News from from the the News Raymond Simon Simon Raymond Institute at Institute at Utica University Utica University
December December 2023 2023
RSI Honors Outstanding Students with Awards and Scholarships
The 2023 student award winners with faculty and RSI Outstanding Alumna Regina Luttrell.
In April, 2023, the RSI recognized the top PR/J and communication students at Utica University. The annual brunch event, awards about $20,000 in scholarships and cash awards to students each year. The brunch awards program dates back to 1998. Before that date, Professor Raymond Simon held a small dinner event for students. “Today, this brunch is the highlight of the year for students and faculty,” said Pat Swann, executive director of the Raymond Simon Institute. “It’s a great event that allows faculty to introduce each student award winner by providing some interesting story about that particular student,” Swann said. “It’s a nice way for faculty to recall some special moments about these deserving students.” The awards program also recognizes an outstanding alumnus, chosen by a subcommittee of the Raymond Simon Institute. This year, the RSI recognized Dr. Regina Luttrell at Syracuse University (see related story). All awards and scholarships are provided by generous donations from alumni, their families, and faculty. Scholarships are endowed but each award needs to be replenished with new funds once the money is awarded. “We are always looking for ways to increase the awards budget,” Swann said. If you are interested in contributing to the RSI or a specific award, please contact Swann at pswann@utica.edu.
CURRENT RSI AWARDS Owen Comora/RSI Tangerine Award (staff contributor) Mildred Schwartz/RSI Tangerine Award (for a staff writer) Cecilia Friend RSI Award (for achievement writing/editing) Eleanor and Matty Sokolow/RSI Writing Award (for writing excellence) George Jones/RSI Outstanding PR/J Student Awards (top students at each grade level) John Behrens/RSI Phoenix Award (for a non-traditional student)
RSI Research Award (for achievement in research) RSI/Student of Promise Award (for a student from the Mohawk Valley resident)
CURRENT SCHOLARSHIPS Tammy and Rob Flaherty Scholarship Professor Kim Landon and David Simon Scholarship David T. Santora Memorial Scholarship Ben and Gene Comora/RSI Scholarship Raymond Simon/RSI Scholarship
Gagliardi/RSI Award (for public relations and artistic expression) Rubin R. Teitelbaum/RSI Award (for high academic and extracurricular work) RSI/Broadcast Journalism Award (for achievement in broadcasting) RSI/Rising Star Award (for academic achievement) Gary and Jeanne LaBella/RSI Transition Award (for a transfer student) RSI/Rising Star Award (for outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements) Fred and Corinne Grates/RSI Achievement Award (for academic achievement)
Corrine Bush, winner of the 2023 Raymond Simon/ RSI Scholarship, with Distinguished Professor David Chanatry
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CONTENTS
RSI News
COVER - PAGE 6
University News
PAGE 7
Faculty Updates
PAGE 7-9
Department Updates
PAGE 10-11
Alumni News
PAGE 12-15
2 | RSI Update
RSI NEWS
RSI Executive Director/Distinguished Professor Pat Swann, RSI Outstanding Alumna Regina Luttrell, and RSI Chairperson Deborah Kessler
Dr. Regina Luttrell ’98 Recognized as the RSI 2023 Outstanding Alumna Dr. Regina Luttrell is a distinguished scholar and an experienced academic leader with a track record of supporting cross-departmental and interdisciplinary collaboration, leading complex research projects, and advocating for faculty in multiple capacities. Dr. Regina Luttrell ’98 was recognized as the 2023 Outstanding Alumna by Raymond Simon Institute (RSI) for Public Relations and Journalism at the institute’s annual Public Relations / Journalism Awards Brunch, April 22, 2023. The award is given to a Journalism or Public Relations graduate who has achieved noteworthy professional accomplishment in the field of public relations or journalism. Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Associate Dean of Research and Creative Activity, Dr. Luttrell dual-majored in Journalism and English at Utica before going on to receive her master’s degree from the College of Saint Rose in Albany and her doctoral degree from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. Recognized as an innovative educator
and higher education academic dean, Dr. Luttrell is a distinguished scholar and an experienced academic leader with a track record of supporting cross-departmental and interdisciplinary collaboration, leading complex research projects, and advocating for faculty in multiple capacities. She has authored numerous scholarly publications, including several books. Two of her popular higher education textbooks are Social Media: How to Engage, Share, and Connect and Public Relations Campaigns: An Integrated Approach. Recently, she expanded her scholarship into popular culture with her book Wonder Woman: Disruptor, Warrior, Feminist Icon, in which she argues that Wonder Woman’s journeys are a reflection of each wave within the feminist movement and her impact on culture and society continues to be felt today. Currently, she is working on books about social media activism and converged media writing for public relations. Dr. Luttrell is a recognized leader in inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility at Syracuse University. She has created a number of programs including Empowering Stories of Indigenous Women and Sistas of Media. The RSI Outstanding Alum is chosen by Public Relations and Journalism alumni from Utica University’s RSI Advi-
sory Committee members and past Outstanding Award recipients. Various awards and scholarships will be awarded to students at the event as well. Students are chosen based on specific criteria for each award/scholarship. Based on those criteria, students are recommended for the awards and scholarships and selected by group consensus by the Public Relations and Journalism faculty. The Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations and Journalism was established in 1985 in honor of Professor Raymond Simon who taught at Utica University for 36 years and was a key contributor to establishing modern public relations educational practices. The RSI’s mission is to enhance and support the Public Relations & Journalism educational programs within the Communication & Media (CMM) degree program and the Public Relations-Marketing major at Utica University.
