Communicator 2010 2011 edition

Communicator MSU College of Communication Arts & Sciences 2010-2011

Communicator 2010-2011 edition The Communicator magazine is published annually by the MSU College of In this edition Communication Arts & Sciences for alumni, donors, friends, faculty, staff and students of the college. We welcome comments and news items. Alumni news Please send them to: Kirsten Khire, Communications Manager Page 6 College of Communication Arts & Sciences, 4 Dean’s Message 287 Communication Arts & Sciences 5 Alumni Board President’s Message Building, Michigan State University, 6 Alumni Awards East Lansing, MI 48824 Email: CASnews@msu.edu 8 Journalism Centennial Dean Pamela Whitten 10 Alumni Honors Editor: Kirsten Khire, 12 New Scholarships Communications Manager Page 18 14 Career Boosts Contributors: Nicole Bays, Lane Blackmer, Edward Cohen, Phyllis Kacos, Andrea Kovac, Trenton Lively, Meagan Meldrim, Kerri Jo Molitor, Tom Oswald Research and creative work changing lives Designers: Ashley Calcagno, Kirsten Khire Photographers: Kevin Fowler/dharma bum 16 Health graphics, Zachary Jay, Christa Milster, Jin Myung 18 International: Africa 20 Technology and Economy Printer: Quad/Graphics Page 20 22 Social Media College of Communication Arts & Sciences Alumni Board 24 Video Games Ed Cohen, President Diane Neal, Vice President 26 Film and Art Jeff Lambert, Treasurer Matt Martyn, Secretary Around the college Jim Alexander Thomas Baldwin Merri Jo Bales W. Clark Bunting David Coelho Nancy Crawley 28 Faculty News Brian Hamrick Barbara Mason Angela Massenberg Page 25 30 Students/Programs Erika Myers Jana O’Brien Ed Swiderski Legacies Visit us online Website: www.cas.msu.edu Twitter: www.twitter.com/msucommarts Facebook: www.facebook.com/ 32 Tribute: James Quello msucommarts Linkedin: www.linkedin.com - 33 In Memory: Jill Elfenbein Communication Arts & Sciences Alumni YouTube: www.youtube.com/msucommarts Flickr: www.flickr.com/msucommarts Connect with us Page 36 34 Become an MSUAA member Copyright © 2010 35 Update Your Information Michigan State University 35 Nominate an Alum or Faculty Member College of Communication Arts & Sciences All rights reserved.™ 36 Join us at Upcoming Events

On October 16, 2009 during MSU Homecoming weekend, the college dedicated a new patio made possible by a gift from Richard Bush and Patricia McGuigan, honorary alumni award winners of the college, with support from Bob and Sally Snyder. The patio honors three special women who were mothers, scholars and Spartans: Ruth Cady Bush, Phyllis Spring Petrullo and June Bercin Snyder. 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 03

welcome Pamela S. Whitten, Ph.D. Dean’s Message Welcome to the 2010 edition of the especially meaningful during a year • and by evaluating and changing our Communicator magazine. It’s been a of such change. As you undoubtedly college to survive and thrive in any tremendously busy year in the MSU know, MSU and all public universities economic conditions. College of Communication Arts & are receiving significantly less financial Sciences, especially in conducting support from the government. Our To accomplish all of this, we need research that changes lives. That is the college has prepared for this reality in your involvement and support. I wel- theme of this edition, which I hope several ways: come your communication, whether by you enjoy. From helping families and phone, email or an in-person appoint- residents from Michigan to Tanzania, • by increasing our emphasis on re- ment. With almost 43,000 alumni from our researchers and students are mak- search grants and funding our college, we can all make a differ- ing a huge difference. • by seeking increased donor and ence. SPARTANS WILL. foundational support On the pages inside, you will read • by restructuring our college opera- about some of this academic year’s tions greatest moments, from our student • by making curriculum changes to successes to our alumni newsmakers. benefit students headed toward tech- Phone: 517-355-3410 nology and creative careers Email: casdean@msu.edu Our successes, which in large part are • by increasing career opportunities Blog: www.cas.msu.edu/deanblog a product of all of our involvement, are for our students Highlights of Comm Congratulations to Dr. luCinDa Davenport, reCipient of the 2010 faCulty iMpaCt awarD Lucinda Davenport, center, with Dean Pamela Whitten and Alumni Board President Ed Cohen, was recently named director of the School of Journalism. She developed one of the first interactive software programs for journalism education and has co-authored three nationally- known textbooks in reporting and mass communication. Of this award, she said, “Every time I look at this monument, I see a tribute to all of my colleagues and to all of you who touched the life of an MSU student. And thanks to you for that.” 04 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

Alumni Board President’s Message Ed Cohen (BA ‘76 Telecommunication, PhD ‘88 Mass Media) Cohen, right, with head of the MSU Alumni Association Scott Westerman (BA ‘78 Telecommunication), and the college’s founding alumni board president Edward Deeb (BA ‘60 Advertising), at the 2010 Alumni Awards Celebration. The MSU College of Communication Arts & Sciences time, expertise and resources. These strategies will help to Alumni Board, with 16 members representing all depart- sustain our college over the long haul. ments, has made significant progress this year and I’d like to update you on some of our goals and successes. Following this model, our board has set up an endowment for the college. The endowment allows current and The mission of the board is to: past board members to work towards a shared fundrais- • provide a framework for CAS alumni to communicate ing purpose. Upon completion, the interest earned from formally and informally for educational, professional and the endowment will support several areas that the board social purposes; feels passionate about, including the Faculty Impact Award • provide an advisory service to the College of Communi- honorarium and initiatives to engage our alumni. cation Arts and Sciences staff, students, and alumni; • expand interest in, and financial support for, the College We hope this endowment inspires other alumni to estab- of Communication Arts & Sciences at MSU. lish similar endowments and make gifts to support students and programs. I encourage you to get involved in the To accomplish this mission, the board is seeking ways college today. Every page lists a specific way you can (just to connect with alumni to encourage other alumni to en- look for the Spartans Will shield). Connect with us today! gage, become informed and invest in the college through encement 2010 Congratulations to all graDuates In May, 948 students graduated from the college, becoming the newest alumni. At the college’s undergraduate convocation, student speaker Zaneta Inpower (BA ‘10 Advertising) said, “I am incredibly proud of my efforts and ability to prove that tenacity and goal-setting can overcome obstacles, even cultural barriers, as I wrote myself into MSU’s history simply by standing here right now and delivering this speech.” 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 05

alumni awards the celebration BACK ROW Loretta Sklar, Edward Deeb and Phil Bertolini. MIDDLE ROW Kelley L. Carter, Ed Cohen, Pamela Whitten and Lucinda Davenport. FRONT ROW Stan Stein, Tim Whaley and Nancy R. Kaufman at The Celebration in May. o n May 8, nanCY r. Kaufman friends of (BA ‘79 Audiology and Speech Sciences), outstanding Alumni Award, the college creator of the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP), helping gathered for The children to become effective vocal and verbal communicators. Celebration: 2010 Alumni Awards stan stEin Banquet at the Kellogg (BA ‘75 Journalism, MA ‘80 Advertising & Public relations), outstanding Center. This year, Alumni Award, Executive Vice President for Weber Shandwick Worldwide, the college honored the world’s leading public relations agency, and re-opened its Detroit office eight outstanding in 2003. individuals. Alumni 2008 Outstanding Alumni Award winner Board President Ed Lynn Henning signs his book, “Spartan tim WhaLEY Cohen served as Seasons II” for Dr. Bradley Greenberg. (BA ‘81 Advertising), outstanding Alumni Award, founder of EnviroGLAS, a emcee for the event. recycled glass manufacturing company that produces customized flooring Presenting this year’s award winners: and counters made of recycled glass from many sources. He designed the awards that were accepted at the ceremony. KELLEY L. CartEr (BA ‘07 Journalism), rising Star Alumni Award, Emmy-award winning LorEtta sKLar entertainment journalist for CNN who has written for publications including Honorary Alumni Award, Vice President/regional Manager for Kohl’s, the Detroit Free Press, Vibe Magazine, USA Today and The Chicago manages over $1 billion in total sales, manages 6 District Vice Presidents, Tribune. over 250 executives and 3,000 hourly associates. tans W PhiL BErtoLini (BA ‘85 Telecommunication), outstanding Alumni Award, CIo for oakland ar P Nominate i LL s County. Vocal Advocate for enterprise solutions in government, cross- boundary resource sharing, and inter-jurisdictional cooperation. an alum today! Listen to JamEs Gaudino each winner at cas.msu.edu/alumni (PhD ‘88 Communication), outstanding Alumni Award, President youtube.com/ of Central Washington University, founding Dean of the College of msucommarts Communication and Information (CCI) at Kent State University. 06 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

“ Luck and laughter have been “ the keys to my success. But, also determination, taking What I always wanted was a purpose, some- risks and having a strong thing I could look back belief in myself and to and say, ‘I left a my God-given talents.” mark in what the future generation is going to achieve.’” — nancy r. Kaufman outstanding Alumni Award — tim Whaley outstanding Alumni Award “ “ one thing I learned here at MSU is how much it Just because is a family. It’s really a Michigan State is a community. It’s a family. big school is not a once you’re a Spartan, reason that you can’t you’re always a Spartan. be an individual. You When you walk on can seek help if you need it, you can have campus as a student to your own identity - when you graduate and but nobody hands become an alum, you’re a it to you. First and Spartan.” foremost, it’s a school that gives those who — Phil Bertolini are willing to take on a outstanding Alumni Award variety of challenges, the tools necessary to “ succeed in life, both profession- ally and personally.” Much of the advice that has — stan stein guided my career I received outstanding Alumni Award from the faculty and the “ administrators at Michigan State University.” — James Gaudino I really, really hope students understand outstanding Alumni Award the value of a career and how important it is to always network and to always stay hungry. When you stay hungry, you’re always putting out your best “ work, and when you’re always putting out your best work, you’re I'm humbled as I stand here always catching the today, not being a attention of people who graduate from Michigan are in positions to give State, but truly feeling you more work.” a Spartan loyalty that is really deep, deep in my — Kelley L. Carter heart. I am grateful for this recognition and this rising Star Award award.” — Loretta sklar Honorary Alumni Award 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 07

