2. Syracuse University S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications fall 2007 Vol. 19 No. 3
Dean in this issue:
David M. Rubin
Executive Editor Dean’s Column 1
Wendy S. Loughlin G’95
Newhouse III Dedication 2
Editor
Carol L. Boll
Year of the First Amendment 6
2
Contributors
Jean Brooks First Amendment Scholars Program 7
Rob Enslin
Shavon S. Greene ’10 Newhouse in New York 8
Kathleen Haley ’92
Jason Levy G’07
Agatha Lutoborski ’08 Executive Education 9
Kevin Morrow
Christy Perry TRF Semester Study 10
George Thomas G’07
Nhouse Productions 11
Photography
7
Steve Sartori
Images of the South Side 12
Graphic Design
Elizabeth Percival Emergency Preparedness 14
Assistant Dean of
External Relations Student News 15
Lynn A. Vanderhoek ’89
Mirror Awards 16
Office of External
Relations
Ivory Tower Goes Statewide 17
315-443-5711
Web Site
newhouse.syr.edu
8 Envi Magazine
Faculty Briefs
17
18
On the cover:
Newhouse III “ribbon-cutting” Lauren Pomerantz ’03 20
participants (from left)
Stephanie Rivetz ’08, S.I. Newhouse Jr., William Kagler ’51 22
Victoria Newhouse, U.S. Chief
Justice John Roberts Jr., Chancellor
Class Notes 23
Nancy Cantor, Donald Newhouse,
Susan Newhouse, and Dean David Rubin
9
3. Newhouse III is now open. Students are finding their • Scholarship assistance. We are increasingly
coziest hideaways for studying and socializing. The competing for students with Ivy League schools
favorite food items at Food.com are becoming clear. and others with much larger endowments. To
Faculty members and students are learning their way remain competitive for these students, we need
around the new experimental newsroom. It’s time more endowed scholarships.
now to catch our collective breath, take a week off, • An umbrella center for teaching and scholarship on
and then look to the future. popular culture. In its various schools and colleges,
That is precisely what the Newhouse family and Syracuse has the building blocks to be a leading
foundation have done. They recognize that a building institution in the field of popular culture. New
campaign can sap the energies (not to mention the donors could bring these disparate parts together
wallets) of the school’s most loyal donors and in the SU Center on Popular Culture, which would
Dean’s
Column
volunteers. So to keep up the momentum built during hire visiting faculty, host speakers, stage symposia,
the campaign, and to help the school plan for the publish books, sponsor screenings, and launch new
future, the family announced November 2 that it interdisciplinary degree programs.
had made a challenge grant of $10 million to the • A small Los Angeles campus. Many schools and
Newhouse School, matching our fund raising two to colleges at SU would like to send students to L.A.
one. If the school raises the full challenge amount for internships. But these students also need arts
of $5 million, this will create resources in the and sciences coursework to maintain normal
amount of $15 million. Why the November 2 date progress toward their degrees. We need a small
for the announcement? Because that is the day the campus where they can take these courses.
University publicly announced its new $1 billion fund- • Enhancements to Newhouse Plaza. Potted trees
raising campaign, of which this gift will be a part. As and benches strategically placed around the plaza
one of Syracuse’s flagship schools, the Newhouse would increase its appeal as a public meeting
School will play a key role in this campaign. space.
If we succeed with this challenge grant, it will
serve as a stimulus to the school’s new dean to In Newhouse III, we have an architectural gem.
continue the fund-raising momentum, and it will It provides students with many nesting places
provide funds to support his or her new initiatives. and opens up much new learning space. Like the
(The search for my successor is under way, with the teaching and scholarship that occur daily throughout
new dean expected to take the reins July 1, 2008.) Newhouse, this is a building that will stand the test of
While I think it is a bit cheeky for an outgoing dean time, and of which we can all be immensely proud.
to suggest needs and goals to his successor, I think
there are a few areas this new fund could address.
• Updating/remodeling of Studios A and B in
Newhouse II. Both need to be brought into the
digital and high-definition age. David M. Rubin
Dean
1
5. With temperatures hovering near 80 degrees and sunny skies
overhead, September 19 was a made-to-order day for the dedication
of Newhouse III—and a fitting bookend to the Newhouse I dedication
43 years earlier. At that dedication, S.I. Newhouse spoke of his desire
to establish a three-building, world-class communications complex
at Syracuse University.