RSI Welcomes Two New Advisory Members The RSI welcomes two new advisory members Gina Pearce and Jennifer Waters at its fall meeting. Gina Pearce ’94, is the executive director of the Central New York Conservancy, an organization committed to upholding a strong public-private partnership to maintain a robust park system and city-wide green movement in the City of Utica. She leads its strategic planning for service expansion, community collaboration and the organization’s rebranding effort. In her current role, Pearce works with other capacity-builders to strengthen the non-profit sector through the creation of shared opportunities. Pearce brings her 20+ years of experience in marketing, public relations and fund development to the Central New York Conservancy and Kristin’s Fund, the non-profit she founded. She holds a bachelor of science degree in Public Relations and Journalism from
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RSI NEWS
Utica University. As a strategic leader, she blends her passion for social impact with sound business expertise to help organizations make the world a better place. Pearce resides in New Hartford, New York with her husband, Stephen and two children, Kendall and Jackson. Jennifer Waters ’09 is a senior director of industry development for Empire State Development’s Strategic Business Development division, where she manages the semiconductor, microelectronics and uncrewed aerial systems portfolios. She works with existing New York state employers to solve critical issues for their growth in the state and works to attract new business to the state. She previously served as the vice president of business development and communications for Mohawk Valley EDGE and adjunct professor in the School of Business and Justice Studies at Utica University. Waters holds a master’s degree in business administration and entrepreneurship and an undergraduate degree in public relations and journalism all from Utica University, in Utica, NY. Waters served as the president of the Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley in 2019 and was a volunteer on boards of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, Rome YMCA, Clinton-Kirkland Improvement Corporation, Rome Hospital Campaign Committee, and NYS Economic Development Council.
Jennifer Waters
4 | RSI Update
Gina Jennifer Pearce Waters
Local High School Students Experience College and Communication Careers Local high school students spent the day at Utica University exploring careers in journalism, public relations, or communications at the High School Communication Career Day. The interactive day was cosponsored by the Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations and Journalism with about 70 high local school students and school counselors attending. Alumna Patty Montone Charvat, ‘83, senior vice president of strategy and marketing at Mohawk Valley Health System, kicked off the event with an overview of the communication industry and career options. Close-up sessions included: ■ Digital Marketing/Public Relations – Sarah Calero, director of communication/Oneida County Tourism ■ Broadcast Journalism –David Chanatry, distinguished professor of journalism, and Laura Lewin, director of the Raymond Simon Convergence Media Center ■ Sports Communication & Sports Journalism, Jason Powles, anchor, NEWSChannel2 ■ Storytelling and Creative Communication, Assistant Professor
Ariel Gratch ■ Social Media Close-Up Session, Millie Occhionero, adjunct professor ■ Reporting the News, Mary Christopher, ‘99, Tangerine advisor, and Tangerine staff ■ University Sports Information, Adam Ziobrowski, ’20, Utica University director of sports information ■ WPNR College Radio Experience, Douglas Croft, ’03, lecturer and chief operator/adviser WPNR “The day included hands-on sessions in the broadcast and radio studios,” says event organizer and Distinguished Professor of Public Relations and Management Patricia Swann. “Additionally, students heard from current students and alumni of our programs during panel presentations.” Interacting with current students, communication professionals, and faculty offered high school students an insider look to college and professional communication careers. “It’s really important for students who are creative and interested in communicating information in a variety of ways to start exploring their options. This career exploration program does just that!” Utica University’s Communication and Media curriculum helps students develop a deep understanding of historical, legal, cultural, and critical aspects of communication while learning how to
RSI NEWS
Photos: High school students produce and anchor a short news segment. (Below) Sarah Calero, president of Oneida County Tourism, speaks at the High School Communication Career Day. (Opposite page) One student thumbs-up one of the close-up sessions.