New journalism curriculum under way By: Meagan Meldrim MSU’s School of Journalism has overhauled its curriculum to strengthen its position as the go-to place for students wishing to become leaders in the industry. “Critical thinking, excellent writing and superb visual communication skills are the hallmarks of our students as they learn how to research and produce news and information in distinct platforms for different audiences,” said Lucinda Daven- port, director of the School of Journalism. The new curriculum is built upon the expertise and advice of faculty, professionals, alumni, university administrators and students. Innovative technologies are in the successful journalist’s toolbox, are pervasive in newsrooms and are in the hands of Journalism students showcase digital media projects. audiences. This innovation is pervasive in the new curriculum, building on solid, photography, design). The concentration as Creating and Marketing Journalism traditional journalism principles and appears on transcripts. for developing innovations that have theories, said Davenport. “As a journalism major myself, this is the potential for commercial success. Several major changes were made. One exciting news because the term journal- Other classes produce students’ work is that journalism students choose a con- ism is so broad, and a concentration will in professional newspapers, radio, TV, centration in addition to the major. The help me make definite decision as to my magazine and documentary outlets. The concentrations include courses outside of focus for the future,” said journalism new capstone, Spartan Online Newsroom, journalism for different types of reporting sophomore Zach Berridge. has students combining their research, such as sports, international, environmen- Further benefits are that students can writing and visual skills for the web. Still tal, public affairs, business and formats take journalism courses in their freshman in place is the requirement that students like electronic or TV news and visual year, and it offers more room for electives. have internships. Most journalism stu- communication (interactive graphics, It also adds several new courses, such dents average three. Mexican media CEO gives talk NPR, AP media headline lecture Alejandro Junco, president and The MSU School of Journalism es- CEO of the Mexican media organiza- tablished the Siebert Lecture series in tion Grupo Reforma, was the featured 1968 in honor of Frederick S. Siebert, speaker of the 2010 Mary Gardner director of the School of Journalism Lecture on April 8. from 1957 to 1960 and dean of the The focus of Junco’s speech was College of Communication Arts & Sci- “Adjusting the Paradigm: Building ences from 1960 to 1967. Journalism for the Future.” Don Gonyea of NPR and Kathy The Gardner Lecture was part of the celebration of 100 Hoffman of the Associated years of journalism at MSU, which will continue through 2010. Press, both MSU graduates, rtans W Junco earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the were the centennial Siebert Pa s iLL University of Texas at Austin in 1969 and received an Honor- Lecture speakers on Feb. 18. ary Degree of Doctor of Humanities from MSU in 2000. This year’s lecture topic was Celebrate with The Gardner Lecture is an annual endowed lecture at MSU that focus on issues facing Latin American journalism new technology and political coverage as part of the 100 the J-School! in honor of the late MSU journalism professor, Mary Gardner. years of journalism celebra- For more information about the MSU School of Journalism, tion at MSU. jrn.msu.edu go online to www.jrn.msu.edu. The archived lecture is available on demand at www.spartantv.cas.msu.edu. 08 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

j o u r n a l i s m ce n tennial Stan Soffin reflects on years Journalism Centennial Committee leading School of Journalism The School of Journalism at By: Meagan Meldrim Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts & Sciences As Michigan State University celebrates is pleased to announce the 2010 the 100th anniversary of the first journalism School of Journalism Centennial course offered on campus, MSU’s ombuds- Committee, comprised of leading man Stan Soffin reflects on his 30 years on journalism alumni. the J-School faculty, including 16 as director. The establishment of the Cen- Soffin, who holds a master’s degree in tennial Committee demonstrates journalism and a Ph.D. in American Studies the importance of 100 Years of from MSU, joined the J-School faculty as an Journalism Education at Michigan Stan Soffin State University, an investment instructor in 1968. He was appointed director Courtesy: Jason Chiou, The State News from alumni in the School of Jour- of the J-School in 1982, a position he held until 1998, when he was named the University In 1984, Soffin spearheaded a $1 mil- nalism and a commitment to the ombudsman. His duties include helping MSU lion grant to establish the Knight Chair in next 100 years of journalism. The students resolve disputes within the university Environmental Journalism. The program, now Centennial Committee consists of in a neutral and confidential manner. called the Knight Center for Environmental the following members: “When I was appointed the director of Journalism, teaches students to research, the J-School, then dean of the college Erwin report and write about environmental issues. Benjamin Burns, Professor of Bettinghaus told me my primary responsibil- Soffin jumpstarted the J-School develop- Communications at Wayne State ity was ‘to build a strong department,’” Soffin ment program, which, among other projects, University said. established many of the student scholarships He went to work in a hurry. In 1982, Soffin at the J-School. Alumni and friends endowed Beverly Burns, Attorney and brought the Michigan Interscholastic Press a journalism scholarship in Soffin’s name in Counselor at Law, Miller, Canfield, Association to the J-School. A year later he 1998. Paddock, & Stone and colleague Carrie Heeter raised $100,000 Soffin remarked on the changes he has from the Gannett Foundation to create a pio- seen in journalism during his time at MSU. Donald Dahlstrom, Senior neering communication technology lab for the “Symbolically, we went from typewriter- Communications Officer at C.S. College of Communication Arts & Sciences. assisted journalism to computer-assisted jour- Mott Foundation In 1985, he helped restart and bring the long- nalism. That was an expensive and significant dormant Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame to shift, and it’s still evolving,” he said. Katherine Dahlstrom, Instructor of the J-School. Journalism at Oakland University Karen Healy, Vice President of Cor- UPCOMING EVENTS porate Affairs & Marketing at Delphi Larry Lee, Former Vice President at Gongwer News Neal Shine Lecture Centennial Weekend Joseph Serwach, Media Relations Friday, Oct. 15, 2010 Friday and Saturday at University of Michigan 2 p.m. 145 CAS Oct. 22-23, 2010 Stan Soffin, Ombudsman at Michigan State University The Neal Shine Lecture is named after The weekend following Homecoming Neal Shine, former publisher of the culminates the celebratory centennial Detroit Free Press. This year’s lecture year. Three keynote speakers anchor a Centennial Planning Committee: on Homecoming Friday celebrates day filled with alumni and profession- the new sports journalism concentra- als leading workshops and seminars. Jeremy Steele, Pam Saunders, tion with a panel of highly successful The event ends with a spectacular Lucinda Davenport, Bob Gould, sports reporting alumni discussing evening reception. Joe Grimm, Karl Gude, Steve Lacy ethical situations and new technology. and Cheryl Pell Thank you to additional faculty for For a complete list of journalism centennial events, their time and efforts. visit www.jrn.msu.edu 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 09

alumni honors Taking the helm at the MSUAA Book signings by alumni M.L. Elrick (BA ‘90 Journal- Scott Westerman ism), near right, along with De- (BA ‘78 Telecom- troit Free Press fellow reporter munication) took the Jim Schaefer, discuss their book helm in January as “The Kwame Sutra” at a local MSU’s new associ- book signing. Elrick and Schae- ate vice president for fer won a 2009 Pulitzer Prize alumni relations and in the local reporting category executive director of for uncovering incriminating the MSU Alumni Asso- text messages by former Detroit ciation. Westerman came to MSU from Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Albuquerque, N.M., where he was area vice president for Comcast Corp.’s West Writer and editor Robin Division. He spearheaded a public rela- Stone (BA ‘86 Journalism), tions turnaround for the company by right, discusses the book “My leveraging social media such as Face- Times in Black and White” by book and Twitter to respond to custom- Gerald Boyd, her late husband, er complaints. In 2001, he received the former managing editor of the MSU College of Communication Arts & New York Times. Stone helped Sciences Outstanding Alumni award. edit the book and bring it to He has served as president on the Col- publication and shared the lege of Communication Arts & Sciences story with MSU students. Alumni Board. From MSU By: Kerri Jo Molitor Two alumni have used their MSU journalism training at the well-known journalism corporation, National Geographic. Anisa Abid Peters (MA ‘08 Jour- nalism), has worked with National Geographic Television since finish- ing her master’s degree at MSU. She started out working with the program “Dangerous Encounters” as a production coordinator intern and is now associate producer. Applying for the National Geographic internship was a natural choice, Peters said, because Telecasters alumni reunion working for an international wildlife program seemed perfect for her. “I was fortunate to get the internship,” Peters said. “It was the best Former Telecasters and MSU alumni Ryan Alloway, Maureen Enright, Andrew news I’d ever heard. National Geo- Sobotka, Debora Del Valle, Heather Zara, Brian Murray and Tim Taylor spoke graphic’s mission is appealing because about their professions to more than 50 students and alumni in February as it is inspiring people to care about part of an all-day Telecasters alumni reunion for the MSU Telecasters Alumni the planet. I knew the job would be a interest group. good fit because that’s what I want to do, through television and documentary film.” 10 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

Alum Craig Murray and his daughter Alumni shine at the oscars Jessie at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. Murray’s company Craig Murray Productions had a major production role in the Oscars. The college was well represented by alumni at the 82nd Annual Acad- emy Awards in February, including by: • Craig Murray (BA ‘76 Advertising), whose company Craig Murray Pro- ductions created the nomination film sequences, the Governors Award sequence and the World of Sound, • Bob Murawski (BA ‘87 Telecommu- nication, Film Studies), who received an Oscar for best film editing for “The Hurt Locker” with Chris Innis Alum Bob Murawski and wife Chris Innis • and Justin Shaw (BA ‘99 Telecom- with the Oscar for editing “The Hurt Locker.” munciation, Film Studies), who was Murawski’s company Grindhouse Releasing assistant film editor on “Avatar,” is a Hollywood-based distribution company. which was nominated in the film editing category. ... to National Geographic jobs In 2003, Lerman returned home to after graduation, whereas usually this Croatia and applied to be the associ- specialization comes to journalists ate editor of the new Croatian edition later in a career after working several of National Geographic Magazine. years in general beats. Overall, the Not only did she get the job, but she knowledge and experience I gained at was later promoted to deputy edi- MSU was invaluable and it prepared tor in chief and worked there for six me well for my career and gave me all years. the necessary tools to succeed in this “My favorite part of the job was field.” writing feature stories,” Lerman said. Anisa Abid Peters works on a crocodile suit “Among the ones I am especially for “Dangerous Encounters.” proud of is the story on overfishing in the Adriatic Sea for which I got the Croatian Journalist Association’s tans W Another graduate, award for excellence in environmental r Pa i Ivona Lerman (MA ‘01 Journalism) was part journalism.” LL of the National Geo- Recently, Lerman was transferred s graphic family. The to Sensa, a health, environment and MSU environmental wellness magazine. Share your story! journalism program “Being a graduate from MSU’s was a good choice for School of Journalism opened a lot of her, she said, because doors for me,” Lerman said. “Also, spartansagas.msu.edu it combined her love my specialization in environmen- Lerman for science and nature tal journalism and experience as an with her newly discov- editor of EJ News provided me with ered passion for journal- a possibility to start working in the ism. environmental journalism field right 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 11

new scholarships Leo Burnett Detroit creates award to honor colleague PR firm By: Kirsten Khire establishes Creative. Someone who took a chance on others. A mentor. A family man. Smart, passionate. Great sense scholarship of humor. By: Rebecca Pagels These were among 1,100 qualities that people loved about George Kat- Investing in the younger generation sarelas (BA ’82 Advertising) – perma- in Michigan and giving back. These nent remembrances on a wall in the are the words that Jeff Lambert (BA Leo Burnett ’93 Advertising) used to describe Detroit of- the Lambert, Edwards & Associates fice, where Expendable Scholarship. Katsarelas Advertising student Tess Maurici, left, is the first When Lambert became a member worked for recipient of the George Katsarelas Endowed Memo- of the college alumni board, he began many years rial Scholarship, founded by friends at Leo Burnett looking for ways to give back and as a creative Detroit including Jeff Cruz, right. introduce CAS students to real-world leader. first recipient is advertising student public relations as well as investor Katsar- Tess Maurici, who met Cruz in April. relations, an area elas passed Leo Burnett Detroit isn’t stopping in which his firm away in there. The advertising agency is work- specializes. June 2009. ing on fundraisers, wristbands and The result When he campaigns to encourage everyone who was the Lambert, passed, his knew Katsarelas to get involved and Edwards & Associ- George Katsarelas ates Expendable colleagues contribute toward the scholarship. in the office sought a special way to “Our goal is to make this scholar- Scholarship in remember a very special colleague. ship bigger and greater,” Cruz said. the Department They created a remembrance wall and “The more students we can help, the of Advertising, Public Relations, and made it blue to symbolize one of Kat- better.” Leo Burnett offers matching Retailing in the college. sarelas’ last projects: a pro bono effort funds to employees who make a gift. As part of the scholarship offered for the Detroit Public Schools. They “For us, this is about George: how to juniors or seniors studying public planted an apple tree, symbolic of the he approached life, how he treated relations at Michigan State University, Leo Burnett culture. But they wanted people, how he taught people in the students will participate in a job shad- to go even further to keep his memory business. He was a great guy. You ow day at one of Lambert, Edwards & alive. The result? They established would have liked George,” Cruz said. Associates’ locations. The first recipi- the MSU George Katsarelas Endowed Katsarelas was president of the ents are students Jessie Murninghan Memorial Scholarship. Detroit Creative Director’s Council and Emily Tschirhart. Jeff Cruz of Leo Burnett said the and a leader in the Detroit advertising Lambert considers this gift to be scholarship was a group decision that community. He is survived by his wife a perfect example of investing in the made perfect sense. “He was my role Mary, sons Max and Nick and daugh- future generation, adding “I grew up in model. Anyone who knew George ter Elizabeth. Michigan, my employees live and work would say he was creative by trade, here, and this scholarship will support r tans W students from Michigan.” and he was even better with people. He understood that some people Pa i Lambert is the president and LL co-founder of Lambert, Edwards & As- s crave extra guidance and mentoring,” Cruz said. “He could see potential in Create or support sociates, founded in 1998. The firm has people, and he would want to foster a scholarship! grown to become a top-10 Midwest- based PR firm and a top-20 investor the next generation of creatives. We had to make this scholarship happen.” (in any amount) relations firm nationally with more Leo Burnett Detroit contributed than 100 clients based in 20 states and five countries. The firm recently won $30,000 to set up the scholarship endowment with the CAS Advancement cas.msu.edu/giving PR Week’s Small Agency of the Year Office. The scholarship will benefit award. MSU advertising students, and the 12 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