The dedication of Newhouse “The new building
III marked the culmination of that we dedicate properly
that dream, and an estimated celebrates the words of the
2,500 people from the Univer- First Amendment,” Roberts
sity and Syracuse communi- told the chapel audience,
ties joined S.I. Newhouse Jr., which included such
Donald Newhouse, their fami- notable alumni as Pulitzer
lies, and guests to observe Prize-winning journalist
the historic occasion. While William Safire ’51, H’78 and
all eyes at the 1964 ceremony sportscaster Mike Tirico ’88.
were on President Lyndon B. “They literally surround and
Johnson—who used the event envelop those who will study
to deliver what would become and work in the building. But
known as the Gulf of Tonkin to those people, I would offer
speech—the headliner this this caution: Do not think for Donald Newhouse (left) and S.I. Newhouse Jr.
time around was Chief Justice a moment that those words
of the United States John G. alone will protect you. …
Roberts Jr. Without an independent courts have given the First independence, there can
In a speech before a judiciary to give substance to Amendment’s inspirational be little doubt that the
capacity crowd at Hendricks the constitutional text as law, words true vitality,” he said. First Amendment would be
Chapel preceding the ribbon- the words are nothing but “Many of the decisions doing the first victim should the
cutting ceremony, Roberts empty promises.” so protect unpopular speech. independence of our judiciary
traced the historical sig- Roberts said while It is difficult to suppose that be curtailed.”
nificance of constitutionally the First Amendment was those decisions would have At the conclusion of the
guaranteed freedom of speech created to protect all speech, come out the same way if speech, the audience, led
but cautioned against viewing an independent judiciary— the judges rendering them by the Syracuse University
the First Amendment in isola- insulated from politics and were subject to political Ancient Drum Corps,
tion. Without an independent public criticism by lifetime or popular pressure. … processed to the Newhouse
judiciary, he said, such rights tenure—safeguards it in Whatever particular decision complex, where a crowd
would mean little. a way popularly elected or decisions might prompt stood waiting in the sun to
officials cannot. “The specific attack on judicial catch a glimpse of the chief
3
6. justice and witness the grand Inc., offered remarks on be- and without bias. Newhouse
opening of SU’s newest half of the Newhouse family. III embodies the ideal of
building. In his remarks, He recalled the 1964 dedica- freedom of the press.”
Newhouse Dean David M. tion ceremony and his father’s Newhouse professor
Rubin thanked all involved pride in the I.M. Pei-designed Jay Wright, representing the
with the construction project, Newhouse I. Since then, he faculty, said the dedication
most notably the Newhouse said, “the School of Public ceremony was all about the
family and foundation, whose Communications has become students. “You’re going to
$15 million gift launched an enormous success, and it have, I hope, many wonder-
the construction project. “In is, today, one of the glories of ful memories here,” he said.
November of 2005, we broke Syracuse University.” Citing “One of them will be that you
ground,” Rubin said. “Now, the words of the First Amend- will forever be able to say, ‘I
in record time, we have this ment that are etched 6 feet saw the chief justice of the
United States, who cared
enough about the future of
“You [students] are going to have, I hope, communications education
and freedom of expression to
many wonderful memories here. One of come here and share the mo-
ment.’ And don’t forget it was
them will be that you will forever be able a beautiful day.”
Other speakers included
to say ‘I saw the chief justice of the United Stephanie Rivetz ’08; Chan-
cellor Nancy Cantor; and Chief
States, who cared enough about the future Justice Roberts, who urged
responsibility in exercising
of communications education and freedom the right to free speech and
ended with a caution: “So
of expression to come here and share much of your individual lives
and the sacrifices of fam-
the moment.’ And don’t forget it was a ily and friends have been
devoted to ensuring that you
beautiful day.” have the opportunity to learn
and exercise those rights.
—Professor Jay Wright
My message to you is very
simple: Don’t blow it.”
magnificent building. I think high into the glass façade of With scissors in hand,
you will agree it was well Newhouse III, he said, “Stu- the speakers cut through
worth the wait. It is a true dents who come to this school a “ribbon” of newsprint to
work of art that solves all the will educate themselves to officially open the 74,000-
problems we posed to the be practitioners in the first square-foot building two
architects and changes the principle of the Bill of Rights. years after the University
character of this side of the They will come here to learn broke ground for the project.
campus. We can’t wait to live how to speak, how to seek the A reception and tours of New-
in it.” truth, with intelligence, care, house III followed.
S.I. Newhouse Jr., chair- and fearlessness—and how
For more on Dedication U.S. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. (above) speaks at Hendricks
man of Advance Publications to express the truth clearly Chapel. Visitors fill Newhouse III for an open house following
Day activities, go to
newhouse.syr.edu/nh3. the dedication ceremony.
4
7. Construction
Kudos
Newhouse III received a Best
of 2007 award from New York
Construction magazine. The
award is part of an annual
Building for a New Era competition recognizing the
best construction projects in
New York, New Jersey, and
In an age of ever-expanding computer and digital capabilities, cable television, the Internet,
Connecticut, as determined
and cellular and satellite communications, Newhouse III was built to meet the increasingly
by a jury of industry leaders.
critical technological needs of students planning to pursue a career in communications. It also
Out of more than 100
was designed to foster collaboration among students, faculty, and guests by providing natural
submissions, a total of 28
gathering places. Among the building’s highlights:
projects were recognized
• Center for Digital Convergence Suite. • Executive Education Suite. This suite serves in 17 different categories.