use multimedia technology to produce and share compelling information. The University offers concentrations in communication arts, journalism, public relations, sports journalism, sports communication, creativity studies, communication and social justice, health communications, and theater. A degree in Public Relations-Marketing provides a foundation in business management. Next year’s date has been set for March 20, 2024. If you know a local high school student who could benefit from this career exploration, please contact Karen Kaleta at 315-223-2432 or via email at kkaleta@utica.edu.
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RSI NEWS
Paul Montana
RSI Raising Funds for Montana Scholarship The Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations and Journalism (RSI) is looking forward to soon awarding its very first Paul B. Montana Legacy Scholarship to a child or grandchild of a Utica University public relations, marketing or communications alum. The scholarship – recently re-named to honor the former RSI chair who proposed and helped launch the scholarship in 2018 – is open to Utica students who are matriculated in any of the college’s public relations, journalism or communications programs and remain in that program, in good standing (C+ average and above), for four years. Transfer students are also eligible, with the duration of the award being up to three years. Each scholarship is worth $1,000 per year. While the RSI Advisory Committee established the scholarship several years ago, the pandemic as well as the untimely passing of Montana, Class of 1970, put the proposal on pause for a short time. However, under the leadership of RSI’s new
6 | RSI Update
chair, Deborah Kessler, Class of 1990, and former RSI Chair Frank Maurizio ’77, the committee has begun more aggressively raising funds and promoting the scholarship to alumni and their families. An RSI subcommittee, composed of Utica University graduates who have achieved professional success in the communications field, will help identify and select the awardees based on criteria established by the full board and the RSI executive director, Patricia Swann. For more information or to apply contact Swann at pswann@utica.edu. There are several ways to donate to the Montana Legacy Scholarship: ■ Make a gift online: www.utica.edu/ give or by Venmo or Paypal on GiveCampus. Under Donation Details - Apply Donation To - select Other and write in “Paul Montana Legacy Scholarship.” ■ Mail a check: Payable to Utica University, memo: P. Montana Legacy, to Advancement c/o Schad, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica, NY 13413. ■ Call (315) 223-2552 to make a secure gift with your credit card over the phone. The Montana Legacy Scholarship is now among the thousands of dollars in
financial awards given by RSI each year to deserving students in the university’s public relations and journalism programs within the Communication & Media degree program and the public relations major in the college’s School of Business. RSI was established in 1986 to promote and support Utica’s nationally recognized and diverse array of communications degree programs. Montana – an accomplished businessman, community leader and author – had served as Utica College’s assistant director of admissions and director of alumni relations. In 2018, he received the college’s prestigious Key Award for his many contributions to Utica, including his longtime and influential role within RSI. At the time that the new Legacy Scholarship was announced, Montana said: “Utica (University) graduates are among the elite in the public relations, journalism and marketing professions across the country and throughout the world. This unique scholarship opportunity is a way to recognize them by supporting their own families’ educational pursuits and to promote the college’s first-class communications programs.”
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Utica University Selects New President Utica University welcomed Dr. Todd Pfannestiel as its 10th president during an installation ceremony during homecoming on Sept. 29. He replaces Dr. Laura Casamento, who retired this summer. He replaces Dr. Laura Casamento, who retired this summer. Pfannestiel has served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for the past five years during which he initiated the first A.S. and B.B.A. degree programs and oversaw the redesign of the
university’s general education program. He previously served as provost and vice president of academic affairs at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Pfannestiel earned his Ph.D. in history from the College of William and Mary, where he was a Woodrow Wilson Foundation Fellow in the Humanities. He completed his post-graduate studies at Duke University and completed his B.A. in history and economics from the University of Arkansas. For more information about President Pfannestiel please go to: https://www. utica.edu/news-events/news/todd-pfannestiel-named-uticas-tenth-president.
FACULTY UPDATES
Professor Paul MacArthur Researches NBC Television Coverage of Male Figure Skaters Paul J. MacArthur, professor of Public Relations and Journalism teaching in the Communication and Media Department, co-authored the article “Athletic Insiders or Nowhere Men? NBC’s Primetime Television Coverage of Male Figure Skaters at the 2018 Olympic Games,” with Lauren Reichart Smith of Rowan University. The article provides an examination of how male figure skaters were described, as compared to the composite of other male Olympians, by NBC on its primetime PyeongChang Winter Olympic broadcast. This article was just published in the journal Communication and Sport. Paul MacArthur
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FACULTY UPDATES
Distinguished Professor David Chanatry and documentary poster (below)
Professor David Chanatry Co-Produces Documentary on Utica Refugees Distinguished Professor of Journalism David Chanatry teamed up with Brooklyn-based Off Ramp Films to produce the feature length documentary Utica: The Last Refuge. Chanatry was a co-producer on the project. The film follows a refugee family from Sudan as they transition from a U.N. refugee camp to their new life in America. At the same time, it examines the revitalizing impact on the city of the thousands of refugees who have been settled here over the past 30 years. Filming began in early 2017 at the moment the Azeins touched down at the Syracuse airport. Director Loch Phillipps and the Off Ramp crew made over 50 trips up to Utica over the next 3 years, shooting 250 hours of footage in various locations 8 | RSI Update
in the area. The team also embedded at the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees and observed the resettlement staff working to help refugees while struggling to adjust to changes in federal policy. In addition to the Azeins, the film features refugees from Bosnia, Myanmar, Russia, Iraq, and Sierra Leone, among others, plus local business owners and officials. Chanatry and the team also filmed with the Young Scholars program at Utica University. The Last Refuge premiered in November 2021 at Utica’s Stanley Theater. It has been screened in cities and universities around the country, including at the Cinema for Documentary Film at Manhattan’s Firehouse Theater. Those interested can learn more about the film at lastrefugedocumentary.com. The film is currently being distributed as an educational film at https://www.videoproject.org/uticathe-last-refuge.html.
FACULTY UPDATES
Professor Ariel Gratch Writing Speech Performance Textbook Ariel Gratch, associate professor of Communication Arts, recently finished the preliminary draft of a textbook, Speech Performance, that will be used in his public speaking and digital public address classes beginning in the Spring 2024 semester. He also just had a book proposal accepted by Palgrave, titled Embodied Communication Pedagogy. Gratch is also leading the search committee for the next Chief Executive of The International Storytelling Center.
Seeking Our Next RSI Outstanding Alumnus Do you know someone who has graduated from Utica University’s public relations or journalism programs who deserves recognition for their professional or philanthropic efforts? The Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations and Journalism is accepting applications for 2024 RSI Outstanding Alumnus Award. Self-nominations are accepted. Here are some general criteria to consider for nominations: Professor Ariel Gratch
Professor Pat Swann Authors New Book
The Illustrated Guide to the Mass Communication Research Project
Pat Swann, RSI executive director and distinguished professor of public relations and management, published The Illustrated Guide to the Mass Communication Research Project. It takes an informal look at the research process and features more than 150 cartoon illustrations drawn by the author. The book explains how to construct an academic research project including on how to write an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, hypotheses/research questions, quantitative and qualitative analysis/findings, discussion, and conclusion. A similar approach was used to develop The Illustrated Guide to the Content Analysis Research Project, which was published in 2020. Currently, Swann is working on the fourth edition of the Cases in Public Relations Management, a case study book featuring several recent communication management scenarios. This textbook is used by more than 100 colleges and universities. All three books are published by Routledge.
• Advance the field of journalism and/or public relations through their professional practices, or as an educator, mentor or author. • Demonstrate excellence • Inspire students interested in public relations and/or journalism. • Serve as a role model for students in the PRJ program. An RSI subcommittee that includes the Executive Director, current RSI advisory members and past Outstanding Alumni recipients review the nominations and select a candidate. In selecting the Outstanding Alumnus, the committee may also consider: • The person’s level and record of career achievement • The number of years in the field • Contributions to the PR-J program • The person’s character • How this candidate’s selection would advance the PR-J program Winners will be asked to visit campus to accept the award at the RSI Awards Brunch in April 2024. To nominate someone, please contact pswann@utica.edu or visit https://www.utica.edu/academic/ institutes/rsi/alumni.cfm and download the nomination form.
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DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Public Relations and Marketing Major Update The Public Relations and Marketing major, housed in the School of Business and Justice Studies, has been approved to close based on a review by the Board of Trustees. It was one of several academic programs selected in January for closure, due to falling enrollments or other issues. While disappointing, it does not mean that public relations is no longer taught at Utica. Public relations has been taught within the Communication and Media major, housed in the School of Arts and Sciences, as a concentration, along with journalism, sports journalism, and sports communication and public relations. The Board of Trustees recommended that a Digital Media Marketing program be developed that embeds public relations education along with marketing concepts. The new program should attract high school seniors, familiar with digital marketing tactics, who are interested in brand promotions and creative content creation. RSI Executive Director and Public Relations/Management Professor Patricia Swann led the development of the new Digital Media Marketing major. The curriculum development was advised by a number of Utica University PR/J alumni and industry professionals, who provided feedback on the course creation. The School of Business and Justice Studies unanimously approved the proposed Digital Media Marketing major that contains a business foundation. The new major additional approvals (Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, and State Education Department). The core Digital Media Marketing courses include: • MKT 211 Principles of Marketing • MKT 225 Digital Marketing • MKT 326 Brand Identity • MKT 373 Web Search and Analytics • MKT 336 Content Creation • MKT 380 Digital Advertising • PRL 480 Social Media and Influencers • MGT 470 Management Internship Marketing and public relations continue to converge. “This is especially true as marketing has learned the value of long-term
10 | RSI Update
relationship building and the importance of communication to the brand experience,” said Patricia Swann, distinguished professor of public relations/management. “Brand management involves many public relations concepts about relationship building which is now pivotal to customer loyalty and business strategy.” This new major benefits from our expertise in public relations, creative storytelling, and clear communication. Students who enroll in this proposed major will also take key business courses including: • MGT 101 - Introduction to Contemporary Business • MGT 201 - Principles of Organization and Management • ACC 201 - Financial Accounting • ACC 202 - Managerial Accounting • ECN 131 - Principles of Microeconomics • ECN 141 - Principles of Macroeconomics • ECN 241 – Statistics • MAT 143 - Mathematical Analysis for Business & Economics I or MAT 201 – Calculus The compact nature of the proposed Digital Media Marketing major has the benefit of accommodating additional minors such as CMM’s public relations, journalism minors, and sports communication/public relations. Digital media marketing as a discipline is growing and provides a wide variety of career paths and job opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field will grow 19% between 2021-2031. Careers include digital marketing specialist, social media coordinator, creative strategy professional, content creator, data analytics, SEO (search engine optimization)/search engine marketing specialist, media buyer, media planner, etc. Our own data of recent graduates show that our public relations-focused students from the Public Relations and Marketing and the Communication and Media programs often find work in social media and digital marketing positions. “Digital media marketing is a career possibility familiar to most high school students, particularly in the areas of branding, social media, influencers, content creation, web design, and search engine optimization,” Swann said. If you have questions about the proposed Digital Media Marketing program please contact Patricia Swann at pswann@utica.edu.
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Tangerine Update Every edition of the Tangerine, from 1946 to 2020 is now available online. Issues from 2020 and beyond are available on the current Tangerine website at https:// uticatangerine.com/. The Tangerine digitization project was completed thanks to Tangerine adviser Mary Christopher and Utica University Librarian Herbert LaGoy. The link is available at: https://nyshistoricnewspapers. org/ The project was a collaboration between the university’s Gannett Library, the Central New York Library Resources Council, Northern New York Library Network and Empire State Library Network. The student newspaper experienced a successful 2022-2023 academic year. Editors Isabella Hudziak and Hollie David, both 2023 graduates, received an Honorable Mention in the Student Print News category at the Syracuse Press Club Awards ceremony in May. Alumni can follow The Tangerine on social media platforms and on uticatangerine.com.
Students’ Event Campaign Plan Benefits Local School Music Programs Students in the public relations Event Planning and Campaigns course helped a family plan a nonprofit event to raise funds for music programs at local high schools. The event was held April 30, 2023 in memory of Sal Alberico Sr. and Sal Alberico Jr. They were two well-known local saxophonists who worked with celebrities throughout the world. Students were instructed by Rose-
2022-2023 Tangerine Editors Isabella Hudziak and Hollie David
mary Bonacci, adjunct professor of public relations. Students follow the ROSTIR (Research, Objectives, Strategies, Tactics, Implementation, Reporting/Evaluation) public relations planning model for this integrated campaign. They were required to use the PESO (paid, earned, shared and owned) model. PESO includes the integration of paid, earned, shared and owned media. The students selected the date, International Jazz Day, venue, and potential business donor list. Additional student research provided the event’s communication tactics including the letter requesting raffle donations, news
releases, a poster and slogan (Play It Forward). Students also created a promotional video for the event. At the end of the semester, they presented their campaign to the Alberico family. The event was a success. More than $15,000 was raised and 30 instruments donated, which will benefit local school music programs. Over the years, students in Event Planning and Campaigns has helped many inner-city organizations such as Thea Bowman House, Abraham House, Rescue Mission, Believe 271, and more.
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ALUMNI NEWS
Kimberly Hill Ridley, ’94, University Convocation Speaker Kimberly Hill Ridley, ’94, New York State’s first-ever Chief Disability Officer (CDO), was this year’s convocation speaker, providing remarks to the incoming freshman class, faculty, and administrators. Ridley was appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul on February 14, 2022 – the same day that New York’s Office of the Chief Disability Officer was created in law within the Executive Chamber, making it one of the first states in the country to establish such an office. Ridley has been charged with advising the Governor and executive staff on policy and budgetary issues as they pertain to disability issues, serving as the state’s ADA Coordinator and chairing New York’s Most Integrated Services Coordinating Council, which is responsible for the state’s Olmstead compliance. As CDO, Ridley and her team spend a significant amount of their time meeting with advocates, people with disabilities and their families, focusing on priority topics such as home care, employment, housing, accessibility and transportation and collaborating with state agencies to reduce the silos that exist within the many existing service delivery systems in New York State. Prior to joining the Executive Chamber, Ridley served as the principal analyst for the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on People with Disabilities, which focuses primarily on people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Previously, Ridley served as director of the Assembly Task Force on People with Disabilities, which focused on issues pertaining primarily to people with physical and sensory disabilities. Ridley holds a bachelor of science degree from Utica College of Syracuse University and resides in Latham, NY, with her husband, Michael, and her two children, Michaela and Alex. Kimberly Hill Ridley, ’94
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ALUMNI NEWS
Keshia Clukey Joins State Education Department
Do You Have an Alumni Update? The Raymond Simon Institute welcomes professional and personal updates about Utica University public relations/journalism/ communication alumni. If you or someone you know has achieved a professional accomplishment or just has something interesting to share, please submit that infor-mation to RSI Executive Director Patricia Swann at pswann@utica.edu. The RSI newsletter plans to publish semiannually in the fall and spring.
Keshia Clukey, ’08, has joined the State Education Department as the director of public information. In this role, Clukey works with news and media outlets, manages social media campaigns and the website, highlights exemplary educational practices across New York, and disseminates internal communication initiatives. Clukey is an award-winning journalist with extensive experience in local and national education and state government reporting. She served as a correspondent for Bloomberg Government and previously covered education issues for Newsday, Politico, the Albany Times Union, and the Utica Observer-Dispatch. She has also previously served as an Adjunct Faculty member at Plattsburgh State University of New York. Clukey holds a Master of Science in Investigative Journalism from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow Scotland and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Utica College.
Dawn Chmielewski Receives Distinguished Alumni Award
Dawn Chmielewski and President Laura Casamento.
Utica University’s Alumni Council honored Dawn Chmielewski, ’83, public relations-journalism graduate, with the Distinguished Alumni Award. This award recognized her career accomplishments in journalism. She is a past recipient of the RSI Outstanding Alumni Award. Dawn Chmielewski spent nearly a decade working for The Los Angeles Times. As a staff writer, she reported on entertainment, technology and media, and went on to senior editor positions at technology news website Re/code, Deadline Hollywood, and Forbes, where she was senior editor for media, entertainment, and technology. Currently, she is a correspondent for Thomson Reuters. Chmielewski co-wrote the book Binge Times: Inside Hollywood’s Furious Billion-Dollar Battle to Take Down Netflix, with former colleague Dade Hayes. It’s an in-depth exploration of the streaming video zeitgeist including rivals from the tech and startup realm (Apple, Quibi) and traditional media (Disney, WarnerMedia, NBCUniversal) who competed with Netflix and Amazon. Chmielewski said “It’s really the first book to bring readers inside this cultural and business transformation of streaming video.” It focuses on traditional media companies and technology giants racing to catch up with Netflix.
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ALUMNI NEWS
Alum Wins Two Associated Press Awards The Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters presented two awards to Utica University alumna Celeste Gessner, ’21. She won best multi-platform story and best spot news in a small market for the story called WV, “I-79 Standoff.” The story covered Matthew Brevosky, 38, of Grindstone, Pa., who was shot and killed on June 16, 2022, after he wounded a deputy and fired multiple rounds toward officers in Lewis County. Gessner, a weekend anchor at WDTV, in Bridgeport, a small market station in West Virginia. She produced the winning stories. VAPB is an independent association representing West Virginia and Virginia broadcasters who are members of The Associated Press, a not-for-profit news cooperative. Gessner received her degree in Communication and Media. As a student she interned at WWNY TV, Watertown, for its morning broadcast.
Celeste Gessner, ’21
Alumnus Jeff Kassouf Covers U.S. Women’s Downfall at World Cup for The Guardian
Jeff Kassouf
14 | RSI Update
Utica University alumnus Jeff Kassouf, ’11, reported on the Women’s World Cup across New Zealand and Australia. His reporting appeared in London’s The Guardian newspaper and its digital editions. He chronicled team USA’s painful, early elimination from the Round 16 in a series of ar-ticles including “USA’s World Cup Rock Bottom was a Downfall Years in the Making.” He has covered the 2015 and 2019 US women’s national team’s World Cup victories. A link to his articles from The Guardian are at https://www.theguardian.com/profile/jeff-kassouf In addition to The Guardian, Kassouf has written extensively for ESPN and other media outlets, focusing on women’s soccer. Kassouf is the founder of US Women’s soccer website called The Equalizer (https://equalizersoccer.com/), which he started in 2009 while at Utica and has grown into a six-figure revenue subscription service. He was the founding editor of FourFourTwo USA, and sports producer for NBC Sports Group, where he covered multiple Olympic Games and won a Sports Emmy for his team’s work on the 2014 Sochi Olympics. He is co-author of The Making of the Women’s World Cup.
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumna LaToya Jordan Publishes Feminist Science Fiction Novella Alumna LaToya Jordan, ‘00, has authored a novella “To the Woman in the Pink Hat” published by Aqueduct Press as part of its Conversation Pieces series that features feminist science fiction. According to the book’s promotional material, the story centers on Jada Morris, a fierce and resilient leader of a social movement against the theft of young women’s uteruses, who commits a violent crime. Now, in 2040, the 24-yearold is serving time at The Center for Future Leaders, an alternative to prison for young leaders who committed crimes as a response to gender-based violence. The Center supposedly provides training, education, therapy, and reduced sentences to the convicted in order to return them to their communities as leaders. But as
Jada begins her therapy, she realizes all is not as it seems, and memory is thorny at best. Can she trust her android therapist and the terrifying path down which she’s taking her? And what will she find at the other end? Jordan works as a writer for the New York City Housing Authority. She received an MFA in creative writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BS in public relations and journalism from Utica University. For more information about Jordan’s work, visit latoyajordan.com.
LaToya Jordan and the cover of her book “To the Woman in the Pink Hat”
Alumnus Daeshan Buseck Wins Webby Award Daeshan Buseck, ’18, a Big Blue Ox account director for Netflix Queue, was part of a content team that won a Webby Award for work on Netflix Queue, a print journal that tells the stories behind Netflix’s original films and series. The online publication features interviews with actors, directors and other talent, as well as original photography. Buseck helped develop content ideas for Queue’s Instagram account. The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, the organization that awards Webbys, recognizes top online content. Netflix Queue was recognized by IADS for its social media. This year, there were nearly 14,000 submissions from 70 different countries. Buseck, a Communication and Media graduate with broadcast journalism concentration, is also founder and creative director at Mello Mako, a full-service production company in New York City.
Anthony O’Hagan, ’11, Delivers Convocation Speech Anthony O’Hagan, ’11, was the featured speaker at Illinois College’s Convocation ceremony. His speech to first-year students was about his experiences being autistic/ neurodivergent and his struggles and triumphs while a student at Utica University. “I advocated for the autistic/neurodivergent population and gave the students advice on how to adjust to college, how to connect with fellow students to establish friendships, what to do when you are struggling, how to treat those who are different than other people,” he said. The Zoom presentation was addressed students in the Illinois College Neurodivergent Summer Bridge Program on August 16. O’Hagan also was invited to speak September 17 with Illinois College resident assistants. Illinois College is located in Jacksonville, Ill. O’Hagan is the sports information director for Monroe College and served nearly eight years as Yeshiva University’s sports information director. He also was assistant sports information director at Lehman College. All three colleges are located in the Brox, O’Hagan graduated from Utica University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He received a master’s degree in sports business management from Manhattanville College. While at Utica University, O’Hagan helped establish an autism awareness group and was active in the campus student newspaper.
Daeshan Buseck, ’18
Winter 2023 | 15
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Raymond Simon Institute Advisory Committee RSI Advisory Committee Chris Bandura, ’99, is director of athlete relations and community giving for the Hit Parade Collection/Dave and Adam’s. Previously, he was vice president of media relations for the Buffalo Sabres Brad Buyce, ’91, is the senior program specialist communications for the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Previously, he was senior public relations manager for Paylocity, co-founder of B12 Communications, and vice president of external communications for the American Cancer Society. Brooke Candelaria is the daughter of Raymond Simon, and managing partner of events and marketing company 2CanConsulting. Previously, she was senior events manager at Anaconda, Inc., and client services director for George P. Johnson. Yvonne Dennis, ‘91, is a new editor for The Wall Street Journal. Previously, she was assistant news editor for the Philadelphia Daily News. Marissa Filletti, ’14, is associate director of content strategy and growth for Terakeet. Previously, she worked as a marketing specialist for Northland Communications Company and at M.Griffith Investment Services, Inc. Renee Gamela, ’03, is deputy chief of staff for U.S. House of Representative Glenn Thompson. She was vice president of public affairs for Powell Tate/Weber Shandwick in Washington, D.C., and was senior adviser/ 16 | RSI Update
communication director for U.S. Congressman Richard Hanna. She also worked as a reporter for the Utica Observer-Dispatch. Angie Grande, ’05, is director of NBCU Local Streaming News Channels, in Miami. Previously, she was executive producer NBC Stay Tuned, and NBCUniversal along with other news stations as a producer. Dorree Gurdak, ’92, is vice president of marketing for Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Previously, she was senior vice president of Pollack Communications, marketing and communications strategist/ partner for Chameleon Collective, and executive vice president for Weber Shandwick, Boston. Deborah Kessler, ’90, is president of Kessler Promotion, Inc. Frank Maurizio, ’77, is a retired communication executive. He was the manager of media and the web for New York State United Teachers. James McClendon, ’17, is sports editor for Syracuse.com. Previously, he was digital managing editor at Townsquare Media in Buffalo and sports editor for the Observer-Dispatch. Tim McGowan, 80, associate vice president of advancement marketing and engagement at Dartmouth College. Previously, he was Princeton University’s assistant vice president for strategic donor engagement and was deputy vice president of alumni and development marketing communications at Columbia University. He also worked for Young & Rubicam.
Maria Montero Silva, ’20, journalist for Hudson Valley News; previously, she was the food, drink, and culture reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. She was editor-in-chief of Utica University’s Tangerine in 20192020. Robert O’Gara, ’67, professor of public relations & advertising at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. Prior to teaching, O’Gara was in corporate public relations and advertising for Pittsburgh Corning Corp., Koppers Company Inc., and PNC Financial Corp. Gina Pearce, ’94, executive director of the Central New York Conservancy and founder of Kristin’s Fund. Richard Puff, ’81, assistant vice president and chief communications officer, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Jennifer Waters, ’09, senior director of industry and development for Empire State Development’s Strategic Business Development division. She previously served as vice president of business development and communications for Mohawk Valley EDGE.
RSI Advisory Committee Patricia Swann, RSI executive director and distinguished professor of public relations and management, pswann@utica.edu Mary Christopher, RSI assistant director and director of Tangerine operations, mc-
christ@utica.edu