Alumna creates scholarship to honor parents By: Kirsten Khire sure and work load for the students who receive it.” The first recipient of the scholarship is advertising student Thomas For alumni board member Diane Neal (BS ‘79 retailing), helping Shaver, who hopes to pursue a career in art direction at an advertising others achieve their dream to go to college is a fulfilled dream for her firm. “When I gain enough experience, my ultimate goal would be to through a new scholarship she established. start my own business.” Due to her family’s financial Shaver will push to become a motivated student with the opportu- circumstances, Neal paid for her nity this scholarship has presented to him. own MSU education, and she “receiving a scholarship for school means so much to me, and hopes this fund helps others who I’m so grateful that I was chosen to receive the Neal scholarship. are supporting themselves through Even though I believe getting a good education and going to college college. is extremely important in today’s world, I also believe in keeping out of “It was always distressing to debt and saving as much money as possible. Scholarships help relieve “ my parents that they were unable some of the burden of debt students face after graduation, while also to pay for my motivating them to work education,” she said. “However, harder.” it was their unconditional support “Because I received this inspires me to also be and belief in me, that helped me a scholarship I will strive a scholarship donor in the get to the position I am at today.” to achieve better grades Alumni board member Diane Neal To honor her parents, Neal so that I can enhance my future so that i may help in founded the Donald and Annette Neal Scholarship to benefit students chances for future scholar- the education of a young who are transferring to MSU. “My parents helped set the stage for my ship awards. Another way person.” success, and this scholarship honors their love and support, while this scholarship makes a providing financial support to students.” difference in my own life is -thomas shaver Neal, CEo of Bath and Body Works, knows first hand how valuable the realization that there (neal scholarship recipient) this support can be to students. “I wanted to set up a scholarship fund are people who are gener- to help out students who are unable to find resources for their educa- ous givers. This inspires tion. I personally understand how difficult it is to work and go to school me to also be a scholarship donor in the future so that I may help in at the same time, so hopefully this scholarship will help ease the pres- the education of a young person.” Telecasters alumni help students The MSU Telecasters Alumni Group created and film live concerts for musicians. awarded its first scholarship this spring. “Life is about stories. We carry our stories with us, MSU Telecasters provides opportunities for MSU un- share them with others we encounter and create new dergraduates to gain hands-on experience working with ones from scratch. We aim to enlighten and inspire state-of-the-art television equipment such as cameras, those around us with our stories, and I want to do it on lighting and editing software. Students produce, direct, a larger scale,” Marshall said. write and edit their own shows. All shows are entirely created by student casts and crews. “If you are like us, you are proud to have been a Media arts and part of the Telecasters experience at MSU. It was likely technology a highlight of your college career that formed lasting student Colin friendships and provided a launching pad to a career in Marshall re- television, film, communication technology and many ceived the other fields,” said Pam Saunders, president of the MSU Telecasters Alumni Group’s Telecasters Alumni Group. first scholarship The Telecasters alumni group presented a $500 in the spring. scholarship in the spring to media arts and technology student Colin Marshall. Marshall is in the Honors Col- Credit: Matt lege and in the fiction film specialization. He was editor Radick/ of Telecaster productions “The Giraffe House” and “The Residential Show.” He has helped produce videos for musical artists College in the and a video for the MSU Office of Admissions. He also Arts and interned with the Big Ten Network. Marshall’s goal is to Humanities 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 13

Students help protect Alumni provides children via internships internship help By: Nicole Marble For the second year in a row, dozens of Michigan State By: Kirsten Khire University students volunteered around the state to help organizations that protect children from abuse and neglect. Alumni board One such student is MSU public relations master’s member Jana student Halley Buchan, who is interning at the Children’s O’Brien has set up Trust Fund main office in Lansing. an internship fund “This internship has meant a lot to me. I have been able for advertising to finally use all my schooling and put it to use on actual students so that projects that are helping to prevent abuse and neglect of they can pur- children all around the state of Michigan. It has been nice sue their career working with people that truly want to help children and dreams. Often, people in need,” Buchan said. Jana O’Brien internships are The Children’s Central volunteer program is part of a unpaid, located in relationship between the Department of Advertising, Public expensive locations or require travel funds. O’Brien’s Relations, and Retailing and Michigan Children’s Trust contribution is helping eight students this summer to Fund (CTF). pursue their dream internships. In the program, advertising and public relations stu- “I honestly attribute a lot of my career success to dents are working as fundraising and publicity volunteers my summer internship experience at BBDO in Detroit for CTF affiliate offices among other nonprofits statewide. in the summers of 1977-1978. It is so gratifying to see Last summer, the nonprofits received approximately that students have been able to find similar opportu- $48,000 worth of contributed labor from 20 MSU under- nities in the midst of our challenging economic times graduate PR and advertising students over the 12-week and also to know that my small donation helped summer break. them take advantage of those opportunities,” O’Brien “PR and advertising students in our program get a great said. deal of exposure to child abuse and prevention efforts Here are a few examples of students interning as well as other important social causes through various around the country: courses in the department. We help local CTF affiliates • Lauren Fifarek, interning at MWW in New York City; meet their objectives by giving the students a chance to • Yale Miller, interning in Palm Springs with the Pow- show what they can do. This program benefits the student ers Minor League Baseball Team; and society,” said Richard Cole, chair of the Department of • Lynsey Tomac, intern- Advertising, Public Relations, and Retailing. ing at Allied in Chicago. This summer, MSU has placed student volunteers in Fifarek says, “This local CTF affiliate offices in Ingham, Livingston, Gratiot, Ot- summer has been a tawa, Macomb, Eaton, Wayne, Clinton and Jackson coun- chance of a lifetime ties. In addition to CTF internships, students are interning here in New York City. at organizations including Matrix Human Services, Ann I am so fortunate to Arbor Center for Independent Living and Cranbrook Insti- attend a university that tute of Science. has such a strong and Keri Keck, executive director of the Council for the Pre- supportive alumni base. Lauren Fifarek vention of Child Abuse and Neglect in Jackson, said MSU With the donation I received intern Stacy Scheier has made a difference this summer. I was allowed to put “Stacy has been very busy and such an asset. She has it towards my experi- done great things for the agency, from creating a website to tans W ar ence here and focus less developing media opportunities for the agency to get out about how I will pay for P i into the community,” Keck said. LL s everything and more on “One of the side benefits of our relationship with MSU growing not only as a has been the value that these interns have been able to young professional but Host or support add in our offices. That’s important,” said Michael Foley, as a person all around. an intern! executive director of CTF. “What may be more important, This was my third intern- over the long haul, is the degree to which we are helping set ship, but my first one out cas.msu.edu/giving these kids off on a lifetime course of volunteering to help of the Lansing area.” prevent child abuse and neglect. I’d call that a win-win- win.” 14 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

care e r b o o st s Participants at the Grand Rapids Showcase in April 2010. Grand Rapids businesses open doors to students... By: Nicole Bays On April 16, the college hosted a showcase and networking event ...leading to career for Grand Rapids professionals and alumni to highlight careers in West Michigan for graduating MSU students. Huntington Bank provided the MSU College of Communication success stories! Arts and Sciences with a $10,000 donation to organize the event and support the college’s Career Services. madalyn Kaltz (BA ‘10 Journalism) attended the MSU students toured downtown Grand Rapids businesses and Grand rapids Showcase and is now working in Grand “ organizations to learn about possible rapids at SeyferthPr. We hope to career opportunities in West Michi- “This event helped me find a present Grand Rapids as gan. After the tour, area professionals job! I think the media tour is a great a viable option for gradu- and MSU alumni joined the students at idea. I also went to career network- ating seniors to consider Tavern on the Square for a networking ing events and job fairs at MSU, but with so many people present, it for their future career session. can be overwhelming. The agency plans. We are also The event was free to students, MSU alumni and local professionals, tour was a personal way to go to the businesses excited about the instead of having them come to us. This helps us to opportunity for them to thanks to the support of Huntington get a better feel for what the company is truly like. And network with area alumni Bank. it showed us that there are jobs out there, a lot of good “With Huntington Bank’s close who can help them get relationship with the MSU [College of jobs, and they are hiring in Michigan. connected in the Communication Arts & Sciences], we Throughout much of my college career, I knew I community.” thought it would be a great opportu- had to be independent and have strong self-discipline nity to reach out to this year’s graduat- and motivation. This is what college is about. But this — Michael Lindley ing class and give them an opportunity event built a bridge between us as students and the senior vice president of real work force. This is necessary for our first job, to marketing for Huntington Bank to experience downtown Grand Rapids build networking and to use the brand “Michigan State and career and lifestyle options available,” said Michael Lindley (BA ‘76 Advertising), senior vice presi- University” with pride to make us stand out in a stack dent of marketing for Huntington Bank. “We hope to present Grand of resumes. Rapids as a viable option for graduating seniors to consider for their Thank you and the team at CAS for the opportuni- future career plans. We are also excited about the opportunity for ties and experiences that made me feel that personal them to network with area alumni who can help them get connected connection and personal attention that large univer- in the community.” sities often lack. Having people care if you end up Participating companies in the showcase included Huntington successful is definitely a great feeling.” Bank, Bevelwise, Hanon McKendry, Lambert, Edwards & Associates, Meijer, SeyferthPR and Spectrum Health. 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 15

health Getting creative to help social media project is potential life-saver Grand Rapids get FIT According to Donate Life Amer- By: Kirsten Khire ica, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase education What if entire schools and the about organ and tissue donation, community committed to getting fit? more than 100,000 Americans That’s the healthy idea for students at currently need life-saving organ schools who have received Project FIT transplants. The organization said kits, designed and packaged by faculty an average of 18 people die each day and students from Michigan State from the lack of available organs for University. transplant. MSU is partnering with Blue Cross In a new project funded through Blue Shield of Michigan and Grand a $340,000 grant from the U.S. Rapids Public Schools to lead a $1 Health Resources and Services million health initiative led by the MSU partnered with colleagues throughout Administration’s Division of Trans- College of Human Medicine to promote the Department of Advertising, Public plantation, MSU researchers are physical activity and healthy eating. Relations, and Retailing including Keith studying ways in which social me- Project FIT, funded by Blue Cross Adler, Henry Brimmer, David Regan, dia – in particular Facebook – can Blue Shield, is focusing on four el- and graduate student Karina Garcia- increase the numbers of people who ementary schools and surrounding Ruano to take a more integrative ap- register as organ and tissue donors. neighborhoods in Grand Rapids. The proach to marketing this project. The “There is a great need in the state program, working with community team’s goal is to raise awareness of the of Michigan to increase the number organizations, seeks to increase ac- initiative among appropriate audiences of citizens who enroll on the state cess to safe and affordable physical through educational materials, adver- organ donor registry,” said Sandi activities, improve the affordability tisements and promotional items – Smith, director of MSU’s Health and availability of nutritious food, and including Spanish-language materials. and Risk Communication Center increase knowledge, attitudes and be- “The creative part of this project is and director of the project. haviors associated with healthy living, a vital complement to the research,” “We’re hopeful that we can help in collaboration with school staff and Paek said. “The packaging and brand- increase the number of young adults parents. ing of the Project FIT makes it stand registering on the Web by as much Associate Professor Hye-Jin Paek is out. It’s a comprehensive health inter- as 15 percent.” leading the branding, social marketing, vention project that employs the cre- and promotion of the project. Paek has ativity of advertising and marketing.” Breast cancer research to help advocates Growing concerns about breast cancer lead many people turn to breast for mothers and daughters. So it’s critical that they have the latest research cancer organizations for help with the latest information, including risk factors translated at their fingertips to share with people who seek this information.” and treatment options. Atkin and Smith, along with Associate Professor Kami Silk, translate hard MSU faculty, as part of a Breast Cancer and the Environment grant, are science research – which can take decades to produce meaningful data – into working with advocates at breast cancer organizations to help translate breast health communication messages for testing with breast cancer advocates. cancer research into information that families can use to reduce breast cancer Atkin says the messaging will include advertising and website messages, risk, particularly among young girls. and the research team will test messages of varying complexity with different This communication is vital to connect the basic science with the advo- audiences. For example, Atkin said, exposure to the chemical perfluorooc- cates, who influence the research agenda and help disseminate findings, say tanoic acid (PFoA) can increase the risk of certain types of cancers in mice. the faculty involved in the project. This man-made chemical is found in our environment, but also many different Charles Atkin, chair of the Department of Communication, along with products. The researchers want to study whether people can understand Sandi Smith, director of the Health and risk Communication Center, are lead- multiple ways PFoA can be reduced, and they will create multiple ads to test ing this project, which continues a longtime research project on breast cancer this example of hard science research. communication funded by the NIEHS and NCI. recent focus groups conducted with mothers and their young daughters “once people are diagnosed with cancer, they become information seek- this summer by Kami Silk and her research team are looking at the PFoA ers looking for treatment and research that might help them,” Atkin said. For messages as well as others that are related to breast cancer and the environ- people not yet touched by breast cancer, organizations must be more proac- ment research. tive in reaching out to a broad audience. “The focus groups had valuable feedback for us regarding messages. We “Advocates at breast cancer organizations are trying every day to increase are trying to find ways to create messages for parents that are engaging and public awareness about breast cancer efforts, especially prevention advice useful as the manage the health of their families.” 16 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

Assistant Professor Elizabeth Games for health Quilliam is studying online games that incorporate named food prod- focus of grant ucts. Quilliam’s research is supported by the Michigan Agricul- tural Experiment Station. Photo by Kurt Stepnitz/MSU By: Kirsten Khire Faculty members have received a $284,000 grant from the robert Wood Johnson Foundation (rWJF) to explore how digitally-delivered games can improve health. Wei Peng, assistant professor, is working with Brian Winn, associate professor, in the Department of Telecommunication, Informa- tion Studies & Media on the project to help strengthen the evidence related to the development and use of digitally-delivered games for positive health outcomes. Their project investigates effects of the Mount olympus game, a 3D fantasy role- Faculty study Consumer Culture and the playing game Ethical treatment of Children that requires food games players to move their upper and with NIH grant By: Elizabeth Quilliam lower body in Michigan State University’s Children’s order to control By: Kirsten Khire Central research Collaborative unit in the their character’s Department of Advertising, Public relations, movements With nationwide and White House con- and retailing hosted the inaugural “Consumer throughout the cern over childhood obesity and a need for Culture and the Ethical Treatment of Children: game. Inactive college students participate healthier lifestyles, researchers at MSU are Theory, research and Fair Practice” confer- in the study, which randomly assigns them studying food marketing and how it shapes ence in November. Children’s Central has been to different versions of the Mount olympus children’s dietary behaviors. working with the Michigan Children’s Trust game. The study examines the extent to MSU Professor Nora rifon says food Fund (CTF), the state’s child abuse prevention which each version of the game meets marketers have increasingly targeted children agency, on a variety of initiatives including this individuals’ needs for competence, autonomy with web-based approaches specifically to conference. and social relatedness and how meeting promote their branded food products. “Free Two plenary session speakers, two lun- these needs may motivate. More engagement online games, also known as advergames, cheon speakers, and 28 conference breakout is expected to lead to more physical activity are everywhere, and food products are sessions were included in the program that in daily life, and therefore, to better health everywhere in the games,” she says. “often, attracted scholars from six countries and 150 outcomes. the food products in these games are not practitioners from 81 of the 83 counties in “our Mount olympus game will be nutritiondense products.” Michigan. The Academy was well represented designed with a strong theoretical foundation rifon and colleagues Mira Lee, Elizabeth in competitive paper and special topic ses- and play testing. We expect that the game Quilliam, richard Cole, Hye-Jin Paek and sions, and three current and former Journal can engage the players in a fun way and the Lorraine Weatherspoon recently received a of Advertising editors participated – russ exercise can become part of their routines,” $418,000 grant from the National Institutes of Laczniak, Marla royne and Les Carlson. said Peng. Health to identify the role of food advergames royne (University of Memphis) and Carlson in determining children’s dietary behaviors (University of Nebraska – Lincoln) co-chaired and health status. “It’s important to study the conference, along with Nora rifon, Brad whether these games are having effects on tans W Greenberg and Elizabeth Taylor Quilliam, all of ar children and their eating habits,” said rifon. MSU. The research team aims to identify how researchers presented papers on a variety sP iLL pervasive food advergame play is among a of topics, including television ads and violence, Help us make wide variety of children. Then the team will child development and media literacy and food others healthy! study how food advergames attract children advertising and branding. to their brands. Combined with information Save the date for Consumer Culture Con- about children’s health, the research team ference Sept. 14-16, 2012. More information is hrcc.cas.msu.edu hopes to identify factors that can contribute to online at www.childrenscentral.msu.edu. improved childhood dietary behavior. 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 17

Gift aids students Effecting climate change studying ICT By: Kristen Parker for development For the first time, crop breeders and By: Cara Boeff agricultural specialists in East Africa will have regionally specific climate data to Drs. Jake and Max- research and manage crops in an effort ine Ferris will provide to improve food production, according students with an to Michigan State University researchers. international experi- Using a $430,000 Rockefeller ence while they bring Foundation grant, researchers will study technology to remote the impact of climate change on the corners of the world. drought-stricken area, including Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, said The couple made a gift toward the Information lead researcher Jennifer Olson, associate professor in the College & Communication Technology for Development of Communication Arts & Sciences. Corps, a collaboration of the College of Communi- “This part of Africa is getting over the worst drought it has cation Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering had in many years,” said Olson, who is working with geographers, and the Honors College that includes a specializa- agronomists, sociologists and climatologists at MSU and in East tion and study abroad program. Thanks to their Africa. “Climate change is leading to warmer temperatures and donation, student recipients will receive a stipend heightened water stress for plants, as well as less reliable rain.” for the costly travel expenses of participating in With assistance from an MSU supercomputer and the Michi- this hands-on study abroad experience. gan Agricultural Experiment Station, the research team will link a “We accomplished exactly what we hoped to customized regional climate model with crop and water models. achieve. We made a an rt s Pa This will enable agriculture specialists to determine the impact of gift reflecting our be- climate change on different crop varieties. As a result, they will lief that international s Wi develop crop varieties that better withstand climate change. experiences broaden Suppo rt o LL students’ perspec- progra ur global eff “Most of our research has focused on the causes and conse- tives and help them ms an o d stud rts, quences of climate change,” said Nathan Moore, assistant profes- become better sor in the Department of Geography and co-investigator on the ents! citizens of the world,” ca project. “This grant will apply those results in a new way by asking s.msu said Dr. Maxine Ferris .edu/g African specialists what their information needs are and how they (PhD ’62 Rhetoric iving want us to help. “The project also will allow us to train African researchers how and Public Address). to analyze crop-climate data so they can test different possibilities themselves.” Scholarship honors Ethiopian journalist By: Rebecca Pagels forward thinking and uncompromis- ing in his writing or reporting. Girma The College of Communication was abducted in 1984 by the military Arts & Sciences and the School of government and was later killed. Journalism are pleased to award the “Our family is very pleased to first Baalu Girma Expendable Schol- make this scholarship available in arship. honor of Baalu Girma,” says daughter This scholarship was established Zelalem Girma. “To the family, this in honor of Baalu Girma (MA ‘63 Po- scholarship represents his commit- litical Science and Journalism). After ment to making a difference in the graduation, Girma returned to his na- lives of others. It is our hope that his tive Ethiopia where he made signifi- story and professional life will inspire cant contributions to the profession others to achieve their best and give as a news correspondent, mentor and back to society as well.” editor-in-chief of several of the na- The first recipient of this scholar- tion’s prominent newspapers. He also ship is journalism master’s student Baalu Girma was a fiction writer and authored Yue Xu, originally from China. several famous novels. He was 18 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

international MSU students and faculty in Tanzania, summer 2010. By: Lane Blackmer E very six months for the past two years, a study abroad group known as the Information and Communica- tion Technology for Development (ICT4D) has been going to Tan- zania, teaching locals how to do something Americans do every day Top: Primary school in Tanzania. Above, (left to right): MSU students install solar panels on the roof of the — use computers in the classroom. school; MSU student sets up computers; computers ready in the classroom; schoolchildren in Tanzania. Photos courtesy of Andy Bruinsma, Bret Charboneau and Eric Tarkleson The ICT4D program began in 2008 as a collaboration among MSU’s colleges of Communication stalled computer systems in three students learn the language, Swa- Arts and Sciences, Engineering schools since 2008, one of which hili, and learn about and experi- and Honors. The idea of the trip to run by solar power. Before traveling ence the culture. Two weeks later, Tanzania was to develop easy-to- abroad, the students also devel- the students went to the schools to use computer programs, bring them oped computer programs, includ- update computers, and train and to the country and set up computing games to assist in teaching the test the new games. Media arts and ers, as well as the programs, for the Tanzanian students. technology senior James Przytulski teachers and students’ use. Computer science senior Chris was one of the students who helped Eric Tarkleson, an electrical en- Dasbach, along with student Dan train Tanzanian teachers and stu- gineering graduate student who has Shillair, created a game called dents. attended every study abroad trip to Tanzania Trader for students to test “The Tanzanian students were Tanzania, said that an entire school out before heading to Africa. so excited to see the games and typically gets less money than The game is set in Tanzania, and play the games,” Przytulski said. American schools get per student. the player is supposed to travel and “They’d huddle around the room as This budget problem is hopelessly answer questions from the Tan- we were working on the comput- inhibiting for the students’ educa- zanian school curriculum to help ers.” tion in Tanzania. the video game character with its Przytulski said the trip not only Since books can be outdated quests. made him apply the knowledge of rather quickly, computers provide “Along the way the player must his field, but he acquired a valuable more up-to-date information. MSU answer questions in order to suc- cultural experience. students go to Tanzania every six ceed in the game,” said Dasbach. “I think employers want to see months to install new computers, “For instance, a player’s vehicle students go on trips that relate to update computer systems and to may break down and, if they an- their area of study,” Przytulski said. train the school’s faculty and stu- swers question correctly, it will be “Employers want to see students dents. much cheaper to fix.” go to developing countries and see Students and faculty have in- After arriving in Tanzania, MSU how technology is used.” 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 19