Co-directed by Newhouse and School of the school’s independent study degree Newhouse III won first place
Information Studies faculty, the center program in communications management. in the higher education
promotes research on and experimentation • Expanded Career Development Center. New construction category.
with media convergence in an effort to additions to the center include a bank of Eligible projects had
understand the future of digital media. computers linking students to a database of to have been completed
• Collaborative Media Room. This space, more than 3,800 alumni who can serve as between November 1, 2006,
functioning as a newsroom, is linked resources for internships, job leads, or career and September 30, 2007.
electronically to several spaces in Newhouse I advice. New York City-based
and II, including the editing suites, studios, • Food.com. This dining area serves as a architecture firm Polshek
and broadcast journalism and Macintosh labs. community center and an informal gathering Partnership Architects
• Barney Light Center for Inquiry, Innovation, spot for students and faculty. designed and constructed
and Imagination. The center allows students Newhouse III. Syracuse-
and faculty to gather, process, and present For more information on Newhouse III and based construction firm
data for research related to coursework or to dedication day activities, go to www.newhouse. J.D. Taylor Construction Corp.
enterprise projects. syr.edu. managed the project. Polshek
• Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium. Named for Partnership submitted
Newhouse alumna and SU Trustee Joyce the building project for
Hergenhan ’63, the auditorium seats 350 and consideration in the
provides space for guest lectures, conferences, competition.
student activities and classes.
5
8. Mark Obbie Paula Madison
“Wrapped” in the words of the First Amendment, Awards. He also has been honored as the • Photojournalist Joe McNally ’03, who
etched in letters 6 feet high on its windows, National Sportswriters and Sportscasters conducted a workshop for photographers.
Newhouse III serves as a powerful reminder to Association Sportscaster of the Year a record Described by American Photo magazine as
students and visitors alike that the First Amend- eight times. “perhaps the most versatile photojournalist
ment was written not only for journalists, but also • “Religious Freedoms Under the First working today,” McNally is a recipient of
to guarantee its five protections for all citizens. Amendment,” featuring Gustav Niebuhr, the Alfred Eisenstaedt Award for Outstanding
The communications industry has changed associate professor of religion and the media Magazine Photography.
dramatically since the first building of the New- in the College of Arts and Sciences and the • “Freedom Sings,” a critically acclaimed
house Communications Complex opened in 1964, Newhouse School; Tom Wolfe, dean of multimedia experience that tells the story of
but a Newhouse education is still based on the Hendricks Chapel; and university chaplains in a almost three centuries of banned or censored
fundamentals, and the First Amendment continues discussion about the First Amendment’s music in America and invites audiences to take
to serve as the foundation for everything religious protections. a fresh look at the First Amendment.
we do. • Banned Books Week, with Syracuse University
In recognition of that, the Newhouse School Library displaying original banned books from Spring events will include “Freedom of
used the dedication of Newhouse III to formally the library’s Special Collections Research Center Expression—with Fashion” on April 4 at
kick off a year-long celebration of the First Amend- and others. Newhouse I. The fashion show will illustrate
ment. As part of the observance, special programs • “Newspaper and Broadcast Journalism and the power of fashion to express potent political
were scheduled throughout the fall and will con- Media Diversity,” featuring Paula Madison, and social messages. The show, produced by
tinue into the spring. Fall programs included: executive vice president of diversity for NBC students in Newhouse’s Fashion and Beauty
• Supreme Makeover: Inventing a New Model Universal. Madison was previously president Communications Milestone, will feature designs
of Judicial Openness on the High Court? and general manager of KNBC, NBC’s owned created by undergraduates in the College of Visual
Dahlia Lithwick, senior editor and Supreme and operated station in Los Angeles. A former and Performing Arts’ fashion design program.
Court correspondent for Slate.com, was the Newhouse master’s student, she was named Other anticipated First Amendment programs this
keynote speaker for this program exploring one of the 75 Most Powerful African Americans spring:
the relationship among court tradition, in Corporate America by Black Enterprise • A screening of historic moments in television
current news coverage, and public image magazine in 2005. that highlight the importance of the First
making. Participants included Benjamin Wittes, • “Watching the World Change: From 9/11 Amendment in news and culture
fellow and research director in public law with to Deep Throat,” with David Friend, director of • “The First Amendment in Cyberspace,” examin-
the Brookings Institution; Tony Mauro, Supreme creative development for Vanity Fair, who in ing how the freedoms of the First Amendment
Court correspondent for Legal Times, American 2005 broke the story that revealed the identity come together—and collide—online
Lawyer Media and Law.com; and moderator of “Deep Throat,” Bob Woodward and Carl • “Student Protests and the Right to Peaceably
Mark Obbie, director of the Carnegie Legal Bernstein’s secret Watergate source. Friend Assemble”
Reporting Program at Newhouse. wrote the book Watching the World Change: • “Petition Your Government,” featuring a panel
• “The Iraq War as a Breakdown of the American The Stories Behind the Images of 9/11 and of top lobbyists who will discuss the right to
System,” featuring Thomas E. Ricks, military won Emmy and Peabody awards as an executive petition the government for a redress of
correspondent for The Washington Post and producer of the CBS documentary 9/11. grievances
best-selling author, who shared his insights • Fifth Annual Human Rights Film Festival, a
from covering the Iraq war and the U.S. military. three-day film festival featuring documentaries More information on Year of the First Amendment
• Bob Costas ’74, who spoke to students about on social justice issues from around the globe. events can be found online at newhouse.syr.
his career in sportscasting. Costas has covered • “Screening Free Speech,” a film festival edu/nh3.
sports for nearly 30 years and earned 14 Emmy focusing on First Amendment issues.
6
9. Scholarship Free Speech
A First Amendment On September 19, the plays, to be renewed each our students, given that people to hold free speech
Scholars Program, program’s four student semester in collaboration they take three-quarters in higher regard, allowing
designed to explore the scholars jointly unveiled with Newhouse’s Tully Cen- of their coursework there. them to see the impact it
importance and complexity a video display project, ter for Free Speech, will sup- It’s important to me and has on their everyday lives.
of freedom of speech, installed on the First Amend- port our shared intention to to my successor that the “I hope this video proj-
has been established ment Wall of Newhouse III, keep debate alive.” Newton relationship with the College ect helps viewers to think
at Syracuse University that features comments on and Rubin, who have 26 of Arts and Sciences remains more broadly, passionately,
through the College of free speech from a broad years of decanal leadership strong.” and personally about the
Arts and Sciences, the S.I. cross-section of the Syracuse between them, are stepping Described by honors rights guaranteed to them,
Newhouse School of Public community. “The College down from their respective program Director Samuel and to all people of the
Communications, and the of Arts and Sciences has posts on June 30, 2008. Gorovitz as “a living exhibi- United States, through the
Renée Crown University initiated this exhibition on “This project is a sign tion about a subject that First Amendment and the
Honors Program. freedom of speech in honor of the deep respect and is central to our mission United States Constitution,”
Funded by a gift to of Dean Rubin’s outstanding affection we have for one as a university,” the video she says.
the College of Arts and leadership of the Newhouse another,” Rubin says of display is expected to stimu- Coronat Scholar Jenni-
Sciences, the program also School and his steadfast Newton. “I have always late discussion about the fer Feden, of Southampton,
affirms the shared values collaboration with arts and viewed Cathryn Newton as meaning of free speech. Pennsylvania, also envi-
and close collaboration sciences and the honors a sympathetic, astute, and Kimberly Harris, a WellsLink sions the project addressing
of the three academic program in pursuit of our cooperative partner and the and Coronat Scholar from misconceptions about the
units and pays tribute to common objectives,” says College of Arts and Sciences Aurora, Illinois, hopes the First Amendment. “The First
Newhouse Dean David Newton. “The video dis- as a key sister school for installation will encourage continued on page 19
Rubin’s strong advocacy of
liberal education, according
to Cathryn R. Newton,
First Amendment Scholars (left to right) Pearly Leung ’08, Kimberly Harris ’09, Jennifer Feden ’08, and Zac Cummings ’09.
dean of arts and sciences.
Under the initiative, four
or more honors program
students dually enrolled
in the College of Arts and
Sciences and Newhouse
will be appointed First
Amendment Scholars each
semester. This fall’s cohort
comprises Zac Cummings
’09 (magazine journalism/
political science), Jennifer
Feden ’08 (television, radio,
and film/Spanish/policy
studies), Kimberly Harris ’09
(magazine journalism/policy
studies), and Pearly Leung
’08 (television, radio, and
film/international relations).
7
10. Newhouse in New York
conversations draw communication leaders
By Kathleen Haley
For the past eight years, the Newhouse School has created settings in the Jon Stewart, anchor and executive producer of Comedy Central’s The Daily
media capital of the world for conversations with editors, entertainers, Show with Jon Stewart; Mario Monti of the European Economic Union;
commentators, and communication giants. The Newhouse in New York Richard Parsons of AOL Time Warner; Ted Turner; Judy Woodruff, anchor and
breakfast series hosts well-known panelists to discuss issues affecting the senior correspondent with CNN; Disney’s Michael Eisner; Mel Karmizan,
industry. Top professionals in the fields of journalism, advertising, public formerly of Viacom (currently Sirius Satellite Radio); Roger Ailes of Fox News;
relations, new media, media management, law, finance, and other areas of Ana Marie Cox, founder and editor of Wonkette.com; David Chase, creator,
business gain information from the speakers and share solutions to timely writer, and executive producer of HBO’s The Sopranos; Dee Dee Myers,
communications issues. former White House press secretary and assistant to President Bill Clinton;
Sponsored by The New Yorker and Condé Nast Communications, the Leonard Downie Jr., executive editor of The Washington Post; and Paul
breakfast sessions have been held at the Condé Nast Building, W Hotel, Steiger, managing editor of The Wall Street Journal.
Bryant Park Grill, and other locations. The series started in October 2000 and The series provides an outlet to showcase Newhouse and increase
is moderated by Maxwell graduate Ken Auletta G’77, author and writer of The the school’s visibility. “The breakfasts have proven to be a terrific way
New Yorker’s “Annals of Communications.” Participants have included David to introduce the Newhouse School to important members of the media
Boies, lead counsel for the Microsoft trial; Jack Welch, former CEO of GE; community who are not Newhouse graduates,” Newhouse Dean David M.
Rubin says. “They have also permitted us to expand our ‘brand’ in the media
capital of the world. In the process of this brand-building, we have brought
some terrific speakers into the fold and presented some very exciting
programs.”
Earlier this year, the series featured Leslie Moonves, president and
CEO of CBS Corp.; Dean Baquet, Washington bureau chief for The New
York Times and former editor at the Los Angeles Times; and Gary B. Pruitt,
chairman, president, and CEO of the McClatchy Company, the third-largest
newspaper company in the United States. Last year, the series brought
together Marissa Mayer, director of consumer products for Google, and
Nathan P. Myhrvold, founder and CEO of Intellectual Ventures, for “A Look
Over the Horizon.” Another session in 2006 was titled “A Conversation with
Sir Martin Sorrell.” Sorrell is the chief executive officer of WPP Group, one of
the world’s largest communications services groups.
Ken Auletta ’65 (right) of The New Yorker serves as moderator for a Newhouse in
New York presentation featuring Yahoo CEO Terry Semel.
8
11. By Carol L. Boll
back to school
PR professionals thrive in the classroom—and on the job
Thirty years ago, the job of a public relations it on a full-time, residency basis. “I’d hear it all the students; we see their potential,” Russell says.
professional focused primarily on writing news time as I traveled around, meeting with alumni,” “But this is another dimension. These people have
releases, managing media relations, and cranking Russell says. “ ‘I’m busy. I’m working. I have lots of experience, so it’s a different conversation
out the company newsletter. Today, with the children. But I would love to get a master’s degree.’ you’re having. They come from all disciplines, and
explosion in technology, the emergence of the They just can’t do it in the traditional manner, the discussions are very, very lively.” With the
global marketplace, the expectations of diverse and they get frustrated. Our goal is to give them construction of Newhouse III, the program has
constituencies, and increasingly complex policy the high quality, rigorous education Newhouse is gained two new classrooms, each with state-
issues, public relations practitioners are a critical known for, but in a flexible format.” of-the-art presentation and videoconferencing
part of strategic management. And they need to The program annually enrolls 15 to 20 stu- capabilities.
bring more to the table than an ability to write dents, each of whom must have at least five—most The program has been so successful that
compelling copy. have 10 to 20—years of professional experience. Newhouse has spun off variations to address
“The field of public relations has evolved The program can be completed within two years, needs of other constituencies:
significantly,” says Maria Russell, professor and but students work at their own pace. Coursework • Newhouse is collaborating with DeGroote
chair of the Newhouse School’s public relations includes organizational public relations, strategic School of Business at McMaster University,
department. “Public relations practitioners today management, managerial accounting and finance, Canada, in a replication of the program on that
now have much more of a management function research, communications law, and other topics Ontario campus.
than a journalism function. Today it’s more about that can be applied immediately to the workplace. • For the second year, Newhouse is conducting
being a counselor to top management, similar Diane Thieke G’07, says she believes the a public relations certificate program for
to the CFO, the lawyer, and the chief marketing program’s greatest strength is its faculty. “They’re an international association of corporate
officer. And if you don’t understand how the exceptional,” says Thieke, director of global communicators in Brazil, with Newhouse
business works, you won’t be a valued counselor.” public relations, Enterprise Media Group, Dow faculty and alumni providing instruction on
In response to those changes, the Jones. “They inform the theory with real-world five topics.
Newhouse School created a master of science experience, and because of that I was able to • Newhouse also has been asked to help train
in communications management specifically for apply what I learned in residency as soon as I got 150 new public relations employees for a major
industry professionals interested in expanding back into the office. I’m still in awe of the people Brazilian corporation.
or updating their skills. Now in its 13th year, the who guided me in the classroom.” Russell attributes much of the program’s
program is designed as a two-year independent Syracuse has been a pioneer in independent success to the wealth of experience the students
study program, with three one-week residencies study—or executive education—degree programs, bring into the classroom. “This is an incredibly
each year—two at SU and one at the University’s Russell says, and today’s technologies further talented group of people,” she says. “They’re
Lubin House in New York City. enhance such opportunities. Communications very successful, and they’re committed to lifelong
Russell, who initiated the idea 15 years ago, management students come from all over the learning. They’re also great role models for our
says the program meets the needs of professionals world and bring their own unique perspectives undergraduates. They know that to stay on top,
who want to pursue a master’s degree but can’t do into the classroom. “We love our undergraduate you have to continue your education all the time.”
9
12. Glenn Rigberg, manager of Rigberg Entertainment,
speaks to a group of SU undergraduates participating
in a weeklong seminar in Los Angeles.
By George Thomas
Newhouse students to learn from top industry professionals
Imagine having the opportunity as a student a semester studying with industry professionals Once the curriculum is developed, students
to study under the supervision of an award- in New York City. The program, Schoonmaker will choose what particular area of the TRF
winning screenwriter or at a production company says, gave students a great opportunity to apply industry they would like to study. Part internship,
that boasts a laundry list of successful films. the knowledge they learned in the classroom to part critical-thinking exercise, the program will
Newhouse students may soon be doing just that. real-world situations. It eventually evolved into a include some required courses but will leave
The Newhouse School’s television-radio-film weeklong, mid-semester seminar in Los Angeles. room for students to choose their own area of
department (TRF) plans to install “campuses” The idea for reviving a semester-long focus. It also will include tutorials in film and
in Los Angeles and New York City, where program grew out of the popularity of those television production as well as sound production,
undergraduate TRF students can go for semester- seminars, according to Schoonmaker. He adds management, radio, and screenwriting. The
long programs that teach them the ins and outs that the new program, which he hopes to launch tutorials will immerse students in a working
of the field. Think of it as a study abroad program, in the fall of 2008, is likely to be even stronger studio environment. The semester will count for
says Michael Schoonmaker, professor and chair than the original since Newhouse today has 12 credits, so students can take part in the
of the TRF department, who is spearheading the close contacts in both cities who are willing to program without falling behind in their regular
effort. Each city’s program will have its own feel participate in such a venture. program of study.
and focus. The Los Angeles campus may be a Schoonmaker says the experience will be For more information about the proposed
studio lot where a film is in production, while the invaluable for students since much of what they TRF programs in New York and Los Angeles,
New York campus might be an office where editing need to know can best be learned on site. “You contact Schoonmaker at 315-443-9240 or
takes place. cannot re-create these industry settings,” he says. msschoon@syr.edu.
The idea has its roots in a program Newhouse “It’s important to drop students in the middle of
operated in the 1980s, in which students spent these locations and show how vast they are.”
10
13. Nhouse Productions allows students to show off their skills
Think of it as Newhouse’s answer to YouTube. Nhouse Productions, an online film archive created
in 2005 at the school, showcases Newhouse student work, allowing undergraduate and graduate
students in the television-radio-film (TRF) department to show off their filmmaking skills for the
s
ma
world to see.
“People just might see the outside of the Newhouse building but not really know what
ho
goes on inside or what the students actually do,” says Michael Schoonmaker, professor
eT
and chair of the TRF department. “The point of Nhouse is to show the students’ work
rg
and also to engage commentary and discussion from viewers.” Schoonmaker says it’s
eo
important to highlight the quality work created by TRF students, whom he calls “the
G
next generation of storytellers.”
By
Students with Nhouse collected and catalogued several films created by TRF
students and placed them on the Nhouse web site at nhouse.syr.edu. Working
with Orange Television Network, the on-campus cable television network,
students also arranged for the films to be broadcast on campus television.
The genre of choice so far on Nhouse appears to be comedy, with
eight films archived in that category. For example, the darkly comic
Le Womanequinn, directed by Jacob Perlin and Ian Wishingrad, both
senior TRF majors, explores the consequences that befall a group of
students who force one of their roommates to get rid of his prized
possession—a mannequin he calls Marilyn.
In addition to comedic works, the site features
documentaries and dramatic videos. Also planned are
animation, commercials, magazines, music videos, and
movie trailers.
To assist in maintaining the Nhouse web site, Nhouse
students collaborate with students in the new media
master’s program. “We were originally going to keep
the management of the site as a class function, but
it’s a 24/7 kind of operation,” Schoonmaker says.
“We could not have done it without the help of
the new media students.”
Nhouse producers last year included
project manager Dan Herrick ’07, a TRF
major; manager of production operations
Todd Sodano, an adjunct professor in the
TRF department; post-production coordinator
Samantha Grogin ’07, a TRF major; and content
editor Josh Cregg ’08, a TRF major.
One hurdle Nhouse Productions must deal
with is the constant turnover of students. But with fresh
content available every new semester, Schoonmaker says,
he is confident it will continue to grow with each talented
class. For now, he’s taking it slow. “It’s the kind of thing you
build in pieces,” he says. “We needed equipment, content, a
server. It just takes time.”
For more information on Nhouse Productions, contact
Schoonmaker at 315-443-9240 or msschoon@syr.edu. 11
15. Military Photojournalists Reveal the
of Syracuse’s South side
by Christy Perry
In a semester-long project, The site describes the South
Newhouse Military Photojournalism Side photos as “…a microscopic
(MPJ) students used their cameras peek into an urban society: a society
to tell the stories of the people and that both enforced and dispelled
businesses of Syracuse’s South the preconceived notions of the
Side. The results of their work are participating photojournalists. …
posted online at www.mpj2007.com. Through the lenses of our Nikons
Greg Hedges, a visual and we journeyed with three homeless
interactive communications men as they failed in their attempt
professor who helped the students to stay clean; sat in the chair of
develop the web site, says the the local barbershop and gossip
site works in conjunction with chamber; and learned the joy
a magazine the MPJ students of literacy from an 81-year-old
produced under the guidance of bookworm.”
professors Sherri Taylor and David More information on the
Sutherland. The web site expands military visual journalism
on the publication by including extra programs is available online at
photos and companion multimedia newhousemilitary.syr.edu.
packages of the stories. It also
features biographies and multiple
galleries showcasing the MPJ
students’ other Newhouse projects.
Photos by (opposite page) R. Jason Brunson and Matthew Bash;
(this page, top to bottom) Laura A. Moore; Bennie J. Davis III; Bradley Church
13
16. mock crisis offers real-world training
By Kevin Morrow quarrel, the suspect panics, firing on the officers
and barricading himself and the young woman in
Newhouse School faculty and Syracuse
her room.
University’s Department of Public Safety
staged a mock emergency in August to provide
Dozens of SU students and staff participated Enrollment Hits New High
as actors. The journalists-in-training faced A record number of master’s degree
“breaking news” training for 93 master’s degree
several challenges trying to follow and process students—238 to be exact—began their
students. The students are enrolled in the
all that was occurring on the scene. Among studies in the Newhouse School this
magazine-newspaper-online, arts journalism,
the difficulties was the fact that what likely summer. That’s about 6 percent more than
public relations and public diplomacy programs
would have transpired over many hours was last year. In addition, Newhouse added
at Newhouse.
compressed to fewer than two hours to enable two professional degree programs in 2007.
This was the ninth year of the annual
the students to complete their assignment within Welcoming their first students in July
summertime collaboration. The scenario this
the course’s allotted time frame. were documentary film and history, with
time involved a gunman and a hostage situation
In addition to providing the Newhouse 5 enrolled, and public diplomacy, with
in Lawrinson Hall, a high-rise residence hall on
students with subject matter for deadline 13 enrolled.
the SU campus. The back story: The gunman
reporting, the situation doubled as a training The television-radio-film program took
is the ex-boyfriend of an SU student living in
exercise for the participating agencies, including in the most students—a record-breaking
Lawrinson Hall. He and another man, a hardened
the Syracuse Police Department, FBI, SUNY 45. The graduate program in magazine-
criminal and arms dealer, are on their way to
College of Environmental Science and Forestry newspaper-online journalism was second,
Canada to pursue a get-rich scheme. They stop in
University Police, SU Ambulance, SU’s Office of with 40 students. The broadcast journalism
Syracuse so the first suspect can try to persuade
Residence Life and Division of Public Affairs, and program has 37 students enrolled.
his former girlfriend, a current SU student, to join
Rural/Metro Medical Services.
them. When the suspect arrives at her residence
While somewhat reminiscent of events at
hall and she continues to rebuff him,
Virginia Tech last April, the mock emergency was Disney Daytime Chief
the suspect becomes
actually conceptualized in February by SU Public Shares Insights
agitated and loud. Brian Frons G’78, president of Daytime,
Safety Deputy Chief Drew Buske and Newhouse
When SU public Disney-ABC Television Group, came to
instructor Emilie Davis. Following the Virginia
safety officers campus in October to meet with students
Tech shootings, organizers decided to proceed
arrive following in the Newhouse
with the scenario, as that tragedy reinforced an
a report School and
imperative among university responders and
of a SU’s Martin J.
law enforcement agencies across the country
to be vigilant and prepared for a potentially Whitman School
violent situation on campus. of Management.
Frons visited two
classes—Principles
and Practices:
Television, Radio,
Film Industries,
taught by Newhouse associate professor
Larry Elin, and Marketing Communications,
taught by Whitman Distinguished Professor
Sevilimedu Raj.
Frons also gave a talk titled “The Keys
to L.A.–Adjusting, Surviving, and Making
It in the City of Angels,” which covered,
among other things, current and future
trends in television and his thoughts on
marketable skills for career development.
14
17. “War Surrounds Us” Wins Accolades encouraging the free practice of journalism, stimulating
high standards of ethical behavior, and inspiring and
Newhouse print journalism students took top honors in
educating the next generation of journalists. The SPJ
recent months in competitions sponsored by the Association
received more than 3,300 entries in 39 categories across
for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
12 regions for the 2007 awards.
(AEJMC) and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).
– George Thomas
“War Surrounds Us,” a special 2006 edition of the SU
student newspaper The Student Voice, won first place in the
Ad Students Take 4th in Nationals
AEJMC’s 2007 Newspaper Division Newspaper Competition
and a first place from the SPJ for in-depth reporting. Advertising students in the Newhouse School took fourth-
“War Surrounds Us” focuses on the war on terror. place honors at this year’s National Student Advertising
Undergraduate and graduate print journalism students Competition (NSAC) in Louisville, Kentucky.
wrote the stories, working under the direction of Steve Although Syracuse had won at the district level several
Davis, professor and chair of the newspaper department, times, this was the first time in 30 years it had competed
and John Hatcher, now an assistant professor of journalism at nationals. “Four years ago the team came in 13th at
at the University of Minnesota Duluth. regionals,” says Ed Russell, professor of advertising at
“The judges were impressed with the quality Newhouse. “Three years ago they were third, then second,
of reporting, writing, editing, photos, and design, as then first. …I still believe this is the best communications
well as the wonderful learning experience this was for school in the country, with the best students. We just need
your students,” wrote Ann Auman, co-chair of AEJMC’s to prove it.”
Newspaper Division Teaching Standards. Awards were The student competitors, all advertising majors from
handed out in August at the annual AEJMC convention in the Class of 2007, were Brian Stout, Laura Lefkowitz, Ryan
Washington, D.C. Parkhurst, Janet Levine, Jenn Spaeth, and Julia Amirzadov.
The SPJ award for in-depth reporting was presented Sponsored by the American Advertising Federation,
during the organization’s spring conference at Hofstra the NSAC is considered the premier student advertising
University in Hempstead, New York. “It is incredible to see competition in the country. More than 80,000 students
all of the hard work that (Davis) devotes to working with have participated in the contest, which has become an
students pay off in such a prestigious way,” says Carla attraction for ad industry recruiters seeking new talent.
Lloyd, associate dean of scholarly and creative activity at – George Thomas
Newhouse, of the SPJ award.
This is just the latest round of accolades for “War Networking Group Named
Surrounds Us.” The article “Young Soldier Puts Life Back Chapter of the Year
Together,” written by Julianne Pepitone ’08 and Allison The Syracuse University chapter of Ed2010, a national
Baker ’08 and featured in the special issue, previously magazine networking group, recently won that
won first prize for feature writing in the 2006 Rolling Stone organization’s inaugural Best Established Chapter of the
magazine College Journalism Competition. Year award. Ed2010 brings together aspiring magazine
Excerpts from “War Surrounds Us” can be viewed editors who share the goal of working in magazines and/or
online at newhouse.syr.edu/images/studentVoiceMNO.pdf. publishing.
– Christy Perry and George Thomas SU’s chapter of Ed2010 offers its members networking
events, resume and writing workshops, and magazine chat
students honored by spj events throughout the academic year. The chapter stays
Two Newhouse print journalism students won awards connected to internship opportunities, past internship
from the Society of Professional Journalists during the experiences, possible job openings, and industry-related
organization’s spring conference at Hofstra University in news through a biweekly chapter newsletter. It also has
Hempstead, New York. brought notable speakers to campus, including Print
Ethan Ramsey ’08 won first-place honors in the sports magazine’s Joyce Rutter-Kaye, Esquire.com’s Eric Gillin,
writing category for his article titled “State of the Athletic author Lindsey Pollak, and feminist journalist Gloria
Department.” Melanie Hicken ’09 received third place in Steinem.
the breaking news category for her article “Governor Cuts SU’s Ed2010 chapter advisors are professors Melissa
Higher Education Tuition Assistance.” Chessher and Bill Glavin. More information about the
The Society of Professional Journalists is the country’s chapter is available at www.syracuseed2010.com.
most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to – Christy Perry
15
18. Mirror Awards Competition a success
by Wendy S. Loughlin
Peter Bart, editor in chief of Variety, received the
inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the
ceremony. He was introduced by columnist and
author Liz Smith. Meredith Vieira, co-anchor
of the NBC morning news program Today,
hosted the event. Luncheon committee
co-chairs for the event included Rob
Light, partner, Creative Artists; Judy
McGrath, chairman and CEO, MTV
The media’s top writers, readers, and leaders Networks; Ron Meyer, president and
gathered in New York City in June to honor COO, Universal Studios; Aaron Sorkin,
seven winners in the first annual Mirror Awards writer; and Jeff Zucker, president and
Competition. Established by the Newhouse CEO, NBC Universal.
School to recognize excellence in media industry Several corporations in the media
reporting, the competition drew 140 entries. industry underwrote the event, including
Winners were: members of the Mirror Premier Circle:
Advance Publications Inc.; Condé Nast
Individual Awards Publications; Discovery Communications
• Best Single Article: “Blogs to Riches,” Inc.; NBC Universal; Reed Business
Clive Thompson, New York Magazine Information; Time Warner Cable; and
Variety.
• