this study changed their perception of their virtual environment, people with disabilities may feel more empowered designing their own avatars to have physical aids to navigate a virtual environment. Soldiers may want to create their own avatars to better simulate their perceptions of actual conditions in virtual reality exercises.

“Because building avatar identity is critical, it’s important to let users customize it,” Sundar said. “You are your avatar when it is customized.”

Future research will look at whether altering more elements of the users’ avatar will lead to more extensive changes in how people perceive virtual environments.

The Korea Science and Engineering Foundation supported this work.

— Matthew Swayne

SUMMER 2013

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS NEWS, NOTES

Faculty members near 25-year milestone Two faculty members in the College of Communications will celebrate 25 years of service at Penn State this summer.

Ronald Bettig, an associate profes- Maria sor in the Depart- Cabrera-Baukus ment of Film-Video and Media Studies, and Maria Cabrera-Baukus, a senior lecturer in the Department of Telecommunications, both began their service at the University on Aug. 16, 1988.

Bettig teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on the political economy of communications.

He is the author of “Copyrighting Culture: The Political Economy of Intellectual Property” (1996, Westview Press) and co-author of “Big Media, Big Money: Cultural Texts and Political Economics” (2002, Roman & Littlefield). He also has published a number of book chapters and journal articles and presented conference papers on political economy, intellectual property and media industries.

Bettig is a longtime member of the Union for Democratic Communications and has served as a member of the organization’s steering committee since 1993. He won the Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Communications Alumni Society in 1996 and has been named faculty marshal (as selected by the top student in the Department of Film-Video and Media Studies to be their escort at commencement) five times. He also has chaired and served on dozens of scholar, master’s and doctoral thesis committees.

Cabrera-Baukus possesses a wealth of television experience.

Since 1988, she has capably integrated that experience as a key part of her teaching in the College. In her years at Penn State, Cabrera-Baukus has established a strong

interest in linking student projects to community organizations as a way of bringing “real world” experiences to the classroom.

She teaches Ronald television proBettig duction, production management and broadcast management. The productions by students in her upper-level courses air locally on CNET. She has also co-produced “Watch It!”—a program that highlights the work of students on WPSU-TV for Penn State Public Broadcasting.

Since 2003, she has involved her television production classes in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Her students conduct videotaped oral histories with veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the War in Iraq. Those interviews are then edited and archived at the Library of Congress, the Pennsylvania Military Museum and in Pattee Library’s Special Collections on campus.

In addition, she has annually coordinated, as part of telecommunications/production classes, student-led webcasts of the annual Homecoming parade and the Penn State Dance Marathon.

Prior to teaching at Penn State, Cabrera-Baukus worked for several years at WGBH-TV in Boston, where she produced community affairs programming for local and national broadcast. Her television experience includes: production assistant, traffic manager, assistant director, director, associate producer and producer for numerous public television programs. In her last year at WGBH, she researched and produced a documentary film that won a New England Emmy Award. l

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l John Sanchez, an associate professor in the Department of Journalism, was honored by the University of Louisiana-Lafayette as its Outstanding Communication Alumnus for 2013.

Sanchez also was named one of the leading scholars in the field of intercultural studies

by The Communication Institute for Online Scholarship. He has been recognized as a Freedom Forum Teaching Fellow and an AEJMC/ ASJMC Freedom Forum Journalism Leadership in Diversity Fellow. He teaches news media ethics, including an honors section, and American Indians and the media. l Four faculty members helped plan and teach during a one-day digital storytelling workshop coordinated by the College of Communications for high school teachers and students this spring.

The workshop leaders: Curt Chandler, a senior lecturer in the Department of Journalism; Heather Hottle, an instructor; Richie Sherman, an associate professor in the Department of Film-Video and Media Studies; and Maura Shea, a senior lecturer in the Department of Film-Video and Media Studies.

Shannon Kennan, a senior lecturer and director of outreach and instructional design, helped organize and promote the event. l “A day A photo,” an exhibit of photographs by Will Yurman, a senior lecturer in the Department of Journalism, is on display at the ARTISANworks gallery in Rochester, N.Y. Yurman’s work gets updated daily at www.willyurman.com online. He has been adding a photo to the site every day since Dec. 31, 2003. l The vice president for external affairs and policy counselor for Time Warner Cable, Fernando Laguarda, presented a free public lecture and participated in a question-and-answer session on campus in April. The hour-long session was sponsored by the Penn State Chapter of the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC).

SUMMER 2013

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Change enhances value of Trustee Scholarships

F

or more than 150 years, Penn State has been committed to creating opportunity.

The University’s land-grant mission demands that degrees remain affordable for students from every economic background.

Over the last three decades, however, rising costs and declining state support have placed an increasing burden on students and families.

Today, many undergraduates work multiple jobs while carrying a full course load, but students still graduate with an average educational debt of more than $35,000.

To address that growing need, scholarships have been a top priScholarship recipients stand as their names are called by Associate Dean Marie ority of For the Future: The Campaign Hardin during the annual Donor and Scholarship Recognition Dinner. During the for Penn State Students. In particular, 2012-13 academic year, 178 College of Communications students received support from Trustee Scholarship funds. (Photo by Katherine Rodriguez) the Trustee Matching Scholarship Program has provided an accessible Trustee Scholargram’s original 5 way for alumni and friends who want IMPORTANT INFO ship will provide percent match, to make a difference for generations approximately will be available Recipients of support through the Trustee to come.

15 percent of the through the end As the campaign enters its final Matching Scholarship Program share some endowment’s of For the Future: phase, the Trustee Matching Scholarcommon traits. They include: market value The Campaign for ship Program has been altered to offer each year.

Penn State Students an even more powerful incentive.

For example, a on June 30, 2014, They are academic Through the program the UniTrustee Scholachievers, with an average GPA or until the pool versity annually provides, through a arship with an of matching of 3.39. generous match, 10 percent of the endowment valsupport has been total pledge or gift at the time a Trust- ue of $100,000 awarded.

They have demonstrated ee Scholarship is created—making the would generate With some refinancial need matching funds available for student nearly $15,000 strictions, donors (a typical recipient comes from a awards as soon as possible, even beeach year—in may target their household with a median income of fore a donor’s pledge is fulfilled. perpetuity—for Trustee Scholarless than $31,000 per year).

“With the change in the match, students. ships to the stua donor’s impact is made even To qualify for dent population more dramatic,” said Dean Doug More than half are in the with whom they the University Anderson of the College of Commatch, Trustee feel the deepest first generation of their family munications.“The program has been Scholarships connection. to attend college. a valuable option for many of our must be enWhile all recipdonors since it was created and the dowed at a ients must meet additional impact might make it more minimum level of $50,000. the federal Pell eligibility guidelines, appealing for donors to create a new The largest Trustee Scholarship in donors can indicate a preference endowment.” the College is the Donald P. Bellisario for students enrolled in any of Penn The matching funds continue Trustee Scholarship, with a market State’s academic colleges or at any of every year thereafter, along with a value of more than $1 million. its campuses, or donors may designate percentage (currently, approximately The 10 percent annual match level their endowments for use by one of 4.5 percent) of the endowment’s applies to endowments created on or several administrative units within the market value. Therefore, when the after March 1, 2013. This level, which University. endowment becomes fully funded, a represents an increase from the proDonors may also specify one

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SUMMER 2013

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

In 10 years since the Trustee Matching Scholarship Program was created, the number of endowments through the program in the College of Communications rose from two in 2002 to 33 in 2012. The endowment market value of Trustee Scholarships in the College is nearly $4 million.

additional preference. These most TRUSTEE SCHOLARSHIPS commonly include academic major IN COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATIONS and geographic origin (for example, graduates of a specified high school l Kasselman Kohn Family Trustee Scholarship l AT&T Trustee Scholarship or those with home residences in a l Douglas and Claudia Anderson l Wendy Lichtenstein Trustee Scholarship particular state or county).

Trustee Scholarship l Warren L. and Carole L. Maurer “The ability to establish those preferl Douglas and Claudia Anderson Trustee Scholarship ences has been something that greatly Trustee Scholarship in Journalism l Christopher J. and Patricia S. Martin appeals to our donors,” said Kevin l Laura and Mary Anderson Trustee Scholarship Musick, director of development for the Trustee Scholarship l Maralyn Davis Mazza Trustee Scholarship College of Communications. “In many l Marty and John Aronoff Trustee Scholarship l John S. Nichols Trustee Scholarship ways that makes the gift more personal l Donald P. Bellisario Trustee Scholarship for donors. And, when donors meet l Robert J. O’Leary Trustee Scholarship l Marc A. Brownstein Trustee Scholarship students or receive a letter from them, it l Penn State Alumni Association l Nile D. Coon Trustee Scholarship helps create an almost immediate conTrustee Scholarship l John and Ann Curley Trustee Scholarship nection that both parties appreciate.” l Eric W. Rabe Trustee Scholarship l John and Ann Curley Trustee Scholarship If no recipients meet the preference in Honor of Douglas Anderson l William Y.E. and Ethel Rambo criteria for the scholarship in a given l Fetter Family Trustee Scholarship Trustee Scholarship year, the funds are awarded to other l Gene Foreman Trustee Scholarship l Robert L. and Mary Lee Schneider students within the academic unit who l Lawrence G. and Ellen M. Foster Trustee Scholarship have demonstrated financial need.

Trustee Scholarship l Andrew and Beatrice Schultz Last year, more than 4,000 students l Marjorie Mousely French Trustee Scholarship at Penn State received Trustee ScholClass of ‘48 Trustee Scholarship l Steinman Foundations Trustee Scholarship arships, and their diversity reflects l Friend of the College of Communications l Trustee Scholarship Fund the diversity of the University itself.

Trustee Scholarship in the College of Communications Recipients come from across the l Tom Gibb Memorial Trustee Scholarship l Yaccarino-Madrazo Family Commonwealth and the country, and l Hayden Family Trustee Scholarship Trustee Scholarship the program benefits students in every l Freda Azen Jaffe Memorial Trustee Scholarship college and at every campus. l l Christopher C. Wheeler Trustee Scholarship

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SUMMER 2013

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Latest gifts push support for Page Center to $4.8M Three recent gifts earmarked for the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication have pushed support for the special enterprise housed in the College of Communications to $4.8 million since its inception in 2004.

Support came from Johnson & Johnson ($300,000), the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ($125,000) and the Robert Wood Johnson 1962 Charitable Trust ($100,000).

The Page Center was created through a leadership gift by Lawrence G. Foster, a distinguished Penn State alumnus and retired corporate vice president for public relations at Johnson & Johnson.

“The programs the Center generates will extend to academia and journalism,” Foster said when he announced his initial gift creating the Page Center.

And that gift was quickly followed by others from foundations and supporters in the field of public relations. “We will be the only university linked in this way to Arthur Page. I consider this one of the most promising opportunities the College of Communications has ever had.”

The Page Center is named for Arthur W. Page, the longtime vice president for public relations at AT&T, who is often regarded as the founder of the modern practice of corporate public relations.

He also was a noted educator, publisher and adviser to U.S. presidents.

Page was the first person in a public relations position to serve as an officer and director of a major corporation and, in that capacity, was widely known for management according to the “Page Principles,” his guidelines for ethical and effective communication with the public and for responsible corporate behavior.

“We are grateful to Johnson & Johnson, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson 1962 Charitable Trust for their gifts, which will enhance our ability to identify and fund the best research on topics related to communication ethics,” said Marie Hardin, director of the

Awards recognize research, teaching The Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication has awarded 15 grants and named 20 communication researchers and teachers from around the world as recipients for 2013-14. The awards total $79,343.

Ten of the grants are for research projects and five are for the development of teaching modules designed to help students take advantage of the wealth of materials about ethical communication available through the Center’s website.

The lesson plans and guides from the teaching modules will be available for use by teachers.

“The Page Center, since its inception, has established itself as a world leader in research into communication ethics,” said Marie Hardin, director of the Page Center, a research unit housed in the College of Communications. “We are delighted with the proposals we received this year and look forward to seeing the outcomes of these scholarly efforts.

“In the last two years we have added awards for the design of teaching modules on communication ethics issues. These are available for use by college professors anywhere.”

The Page and Johnson Legacy Scholars who received grants and the titles for their 2013-2014 research projects are: l Jennifer Barlett (Queensland University of Technology, Australia), “Successful Communications About Diversity: An Investigation Into Best Practices and Future Trends”; l Kati Berg (Marquette University), “Communicating the Social Impact of CSR Programs: Analyzing Corporate Discourse in Social Impact”; l Sora Kim and Mary Ann Ferguson (University of Florida), “Predictors to Evaluate Effective CSR Communication”; l Richard Waters (University of San Francisco), “Communicating the Social Responsibility of Cross-Sector Collaborations: Experimental Analysis of Message Strategies and Credibility”; l Denise Bortree (Penn State), “Com-

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municating Sustainability: The Impact of Corporate Environmental Activities on Key Publics”; l Marcia DiStaso (Penn State), and Tina McCorkindale (Appalachian State University), “Does Ethics Matter? An Analysis of How Corporate Social Responsibility Efforts on Facebook Affect Stakeholder Perceptions and Intended Behavior”; l Melissa Dodd (SUNY-Oswego) and Dustin Supa (Boston University), “Corporate Social Responsibility Re-examined: Measuring the Influence of ‘Corporate Social Advocacy’ Communication of Consumer Purchase Intention”; l Ram Kesavan, Oswald Mascarenhas, and Michael Bernacchi (University of Detroit Mercy), “Effective Global Public Relations Using United Nations’ MDGs: A Research Proposal”; l Jenna Stites (Penn State), “Seeking Laurels: Building Reputations for Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility”; l Tom Watson (Bournemouth, UK), “Employees as CSR Ambassadors: The Role of Skepticism.”

The scholars who were awarded grants to develop teaching models are termed Page Legacy Educators. They are: l Lucinda Austin (Elon University), “Ethical Communications Through Social Media”; l Janice Xu (Holy Family University), “Media Relations During Crisis Management”; l Christie Kleinmann (Lee University), “Corporate Social Responsibility, Leadership, Corporate Management”; l Giselle Auger (Duquesne University), “Transparency”; and l Laura Papish (SUNY-Oswego), “Unethical Decisions: Why Do they Happen and What Can We Do?” This marked the ninth year of grant proposals awarded by the Page Center. Since its founding, The Page Center has funded more than 100 scholars and awarded more than $478,000 in grants. l

SUMMER 2013

DEVELOPMENT NEWS Page Center.

The Page Center has awarded more than $478,000 to more than 100 scholars and educators from around the world. Those grants (see story on previous page for most recent) focus on research and teaching related to ethical communication.

Grant recipients are referred to as Page Legacy Scholars.

“The work of the Page Center is unique,” Hardin said. “We are building a body of knowledge that is important and not duplicated elsewhere.

Recognition of that by our supporters is extremely gratifying.”

Grants awarded by the Page Center encourage a modern understanding and application of the Page Principles by supporting investigation into issues in 21st century communication challenges and also by supporting the

development of classroom materials for educators. In addition, the Center maintains a growing oral history archive used by scholars, communications professionals, educators and students.

John S. Nichols, professor emeritus and founding director of the Page Center, conceived the idea of the Page Legacy Scholars. Along with that ever-growing off-campus presence, the Page Center has a tangible presence on the ground floor of Carnegie Building—which inlcudes the Robert Wood Johnson Seminar Room; a dedicated room for Page’s AT&T desk, photos and other memorabilia; and an office for visitors to view the extensive electronic collection of Page Center materials.

For more information, visit thepagecenter.comm.psu.edu online.l

NEWS, NOTES l Col. Wendy L. Lichtenstein (’88 MA Mass Comm) created the Wendy Lichtenstein Trustee Scholarship in the College of Communications. First preference for the scholarship available for students with demonstrated financial need will be given to those participating in ROTC programs at Penn State. l Lorraine Ryan (’80 Journ) created the Lorraine A. Ryan Student Support Fund, which exists to support College of Communications students who have achieved academic success but need some extra support to make their enrollment possible because of extraordinary or unexpected hardships that affect their ability to cover the costs of education, including: books, computers, living expenses, transportation and tuition.

Alumnus’s impact drives contributions to memorial fund Classmates and Donations may be directed to: colleagues, acquaintances, friends and even the Kevin Musick subjects of his reports 301 James Building University Park, PA 16802 who he barely knew—an effort to honor a deceased Checks should include “Pat Penn State alumnus who Boland Memorial Intern Award” spent his entire career in the memo section. in central Pennsylvania, Pat Boland much of it covering Penn State and the community opportunity spread. And, like the around the University, brought them funny, interesting and multifaceted all together.

Boland himself, the fund reached its Donations from many individuals, $20,000 goal in some entertaining along with a variety of fundraising and unexpected ways. efforts, made the Pat Boland There was a golf tournament (a Memorial Internship Award a miniature golf tournament that reality. included a silent auction) that raised The fund to honor Boland started more than $10,000 in one weekend. small. It grew because Boland (’91 There was a collection box in the Brcab), who worked as a radio Beaver Stadium press box, where newsman and personality for Forever Boland’s longtime colleagues donated Broadcasting in Centre County, made $1,116 on a single game day last fall. an important impact during his life.

Additional fundraising efforts were He died of cancer in 2011. coordinated by Larry Fall (’72 Sci).

The idea for a scholarship Eventually, like Boland’s fund—incubated by alumna Sara own body of reporting, a lot Ganim (’08 Journ) of CNN of dedicated, seemingly small, and Gary Sinderson of WJACworkman-like efforts grew into TV—grew quickly as word of the something special. At its fully

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endowed level, the Pat Boland Memorial Internship Award will provide support for communications students completing internships.

“The great thing about an endowment is that it is in perpetuity. Pat’s name will forever be a part of Penn State, the College of Communications and, more importantly, the achievements of many generations of students,” said Kevin Musick, director of development for the College of Communications.

And Boland’s colleagues and friends are not done. Some of the efforts created to bolster the fund will become annual events, and the opportunity for anyone to support Penn State students with donations always exists.

“Getting the fund endowed is great news, and our efforts will continue. The more money we raise, the more students who will get much needed aid,” said Tony Ricciardi (’01 Telecom) of 93.7 The Bus (WBUS-FM). He helped organize some of the fundraising efforts. l

SUMMER 2013

A Navy Office

Photos by Jill K

As a Navy ROTC cadet and Penn State cheerleader, Lauren Chapman balanced two different but similar activities while she was a student at the University.

The girlish cheerleader who completed rigorous ROTC training found familiarity in the endeavors as well. “Someone was always telling me how to wear my hair,� Chapman said with a smile when discussing her commitment to cheerleading and ROTC. Student photographer Jill Knight followed Chapman (who was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Navy upon graduation in May) for the photo story, which finished fourth nationally in the picture story category of the Hearst Journalism Awards Program. Knight followed Chapman from training sessions and football games to studying online and even a date with her boyfriend.

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SUMMER 2013

er in Training

Knight

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SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS Davis Award recipients included (left to right): Matthew Strohmier, Kyle Buterbaugh, Sarika Patel, Adriana Acosta and Clifton Graves. (Photo by John Beale)

Ethics awards recognize students’ efforts, work

S

ix Penn State students were honored for their ethical actions—in the classroom and beyond—through a program coordinated by the Don Davis Program in Ethical Leadership, housed in the College of Communications.

Nominations for the annual Davis Student Awards in Ethics were submitted by faculty, staff and fellow students. Those selected provide a small sample of the actions of many students at Penn State.

“We put together an ethics-across-the-curriculum approach that touches all four of our departments and each of our five majors during the academic year, and the work of these students takes that to another level,” said Patrick Parsons, the Don Davis Professor of Ethics.

“We had many strong nominations, and the work of those selected stands out.”

Individual honorees were: l Kyle Buterbaugh, a senior majoring in public relations who also serves as a senior airman in the Air Force. As an extension of his classwork last year, Buterbaugh worked with a group that prepared a media kit for the Conservancy of Montgomery County. This year,

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Buterbaugh worked during the spring semester with Penn State student-athletes completing an anti-bullying campaign that served students in the State College Area School District. He took a semester off from school to complete his basic training but worked hard and was able to graduate on time. l Clifton Graves, a junior majoring in public relations, joined the International Coastal Cleanup effort while he was a student at Penn State Erie. Last year he spent spring break in Texas helping repair hurricane-damaged homes near the U.S.-Mexico border. While there, he noticed some children did not have shoes and then organized an effort to get them shoes—donating his own money and securing donations from others to pay for the shoes, and even Christmas presents. Remaining money was used for a gift card so the family could purchase food. Graves, the youngest of five children raised by a single mother, tells people he believes the small things in life can make a big difference. l Matthew Strohmier, a senior broadcast journalism major, started his academic career at Slippery Rock

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SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS “We put together an ethics-across-the-curriculum approach ... and the work of these students takes that to another level.”

— Patrick Parsons, Don Davis Professor of Ethics

University and then served three years in the Army after the Sept.

11, 2001, terrorist attacks. After installing cellular network towers throughout the Northeast for the next four years, Strohmier matriculated to Penn State, where he continued to balance academics, school and a family—he and his wife welcomed son Maddox in October 2012.

And, for the first time, a group was honored with a Davis award.

Although nominated separately, Adriana Acosta, Sarika Patel and Stephanie Wain were recognized for their work on get-out-the-vote efforts at Penn State. Patel, a sophomore advertising major with an interest in design, created banners, flyers and the group’s website while Acosta, a senior majoring in advertising and political science, led the group’s social media efforts and Wain, a junior film-video and women’s studies major, created a promotional video for the get-outthe-vote effort.

The mission of the Don Davis Program in Ethical Leadership is to promote professional, academic and personal integrity within the community of the College of Communications at Penn State. The program has a special focus on the development of responsibility and integrity among undergraduates as part of their preparation to be the principled leaders of tomorrow’s media institutions. l

THON TRAINING Emma Gregory, a Penn State junior, teaches the Penn State Dance Marathon line dance to THON participants at the Bryce Jordan Center. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Team earns spot among PR pros as finalist for Silver Anvil award

A group of students in a 400-level communications class was selected as a finalist for the Silver Anvil Award—the most prestigious award in public relations, presented annually by the Public Relations Society of America.

The students, members of COMM 473 Public Relations Campaigns taught by Marcia DiStaso, created campaigns for 11 different banks in State College. The campaigns were designed to heighten awareness of community activity by the banks and promote higher levels of confidence and trust in the institutions.

“One of my research agendas focuses on the banking industry. I’m also chair of the PRSA Financial Communications Section and do consulting for banks and social media,” said DiStaso, an assistant professor in the Department of Advertising/Public Relations.

“I was on a national committee for PRSA where we were looking at improving trust in banking in the United States.

“The committee discontinued before we really did much, but it got me thinking about what I could do here in State College. So,

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for COMM 473, we made the banks a focus of our work—and the students really did a great job.”

Throughout the semester, the 27 students in class worked in small groups to promote events for each of the 11 banks. Those events included a collection for a women’s shelter by Citizen’s Bank, an interactive lesson on saving for third grade students

by First National Bank, and a circus-themed event with more than 250 attendees by Jersey Shore State Bank.

As part of giving the assignment additional real-life meaning, DiStaso made sure students created a baseline and then measured their results.

The campaigns produced a 6.8 percent increase in trust in banks, a 12.2 percent increase in confidence in banks and a 14.7 percent increase in awareness of community service activities by banks.

In the competition for PR professionals, DiStaso and the students were competing with 847 entries just to become a finalist for the award, which was presented in mid-June in New York City. l

SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS

Six standouts serve as commencement marshals Six graduating seniors were selected to serve as student marshals for the College of Communications during spring commencement exercises May 4 at the Bryce Jordan Center.

The students were chosen to represent their respective majors based on outstanding achievements both in academics and extra-curricular activities.

Eric Feinstein, from Ellicott City, Md., served as the overall marshal.

Feinstein graduated with a major in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science. He completed internships at WRC-TV (NBC 4) in Washington, D.C., and Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. Feinstein was a producer and reporter for the student-produced “Centre County Report.” He was also a producer for “Penn State Sports Night” and a reporter and analyst for Penn State Network TV. Feinstein is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Kappa Tau Alpha honor societies, the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism and the Penn State chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Blaire Kelly, from Jenkintown, Pa., served as the advertising/public relations marshal. Kelly majored in advertising and psychology, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She completed an internship with Carat Media Agency, served as the media and integrated marketing communications chair for the American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition and was creative manager for the business division of The Daily Collegian.

Kelly was also an active member of the advertising club and the club swim team. She was involved with the Penn State Dance Marathon as a member of an operations committee and has done work for an environmental communications research project.

Ernie Lehman, from Navarre, Ohio, served as the film-video marshal. Lehman, also a member of the Schreyer Honors College, graduated with majors in film-video and marketing. He Eric Feinstein is a recipient of the 2011 Penn State START Conference Diversity Award and served as president and race director of the cycling team.

Lehman served as a teaching assistant in the Smeal College of Anita Business and worked Oh as a research assistant in the College of Communications.

Lehman was a producer, videographer and editor for StudioNow on campus and completed the Boy Scout requirements for rank of Eagle Scout.

Anita Oh, from North Wales, Pa., served as the journalism marshal. Oh, a member of the Schreyer Honors College, graduated with a broadcast journalism major and sociology and international studies minors. She is a member of the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society.

Oh served as president of the Penn State chapter of Ed2010 and as beauty and health editor of Valley Magazine. She was a freelance writer for the Centre Daily Times and served as an anchor for the “Centre County Report.” Oh participated in the international reporting class that traveled to Shanghai and has completed internships at Fox News Channel, B94.5 Radio in State College and J-14 Magazine. Oh also served on two THON committees.

Alyssa Bender, from York, Pa., served as the marshal for media studies. Bender, also a member of the Schreyer Honors College, graduated with a media studies

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Blaire Kelly

Ernie Lehman

Alyssa Bender

Sara Battikh

major and sociology minor. She is a member of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity.

Bender served as a College of Communications peer mentor and worked as an economic and community development program assistant at Penn State. She was a member of two THON committees and a dancer for THON 2013. She also worked as a camp counselor at the Summer Institute for the Gifted.

Sara Battikh, from Panama, served as the telecommunications marshal. She completed majors in telecommunications and economics, and a minor in business. Battikh also completed internships with Copa Airlines, Buenos Dias-TVN Panama and Telefonica Movistar.

She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society and the Penn State Marketing Association. She is one of six students to serve on the board of directors for The Daily Collegian and worked as an anchor and producer for ComRadio, the Internet-based, student-run radio station housed in the College of Communications.

Battikh is a member of the Hispanic Catholic Ministry and the Lebanese Student Association. l

SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS

GREETING GRADUATES A quartet of College of Communications spring graduates encounters the Nittany Lion outside Old Main. Pictured are (left to right): Tracey Edouard, Helen Liu, Valeria Polit and Gloria Fan. (Photo by Carmen Frost)

Student transforms thesis into documentary about trip where she was surrounded by students One Penn State student took the idea of a senior thesis and turned it around. from around the world. Her courses were Actually, she’s turned it into a documenfocused entirely on her Italian major, but tary. she spent time exercising her film-video After studying abroad in 2012 in Italy, skills by obtaining footage for her thesis.

Ariel Siegelman—who graduated in May Siegelman conducted interviews and with degrees in film-video, Italian and infilmed in and outside the classroom. She ternational studies—decided to produce a spoke with various sources in the town, documentary about her experience as her including an English-to-Italian translarequired thesis for the Schreyer Honors tion professor, a local pizza shop owner College. and a group of Chinese students, who The honors college requires students represented the largest demographic at to complete an undergraduate thesis as a Ariel Siegelman the university. culminating effort of their honors experiSiegelman, from York, Pa., found that ence. Siegelman focused on everyday life and precondynamics between international communities are ceptions versus real experiences in Italy as part of her changing.

She was able to speak English in Perugia trip. and effectively communicate at any given time, but she She focused on the large international community knows that there is merit in knowing foreign languagthat is rising in Perugia, Italy, where she studied, and es. She recognizes the huge role that language plays in crafted the film to showcase changes in the growing every culture and hopes her thesis will capture the imworld and increases in bridged communities throughportance of fostering understanding between different out the world. cultures.

In Perugia, located between Rome and Florence, Siegelman attended the University for Foreigners, — Julianne Tarullo

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SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS

Undergrads selected to present at AEJMC conference Six undergraduate students from the College of Communications will present their findings about media coverage and portrayals of women and under-represented communities on national network news at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference Aug. 8-11 in Washington, D.C. This is the first time in the history of the Student presenters at the AEJMC conference will be (left to right): Nicole Colon-Quintana, Cheyenne conference that a Sexton, Jenny Kim, Cynthia Hill, Donghee Lee and Shantelle Johnson. group as large as joring in broadcast journalism from College of Communications,” she six undergraduates from the same Effort, Pa.; said. “Presenting at this conference institution has been selected to share l Jenny Kim, a junior majoring in gives a closure to my time as an its research, according to Jennifer broadcast journalism from Atlanta; undergraduate by encompassing McGill, AEJMC’s executive director. l Donghee Lee, a junior majoring everything I have learned and everyJohn Sanchez, an associate profesin public relations from Seoul, South thing I am passionate about. At the sor in the Department of Journalism, Korea; and same time, it opens the door for new, served as a mentor for the group and l Cheyenne Sexton, a junior exciting opportunities.” he’s pleased with the opportunity the majoring in public relations from Hill evaluated the portrayal of Afstudents have earned.

Elizabethtown, Pa. rican-American males. She’s excited “I don’t give a pat on the back to The research, conducted in about the work, and the opportunity people much. I expect students in my January, examined coverage of to meet other communications reclass to reach their highest potenwomen and under-represented and searchers at the conference. “I think tial,” Sanchez said. “However, these underserved communities on nightly presenting at the conference will students are different. I am very newscasts produced by ABC, CBS at least give me some contacts with proud of them, and I do believe they and NBC. Each student focused on those working and teaching in the do deserve a pat on the back.” the portrayal of a different group of communications industry,” she said.

Students presenting at the conferpeople, and they examined similarJohnson focused her research on ence are: ities and provided conclusions for women in the media. She anticipates l Nicole Colon-Quintana, a setheir work. sharing the findings as a way to bring nior majoring in broadcast journalColon-Quintana, who focused on attention to what she found. “I am ism and psychology from Aibonito, Latinos in the news media, is grateful most excited about getting people to Puerto Rico; for the opportunity to present her think about the inequality women l Cynthia Hill, a senior majorfindings. “I am very appreciative of face in today’s society,” Johnson said. ing in broadcast journalism from the opportunities I have been given “Many people ignore it, or push it Pittsburgh; l Shantelle Johnson, a junior maby both Professor Sanchez and the under the rug, however I hope that

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SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS

Student support boosts Stadium Run A group of Penn State public relations students worked throughout the spring semester and helped promote a record-setting effort at the Beaver Stadium Run/ Family Fun Walk as part of an extension of their classroom efforts.

The students in COMM 473 Public Relations Campaigns organized a working group, known as Willard Communications, and worked closely with race organizers, law enforcement officials, other student groups and volunteers to help grow the race—with a special focus on alumni participation.

Members of the Willard Communications team, all of whom are senior public relations majors, were: Alexa Cutler, Ardsley, N.Y.; Lorissa Holdren, Laceyville, Pa.; Lacey Ketchell, Pottstown, Pa.; Lawrence Leung, East Hanover, N.J.; Shaun Levine, Pelham, N.Y.; Kevin Lowthert, Prospect Park, Pa.; and Julie Turkall, Pittsburgh.

“We had a good response,” said Leung, the group’s account manager. “The biggest challenge was the timeline. Messages take time to spread and we really only had about a month to build our campaign and make our pitches.” my research will get people to be more conscious, and in turn perhaps find a way to stop the inequality.”

Kim, who focused on portrayals of Asians, is hoping for opportunities to come from the AEJMC presentation. “I think AEJMC will open up more doors for me. I already know I’ll grow so much both academically and personally just from participating in the conference,” she said.

“However, I also hope it will open up possible opportunities for grad school.”

Lee focused on the elderly for the research and she’s excited to be presenting at the conference.“I also feel some pressure to do well because I don’t want to let anyone else down,” she said.

Sexton will be presenting on the portrayal of children in the media.

Like the others, she anticipates the opportunities that might arise

Still, what the students—and everyone associated with the event—did worked.

The fourth annual run and walk, which allow participants to finish on the 50-yard line of Beaver Stadium, drew 3,700 runners and raised more than $360,000.

Money raised by the event benefits Pennsylvania Special Olympics, and in its brief history the Beaver Stadium Run/ Family Fun Walk—annually staged the day after the Blue-White Game in April— has become highly anticipated and popular.

This year’s increases in money raised and participation represented a significant growth for the already successful event.

In 2012, there were slightly more than 3,000 participants and the event raised $270,000. In 2011, the 5K that ends at the 50-yard line of Beaver Stadium attracted 1,600 runners and raised $83,000.

As another part of their efforts, the Penn State students also followed Special Olympian Greg Focht who was inspired to complete the race himself. In a series of videos available on YouTube, they follow him through training and from start to finish on race day. l from presenting at the conference.

“Showing that I have conducted in-depth research and then presented professionally is such a big accomplishment,” she said. “It’s something not many undergraduates can say they have done. I also hope that some possible education and career opportunities present themselves to me at the conference.”

The AEJMC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the highest possible standards for journalism and mass communication education, to cultivate the widest possible range of communication research, to encourage the implementation of a multicultural society in the classroom and curriculum, and to defend and maintain freedom of communication in an effort to achieve better professional practice and a better informed public. l

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AWSM chapter debuts with strong student response The Association for Women in Sports Media—an international organization working to advance the success of students and professional women in sports media—established a student chapter at Penn State in early 2013.

The chapter, the sixth in the nation for AWSM, attracted more than a dozen students to its initial organizational meeting, with more students following as the spring semester progressed.

Longtime AWSM member Lori Shontz, a Penn State alumna who serves as an associate senior editor at The Penn Stater magazine and previously worked for the Miami Herald and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, among others, will guide the chapter as faculty adviser.

Student board members include: Megan Flood, a sophomore from Stamford, Conn., who will be the chapter president; Emily Kaplan, a senior from Montclair, N.J.; and Katelyn Marmon, a sophomore from Rockville, Md. The board plans to offer members professional opportunities and hopes to have resume and cover letter critiques, as well as guest speakers and special events.

AWSM welcomes both male and female membership, working to support and promote women sports journalists, broadcasters, producers, editors and those in public and media relations. The non-profit organization creates opportunities for members through its internship/ scholarship program and career-enhancement initiatives.

Other AWSM student chapters are at Boston University, Michigan State, Ohio University, Ohio State and Oklahoma State.

The association will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Scottsdale, Ariz., in June. l

SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS

PEER PRESSURE Jei-laya Hassan (left) and Andrew Dugan, students in COMM 471 Public Relations Media and Methods, respond to questions from fellow students and media members during the annual “hot seat” exercise when students serve as a Marine Corps spokesperson dealing with a controversial crisis communications issue. (Photos by Steve Manuel)

Students collaborate on success of EcoCAR effort An interdisciplinary effort by Penn State students to design and improve a working hybrid vehicle took top honors among 15 North American universities and was bolstered by a group of communications students who helped raise awareness about the project.

The EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors, challenged participating teams to achieve greater efficiency while reducing greenhouse emissions and petroleum consumption. Teams were judged on engineering components as well as business and communications success during the three-year program that started in 2011.

Seven students played an important role in the communications efforts for the Penn State team, which earned top honors for best communications plan and best media report. Last year, Penn State finished second for its efforts in that area of the competition.

“Our communications team was so successful because we weren’t afraid to ask for help. We built relationships with Penn State, competition sponsors, schools and community members,” said Taylor Kidd, a senior public relations and economics major

“We built relationships with Penn State, sponsors, schools and community members. Many successful public relations efforts depend on relationships like that.”

— Taylor Kidd, public relations major

from Mechanicsburg, Pa., who led the communications team. “Many successful public relations efforts depend on relationships like that.”

At the end of this academic year, the students’ work was evaluated during a weeklong competition of tests conducted in Yuma, Ariz., to determine the vehicle’s production readiness. In addition, the team made presentations in San Diego, Calif., regarding their work.

Along with the overall honor and the top finishes in communications-related areas, the Penn State team posted top honors for fastest autocross time, best braking and best drive quality.

Kidd and members of the com-

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munications team were especially focused on “green” initiatives in the community and utilizing social media to promote advanced vehicles and inform the public about changes in the auto industry. The team partnered with environmental groups on campus and facilitated events at Penn State campuses across the state.

Other members of the communications team are: Andie Ashbaugh, a public relations major from Yorba Linda, Calif.; Ari Gianakopolous, an integrative arts major from Columbus, Ohio; Cheyenne Sexton, a public relations major from Elizabethtown, Pa.; Becky Szwak, a public relations major from Mount Olive, N.J.; Maria Turconi, a public relations major from Gibsonia, Pa.; and Lotus Zhou, a marketing major from Shanghai, China.

The overall Penn State team functions as a company with mechanical engineering, marketing and public relations students working toward a common goal. Kidd said that the teamwork provides important handson experience. “It’s taught me how to interact with people on a professional level and truly gain their respect,” Kidd said. “That’s something you simply can’t learn in a classroom.” l

SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS

Two selected for MLB internships Two Penn State journalism students, both of whom are sports writers for The Daily Collegian, have earned the opportunity to cover professional baseball this summer through the nationally competitive internship program coordinated by Major League Baseball.

This is the sixth consecutive year that College of Communications students have been selected for internships through the program.

Since 2008, 20 Penn State students have been selected for internships—the most of any school in the country.

Students selected this year were Steven Petrella of Randolph, N.J., and Stephen Pianovich of Lykens, Pa. They will cover the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies, respectively, this summer.

Through the program, interns work as associate reporters and produce daily stories and videos about their assigned teams. Each intern is required to work for a minimum of 10 weeks, but may have the oppor-

tunity to stay throughout the season and into the playoffs.

Painovich started working on his internship application last fall.

The process was long, but it had an exciting end.

“I had to initially send a resume and clips to the website, and then in September, Bill Hill of MLB.com visited Penn State, and I was one of a few people who got to interview,” said Pianovich. “Two months or so after the interview, I was informed I made the next round and then had to do a writing test, which featured watching an archived game from the World Series and writing a story about it.”

Petrella is excited to be in a new location and, of course, cover sports.

“I’m most excited about the opportunity to see a new city and cover professional sports. Most people never get the chance to cover a pro sport at any point in their lifetime, and to be doing it at 20 years old is truly a blessing,” said Petrella. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity.” l

Students cover NFL Draft on ComRadio After months of preparation, “The Road to Radio City” and the NFL Draft concluded in April for several Penn Staters—and they were not members of the Nittany Lions football team.

Two students from the College of Communications anchored coverage of the draft live from Radio City Music Hall, and a team of nearly three dozen students worked months preparing for the assignment.

ComRadio was the first broadcast outlet from a college or university to cover the NFL Draft. Since that inaugural effort five years ago, the trip to New York City has been one of the highlights of the year for students—and for listeners because of the hundreds of hours of preparation invested in the coverage.

Senior broadcast journalism major

Jeff Lowe, from Cedar Park, Texas, and junior journalism major Patrick Woo, from Millington, Md., were on site for the coverage.

Other members of the on-air team were: l Jon Blauvelt (senior-broadcast journalism, political science), Murrysville, Pa.; l Mike Esse (sophomore-broadcast journalism), Grosse Pointe, Mich.; l Kevin Gallagher (senior-broadcast journalism), Newtown, Pa.; l Willie Jungels (junior-broadcast journalism), Northfield, N.J. l Marco Ranzi (senior-broadcast journalism), Ramsey, N.J.; l Dan Smith (senior-broadcast journalism), West Chester, Pa.; and l Troy Weller (senior-broadcast journalism), Hatboro, Pa. l

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NEWS, NOTES l Two communications students worked as volunteer media relations members for the NFL at Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. This was the third consecutive year Penn State students were selected to complete the intensive opportunity. The students were on site for 10 days as part of a staff of nearly 100 volunteers—a mix of NFL team personnel, other professionals and college students. Students who completed the assignment were Rob Roselli, from Marlton, N.J., and Melissa Schiller, from Blue Bell, Pa. Both had previously completed several high-level, sports-related internships and work experiences. Roselli had worked for Penn State Public Information, the Philadelphia 76ers and Penn State football.Schiller completed an internship with the NFL in 2012. She also worked for Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics, the Washington Redskins and Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. l Kristin Winiarski of Lower Burrell, Pa., was one of five Penn State students honored with the 2013 John W. Oswald Award. The award, established in 1983, annually recognizes graduating seniors who have provided outstanding leadership in at least one of several areas of activity at the University. The award consists of a medallion honoring John W. Oswald, president of the University from 1970 to 1983.

Winiarski, who graduated in December, served as sponsorship coordinator for the Schreyer Day of Service, team leader liaison for the FreshStart Day of Service and was president of Peer Mentors for the College of Communications. She founded Paws of Friendship, which raises funds for and donates stuffed animals to children in orphanages and foster care, and served as copy editor and advisory board member for the Penn State yearbook. l The best films produced by students across all majors at Penn State were screened during the Blue & White Film Festival in April at the State Theatre in State College. The event is Penn State’s largest independent student film festival. Organized by the Penn State Student Film Organization and sponsored by the College of Communications and UPAC, the festival aims to celebrate the best in student created and produced film.

SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS

College provides record $710,471 to support students Thanks to the many contributors, the College made 538 awards totaling a recording-breaking $710,471 during the 2012-2013 academic year.

ADVERTISING/ PUBLIC RELATIONS

Marc A. Brownstein Scholarship in Advertising Anna McGill Donald W. Davis Mass Communications Fund Amy Mastrine Samantha Agostino

Harmelin Media Scholarship Aiesha Marshall Jennifer Maughan Wayne Hilinski Advertising Scholarship Jennifer Lewis Brianna Spadafora The Interstate Advertising Managers’ Association Scholarship Fund Alexandra Patterson Mary M. Meder Scholarship Christina Cruz Joshua Wimble Sharon Lynn Palaisa Jackson Memorial Scholarship Taylor Kelly Stephanie Wain

COMMEDIA

Damon M. Chappie Memorial Award in Investigative Journalism Anastasia Orso

Ostar-Hutchison Daily Collegian Scholarship Brittany Horn Paige Minemyer

College of Communications General Scholarship Samantha Agostino Danielle Assour Brett Brenner Nicholas Chromiak Meredith Crowder Dakota Debellis Katie Derkits Michael Esse Alex Federman Shantelle Johnson Paige Minemyer Blake Padua Christopher Stratton Maiyani Thornton Jill Tatios

Kent A. Petersen Memorial Scholarship Joshua Glossner David Onimus

Don Davis Program in Ethical Leadership The Davis Award Adriana Acosta Kyle Buterbaugh Clifton Graves Sarka Patel Matthew Strohmier Stephanie Wain

FILM-VIDEO

Samuel D. Abrams and Lillian K. Abrams Senior Film Endowment Jacquelyne Cohen Patrick Miller Jonathan Noll Carmen Finestra Film Project Endowed Grant-in-Aid Liam Cohen Allen Cramm Alex Federman Laura Jung Nicholas Laspina Ernie Lehman Megan Ruffe

College of Communications Scholarship in Memory of May McNeer Jessica Paholsky College of Communications Scholarship in Memory of Terry Leach Eric Schultz John and Ann Curley Scholarship in Communications Courtney Barrow Kelsey Bonsell Jacquelyne Cohen Renae Gornick Kaitlyn Knopp Juliana Lustig Elizabeth Ross Jonathan Wheel

GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS

Vijaya L. Balaji Memorial Scholarship Brittney Lee Brodney Nicol Darian Stansbury

Randy and Maria Yanoshak Technology in Media Award David Cole Katherine Rodriguez

Collegian Alumni Hall of Fame Scholarship Brittany Horn Kathryn Sheeley

College of Communications Deans’ Excellence Award Kelsey Bonsell Jillian Hunt Melinda Karth Michelle Karth

ETHICS

Lawrence G. Foster Award for Excellence in Public Relations Sarah Rohner

DAILY COLLEGIAN

Collegian AIG Scholarship Casey McDermott Brianna Spadafora

Jeanne Chapkovich Communications Award Michael Appleman Kelsie Johnson College of Communications Alumni Society Scholarship Omayra Soto Devin Zoltowski

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Lawrence G. and Ellen M. Foster Scholarship David Amerman Marisa Cable Jaclyn Saumell Raymond and Shirley (Gable) Galant Communications Scholarship Lauren Blum Clint Bracey Elisabeth Domaratzky Kaley Ebling Nicholas Laspina Jonathan Mercuri Evan Ponter

SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS

Students celebrate with alumni and friends during the annual Donor and Scholarship Recognition Dinner.

(Photo by Katherine Rodriguez)

Jay Grossman Award in Communications Erin King

Excellence in Communications Doctoral Award Aaron Heresco

David and Mary Lee Jones Washington, D.C., Scholarship Paul Sweeney Knight Minority Scholarship Fernando Calderon Chardonnai Johnson Shaira Lundy Nia Nicholson Cristina Recino LAMCO Communications Inc. Scholarship John Falconi Ashley Smalls William F. Simmons Memorial Award Sarah Desiderio

GRADUATE STUDIES

Douglas and Claudia Anderson Communications Scholarship Brandie Martin

Graduate Exhibition Award Yan Huang Ariel Johnson Zhiyao Ye

Don Davis Professorship in Ethics Award Janelle Applequist Akshaya Sreenivasan

Daniel Prosick George Umbenhauer

HONORS

Daniel Hartman Honors Scholarship J. Gilliland Lindsay Meyers Jessica Paholsky

Sidney and Helen Friedman Endowed Scholarship Catherine Buckley Ruobing Li Marlowe Froke Graduate Scholarship in Education and Public Affairs in Public Broadcasting in the College of Communications Steve Bien-Aime Arthur W. Page Center Endowment Award Janelle Applequist Melanie Formentin Brandie Martin Brett Sherrick Justin Walden

Shellie M. Roth Honors Scholarship Paige Twillmann Kristin Winiarski James Wiggins and Christine Fleming Honors Scholarship Melinda Karth Michelle Karth

Djung Yune Tchoi Memorial Excellence in Teaching Award Keun Yeong “Karina� Kim Brian Macauley

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SUMMER 2013

INCOMING FRESHMEN

Lawrence G. and Ellen M. Foster Merit Scholarship Jack Anderson Kathryn Blitz Nicole Cheshire Kendall Higgins Paul Kemper Samantha Mancuso Haley Nelson Kristen Nelson

STUDENT NEWS Talissa Trachtenberg Erin Witt

Jessica Korch Honora and William Jaffe Scholarship in Communications Nicole Arteca Julia Azar Yifei He Patrick Kirnan Lisa Peirce Rena Samuels Rachel Suffian

Howard J. Lamade Communications Scholarship Madison Geck Emily Grabowski Victoria Scialfa Brittany Smith Richard and Victoria Mallary Scholarship in Communications Taylor Hill Alex Woodin

Marvin and Josie Krasnansky Internship Grant Madeleine Brown Christina Cherry Brittany Corl Alissa Felt J Gilliland Caroline Goggin Alison Golanoski Julia Kern Megan Lacovara Steven Petrella Nathan Pipenberg Courtney Pruitt Cristina Recino Jenny Shi Jessica Tully Kimberly Valarezo Danielle Van Gheem

INTERNSHIP ENDOWMENTS College of Communications Alumni Society Neal J. Friedman Internship Fund Jonathan Alcindor Kiyana Banks Mariah Blake Danae Blasso Paige Blawas Latiana Blue Kaila Derienzo Kaitlin Eckrote Sarah Foss Alyson Gable Zolanlly Gutierrez Nicholas Laspina Zoe Loffreda Toni Lozzi Tauya Maguwah Emily Malnik Kyle Mars Ashlee Mercogliano Meghin Moore Kelly Newberg Sarah Olah Jennifer Picht Johanna Rojas James Swanson Vince Tsang Travis Whalen

Georgina Feghali Shaira Lundy Juliana Lustig Alexandra Piscitelli Megan Weaver

Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Robert K. Zimmerman Memorial Award Jason Gordon

College of Communications Internship Grant Cynthia Hill Lauren Ingeno Allison Ingersoll

Morgan Signs/Barash Advertising Internship Award in Advertising Kaitlyn Rimmey

Robert K. Zimmerman Memorial Internship Endowment Brian Grossman Zachary Hottinger Brielle Pastore Ashley Slack Alexandra Vaccaro Sean Walters Jennifer Weintraub

JOURNALISM

Donald E. Allen Memorial Scholarship in Communications Marielena Balouris Nicole Dunoff Erik Geffken Victoria Grice Walter Heft Blaire Kelly Megan Lacovara Devan Lombardi Matthew Macmurchy Zachary Magnotta Ilana Ruben Taylor Shelly Taylor Shill Rebecca Welk Margaret Wursta Caroline A. Bange Memorial Award Molly Cochran Franklin Banner Journalism Scholarship Kaitlyn Knopp

A. W. (Dude) McDowell Memorial Scholarship Sarah Peters Megan Rogers Jennifer Swales Gregory Michael Schiff Memorial Scholarship in Communications Natalie Faragalli

Quinton E. Beauge Memorial Journalism Scholarship Danae Blasso Jessica Tully Louis H. Bell Memorial Scholarship Fund Alexandra Menosky Lynn Ondrusek

News, events, student work, all online.

http://comm.psu.edu

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SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS S. W. Calkins Memorial Award Anastasia Orso Mengqin Cao Kaylee Cummings Devin Weakland Winifred Imhof Cook Journalism Scholarship Leo Dillinger Megan Rogers Stanley E. Degler Scholarship in Communications Michael Bray Timothy Schoen Edward S. Dubbs Jr. Scholarship Tyler Ainge Daniel Cronin Evelyn Y. Davis Scholarship Stephanie Olmo Lynn Ondrusek Ashley Slack Lawrence G. and Ellen M. Foster Scholarship in Honor of Joseph V. and Suzanne P. Paterno Breanna Jacobs Rheta B. Glueck Prize Eric Visintainer Gene and Fran Goodwin Journalism Scholarship Zolanlly Gutierrez Ashia Tokponwey George E. Graff Journalism Scholarship Callie Rojewski William Randolph Hearst Foundation Awards Dave Cole Chloe Elmer Brittany Horn Mike Hricik Daniel Jenkins Kelley King Jill Knight Casey McDermott Steve Osborn Sarah Peters Stephen Pianovich Katherine Rodriguez Savannah Smith

Christina Gallagher Vera Greene Brittany Horn Michael Hricik Lauren Ingeno Jeremy Kahn Emily Kaplan Julia Kern Anita Oh Anna Orso Katherine Rodriguez Michael Still Jessica Tully Joan Vasiliadis

Marco Ranzi Isadore and Anna Krasnansky Minority Scholarship Nicole Colon-Quintana Kimberly Isaac Stephanie Olmo Joan Vasiliadis Marvin L. and Josie Krasnansky Undergraduate Scholarship in Communications William Monkowski Jean Ward Lapton Memorial Award in Journalism Hayley Wildeson

Reuben Jaffe Memorial Journalism Scholarship Michael Hricik Chardonnai Johnson Angelic Sinova

Julia Ibbotson Martin Scholarship in Journalism Brittany Horn

David and Mary Lee Jones Journalism Scholarship Michael Garrett Kimberly Valarezo The Journalism Fund Tyler Abad Leslie Pinero

International Reporting Class Awards Fernando Calderon David Cole Andrienne DiPiazza Xue Dong

Alumnus and donor Bob Barbarowicz congratulates recipients at the annual Donor and Scholarship Recognition Dinner. (Photo by Katherine Rodriguez)

Theodore and Patricia Serrill Scholarship in Journalism Antoinette Manigoult Annorelle Nevarez Jim Murray Memorial Foundation Award Emily Kaplan

John S. and James L. Knight Diversity Scholars Program Fernando Calderon Kyle Lucas Evan Ostrow Marco Ranzi

Steinman Foundations and Lancaster Newspapers Inc. Scholarship Fund Kyle Kraybill D. Simmonds

Knight Diversity Scholarship in Sports Journalism Evan Ostrow

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SUMMER 2013

Joseph F. and Mary P. Loftus Award for Outstanding Writing Anna Orso

STUDENT NEWS Charles M. Meredith Sr. Scholarship Brittany Corl Brett Johnson Daniel Smith Brittany Svoboda John R. Jr., John R. III and Jayne E. Miller Minority Journalism Scholarship Cameron Harrison Norman C. and Mollie Miller Journalism Scholarship Danae Blasso Ashley Smalls Devin Weakland

Douglas and Claudia Anderson Trustee Scholarship in Journalism Jenny Kim Bryan McSorley

Donald P. Bellisario Trustee Scholarship Scott Anderson Natasha Bailey Chandler Blasini David Bodin Jeremy Bratton Joaquin Breedlove Timothy Breswick Steven Brown Marissa Burke Sheila Castillo Brianna Cecala Arianna Dedominicis Nicholas Dietrich Vickie Frantz David Fuchs Danielle Gallo Dana Griffin Erin Hellen Justin Jackson Nikia Jefferson Asharae’ Jones Alyssa Kaplan Andee Kiraly Emily Kless Shamir Lee Tauya Maguwah Ryan Mills Brazillian Mitchell Shayna Mowatt William Nelson Nathan O’Donnell Christopher O’Reilly Kylee Orriss John Patterson Donovan Quinn Nyshiria Robinson Roman Rogalla Nicole Salerno Marianna Saucier Matthew Strohmier Alan Taylor Janae Tobia Danielle Van Gheem Jenna Vreeland Eric Waites Tayler Ward Bradley Welles

Laura and Mary Anderson Trustee Scholarship Brianna Babik Natalie Faragalli

Marc A. Brownstein Trustee Scholarship Jamal Atwell Mariah Blake Emily Malnik

Marty and John Aronoff Trustee Scholarship Fernando Calderon Aaron Dunlevy Michael Esse Joseph Garofalo Luis Santamaria

Nile D. Coon Trustee Scholarship Inci Askin Junessa Dello Russo Nicholas Dempsey Jason Kohler Shaira Lundy Ashley Sprain Andrew Walker

STUDY ABROAD

Helene Eckstein Study Abroad Scholarship Fernando Calderon Anita Oh Katherine Rodriguez Philip Radcliffe International Student Award Danielle Egick

TELECOMMUNICATIONS-RADIO

Linda Martelli Memorial Scholarship in Journalism Torri Singer Patrick Woo

Bradford Brian Communications Scholarship Kyle Deen Danielle Zavala

Harold E. Newlin Memorial Award Fund Abigail Johnson

Warren and Carole Maurer Radio Scholarship Jason Gordon Brielle Pastore

Bernie Newman Scholarship in Journalism Nicholas Bernitt Connor Whooley William Woodcock Alex Woodin

Lou H. Murray Scholarship Marisa Bippus Matthew Trabold

George E. Paterno Memorial Scholarship April Kaminsky Toni Lozzi Salters Family Memorial Scholarship Thomas Delain Meghin Moore Richard and Arlene Small Journalism Scholarship for Sports Writing in Memory of Ridge Riley Nina Abbott Kelsey Detweiler Melanie Dicarlo Georgina Feghali Sean Flanery Maria Kotsikoros Steven Leech Jeffrey Lowe Kadaisha Lynah Ryan Noone Luis Santamaria Matthew Trabold James Werner Lauren Zielinski Thomas Zulewski Jerome Weinstein Journalism Scholarship Catherine Hart Kristin Stoller

Jeanne Stiles Williamson Scholarship Sara Matulonis

TRUSTEE

AT&T Trustee Scholarship Vireta Arthur Jasmine Davis Jenneba Jalloh Madyson Nucci Julia Rodriguez Harold Wagner Douglas and Claudia Anderson Trustee Scholarship Molly Sheerer Kelly Tunney

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SUMMER 2013

STUDENT NEWS John and Ann Curley Trustee Scholarship in Honor of Douglas Anderson Austin Lederman Omayra Soto John and Ann Curley Trustee Scholarship Christina Cherry Tracy Crouthamel Deaven Freed Yaa Hunt Theresa Huynh Donald Kinney Christopher Mitchell Sarah Parsons Michael Still Fetter Family Trustee Scholarship Leah Blasko Kaitlin Eckrote Gene Foreman Trustee Scholarship Olivia Kamara Nia Nicholson Cassandra Nissi Candace Tilley Lawrence G. and Ellen M. Foster Trustee Scholarship Brittany Black Lucie Couillard Alyssa Curnow Sierra Dole Kristin Fink Kaleigh Floyd Courtney Gontz Daniel Isenberg Amana Kaskazi Ami Lightcap Sana Mehmood Kristol Melendez Denise Montano Dylan Nelson Michael Pendleton Jennifer Picht Nathan Pipenberg Cristina Recino Adam Salama Ashley Slack Dillon Smith Sean Troutman Nicholas Veres Cassandra Wiggins-Dowdell Kellie Yekel Marjorie Mousely French, Class of ‘48 Trustee Scholarship Jenna Abate Erin Clark Tatiana Flowers Logan Godfrey Clifton Graves Zolanlly Gutierrez

Tamara Hall Sara Hernandez Francis Jesse Steinberg

Amanda Dash Kevin McLaughlin Katherine Rodriguez

Friend of the College of Communications Trustee Scholarship Aaron Baker Jason Shawley

William Y. E. and Ethel L. Rambo Trustee Scholarship Garrni Baker Kiyana Banks Ronald Weidman

Tom Gibb Memorial Trustee Scholarship Kathryn Kozak Alexandra Otero Jennifer Swales Hayden Family Trustee Scholarship Andrea Hartman Kyle Mars Kiersten Shank Christopher Stratton

Robert L. and Mary Lee Schneider Trustee Scholarship Aaron Carr Victoria Faconti Iman McDonnaugh Ana Zelada

Freda Azen Jaffe Memorial Trustee Scholarship Rachelle Gaynor Kyle Patterson

Andrew and Beatrice Schultz Trustee Scholarship Morgan Delaware Timothy Madore Katherine Perkins Brooke Robinson Caitlyn Traver

Kasselman Kohn Family Trustee Scholarship Ashley Mitchell Joshua Wimble

Steinman Foundations Trustee Scholarship Crissy Tang Kayla Wallace

Warren L. and Carole L. Maurer Trustee Scholarship Wildamie Ceus Anita Oh

Trustee Scholarship Fund for the College of Communications Latasha Beckton Kory Boothe Hayley Davidson Casondra Greco Cameron Jordan Amina Ogboro Eric Webb

Christopher J. & Patricia S. Martin Trustee Scholarship Kaylee Colon Jacqueline Dinarte Kimberly Price Maralyn Davis Mazza Trustee Scholarship Amy Lewis Taylor Shill Amanda Vazquez John S. Nichols Trustee Scholarship Samantha Corza Chandler McCauley Robert J. O’Leary Trustee Scholarship Sarah Emeigh Kelly Jackson Penn State Alumni Association Trustee Scholarship Natasha Cooper Joyann Jeffrey Eric W. Rabe Trustee Scholarship Mary Callas

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SUMMER 2013

Christopher C. Wheeler Trustee Scholarship Scott Anderson Megan Herr Stephanie Olmo Johanna Rojas Yaccarino-Madrazo Family Trustee Scholarship Ashley Beatty Dayna Dunlop

STUDENT NEWS

ESPN’s Bodenheimer stresses passion, family in address team. That was 28 letters back then. My letter basically said, “You need me in your front office!”

I was proud of myself for doing this and anxiously awaited the flood of responses.

I got back 27 “We don’t think so’s.” The letters produced only one interview, with the Philadelphia Phillies. Are there a few Phillies fans here? My interview did not result in a job, but I did get a Phillies tie out of it.

Thank you Dean Hardin for that kind introduction.

This pattern continued for months. Plenty of I would also like to acknowledge Provost Rob letters, a few interviews but no career start.

Pangborn and all of the distinguished faculty and I then managed an interview at a little-known start staff. up, a 24-hour sports TV network based in my home As Marie mentioned, I am state of Connecticut. We did a parent of a graduate here “Simply stated, passion is a not have cable at the time and today and my wife Ann and I I don’t think I had ever heard of difference maker. ... It’s very could not be prouder of both ESPN before a friend suggested our son, James, as well as to be simple. People with passion over it to me. a part of the great Penn State I was very excited for the deliver. Time and time again.” community. interview, prepared for it as — George Bodenheimer, best I could, put on my best To all the graduates, congratulations. executive chairman, ESPN suit and drove 60 miles from While today is, of course, my home to ESPN in Bristol. I about you, let’s take a moment and recognize and arrived and was directed to the human resources thank all the parents and others who have supported office. you to get to this big day. Graduates imagine The “interview” went something like this: yourselves in Beaver Stadium, on a beautiful autumn “Based on your experience, you are qualified to be Saturday, and the Nittany Lions have just driven a driver in our mail room. The job entails delivering the length of the field to score a winning touchdown mail and driving back and forth to the airport several against one of your Big Ten rivals. That’s the level of times a day. And, when it snows, you will be the one enthusiasm I want to hear in thanking your parents shoveling it. and supporters!

“We might have an opening in a week and, if so, What a great position you are in today. Heading maybe we will call you. out into the world possessing a degree from one of “Thanks for coming in.” the world’s truly great universities.

The whole interview lasted about three minutes.

And your College of Communications is special I drove home not really sure of what I would tell indeed, with its dedicated and talented faculty and my dad about my day at ESPN. I knew he would be staff. Regardless of which of the five majors you curious. chose, over the past four years you’ve enjoyed a rich That night we sat down to talk. blend of opportunities preparing you for the bold I told him I was unsure what I would say if indeed new media world of the 21st century.

ESPN did call me and offer a position as a driver in And the world you are entering is exciting, the mailroom. After all, it was not quite the career challenging and changing at a rapid pace. But in start I had envisioned—driving around and shoveling the face of that, I believe there are tried-and-true snow. Oh, and the salary was $8,000 per year, about thoughts and values that are timeless in helping you 25 percent of the salaries many of my classmates navigate through your career and life. were being offered for entry-level jobs.

I would like to discuss my two favorites.

Not that I had actually received an offer!

No. 1 is passion. Simply stated, passion is a Then my dad gave me the best advice I have ever difference maker. received.

Why? It’s very simple. People with passion over “If you think sports television is a business you deliver. Time and time again. can be interested in, then you absolutely should accept the job if offered. You will be making a career I was in your position a few years ago. Well I guess decision, not a money decision.” it wasn’t just a few—33 to be exact—but it doesn’t One week later I was delivering the mail at ESPN. feel all that long ago.

I quickly developed a passion for what I was doing.

College degree in hand I began a search for a I loved it! It was great—meeting people, working career, knocking on door after door looking for an hard, learning TV and shoveling snow. opportunity.

All kidding aside, it was great to be a part of I wanted to be in the sports business, that’s what I start up and having passion for the network we was passionate about. were building. It was, and is, the passion of ESPN I wrote a letter to every Major League Baseball

(Editor’s Note: George Bodenheimer, the executive chairman of ESPN, delivered the commencement address to College of Communications graduates in May. Bodenheimer started his career in the mailroom at ESPN and eventually became the longest-tenured president of the company that employs more than four dozen Penn Staters with communications degrees.)

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STUDENT NEWS phase of your lives. employees that drives the company all these When I was starting years. at ESPN it was a Graduates, you fledgling start up and I literally have a world of was single. opportunity in front of Work nights? you and there are, of No problem. Work course, many different weekends? Can do! ways to earn a living.

Travel! Let’s go.

But regardless of the As I moved up, the path you choose— demands on my time journalism, advertising, only increased. At public relations, the same time, I got telecommunication, married and our three film-video or media kids came along. studies—one ESPN grew into a ingredient will be the global media company driver of your success and to say working and that driver is there is a full-time job passion. Passion for is an understatement. what you are doing is the difference maker.

Of course, ESPN is Be persistent, not unique in this. be patient and be The same demands passionate. Get a foot on your time exist in in the door and make every business and it happen. you will soon and Another example often face difficult of passion driving work/life decisions— success occurred in hard decisions with this very building less pressures coming both than three months ago ways. during the amazing Juggling work and weekend that is life.

T-ball games.

THON. My wife and Music recitals. School I attended as our functions. Even just son was culminating getting home in time to four years worth of George Bodenheimer addresses graduates during commenceshare meals. involvement with ment at the Bryce Jordan Center. (Photo by Steve Manuel).

In that environment THON, participating it is very easy to get this year as one of hundreds of dancers, each of whom were striving to caught up and lose sight of what is most important— stay on their feet for 46 hours straight. and that is your family. Your job can be a close Being at ESPN all these years, I’ve been fortunate second, but never, ever, confuse the order. Family to see sporting events all around the world. I first! have never seen anything that beats the passion In the long run, your job won’t define you. The demonstrated by the students, supporters and choices you make in how you conduct your life will. families throughout THON weekend here in the BJC. There will be no greater reward for you, certainly Culminating, of course, late that Sunday afternoon beyond any professional or commercial success you when the community’s passion to defeat pediatric may enjoy, than when your family knows they are cancer was on full display—over delivering, like those your top priority. with passion do, in raising more than $12 million.

Passion for what you do and family first—two Unbelievable! Congratulations to all involved. simple yet powerful thoughts that I sincerely hope There is no better example to make the point will be beneficial to you. about the importance of passion in achieving In closing, alongside the celebration of today, I amazing results, and no better example of Penn urge you to take a moment to savor all you have State spirit and unity, either. achieved and enjoyed as graduates of this great The second point is about family. college, within this great University and a great You have already experienced the demands of country. being busy, juggling all the various aspects of college Thank you for the opportunity to share this life. Get ready for the challenge of daily life to multiply many times over as you move on to the next occasion. Congratulations and good luck!

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SUMMER 2013

ALUMNI NEWS The five College of Communications alumni currently working at WINK News in Fort Myers, Fla., are (left to right): Laura Shay , Victoria Kasselman, Lenny Smith, Annie Richards and Caroline Hayden.

Alumni find home working at Florida station

P

enn State has nearly two dozen campuses across the state of Pennsylvania but several recent College of Communications graduates have carved out a new outpost in Southwest Florida—at WINK News. The Fort Myers-based CBS-TV affiliate has hired a steady stream of recent graduates, with five currently employed at the station.

WINK brands itself as “Southwest Florida’s News Leader” and with more than 50 hours of local news broadcasts per week, it lives up to its reputation. The station produces 10 hours of news every weekday and Penn Staters produce five and a half hours of that coverage—more than half of the day’s newscasts.

“Nearly every show that I’m on in the field, I hear a Penn State producer in my ear,” WINK News anchor and reporter Amanda Hall said about the direction she hears from the control room through an earpiece.

Each person in the current Penn State WINK alumni base has completed all of the same communications classes as the current students, topping off their collegiate careers

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by working on the “Centre County Report.”

The capstone course that produces a weekly newscast during the academic year provides a foundation to build careers and grow into the industry—and the five alumni currently working at the station have taken advantage of the opportunities presented by their on-campus preparation.

There are 210 television news markets across the country and WINK ranks as market No. 62. With a population of nearly 1.2 million, it’s rare for people in their early 20s to find themselves in a market that size.

“I don’t know what’s in the water in Happy Valley but all the Penn State grads that come to WINK show up prepared for duty. Each alum was and is a success story,” news director Russ Kilgore said.

Penn Staters currently at the station are: Victoria Kasselman (’11), Caroline Hayden (’11), Annie Richards (’12), Laura Shay (’10) and Lenny Smith (’10).

Despite the warm temperatures and seemingly endless

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ALUMNI NEWS “They’re some of the sharpest and smartest to come through our TV station. They show up with motivation and some sense of what it is they want to do in this crazy business.”

Scholarship video results from student, alumni effort

— Russ Kilgore, news director, WINK News

sunshine in southwest Florida, Penn State traditions still beam through. The alumni group dominates the television during the station’s unofficial “Football Saturdays”—with a larger number of graduates working WINK News than even the University of Florida.

“With a solid representation from the Midwest and the Southeastern Conference, it’s tough to keep the peace around here during college football and March Madness,” Kilgore said.

Still, those in charge at the station know a little friendly banter and camaraderie is part of a successful news gathering operation. Such intangibles are just as valuable as behind-the-scenes and in-front-of-the-camera talent—and the College of Communications alumni bring all of those skills in abundance.

“As a Florida Gator, it pains me to say the newscasts wouldn’t be the quality they are without the creativity, news judgment and urgency all of our Penn State graduates seem to have right out of the gate,” Hall said.

So why the push for Penn State hires?

“They’re some of the sharpest and smartest to come through our TV station. They show up with motivation and some sense of what it is they want to do in this crazy business,” Kilgore said.

The management team at WINK has given Penn Staters myriad opportunities. It’s been a sink-or-swim environment, as television news should be, and fortunately it has benefited all who have passed through the WINK newsroom.

“Working at WINK has helped me learn so much, so quickly. Our news team is great at helping everyone realize their potential and allows them to develop skills,” Hayden said.

Even in a business as cutthroat as television news, it’s refreshing to see an environment so supportive of young journalists. The people who work at WINK provide a tremendous sense of camaraderie and support in the newsroom—very much akin to what they experienced in the “Centre County Report” and at University Park.

“I’m coming up on two years here and have had so many opportunities. I love it here. It’s hard to put into words,” Hayden said. l

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Students and College of Communications supporters alike have long known that “Scholarships Provide Opportunities for Success.” Now, a new video by that name visually illustrates the power of that statement.

Created in collaboration by a team of 15 students, alumni and College staff, and produced by the Alumni Society Board’s Scholarship Video Committee, the project represents the second consecutive year the Board has created a video promoting the College.

Online at comm.psu.edu/alumni/make-a-gift, the 3-minute and 17-minute video spotlights the College’s recent national award-winning success and attributes it in part to the financial support of the students who played key roles in the College’s top finishes.

The video was created, produced, filmed and edited over a single weekend in March at the College’s Innovation Park broadcast facilities.

It spotlights four award-winning students who contributed to the College’s first-place overall finish in the William Randolph Hearst Foundation Journalism Awards standings and its rank as the “Best Student Newscast in the Nation” by the Broadcast Education Association.

Students featured on camera were Catherine Janisko, named the best overall anchor by the BEA; Anna Orso, first-place finisher in Hearst’s breaking news category in 2012; and broadcast journalism students Mario Ranzi and Adrienne DiPiazza. Production was done by May film-video graduates Nathan Robb and Jules Lynch, and junior Stephen Ayers.

The video, hosted on the College’s website, will be shared via a myriad of avenues, including YouTube, social media and at alumni events, programs and meetings.

Board committee members were chair Mark Lima (’87 Telecom), Pam Hervey (Journ ’94), Lisa Lucas (’85 Telecom), Michele Marchetti (’95 Journ) and Lara Steiner (’95 Adv). Steve Kraycik, director of student television and online operations, provided support and direction throughout the weekend, while College staffers Jim Dugan and Bill Gardner (’09 Telecom) aided in filming and production. l SUMMER 2013

ALUMNI NEWS

For Jaffe, volunteer efforts are truly distinguished Bill Jaffe is a volunteer of all trades—and a master of every single one.

What makes this 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award-winner unique is that he truly offers something for everyone. While the College of Communications is proud to claim Jaffe (’60 Journ) as one of its own, it must share him with the rest of the University.

Jaffe is not attached to a singular unit or College or cause—his attachment is to all of Penn State. He has an affinity that is equal for student-athletes and jazz musicians; for budding broadcast journalists and burgeoning board members; and for alumni and presidents and administrative assistants. He motivates fellow volunteers, energizes staff, prods professors, tactfully directs development efforts and gives generously to scholarship funds and many projects across several University lines.

Luckily, with his boundless enthusiasm, focused energy and tight scheduling, somehow there is always enough of Jaffe to go around.

That’s because most of all, Jaffe is about action—about getting things done. He is not joiner; he is a doer.

And while he may sit on myriad boards on campus and in the community, he never stands still and is never bored. Jaffe is an over-achiever, always in the name of Penn State.

“In my 26 years of higher education administration I’ve never known anyone quite like Bill,” Dean Doug Anderson said. “I’ve known many who have given of their time to an institution; many others who have given of their talents; and many who have given of their treasure. But Bill takes the prize for integrating all three.

“An accomplished professional and unmatched volunteer leader, spanning the decades, he could not be more deserving of being designated a distinguished alumnus of Penn State.”

Jaffe’s impact on Penn State began in 1956, when he arrived on campus as a freshman from Philipsburg, Pa.

He became managing editor of the Collegian, president of Sigma Delta Chi and a member of Lion’s Paw and Skull & Bones (and, as is his habit, he later served as an officer of each organization’s alumni group).

His undergraduate years set the stage for a lifetime of contributing to and giving back to Bill Jaffe his alma mater. After a highly successful career as a vice president with Towers Perrin, Jaffe and his wife Honey—an Honorary Alumna in her own right—moved to State College in 1995. Jaffe continued to work part-time as a human resources consultant. And he began working full-time as a Penn State volunteer.

“I have a passion for this University and the community,” he said. “It was a natural to get involved. I like to keep active, do a good job and hopefully make an impact on where I live and where I went to school. My Penn State experience formed me into who I am.

My journalism degree taught me skills I have used my entire life—the ability to communicate verbally and in writing, to lead, to think critically.”

To the betterment of the College of Communications, he has shared all those skills—and more.

Jaffe is a past president of the Alumni Society Board, past chair of the Dollars for Scholars Golf Tournament, a generous benefactor of many scholarships and a key founder of the College’s mentoring program.

He developed the alumni board’s first strategic plan, has assisted with internships, has lectured in classrooms and has mentored countless students and younger alumni.

“Bill’s devotion to all things College of Communications is remarkable,” said director of development Kevin

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Musick. “What really makes his contributions unparalleled is that I know and see first-hand what Bill also does University-wide. I marvel at all he gets done.”

Jaffe is chair of The President’s Club, an integral part of Penn State’s overall Annual Giving Campaign.

His resume also includes stints, both present and past, as a board and/or committee member of: the Renaissance Scholarship Fund, For the Future Campaign and the Alumni Association Alumni Council.

Athletics and the arts are also special areas of interest for Bill and Honey. He is co-chair of the AllSports Museum Advisory Board, has endowed a life skills course for student-athletes, served on the Nittany Lion Club Advisory Board and been part of several search committees. The Jaffes also donate their time and resources to the Centre for Performing Arts, the Palmer Museum and Penn State Hillel. Bill is a past president of Penn State Centre Stage.

That’s just gown. There’s also town, where he has made an equally important impact. (We told you his energy is endless.)

For example, Jaffe has held leadership and board roles with the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County, Centre Foundation, United Way and the Mount Nittany Conservancy.

Speaking of Mount Nittany: There ain’t no mountain high enough at Penn State that Bill Jaffe wouldn’t climb it. And, most likely, do so twice in one day. l

SUMMER 2013

ALUMNI NEWS

Social media standout Victor earns Achievement Award When Dean Doug Anderson submitted his nomination of Daniel Victor (’06 Journ) for the 2013 Alumni Achievement Award, he used a lot more than 140 characters.

In fact, he used a total of more than 1,500 words to extol the virtues of Victor.

But it would have been appropriate if the dean had just Tweeted out: @ bydanielvictor is one of best 660K #PennState grads ... and all USA ... at social media journ. Now w/@nytimes. #2013alumniacheivementaward Instead, Anderson’s nomination included the following: “I would like to share with you what a cutting-edge journalist in the 21st century looks like: His most recent job titles have been social media producer, social media editor, community builder, community host and reporter.

“His reporting tools include Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Google+, Ning, beatblogging and crowdsourcing. He currently works for The New York Times, and has had stops along the way at ProPublica.org, Philly.com, TBD.com, the Patriot-News and the Centre Daily Times. His name? Dan Victor.”

The long and the Tweet of it is that Victor was just one of a dozen alumni age 35 and younger named as an Alumni Achievement Award winner in 2013.

Victor, a native of Boalsburg, Pa., who graduated from State College Area High School, returned to campus in April to meet with students and faculty and receive the award.

Victor is a staff editor for social media for The New York Times. At The Times he coordinates social media strategy with the metro and sports desks, and contributes to other projects that imbue social practices into the news-gathering process.

Once a week, he also runs the

@nytimes Twitter account and responds to the social media needs of the newsroom.

Prior to his current position, Victor worked at a variety of online news outlets after starting his career in newspaper journalism.

Victor served as social media editor for ProPublica, an investigative journalism website that was a recipient of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in National Reporting. At ProPublica, he directed crowd sourcing and social media efforts, including Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Google+.

Daniel Victor accepts his Alumni Achievement Award Prior to that, from Penn State President Rod Erickson. (Photo by Chuck Fong) Victor was the community builder ring and job-hunting workshops for at Philly.com, where he created the students. He lives in New York. editorial content, edited reporters’ Victor is the ninth College of material and managed social media.

He also served as community host for Communications graduate to win the the Washington, D.C.-based TBD. award since its inception in 2005. com.

The College is the only Penn State Victor’s roots are in print journalcollege or campus to have a repreism. He wrote for the Centre Daily Times while an undergraduate at Penn sentative all nine years. They are: Jill Cordes (’92 Journ), 2005; Jarred State, and his internships included The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle. After Romesburg (’98 Telecom), 2006; Mike graduation, he was a reporter at The Signora (’96 Journ), 2007; Jessica StuPatriot-News in Harrisburg, Pa., where art (’96 BrdCable), 2008; Riva Marker he was the lead writer on the Obama (’00 Film/Video), 2009; Chris Krewcampaign in Pennsylvania. son (’98 Journ), 2010; Ryan HockVictor is a board member of the ensmith (’01 Journ), 2011; and Ellyn College of Communications Alumni Fisher (’99 Journ), 2012. l Society and has taken part in mento-

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SUMMER 2013

ALUMNI NEWS

ATTENTIVE ALUMNI Lunch and the opportunity to network at tables of specific career interest with alumni in those fields drew more than 60 students who responded and quickly filled all available spots at the Nittany Lion Inn in March for “An Insider’s View of Landing Your First Ad/PR Job,” an on-campus mentoring session sponsored by the the Ad/PR Network.

Carmichael, Epstein elected to alumni leadership positions A pair of longtime board members has ascended to the top leadership of their respective alumni groups in the College, bringing decades of rich professional experience and significant volunteer contributions to their new roles as president.

Warren Carmichael (’58 Ag Journ) has been a member of the Alumni Society Board since 2003 and began his two-year term as president of the ASB this spring. Previously the board vice president, he succeeded Carrie Snyder (’95 Ad/PR).

William Epstein (’69 Journ) was elected to the Advertising/Public Relations Alumni Network board several years ago. He, too, previously served as vice president, following B.J. Ramos (’94 MA, MassComm) as president after the spring meeting.

Carmichael said he looks forward to bringing his organizational skills to his new post.

“My intention for the next two years is to continue to build upon and expand the significant accomplishments the Alumni Board has achieved in helping the College, its alumni, current students and faculty,” he said. “I hope we will see increased involvement from some of our ‘senior alumni’—those who graduated in the ’50s, ’60s and early ’70s—as well as

continue our outreach to our thousands of more recent graduates.

“I also look forward to enhanced communication with faculty members and providing opportunities for members of the Carnegie Society to be involved with the College. And we must continue our ongoing mentoring and other involvement with the current students.”

At Penn State, Carmichael served as editor of the Ag Hill Breeze, the College of Agriculture newsletter.

Carmichael was special events director and news director for student radio station WDFM and was a Cadet Public Information Officer for Army ROTC. Carmichael’s professional career included stints in radio, public relations and advertising. His biggest marks came while serving in uniform.

After graduating from Penn State, he was placed on active duty in the U.S. Army and served four years in the National Security Agency. Carmichael retired in 2002 after 23 years as director of the public information office of the Fairfax County Police Dept. He was honored in 2002 by a Resolution of Commendation by the Virginia General Assembly.

Like Carmichael, Epstein was very involved in campus activities while

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he was an undergraduate. He served as managing editor of The Daily Collegian in 1968-69. Both Epstein and Paul Levine—the editor of the Collegian when Epstein was managing editor—qualified for the individual championships in the prestigious William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Journalism Awards Program, a competition often called “the Pulitzers of college journalism.”

Epstein recently retired as director of communications for United Food & Commercial Workers, Local No. 1776, capping a wide-ranging career in non-profit communications. Prior to UFCW, Epstein was the director of communications for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Additionally, he was the director of communications for Gov. Edward Rendell’s inaugurations and the director of government relations for the Northeast Corridor of Amtrak.

As vice president of the Ad/PR board, Epstein has served as host and emcee of the board’s mentoring events and also assisted with the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism’s event held at Comcast Center in Philadelphia. l

SUMMER 2013

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumna’s ‘momoir’ offers mixture of advice, humor about life in the suburbs Not that long ago Penn State alumna Tracy Beckerman managed the advertising and promotion department for WCBS-TV in New York City—a big-time job in the Big Apple.

She was also creating award-winning TV and radio scripts for A-list clients and earning a Writer’s Guild of America award, an International Film and Television award and a New York Emmy.

Her story changed significantly when her first son was born.

What followed was a career switch, a move from New York to New Jersey, a syndicated column, some stand-up comedy and two books—the latest of which became available nationally in April.

With “Lost in Suburbia A Momoir: How I Got Pregnant, Lost Myself and Got My Cool Back in the New Jersey Suburbs” (2013, Perigee Books), Beckerman chronicles her transformation from a cool city dweller to an un-hip, stay-at-home mom. Her determination and talent never waned, though, and with an ability to find humor everywhere her syndicated column grew to reach more than 400 newspapers and 250 websites with a reach of nearly 10 million readers in 25 states.

Those numbers drew a response from the book agent Beckerman sought out in person—during another author’s event—to pitch “Lost in Suburbia.”

“The way you are supposed to get an agent is to send a query letter, but I’m not big on doing things the usual way.

So, I went to someone else’s book reading and pitched my book to her agent,” Beckerman said. “She was interested enough to have me send a proposal, and then when she heard about my newspaper circulation, she signed me.”

Beckerman (’86) said the book-writing process was similar to having a child. After nine months of work (four writing and five more fine tuning), the book was ready.

And she said the process was slightly less painful than giving birth, too.

“I loved being able to reflect back on a time in my life that was incredibly challenging, and have the perspective of time to see how I had grown from the experience of becoming a mom,” Beckerman said. All authors dream of writing a best seller, but Beckerman would be just as pleased if other moms simply make a connection.

“I would love it if other moms read it, find something in there that makes them laugh and realize they are not alone

Tracy Beckerman

in their struggles to get their cool back,” Beckerman said.

Now with two children and comfortable with her family in New Jersey, Beckerman has plenty of advice for moms.

For example, she’s learned valuable lessons about the proper attire to wear when feeding a baby (“Nothing too nice. They spit up a lot.”) as well as the best approach to getting a good night’s sleep, especially when the baby’s crying (“The person who can fake sleep the best, wins.”).

And, while Beckerman avoids driving a minivan at all costs, she does remain surprised by some things in the suburbs—especially hair scrunchies. She never wore them, even when she was younger, but she did not know they were still in widespread use.

“I thought those had gone out of style in the 1980s,” Beckerman said. “Apparently not. They just relocated.” l

Submit your alumni note (career success, family addition, etc.) online ...

comm.psu.edu/alumni

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SUMMER 2013

ALUMNI NEWS

Significant research helps shape book about historical figure A College of Communications alumnus has written a book about Juan Patrón, an influential historical figure during what is known as the “bloodiest saga of the American west.”

Paul Tsompanas (’58 Journ) wrote a biography about Patrón that has been nominated for multiple awards. The nominations include Best Book on Wild West History in 2012 from the Wild West Historical Association and Best Biography of a New Mexico Subject from the New Mexico Book Cooperative.

Along with the award nominations,the book was deemed a “special project” by the New Mexico Centennial Foundation because of Patrón’s legislative achievements that helped New Mexico reach statehood in 1912.

Tsompanas’s interest in Patrón is more of an accident than an avid interest in southwestern political history, though.

“I first heard about Juan Patrón just weeks after graduating from Penn State during my reserve officer’s commission in the U.S. Navy.

While at my first duty station in San Diego, I began courting a local young woman named Mary Eva Patrón,” said Tsompanas. “During the court-

ship, her father would regale me with stories about his own father, Juan Patrón, who once had held Billy the Kid prisoner in his store and was a popular politician during New Mexico’s violent frontier days in the 1870s.”

Tsompanas enjoyed the stories about Patrón, but had no interest in pursuing it any further at that time. Much later, when working on his own family history, his interest was peaked.

“Six years ago, at the age of 70, I began writing my memoirs for my children and grandchildren. After finishing a chapter about my Greek-Italian family background, I next wanted to write about the Patrón family history, recalling the stories told to me about Juan Patrón,” Tsompanas said.“However, none of Patrón’s living descendants had any knowledge about the family’s past because all of Juan’s personal possessions had been lost in a shed fire in New Mexico shortly after his death in 1884. So, cobbling together Juan’s life became a challenging task that lasted five years.”

After some lengthy research, Tsompanas found out amazing things about Patrón. “Surprisingly, my research uncovered a remarkable young man.

In a span of only six years, Patrón rose through the ranks of local government to become Speaker of the House in Santa Fe at the age of 25, the youngest in New Mexico history,” said Tsompanas. “During his brief life, he had been a school teacher, county chairman, captain of a militia that rounded up outlaws, a church leader and an admired businessman. Once I discovered all of this, I knew that Juan Patrón deserved a book.”

Tsompanas hopes that with the new book Patrón will be a more widely recognized figure in American history.

“My wish is that one day the Patrón biography will be in every high school and public library in this country so that the youth of America will know what life really was like in the Wild West, where guns rather than the law settled disputes until courageous men like Patrón took steps to bring law and order to a troubled land,” said Tsompanas.

Tsompanas has had an eclectic career in both journalism and politics.

He has earned awards for his journalism from the New Mexico Press Association and has served as the chief of staff to a California congressman.

Tsompanas currently resides in Colonial Beach, Va., with his wife Mary Ann. l

Alumnus compiles book with quotes from existing literature A 1975 College of Communications alumnus has published a book made up of quotations from existing literature.

Gary Freedman recently published “Significant Moments,” a book made up from quotes from already published works.

Freedman used the termination from his job and the year that followed as inspiration for writing the book.

“I began to notice similar themes in books, themes that interested me, themes that I identified with,” said Freedman. “In effect, the book serves as a kind of psychological memoir, highlighting my own identifications, associations and fantasies.”

Freedman said compiling the book was a process that took different directions, and time.

“Over those years I added quotations. I added sections

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and rearranged sections,” said Freedman. “The book kind of grew like a plant, with new branches emerging all the time. The writing became more and more fluid over time.

I began to break up the large quotes with the insertion of words, phrases and sentences.”

In addition, writing the book allowed Freedman to see how life can be paralleled by fiction.

“I am interested in how fictional literature matches real life situations. If you read the book you will see that I show parallels between literature and historical events,” said Freedman. “The book kind of blurs the distinction between reality and fantasy. I use literature to elaborate historical events.”

“Significant Moments” is available on amazon.com online. l 54

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ALUMNI NEWS IN MEMORIAM

SPECIAL SPEAKER Alumnus Ryan Buell (left) returned to campus in February and presented a public lecture titled “Faith, Spirituality, God & Sexuality: Coming Out While Starring in a TV Show.” The session was sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in the College of Communications. Buell (’06 Journ) serves as executive producer of “American Ghost Hunter” and was the creator and executive producer of “Paranormal State.” He was the founder of the Penn State Paranormal Research Society. He’s pictured with Carmen Frost (center) of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Sergey Poberezhny, co-star of “Paranormal State.”

Rose (Schulman) Saunders (’45 Journ) died on April 1, 2012. She was 85.

For nearly 67 years she worked in the field of journalism—first as a copy girl with the Brooklyn Eagle and later at the Cuyahoga Falls (Ohio) News and Torrance (Calif.)

Herald.

When she and her husband Robert (they were married in 1946) moved to California in 1958, she at first stayed home to raise her children but always kept busy writing for local papers or organizational newsletters. She subsequently worked 19 years as information coordinator for the Torrance Unified School System, then retired in 1983 before doing freelance public relations work. She also served as a reservist for FEMA, supporting its on-site disaster PR efforts and disseminating information on relief services. She also worked as communications chairman for Omnilore, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University, from 1992 to 2004.

Biank examines women in the military with ‘Undaunted’ that is laced with bravery.

A College of Communications alumna has “I was keenly aware of the issues these women written a book that tells the unspoken story of face when I started working on ‘Undaunted,’ but women in the military. it wasn’t until I completed the book that I underIn “Undaunted: The Real Story of America’s stood just how courageous these women are on Servicewomen in Today’s Military,” Tanya Biank and off the battlefield,” Binak said. “Women in (’93 Journ) discusses the challenges women face in the military are on the cutting edge of gender dethe military. bates. The challenges, choices and successes they Biank is no stranger to writing a book about encounter throughout their military careers, from women and the military. Her book, “Army issues of discrimination and double standards Wives,” was the basis for the Lifetime TV series by to juggling family and a job, have far-reaching the same name, and she serves as a consultant for implications for all women in modern American the show—which is the No. 1-rated drama series Tanya Biank society.” among women.

In addition, Biank is optimistic that recent Also, having grown up in a military family legislation will bring the topic of women in the military more and having married a military man, Biank knows her subject into the spotlight of the media. matter. She used her lifelong connection to the military as “With the recent lifting of the combat ban, which will alinspiration for “Undaunted.” low women to serve in the combat arms branches, a landmark “I’ve been around the military all my life and have covered decision that represents a cultural shift in our military and the military professionally as a reporter,” Biank said. “I knew country, I expect more attention on military women and the professional success in the military often comes at a personal issues they face in the months and years to come,” she said. price, for men and women. But women face their own set of Biank, who was honored with the Outstanding Alumni challenges. These are things they deal with privately. I wanted Award by the College of Communications Alumni Society to bring those issues to the forefront.”

With “Undaunted” Biank writes about what military wom- Board in 2009, lives in Virginia with her family.

— Caroline Nelson en go through on a daily basis, which requires a disposition

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ALUMNI NOTES

1960s Tom NcNulty (’68 Com) recently published the novel “When the Music Stops” (Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Co. LLC). He lives in Florham Park, N.J., and may be contacted at glmcn@aol.com

1970s Gene Collier (’75 Journ) was named Pennsylvania Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. In April, he returned to campus to visit classes and to take part in a presentation to sports journalism students.

1980s Diane Salvatore (’81 Journ) was named senior director of content strategy and delivery at Consumer Reports in January.

Karen Rogers Baker (’82 Journ) was named director of sponsored programs for Commonwealth Medical College. She lives in Lake Ariel, Pa. Kurt Deichert (’84 Telecom) is the senior producer of Texas Rangers’ baseball telecasts for Fox Sports Southwest.

1990s Ben Feller (’92 Journ) was named managing director at Mercury Public Affairs, a bipartisan strategy firm in New York.

Alison (Tuminski) Dauer (’94 Brcab) and husband Marty welcomed daughter Marbella Grace on Aug. 6, 2012. Alison is the owner of Grayson Bridge Meeting & Event Planning. The family resides in Newtown, Pa. Dana Russ Barker (’94 Brcab) and husband Mike (’97 Journ) have children Nathaniel, 8, Brett, 5, and Tyler 3. Mike is the program director for SportsTalk on Triblive.com. They live in Pittsburgh.

R.J. Hufnagel (’94 Journ) is a writer for USW@Work magazine, a publication of the United Steelworkers. He,

Alumna’s film about roller derby screens at festival in Hollywood A short film produced by a Penn State alumna screened at the biggest and longest running independent film festival in North America.

“The Derby Girls,” produced by Jennifer Crandell, who earned her film-video degree in 2012, was accepted in the FirstGlance Film Festival in Hollywood.

FirstGlance has been ranked as one of the “Top Jennifer Crandell 25 Film Festival Investments” by Moviemaker Magazine. In addition, films screened at the festival often find theatrical success. In the past six years, more than 90 percent of the features screened at the festival have gone on to theatrical and/or DVD release.

Crandell was surprised to find “The Derby Girls” had been accepted into the festival. “I was thrilled. Honestly, I had to do a double take. I thought I was opening a rejection email only to find out it was an official selection,” Crandell said. “Because I handled all positions in the crew myself, it feels really good that festivals are paying attention to my one-woman production.”

“The Derby Girls” is a short documentary about women who have a passion for roller derby, focusing on how the endeavor has affected their lives and the excitement it provides for participants.

Crandell decided to make the documentary after witnessing roller derby in person.

“I came to do the subject because my friend, Johanna Kirchheimer, asked me to film the State College Area Rollers’ bouts for coaching purposes. After watching these girls play for a semester, I decided to learn a bit more about them, what derby does for them and show that they’re not some stereotype,” Crandell said. “These are hard-core ladies with deep layers, something I really respect coming from a Marine background.”

Crandell started her Penn State education after she ended her military service. As a member of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, she traveled all over the world, including stops in Australia, Djibouti, Dubai, Kuwait, Singapore and Tasmania. Attending Penn State did not decrease her intensity and passion; she just refocused it onto her class work and filmmaking.

During her time at Penn State she was consistently on the dean’s list while completing two majors, film-video and integrative arts. She received a Creative Achievement Award from the College of Arts and Architecture and was accepted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Crandell also completed an internship at Nickelodeon Animation Studios. She was accepted for one of 30 spots from among a pool of 3,000 applicants for that position. l

wife Dena and daughter Isabel live in Pittsburgh.

live in Glastonbury, Conn., with sons Austin, 9, and Colton, 5.

Matthew Harris (’95 Film) was promoted to senior vice president, post production, at Ryan Seacrest Productions. He and wife Christina live in Calabasas, Calif.

Karen Milheim (’95 Brcab, ’03 MA Edu, ’08 Ph.D. Edu) accepted a new position as a faculty member in the Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University in Minneapolis. She also works as a consultant in instructional design and media planning for various colleges and universities.

Tysen Kendig (’95 Journ) was appointed vice president for communications at the University of Connecticut. He oversees university-wide communications and marketing, as well as the campus visitor center and the UConn Alumni Association. He and his wife, Leslie,

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Diana Zeitzer (’96 Media Studies) and Charles A. Stinger III were married Sept. 29, 2012, in Columbia, Md. Diana is a communications director

SUMMER 2013

ALUMNI NOTES

News to share?

Engaged?

Married?

Honored?

Promoted?

Proud Parents?

Crisis communications expert writes book, schedules campus visit for fall

A Penn State graduate who focuses on crisis communications has published a book about common mistakes when handling those problems.

With “Crisis CommunicaWhatever the news, just tions: The Definitive Guide let us know and we’ll to Managing the Message,” spread the word with Steven Fink offers a way for other College of readers to learn from some of Communications alumni. the most high-profile scandals Steven Fink wrote his latest book in part to address social media and technology. in recent years.

This is not Fink’s first book Submit Alumni Notes online effective communications during a about crisis communications. He reactive crisis ultimately become bethttp://comm.psu.edu/alumni previously published “Crisis Manter companies when there is no crisis, agement: Planning for the Inevitawhich makes for stronger and better ble.” That book remains one of the for Concepts, Inc., a communimanaged companies in the long run. most widely-read books about crisis cations firm based in Bethesda.

“I want companies to understand management and has been used as a Charles is an economic analyst for why it is important to tell the truth in the federal government. They live in textbook in some of America’s leada crisis, and what the consequences Bethesda. ing business schools. are of failing to do so.”

Changes in communications Anthony Pisco (’97 Film-Video) Fink’s book goes beyond simply methods—and especially technology— and his wife Emily Ruhmel (’01 Edu) prompted Fink’s most recent book. advising that people tell the truth welcomed son Leo on June 17, “At the time of the first book, I during a crisis. He outlines why they 2012. They live in Northampton, Pa. thought I said everything that needed should tell the truth, and contends to be said on the subject. But that was that companies need to listen to their Paula Knudsen Burke (’98 Journ) before the Internet explosion and the is the director of legal affairs at communications personnel as closely arrival of social media,” Fink (’71) Pennsylvania News Media Associaas they do their lawyers. tion. She resides in Harrisburg, Pa., said. “Also, more and more business He’ll share his perspectives during and can be contacted at and organizational leaders were a visit to campus for a public lecture paulak@pa-news.org embarrassing themselves and harming Oct. 15. The free event, sponsored by those they represented by not underAndrew J. Cinquino (’99 Media standing how to communicate during the College of Communications, will Studies) and wife Lisa welcomed a crisis. begin at 7 p.m. in the HUB-Robeson son Lucas John on June 25. Andrew “I decided it was time for a book Center Auditorium. is a media consultant for Penn State devoted exclusively to crisis commuThe book addresses headline-makAbington. They live in Philadelphia. nications, with a special emphasis on ing crises such as the BP oil spill and effective use of social media before, Ryan Gingrow (’99 Journ) has a the recall of Toyota/Lexus vehicles. new position as PGA relationship during and after a crisis.”

In fact, Fink cites those situations manager, Northeast for PGA MagaAlthough the ultimate purpose as examples of what not to do in crisis zine. He lives in Richmond, Va. of the book is to teach people the communications. importance of crisis communications David Schaefer (’99 Adv/PR) is vice in business, Fink hopes readers will He hopes that by showing what not president of communications for to do, readers will learn more quickly glean a few other messages as well.

The Golf Channel, based in Orlanhow to properly handle a crisis com“I think people and companies who do, Fla. more fully understand the power of munications opportunity. l Ann Marie Yurish-Surovy (’99 Brcab) was the recipient of the Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Featured Alumni Award 2012-2013.

Get the latest College of Communications news

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comm.psu.edu

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ALUMNI NOTES This award recognizes Penn State alumni in the local community and celebrates their accomplishments in the Lehigh Valley. Ann Marie is the development director for LifePath in Bethlehem, Pa. She resides in Whitehall, Pa., with her husband and son.

2000s Amy Leeking Kenn (’01 Journ) and husband Jonathan welcomed son Chase on Sept. 18, 2012. Amy is a senior publications editor at the Pennsylvania Bar Association in Harrisburg.

Natalie Blanchard Brock (’02 Journ) and husband Matthew welcomed daughter Mila Brock on Sept.

13, 2012. Natalie is a senior contract manager at Discovery Communications. The family resides in Gaithersburg, Md. Amy George (’03 Adv/PR) married Andrew Feldman on June 16, 2012.

They live in Shavertown, Pa. Tom Bassinger (’04 Journ) works for the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times as a designer/editor of the paper’s business and sports sections.

Alissa J. Cruz (’04 Journ) earned an MBA from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business in December 2012. She is a management consultant/communications strategist for the Center for Organizational Excellence, located in the Washington, D.C., metro region.

Reginald C. Walker Jr. (’04 Telecom) is an associate producer at ESPN. He lives in Charlotte, N.C., and can be reached at Reginald.C.WalkerJr@espn.com Megan Gotch (’05 Journ) has developed and is writing for The Nerdy Girlie blog, a site to get tips for San Diego Comic Con and discover the latest in what is nerdy and girlie. You can find The Nerdy Girlie online at www.thenerdygirlie.com Leah Gally Krenn (’06 Adv/PR) was promoted to marketing director at Pittsburgh Magazine in January. She oversees and executes all marketing activities for the magazine, which

include strategic planning, events, sponsorships, e-newsletters, social media, branding, PR and advertising support.

Bill Corcoran Jr. (’11 Adv/PR) is an account executive for Corcoran Printing, Inc. He lives in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Jordan Ford (’07 Adv/PR) accepted a position as director of social media at Miami Dade College, the largest four-year, non-profit institution in the country. He is responsible for using social media to drive enrollment, engagement and marketing. He was formerly assistant director in the Office of Annual Giving at Penn State.

Email: JoFoPSU@gmail.com

Amanda August (’12 Journ) is a photographer at The Daily Item in Sunbury, Pa.

Kelly (Silvis) Walker (’08 Adv/ PR) was recently hired as a senior account executive in public relations at Tierney. The agency has offices in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa.

Brittany Corl (’12 Journ) is a producer at WBND-TV in South Bend, Ind.

Chris Brunner (’09 Telecom) received an MPA and wife Lauren (’09 H&HD) received an MSW, both from Ohio State. He works for the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Dept. of State. They live in Tucson, Ariz.

Rachid Haoues (’09 Journ) is a producer at WPIX-TV in New York City.

Stephanie (Bennis) Shirley (’09 Adv/PR) married Scott Shirley (’03 Eng, ’04 MS Eng) on Aug. 4, 2012.

Stephanie is the founder and CEO of Bennis Public Relations Inc. Scott is executive director of the national non-profit Uplifting Athletes, which works with college football teams to raise money for rare disease research. They reside near Harrisburg, Pa., and are expecting their first child in June 2013.

Craig Stark (’09 Mass Comm) is co-author of the seventh edition of the Audio Production Worktext. The book became available in March 2013. He is also an associate professor in the Department of Communications at Susquehanna University.

Matt Bauman (’12 Journ) is a copy editor at the Roanoke (Va.) Times.

Lexi Belculfine (’12 Journ) is the night crime reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Kaila DeRienzo (’12 Journ) is a reporter at WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Melanie DiCarlo (’12 Journ) is an editor at WBOC-TV in Dover, Del. Chloe Elmer (’12 Journ) is a photographer at the Bucks County Courier Times.

Zack Feldman (’12 Journ) is a production assistant at ESPN as a content associate. He is also a freelancer for the sports department at the Boston Globe and Metrowest Daily News.

Ryan Loy (’12 Journ) is a communications coordinator at U.S. Youth Soccer.

Jennifer Studer (’12 Journ) is a production assistant for CBS Sports.

Sarah Peters (’13 Journ) is a reporter at the Easton Express-Times.

Robert Roselli (’13 Journ) accepted a position in the Indianapolis Colts’ media relations department.

2010s Kelly Rippin (’10 Journ) is a reporter at WXIX-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Samantha Scheller (’10 Journ) is a student at the University of North Carolina School of Law.

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COLLEGE CALENDAR JULY 7-11 JULY 7-11

Film-Video Camp

HOW TO REACH US

Addresses are University Park, PA 16802 OFFICE OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS 301 James Building.................................... 865-8801

Multimedia Journalism Camp

JULY 11-14

Central Pa. Festival of the Arts

AUG 10

Commencement

(10 a.m. Bryce Jordan Center)

AUG 26

Fall Semester Classes Begin

Kevin Musick, Director of Development Joel Diamond, Associate Director of Development Mike Poorman, Director of Alumni Relations Steve Sampsell, Director of College Relations Janet Klinefelter, Development Assistant Sue Beals, Administrative Assistant DEAN’S OFFICE 201 Carnegie Building............................... 863-1484 Douglas Anderson, Dean Marie Hardin, Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Graduate Education ACADEMIC SERVICES

OCT Foster-Foreman Conference (HUB-Robeson Center) 1-2 OCT 11-13

Area code is (814)

Homecoming Weekend

204 Carnegie Building............................... 865-1503 Jamey Perry, Assistant Dean for Academic Services INTERNSHIPS AND CAREER PLACEMENT 208 Carnegie Building............................... 863-4674 Bob Martin, Assistant Dean for Internships and Career Placement

OCT Public Lecture: Steven Fink (7 p.m., HUB Auditorium) 15 NOV 24-30

Thanksgiving Holiday (No Classes)

MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS 208 Carnegie Building............................... 863-6081 Joseph Selden, Assistant Dean for Multicultural Affairs WEB SITE http://comm.psu.edu

DEC 13

Fall Semester Classes End

DEC 16-20

Fall Semester Final Exams

DEC 21

(12:30 p.m. Bryce Jordan Center)

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