technology and economy Communication technology is increasingly helping people find solutions to health, economic, employment, relationship and community issues. It’s also an area of expertise in the college. Left: Rick Lesley was able to have a remote internship to build his technology skills through the Community Ties program. I By: Kirsten Khire He was able to work for them from home in hard to post internships online. We wanted to Traverse City and at MSU during the school expose high school students to the possibili- n a tough economy and living in year. ties of entrepreneurship and help them to lead a rural area with limited high-tech Today, Lesley has graduated in telecom- their communities into the online world,” said businesses, MSU student rick Les- munication, information studies and media, Professor robert Larose, who is leading both ley was looking for a way to achieve specializing in his dream – game design and projects. his dream — hands-on experience development. Larose and his research team are working in the field of video games. But Les- Many rural communities across the United with youth in four communities in rural Michi- ley also wanted to stay in Michigan States are experiencing a flight of their youth, gan: including Marquette, Grand Traverse, and in his community. in part due to young people seeking employ- otsego and oscoda counties. Last year, a program called Community ment and opportunity. “We have community organizers from high Ties reached out to Lesley and asked about Two projects have addressed the issue in schools in each county. The organizers also his career goals. Community Ties is an MSU an innovative way. Through a nearly $400,000 work with local businesses to help them estab- research project that aims to connect Michigan grant from the Kellogg Foundation and lish an online presence and post opportunities youth with internships and businesses so that another $500,000 from the U.S. Department for students to get involved.” students improve their opportunities and com- of Agriculture, MSU researchers are getting “The community organizers are making munities. youth in rural areas involved in communication a difference, and the businesses are finding Community Ties connected Lesley with a technology to improve their lives and the vitality benefits in being able to interact with each company in ohio called Flash Game License of their hometowns. other online,” Larose says. that was willing to offer a remote internship for “We found that some of the business “They share resources, which can benefit the summer. owners in rural areas had no online business sectors like tourism, for example. At the same “I actually telecommuted and it was very presence at all. It was hard for them to move time, it shows the youth they can be successful easy to do no matter where I was,” Lesley said. forward in the information economy and very in their own communities. It’s a win-win.” Right: Fairview, Michigan in Oscoda County where Community Ties works with the local high school to teach technology and web skills to students. msu researchers are getting youth in rural areas involved in communication technology to improve their lives and the vitality of their hometowns. Inset: High school student and Oscoda County Community Organizer Charlie Bouverette. r tans W Pa i LL s Partner with the college on research to make a difference for your organization! cas.msu.edu/research 20 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

Federal grant expands Students’ work boosts nation’s most digitally-advanced county broadband statewide By: Kirsten Khire By: Lane Blackmer By creating a program to keep the nation’s most digitally MSU received almost $900,000 from a federal grant to advanced county at the top, a simple class project turned into expand almost 90 existing library computer centers and a job for one student and a resume-builder for all four students establish new centers to provide access for people in 15 involved. underserved counties. In 2009, Oakland County, which is home to Detroit metro- “This project is a tremendous opportunity to help our politan cities like Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills and Royal state significantly build its technology infrastructure, Oak, was named the most digitally advanced county in the which is key to the future,” said Kurt DeMaagd, an assis- nation by the Center for Digital Government and the National tant professor of telecommunication, information studies Association of Counties. Students in Constantinos Coursaris’ information technology and media who is leading the project. “MSU students will class work for real-life clients; Oakland County has been one of gain valuable hands-on experience in helping to set up those clients for the past five years. these crucial computing systems while, at the same time, Four students enrolled in ITM 444 for Spring 2010 — Phil boosting these Michigan communities socially and eco- Janis, Jonathan Brier, Billy Halbower and Scott Hardy — worked nomically.” with the county this year. Oakland County gave the four stu- The project is adding approximately 500 new worksta- dents the job of creating a web-based crowd sourcing project. tions at public computer centers throughout the state and Crowd sourcing is allowing the public to give input on how to will serve nearly 13,000 additional users per week. make a business better or, in this case, a county. Working with MSU on the project are the Michigan De- The students’ website, which links from the Oakland County website, works like a suggestion drop box. However, things are a partment of Information Technology, Library of Michigan, little more complicated; as a suggestion is posted on the site, it other state and local government agencies and regional becomes viewable for others. Any other person on the site can broadband providers. vote on the importance of the suggestion. This will give officials “Michigan State University is proud to be leading this a better idea what the people of the county are thinking, which important outreach project,” said MSU President Lou in turn helps with the decision making process. Anna K. Simon. “This will assist Michigan in extending So how does this help Oakland County in continuing to be the benefits of its technology infrastructure. More impor- the most digitally advanced county in the nation? tantly it will serve as an economic engine by providing “The students have been providing insight and helping us people in underserved areas personal connectivity, net- innovate in regard to our website,” said Oakland County CIO Phil Bertolini. “Their assistance directly benefits the citizens of our working and myriad educational and economic opportuni- county.” ties.” In addition, Brier accepted a job to work full time for Oak- The sites were selected by targeting vulnerable popu- land County until the website is launched. lation areas focusing on those libraries with the greatest “The MSU students have a fresh set of eyes and a fresh need for additional computing capacity. perspective on what should be offered by government for its The expanded and new public computer centers will citizenry,” said Bertolini. “We’ve been able to provide new ser- serve 15 counties that currently have limited broadband vices [due to the students’ work] to our citizens that otherwise access and high unemployment rates: Chippewa, Clare, we would have had to procure elsewhere.” Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Huron, IT students revamp database Leelanau, Marquette, Menominee, Oakland, for police to catch criminals Oscoda, Otsego, Sanilac, Tuscola and Van Buren. By: Lane Blackmer The grant, admin- istered by the U.S. In 2009, MSU students helped to revamp a database that Department of Com- helps Michigan State Police catch criminals. Three telecommuni- merce National Tele- cation students who graduated in 2009 — John Wescott, Brian Cornille and Marcus Poteete — helped add more photos to a communications and tattoo-matching database as well as come up with critiques and Information Administra- solutions to make the system more effective. tion, is funded through “We made recommendations along the way and had them the American Recovery make small adjustments to the program they were using,” said Counties receiving and Reinvestment Act of Wescott, who said the work was a great addition to his resume. 2009. “And we set up a framework for new groups to latch onto if the expanded technology MSP decided to work with the college again.” with help from MSU “This project provided a lot of hands on type of work that some of the companies I’ve talked to like to see,” Wescott said. 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 21

soc i a l m e d i a The Michigan State University College of Communication Arts & Sciences, with INgage Networks, is proud to be named a finalist for the 2010 Innovation Michigan awards. By: Kirsten Khire tion,” says Kobza. “As a leading research university, MSU brings the knowledge and expertise that is needed to On March 1, MSU announced a social media research guide the advancement of Gov 2.0 and Enterprise 2.0 and and development collaboration with INgage Networks, we are privileged to be selected as their partner in this an award-winning enterprise social software provider. global endeavor.” INgage Networks is working with the MSU College of Dean Pamela Whitten said the partnership is a won- Communication Arts & Sciences to conduct social media derful opportunity for the college to expand its social research and produce solutions to challenges faced by media research and outreach. government, corporate and nonprofit organizations. “The partnership with INgage Networks will signifi- The pairing boosts the college’s world-class social cantly enhance the great work we already do every day media research, courses and faculty expertise. in the social media arena. From research to consulting to INgage Networks opened a joint research and devel- teaching, we have a partner committed to working with opment office with the College of Communication Arts & MSU to cross new frontiers in the online world, critical Sciences and created 24 high-tech jobs. Multiple projects to economic and social development,” Whitten said. are under way, leveraging online collaboration through- To learn more about this partnership, visit www.inga- out the state to create jobs, retain workers and ‘green’ genetworks.com/michigan. Michigan. “This partnership combines the world-class strengths of our faculty and students in enterprise social media and other sciences, plus the global reach of Michigan State University, with the industry leading strengths of INgage Networks to define and build a 21st-century economy in Michigan and beyond,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. INgage Networks CEO Kim Patrick Kobza said the partnership was natural because of the college’s leadership in studying social behaviors associated with social media applications. “Online collaboration offers organizations a cost- effective, new approach to problem-solving and innova- 22 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

Faculty and students are research- have received a $750,000 grant from the National This summer, thousands of students who Science Foundation to study how large-scale know they are coming to MSU are becoming part ing and building social media applica- social networks such as YouTube and Wikipedia of these online neighborhoods before they arrive change over time. on campus. When they arrive in September, they tions. Social media is a term for online Assistant Professor Cliff Lampe, who studies will continue to access the system for ongoing how users interact on social media, is part of first-year experience support. tools that allow people to share and this interdisciplinary research team with faculty “Spartan Connect is student-centered – we in electrical engineering and computer science. are finding out what students need directly from discuss content, transforming them He wants to understand how these large-scale them. And we are connecting with students more networks evolve and what that means for site than ever,” said Vennie Gore of MSU residential from content consumers into content interactions. and Hospitality Services. “These networks are constantly changing as The goals of Spartan Connect are to facilitate producers. One expanding area of so- people enter and leave them,” Lampe says. the transition to MSU and to improve the college “A deeper understanding of the structure of experience while the students are on campus. cial media is social network sites such social networks and how that structure evolves A wonderful Spartan experience getting even can be applied to a variety of social issues,” better? That’s something every MSU alum can as MySpace or Facebook. These sites Lampe said. “For example, norms around health celebrate. behavior and information seeking have been enable people to connect with people shown to be defined by social networks. So, knowing how to affect those networks could cre- advancing michigan they know and to share online content, ate better health outcomes.” Across the nation, University Extension op- “ erations are at a crossroads and facing momen- create online communities and commu- tous changes in assessing the needs of people Spartan Connect is they serve. MSU Extension (MSUE) and the nicate with one another. student-centered - Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) are no exception. MSUE and MAES are helping we are finding out what with mortgage, nutrition, credit and other ques- students need directly from tions, while engaging in innovative leading-edge facebook and grades them. And we are research to address the issues that matter most Although people assume that the use of connecting with students to Michigan residents. MSUE and MAES are Facebook and other similar sites can have a always looking for opportunities to serve people detrimental effect on a student’s grades, this more than ever.” in new ways. idea has not been empirically demonstrated. In Every few years, the two MSU units are fact, work by professors in MSU’s Department required to conduct a federal needs assessment, - Vennie Gore, which was normally conducted in the form of a of Telecommunication, Information Studies & Media has shown that there are social capital MSU Residential survey. benefits associated with Facebook. Social capital and Hospitality Services This year, the process was different. MSUE and represents a benefit people receive from their MAES gathered feedback from a variety of stakehold- social relationships, such as emotional support or ers using a specially designed social media platform access to new information. Campus connections with a crowdsourcing application in which ideas can be Now, with a $500,000 grant from the National of course, social media research is hap- proposed, and the crowd can vote them up or down. Science Foundation, MSU researchers are study- pening right in our own backyard – on the MSU Assistant Professor Cliff Lampe leads the re- ing how social network sites such as Facebook campus. search team with corporate partner INgage Networks are used to connect and collaborate with others. The MSU Neighborhoods project (www. to strategize and deliver the social media platform. The researchers are focusing on a number of is- neighborhoods.msu.edu) involves rethinking sues, including how college students’ use of such the way student services are organized. As part tools can enhance their academic experiences. of the effort, MSU residential and Hospitality rtans “This work will prove interesting because it contrasts the popular conception that social Services is partnering with the MSU College of Communication Arts & Sciences and INgage sPa W network sites detract time spent on academic Networks to incorporate social media into student Go iLL pursuits,” said MSU Assistant Professor Nicole services in a big way. Socia t a project l Med f Ellison, the lead researcher on the project. The social media project, called Spar- ia res or our tan Connect, will be a way for students to share earch Evolution of networks important academic and social information in new cas.m su.ed Lab? Some social network sites have millions of ways. u/soc ialme subscribers. Think YouTube, Facebook and Wiki- Earlier this year, students in focus groups re- dia pedia, for example. The dynamics behind them ported needing more ways to navigate university are intriguing – especially for researchers. resources and more support for academic goals, MSU researchers from the colleges of said Assistant Professor Nicole Ellison. Yet, they Engineering and Communication Arts & Sciences “didn’t want another Facebook.” 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 23

video games Let the games BEGIN: Many projects under way By: Kirsten Khire Since the launch of the video game specialization and the growth of the Games for Entertainment and Learn- ing Laboratory, MSU is increasingly designing and developing video games for businesses and nonprofits for both entertainment and serious purposes. MSU has specific laboratories and experts focused on the study and development of video games. In the Games for Entertainment and Learning Game made to help Laboratory (www.seriousgames.msu. edu), faculty and students design innovative prototypes and techniques. They children in war zones By: Tom Oswald complete games for entertainment and learning as well as to advance state- of-the-art knowledge about social and A Michigan State University professor and his students have developed a individual effects of digital games. new video game that they hope will help children and others in war-torn coun- Funded research projects include tries avoid death and injury from unexploded land mines and other explosives. the following: Known as UXOs, or unexploded ordnance, the United Nations Mine Action • a $284,000 grant from the Robert Service estimates they kill or injure as many as 20,000 people per year around Wood Johnson Foundation to explore the world. how digitally-delivered exercise games “The goal of the project is to teach children in Cambodia and other at-risk such as Wii Fit and Dance Dance Revo- areas to recognize and avoid unexploded ordnance,” said Corey Bohil, a visit- lution can improve health. ing assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Telecommunication, Informa- • a $277,000 grant from the National tion Studies & Media who headed the project. Science Foundation to study motiva- In the game, the player is tasked with navigating through a maze, trying to tion and serious gaming. help his or her pet find food. The player is presented with a number of indica- • a funded project to create an edu- tors – warning signs that an explosive device might be nearby – and attempts cational game for Tanzania, as part of to avoid them. “If the player recognizes the indicators and avoids them, then the Information and Communication the pet finds the food and everyone is happy,” Bohil said. Technology for Development program. Bohil said part of the motivation for developing the game was that other methods of teaching children how to avoid UXOs were not effective. “For years the local communities would try to teach people how to avoid tans W landmines,” Bohil said. “They would have presentations made to community ar elders, publish booklets and nothing would work.” sP The game was developed by students in a class Bohil taught called “Col- iLL laborative Game Design.” A prototype of the game was presented at the Mean- Fund a video game project ingful Play Conference at MSU more than a year ago where it received rave or a student! reviews. Bohil and his students worked on the game with the Golden West Humani- seriousgames.msu.edu tarian Foundation. Based in California, the foundation is the only nonprofit charity in the country devoted to the removal of unexploded ordnance. Fund- ing to continue with the project and improve the game was secured from the U.S. State Department’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement. 24 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

MSU wins Ford video game design competition against UM Wolverines to create an application tied to the U.S. launch of the new Ford Fiesta. The winning video game design team showcased its game March 9-13 at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. This fall, Ford Motor Credit Company and Ford Motor Company asked the competing student groups this fall to create an online video game to help educate young buyers on using credit responsibly as part of Ford’s Winning At Money challenge. In just three months, the MSU student team of Jordan Ajlouni, Adam Breece, Chris Cornish, Marie Lazar, Jason Maynard and Jon Moore created the game “DealerTown Ford.” In “DealerTown Ford,” the player runs his or her own dealership. Through play, the player not only grows the Associate Professor Brian Winn and MSU students of the Spar- dealership, but also learns the details of vehicle financing tasoft student group with the new Ford Fiesta. and the importance of maintaining good credit. “Michigan State came out on top because their game By: Kirsten Khire presents a Sims- or Tycoon-like dealer simulation that ties closely to a real-world experience. Their graphic execu- It’s Fiesta time for Michigan State University students! tion was also top notch. Plus, it’s fun to play and holds The students in Spartasoft, MSU’s student video game a few surprises,” said Terri Denhof, program manager at developers’ organization, won a video game design chal- Ford Credit who coordinated the competition with Charles lenge against the University of Michigan’s WolverineSoft Jaekel, sales support specialist at Ford Credit. Students help build ‘Man vs. Wild’ game By: Lane Blackmer in art, design and programming. Telecommunication senior Adam You may have seen “Man vs. Wild” on Rademacher said, “I think it’s really TV. Thanks to the help of MSU students, interesting the way games bring a lot of you’ll be able to be Bear Grylls, at least different disciplines together.” in a video game. CEO of Epicenter Studios and Scien- In January, Michigan-based video tifically Proven Entertainment Nathaniel game design firm Scientifically Proven “Than” McClure saw an opportunity in Entertainment partnered with Associate having students work for him and said Professor Brian Winn and his class to utilizing the students was a win-win tackle the beginning stages of creating situation. “It’s a glimpse of the real world,” a game based on the Discovery Channel “For the students they get hands on Rademacher said. “You can sit in a series. with a developer and get a ‘real world’ classroom…but you don’t really get a Winn said the students first built pro- credit on a shipped title,” he said. “We feel for real-life video game design until totypes based on the survival challenges got an incredibly talented and enthusi- you graduate into the real world. With Grylls has to overcome in the actual TV astic team that provided great ideas and this project, you’re kind of one foot in show. assets. Our goal is to continue to build academia and one foot in a professional “In order to make a good game, it’s and foster the relationship so we get to environment.” important to test ideas,” Winn said. groom and pick the top talent coming The “Man Vs. Wild” game will hit the Scientifically Proven Entertainment out of the top university in the state.” shelves in November, McClure said. An used these prototypes to gain insights Rademacher said this program early version of the game was on display into how the game will look and behave. provided him valuable experience and in June at the annual E3 (Electronic Creating a prototype for a video more drive to own his own game studio Entertainment Expo) industry event in game involves multiple people and roles someday. Los Angeles. 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 25

Faculty and students win local ADDYs Faculty and students of the college ADDY Awards for lead of animation received ADDY Awards at the 2010 of Pinball Wizard in Who’s Tommy Mid-Michigan Creative Alliance competition in February. • Kathryn Hoffman (advertising/ telecommunication major) Faculty winners include the following: Silver ADDY Award for STAY [in Michigan] campaign • Henry Brimmer Gold ADDY Award for design of 2010 • Andrea Zagata (journalism major) Toyota Land Cruiser calendar Gold ADDY Award for Visual Thesau- Gold ADDY Award for design of Do- rus ad campaign nate! poster Gold and Judges’ Choice ADDY “The award gala was pretty fun and Awards for design of FIT campaign it was cool to see all of the different exhibits,” said Zagata, Gold ADDY • Lawrence Steinberg Award winner and journalism senior. Gold ADDY Award for copy write of “Advertising is such a different world Donate! poster from newspaper design and I’m really happy I chose to look at advertising Student winners include: while at MSU.” Top: Faculty Henry Brimmer, Hye-Jin Paek and • Matthew Bambach (media arts Listen to an interview with the stu- Therese randall Brimmer. and technology major) dent award winners on youtube.com/ Gold and Best of Student Interactive msucommarts. Above: Faculty member Larry Steinberg. Behind the scenes of BackStage Pass By: Nicole Bays About 20 student interns and employees perform a multitude of duties for the program, including producing, lighting, staging, camera The WKAr- operating, audio, photography and post-production. produced music series, “We could not do this without the students,” said Timothy Zeko, “BackStage Pass,” was “BackStage Pass’” executive producer. “They provide quality work and recently selected for na- new perspectives.” tional distribution by the “I sent in my application and was asked to come in for an interview. National Educational Now, I am a student intern,” said Luke Schwarzweller, audio production Telecommunications As- assistant at “BackStage Pass” and media arts & technology junior. “I sociation (NETA), and have learned so much and I hope to come back next season.” students in the college For more information visit http://wkar.org/backstagepass/. Student Brianna Gardner controls the camera for have had a large role in BackStage Pass. the production. “Going national is huge. We have the opportunity to have our names attached to the production – it looks great on a resume,” said student Andrew Kozlowski, associate producer at “BackStage Pass.” “BackStage Pass” is recorded in WKAr’s largest campus studio at MSU, showcasing some of Michigan’s best musicians in a variety of genres. The series features performances, followed by behind-the- scenes conversations with musicians talking passionately about their craft. “BackStage Pass showcases a variety of Michigan musical artists. We promote the program through word of mouth, and it has really worked – we have five seasons worth of artists waiting to be on the program,” said Andrew Zeko, camera operator at “BackStage Pass” and telecommunication, information studies & media sophomore. 26 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

film and art 3 universities, 1 creative film alliance Some of the brightest stars from Michigan’s University research Corridor (UrC) institu- tions are joining forces to make a feature film, the first pilot project of the Michigan Creative Film Alliance, a collaboration to help build and drive talent and resources toward the state’s fledgling film industry. The film, “Appleville,’’ involves students and faculty from UrC partners Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, who are each playing a role in taking the new film from idea to story to finished project, serving as writers, directors, actors and other creative talent as part of the 2010 Creative Film Alliance Summer Film In- stitute. Seven MSU students and half a dozen MSU faculty are among the team. The program brings together Hollywood professionals with university faculty to create a learning environment for students from the three universities. The schools will leverage begin post-production work in September and MSU faculty member Bob Albers talks to their combined expertise and resources in the hope to begin preparing the film for submission students about film. film arts to create synergy and build talent that to various film festivals later this fall. The proj- will invest their creative talents in Michigan. ect is being financed through the support of a “By combining the expertise in film of our Michigan Economic Development Corp. grant. The college has a robust film and media tans W ar universities, the Creative Film Alliance is creating more opportunities for our students, many arts initiative, which includes creative produc- sP of whom already produce and direct while in tion, teaching, and community outreach. The iLL college. This program will provide them with college offers degree programs for film-related Put the Arts in advanced film career training needed for Michi- careers and two film-related specializations: Comm Arts! gan’s growing film industry,” said Bob Albers, fiction film production and documentary studies faculty specialist in the college. in partnership with the MSU College of Arts and Letters. cas.msu.edu/giving Team members from the three universities gathered in early July for a production retreat, For more information, visit and began production in August. They will www.mi-cfa.com. Faculty and students win Michigan Emmys Michigan State University graduate Mollie Rehner never Telecasters student group. It airs online as well as on RHA thought she’d hear her name follow the phrase “and the TV and LCC TV. Emmy goes to…,” but dreams became reality for her and Rehner and Siciliano have both been working on “Side- recent MSU alum Anthony Siciliano on June 5. show” as cast and, later, as producers for approximately Rehner and Siciliano received an Emmy in the category four years. of Non-News Student Production for their work on Episode Also, faculty member Troy Hale of the Department of 34 of “Sideshow,” an MSU student TV comedy show. Telecommunication, Information Studies & Media was part “(We were on stage at the Emmys, and) a spotlight of the “MSUToday Show” team recognized with three Michi- shined down on us and it was just a surreal feeling,” said gan Emmy Awards on June 5 at the Emmy Awards Gala in Rehner, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in Detroit. journalism. The “MSUToday Show” team produces Michigan State Siciliano, who also graduated in May with a bachelor’s University feature content for the Big Ten Network. degree in media arts and technology, said he still has to Hale was part of the MSU team receiving the following remind himself that he really did win an Emmy. Emmys: “Every once and a while a smile will creep up on me and • Best magazine program: “MSUToday #11” I will have to chuckle to myself because I am really happy, • Best news report-light feature: “Drumline” but somewhat still in disbelief,” Siciliano said. • Best documentary-cultural: “MSUToday Presents: A Sideshow is one of five original productions of the MSU Season of the Band” 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 27

fa c u l t y n ews Hearing Association (ASHA). MSU documentary Professor receives 2nd Fellowship of the association recog- earns honors NCA Woolbert Award nizes professional or scientific achievement and is given to members who In addition to receiving national Joe Walther, a professor in the have made outstanding contributions to kudos for raising awareness about con- departments of Communication and the professions. The award is one of the temporary issues, the Michigan State Telecommunication, Information Stud- highest honors that ASHA can bestow University-produced documentary “Ar- ies, and Media, has received the Nation- and is retained for life. abs, Jews and the News,” has screened al Communication Association (NCA) Casby’s teaching, administration, re- at four film festivals from coast to coast. Charles H. Woolbert Research Award. search and service career has spanned The 30-minute documentary created The award recognizes a journal ar- more than 30 years. He has published by MSU faculty members Bob Albers ticle or book chapter that has stood the numerous articles on language develop- and Geri Alumi Zeldes and students test of time and has become a stimulus ment and disorders in a variety of major explores metro Detroit reaction to for new conceptualizations of com- disciplinary journals. His work concern- news coverage of the July 2006 war in munication phenomena for a decade or ing relationships between cognition and Lebanon. more after publication. language in children has contributed The film is a two-year project featur- Walther received this award for to important changes in practice and ing interviews with MSU academics, the 1996 article “Computer-Mediated policy, especially for children with men- students and reporters from The Detroit Communication: Impersonal, Interper- tal retardation. News, Detroit Free Press, Arab Ameri- sonal and Hyperpersonal Interaction,” can News, The Jewish News and other published in Communication Research, Professor named publications. In January, “Arabs, Jews, and the which has now been cited in other publications more than 1,500 times, the AAAS Fellow News” won the Award of Merit: Con- greatest number of any article in the Professor Ewen Todd is one of five temporary Issues/Awareness Raising field. Michigan State University researchers from The Accolade Competition. Notably, this is the first time in the recently named Fellows by the Ameri- In February, MSU hosted a screen- National Communication Association’s can Association for the Advancement ing of the film at the Islam and the 96-year history that a member has of Science. Media conference on campus. The same received two Woolbert awards. Walther Todd of the Department of Adver- month, it was selected for the Ameri- received the award previously in 2002 tising, Public Relations, and Retail- caFree.TV Virtual Movie Festival and for a 1992 publication. ing, earned the AAAS honor along received the award for Best Documen- with MSU neuroscience professor S. tary. Marc Breedlove, psychology profes- In March, the film also was screened Faculty receive sor Thomas H. Carr; biochemistry and at the 15th Annual International Hol- MSU awards molecular biology, professor Robert L. lywood Family Film Festival, the Last, and fisheries and wildlife professor documentary received an award from Congratulations to faculty who re- Joan B. Rose. the Indie Fest Film, and two students ceived Michigan State University awards Distinguished contributions over 40 researchers who worked on the project- on Feb. 9 at the All University Awards years to interdisciplinary food safety Jennifer Orlando and Jessica Lipowski Convocation. research and administration involving were featured by MSU for their under- At the convocation, the following food microbiology, disease surveil- graduate research. awards, recognizing teaching, research lance, risk assessment social science In April, the film received the Broad- and outreach efforts, were presented to and international collaboration are what cast Education Association’s Award of faculty of the college. brought Todd his AAAS Fellow designa- Excellence in the faculty category of the Dean Pamela Whitten received the tion. An internationally known expert Media Arts Festival and was selected Distinguished Faculty Award in recogni- on foodborne disease and risk assess- for the Riverside International Film tion of outstanding contributions to the ment, Todd is former head of MSU’s Festival. intellectual development of the univer- National Food Safety and Toxicology It was also screened at the Manhat- sity. Center. tan Film Festival in July where it was Associate Dean Maria Lapinski and He has been involved with the recognized with the Film that Heals Assistant Professor Cliff Lampe both reporting and surveillance of foodborne award. received MSU Teacher-Scholar Awards. disease, developed methods to detect The film was uplinked by the Na- E. coli and salmonella, determined the tional Educational Telecommunications Professor named impact of seafood toxins, and devel- Association, which provides programming to 95 PBS stations nationwide Fellow of ASHA oped risk assessments for pathogens in foods. His current projects include plus the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Michael W. Casby, a professor in the institutional food safety, contamina- For more information visit www. Department of Communicative Sciences tion in deli meats and leafy greens, and arabsjewsnews.org. and Disorders, has been named a Fel- improvements to consumer recall com- low of the American Speech-Language- munication. 28 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

Faculty member wins Endowed chair NCA award is Rockefeller scholar new people and positions University Distinguished Professor Charles Atkin, chair of the Department Charles Salmon, Ellis N. Brandt New faculty members: of Communication, has been chosen as Endowed Chair in Public Relations and this year’s winner of the Gerald M. Phil- former dean, was named a scholar soo-Eun Chang, assistant professor in lips Award for Distinguished Applied of the distinguished 2010 Rockefeller the Department of Communicative Sci- Communication Scholarship. He will Foundation Scholar in Residency Award ences and Disorders receive the award at the National Com- program at the Bellagio Center in Lake munication Association awards banquet Como, Italy. The exclusive and highly- Laura dilley, assistant professor in the in November. selective program provides an arena Department of Communicative Sciences Atkin has been on the faculty of the for exploring new ideas and finding and Disorders Department of Communication since solutions to some of the most difficult 1971. He teaches and conducts research global problems. Residency participants ivan alex Games, assistant professor in on mass communication campaigns, include scholars, scientists, artists, the Department of Telecommunication, particularly in the health domain. journalists, writers, non-governmental Information Studies, and Media Based on sustained accomplish- organization practitioners and policy- ments in applied research on health makers from around the world. ian hewlett, manager in the Social Media campaigns, he received the 2006 De- Salmon is currently editor of Com- research Laboratory cade of Behavior Award from a consor- munication Yearbook and a visiting tium of social science organizations. faculty at the Interdisciplinary Center of swarnavel Eswaran Pillai, instructor in Current grants focus on collegiate Herzliya, Israel. He is past dean of the the Department of Telecommunication, alcohol prevention campaign strategies college. Information Studies, and Media and the and breast cancer communication. His Department of English/Film Studies latest book, “Public Communication Campaigns” (with Ron Rice) was select- rick Wash, assistant professor in the ed as the NCA Health Communication Department of Telecommunication, 2006 outstanding book of the year. Books and Works Information Studies, and Media and the School of Journalism Faculty member by faculty members Valeta Wensloff, outreach specialist in gets research honor from 2009-2010 the Department of Telecommunication, Associate Dean Steve Lacy received Information Studies, and Media the 2010 Paul J. Deutschmann Award robert albers and Geri alumit Zeldes for Excellence in Research at the 2010 Leadership changes: “Arabs, Jews and the News” documentary Association for Education in Journal- film, MSU 2009 ism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Lucinda davenport, director of the Denver Conference. howard Bossen School of Journalism PA Books; “Luke Swank” video recording The award honors journalism schol- PCN 2009 ars who have an outstanding record of steven Lacy, associate dean for graduate achievement in journalism and mass Lucinda davenport and robert Larose studies of the college communication research. It has become “Media Now: Understanding Media, one of the highest honors that AEJMC Culture, and Technology,” 6th edition, maria Lapinski, associate dean for Wadsworth Cengage Learning 2009 research of the college can bestow on a member. Lacy is associate dean for graduate William donohue studies and a professor in the Depart- “Communicating and Connecting: Func- ment of Communication and School of tions of Human Communication,” 3rd tans W Journalism. He has written and co- edition, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 2008 ar sP written more than 90 refereed journal iLL articles, over 50 refereed conference John molloy papers, 10 book chapters and four “U.S. Constitutional Freedoms in the 21st Nominate a professor for books. He has co-edited two other Century,” Custom Publishing 2009 the Faculty Impact Award! books, written numerous articles and is sandi smith the former co-editor of the “Journal of “New Directions in Interpersonal Com- cas.msu.edu/alumni Media Economics.” munication research,” Sage Publications He served as director of the Michi- Inc. 2009 gan State University School of Journal- ism from 1998 to 2003 and is a former president of the AEJMC. 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 29

undergraduate research video games demonstrated a greater increase Hall, an intercultural resource aide for the MSU and arts award in aggressive affect, aggressive cognition and physiological arousal than subjects who residential communities, an undergraduate researcher conducting an independent project of the hundreds of participants university- simply watched a movie. She said this study on the effects of mass media in the college and wide, the following students from the college has provided useful information on society and a member of the MSU Fencing Club. received awards at the University Undergradu- human behavior. ate research and Arts Forum in April: shulman, who is studying communication, also won the top oral presentation for her • Kristina marks (Media Arts & presentation titled “Exploring Social Norms for 2nd year, students win Technology) and anthony siciliano as a Group-Level Phenomenon: Do Political national sales competition (Media Arts & Technology - first place Social Norms Exist and Influence Participation For the second year in a row, Michigan oral presentation award for The on College Campuses?” State University has taken first place in the Greening of Flint Chew, who is studying media and informa- National Team Selling Competition at Indiana • stephanie sparks (TISM), nicholas tion studies, won the top poster presentation University. The four-member MSU student Baker (Media Arts & Technology), for “The Use of online Social Networking by team included Gary Cox (Media Arts & Technology), rural Youth and its Effects on Community communication Jake fields (Communication), sean Involvement.” Chew said that his findings have seniors Lindsey Bowman (Media Arts & Technol- contributed to a better understanding of online archambo ogy), alex Witte (TISM), and Patrick social networking. and anthony ronan (TISM) - first place oral pre- “I am certainly elated to win the top housley and sentation award for Publicly Defended: poster presentation, and I think the win bears MSU marketing Michigan’s Fight for Public Defender testimony to the strong training that the CAS students mela- reform professors are providing,” said Chew. nie Pine and mike scavuzzo. The winning • Greg hall (Communication) with MSU team received $2,000. Fifteen universities from student allison repp - first place across the United States participated in the poster award for A Focus Group Study senior class honors national competition in october. Involving Mothers to Develop Effective MSU launched a sales communication Messages for Breast Cancer risk faculty and students specialization in January 2009. Archambo, reduction among Pre-Adolescent and Faculty and students of the college were Housley and Pine are enrolled in the special- Adolescent Girls among those receiving awards at the MSU ization, which is a partnership between the Senior Class Council’s outstanding Senior, Department of Communication and the Depart- The annual University Undergraduate Faculty and Staff Awards reception in March. ment of Marketing in the Eli Broad College of research and Arts Forum (UUrAF) provides The awards given by the MSU Senior Class Business. MSU undergraduate students with an opportu- Council honored “those persons who exemplify nity to showcase their scholarship and creative achievement both in and out of the classroom.” activity. Held each spring in the MSU Union, Faculty member Constantinos Coursaris student named UUrAF brings together an intellectual com- was one of two MSU faculty members to re- Prssa president munity of highly motivated students to share ceive the outstanding Faculty and Staff Award. their work with faculty, peers and external “I’m proud of not what I have accomplished Advertising senior nick Lucido has been audiences. individually, but for what MSU as a whole has elected the Public relations Student Society of Approximately 535 students from 14 MSU accomplished and my affiliation with MSU,” America (PrSSA) 2010-2011 National Commit- colleges and 282 faculty mentors participated said Coursaris, assistant professor of the tee president. in the 2010 forum. Department of Telecommunication, Information “I’m so grateful to have been part of the Studies & Media and adjunct professor in the advances the current national committee made Graduate students win MSU Usability and Accessibility Center. Currently, Coursaris is the faculty advisor during the past year, and this has prepared me to lead the society as national president,” said top presentations of Associated Students for Career orientation Lucido. “I’m confident the incoming national Three doctoral students, Jih-hsuan in Telecommunications (ASCoT), the faculty committee will be able to continue advancing tammy Lin, han Ei Chew and hillary shul- lead of a Japan study abroad program in that the society while leaving their mark on the man, won top oral and poster presentations at focuses on “Technology and Culture: Commu- organization.” the second annual MSU Graduate Academic nication and Games” and is working on numer- Voting took place March 13 at the PrSSA Conference in March. ous research projects related to usability and 2010 National Assembly in Austin, Texas by Lin, who is studying media and information advertising across mobile and social media. a majority vote of delegates. This is the first studies, won top oral presentation for her work Christine rohrkemper and michelle Lu time for an MSU student to serve as PrSSA on “Do Video Games Exert Stronger Effects (communication) were two of 20 MSU seniors president. on Aggression than Film? Media Modality and to receive the outstanding Senior Award. “The national president of PrSSA is the Identification on the Association of Violence rohrkemper currently is the lead technical chief administrative officer of a 10,000-member and Aggression.” Lin said she had an interest assistant of an interior design class, IDES 250. society,” said Lucido. “My plans are to make in this topic and found that subjects who played Lu was a residential mentor in McDonel sure that we’re continuing to expand member 30 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

students/programs benefits, keeping on top of public relations Program updates industry trends like social media and making sure that our organization is giving our members the right tools and right information so that they can be successful in their careers.” Last fall, the college launched three new specializations: Graduate students • Fiction film production, which combines the study of production with film win msu awards history and theory. Students learn aspects of fiction filmmaking including editing, sound design, directing, screenwriting and acting for the camera. Two graduate students received presti- • Documentary studies, which introduces students to the history, theory, and gious Michigan State University awards on production of documentary forms and modes of expression. The combined analysis/production model gives students an opportunity to develop multi- Feb. 9 at the All University Awards Convoca- media skills that can directly translate into careers in journalism, film, radio, tion. news and creative arts. Graduate students hillary shulman and thomas isaacson received MSU Excellence- • Information and communication technology for development, a program that in-Teaching Citations. Shulman is a doctoral prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and student pursuing a communication degree. apply information and communication technology in developing economies to Isaacson is pursuing a Ph.D. in media and achieve both economic and social goals through theoretical foundations and information studies. real-world applications. Since 1969, almost 40 graduate students The college is finalizing an integrated media arts curriculum to cover students in the college have received this distinguished involved in creative degrees from the departments of Advertising, Public Relations honor. and Retailing, Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media and the School of Journalism. The new curriculum, expected to be finalized in fall 2010, will combine all de- a rtans W partmental creative activties into a college - wide curriculum. This transformation will allow opportunities for groundbreaking innovations for undergraduates pursu- sP iLL ing degrees and specializations in advertising, design, film, journalism, media arts and technology and more. These students will learn the basics of media produc- Encourage success. tion and storytelling and also advanced work related to their discipline in video, Be a mentor! design, web design, photography, graphic design, animation, video game design etc. In addition, the curriculum will bring together our creative producers in the college to develop collaborative projects. cas.msu.edu/alumni Look for more on the integrated media arts curriculum and all programs at www.cas.msu.edu/programs. Student stage manages historic MSU production By: Trenton Lively “I have learned that hands-on experience As stage manager for the first Big Ten stage production is the best education,” of “Palmer Park,” junior Sarah DeBoer did more than just said DeBoer. “Classes study to prepare for a career in production management. will give you the ground DeBoer is majoring in media arts and technology with rules, but there is noth- a specialization in fiction film and a minor in theatre. Fall ing like working on set, semester, she decided to take on the challenging job as dealing with various stage manager for the theatre production because the op- people, problems and Student Sarah DeBoer, right, stage man- portunity seemed to be a perfect match for her interests. any other surprises that aging Palmer Park last fall. “Working on this production was a very interesting ex- may pop up during the perience because the play itself takes place very close to production process.” home,” said DeBoer. The story follows a group of people Some past productions that DeBoer has been in- fighting for integration in an upper middle-class neigh- volved with include the repertory dance show “orche- borhood in Detroit called Palmer Park. The production sis,” where she worked as stage manager, and a stage was held at all Big Ten campuses during the 2009-2010 production called “Snapshot,” where she worked as an academic year for the first time. assistant stage manager. 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 31

A tribute to James Quello, 1914-2010 Pamela Whitten, dean of the College of Communication Arts & Sciences, said Quello left a tremendous legacy at MSU and worldwide. “James Quello was a dear friend of MSU, and we will continue to honor his memory through the work at the Quello Center,” Whitten said. Quello received the college’s Outstanding Alumni Award in 1974. Faculty member Steven Wildman has been the James H. Quello Endowed Chair of Telecommunication Studies and director of the James H. and Mary B. Quello Center for Telecommunication Manage- ment & Law at MSU since 1999. “As a longtime student of communication industries and policies, it has been the high point of my career to work at this center devoted to carrying on the Quello legacy of service through contributions to communications policy,” MSU alum James H. Quello, former Wildman said. “Jim was a true champion commissioner and acting chairman of the of our work at the center and of MSU. Federal Communications Commission, He was also a wonderful human being. passed away on Jan. 24, 2010 at the age For those who knew him personally, he of 95 in Alexandria, Va. will best be remembered for his personal The James H. and Mary B. Quello Cen- warmth and generosity of spirit.” ter for Telecommunication Management The Quello Center was founded to and Law at Michigan State University was assist both the public and private sectors established in 1998 to honor the Quellos, through cutting-edge, multidisciplinary both MSU alumni. They met while stu- research on telecommunication manage- dents on campus in the 1930s. ment and policy while serving as a cata- Quello, a former chairman of the lyst for the development and adoption FCC, retired in 1997 after serving on of balanced telecommunication policy the commission for 23 years. He was a solutions. The center continues contrib- World War II veteran (lieutenant colo- uting to the private sector’s alignment nel and battalion commander in France with the economic and political realities and Germany), former VP and station of communication industries. manager of WJR Detroit as well as VP for For more information about the Quello that station’s parent company, Capital Center and to make a gift in James Cities Broadcasting. Quello is a past Quello’s honor, please visit president of the Michigan Association of www.quello.msu.edu. Broadcasters and recipient of its lifetime FIRST: (left to right): Quello Center Director achievement award. In 1995, he was Steven Wildman, Quello Advisory Board mem- named to Broadcasting & Cable’s Hall ber and C-SPAN co-founder John Evans, Jim of Fame and received the National As- Quello, and former Dean James Spaniolo. sociation of Broadcasters Distinguished Service Award in 1994. Quello received SECOND: Jim Quello and his wife Mary. awards and honorary degrees from Michigan State University, including the THIRD: Jim Quello, Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK), MSU Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998 Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI), and NAB president and an honorary MSU doctor of humani- Jim Quello and Quello Center Advisory Board Eddie Fritz. ties in 1977. member and former FCC chairman Richard Wiley. FOURTH: The Quello Center Advisory Board in 2002. 32 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 2010

legacies In Loving Memory Dr. Jill Elfenbein Born June 13, 1951, Dr. Jill Elfenbein launched in fall 2008. passed away on May 6, 2010. Elfenbein was involved in a long-term Elfenbein was an associate professor community health project, studying inher- in the Department of Communicative Sci- ited forms of deafness with MSU faculty. ences and Disorders for 17 years, specializ- Together the faculty formed the Com- ing in audiology. In 2006, she was named a munity-based program Cooperative for Fellow of the American Speech-Language- Studies Across Generations. The program Hearing Association (ASHA). The award is builds on a 10-year relationship between one of the highest honors that ASHA can researchers and community members in a bestow. She received the MSU Teacher- cluster of rural communities in mid-Mich- Scholar Award in 2000. igan. The faculty work from this long-term She was a graduate of the University of project has been published in the “Ameri- Iowa, where she earned her master’s and can Journal of Human Genetics.” doctorate degrees in speech pathology and Elfenbein was head of the College Ad- audiology. visory Council from 2008-2009. She was In addition to serving as professor, active in many professional and academic Elfenbein was a champion of many projects organizations, including the American and groups on the MSU campus. She was Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the faculty advisor for the undergraduate the American Academy of Audiology, the student organizations USAC and, most re- Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Asso- cently, NSSLHA. She encouraged students ciation, the Michigan Association for Deaf to fund-raise, volunteer and participate and Hard of Hearing, Hands & Voices. in community projects such as the MSU Share your memories of Dr. Elfenbein. Teddy Bear Picnic. She was a key coordina- You can post tributes on the college’s Top to bottom: Dr. Elfenbein with col- tor along with faculty from Social Work Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/ leagues on the CoSAGE project; Dr. Elfenbein performing audiology tests; and Deaf Education of the American Sign msucommarts. We also welcome your Dr. Elfenbein teaching sign language at Language (ASL) Living/Learning Op- notes and photos which can be sent to MSU Grandparents University. tion program in Snyder-Phillips Hall that casnews@msu.edu. 2010 | THE CoMMUNICATor I 33

senD us your news to inCluDe online at www.Cas.Msu.eDu/aluMni! Please send to: Name: ________________________________________ Editor, Communicator Degree: ________________ Year: __________________ College of Communication Arts & Sciences 287 Comm Arts Building Address: _______________________________________ Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1212 City/State/ZIP: __________________________________ Home Phone: ___________________________________ Or email: casnews@msu.edu Email: _________________________________________ Please describe career changes, awards, honors, etc: ________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ michigan state university College of Communication Arts celebration & Sciences the Nominate an alum or friend for a 2011 CAS Alumni Award. Deadline October 1, 2010 Nominate a faculty member for the 2011 Faculty Impact Award. Deadline January 28, 2011 Nomination forms are available online at: www.cas.msu.edu/alumni

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid East Lansing, MI Permit No. 21 Communicator College of Communication Arts & Sciences Michigan State University 287 Communication Arts & Sciences Building East Lansing, MI 48824 There’s even more in our online edition: www.cas.msu.edu/communicator Save these 2010-2011 dates and go online to www.cas.msu.edu for more info september 8 – Earn, Learn & intern event october 1 – deadline for College alumni award nominations october 14 – msu Grand awards october 15 – neal shine Lecture october 15 – msu homecoming Parade (6 pm) october 15 – College homecoming Bash october 16 – msu Green and White Brunch october 22-23 – Journalism Centennial Celebration January 28, 2011 – deadline for faculty impact award nominations february 18, 2011 – speed networking may 7, 2011 – the Celebration: Cas alumni awards

Communicator 2010 2011 edition

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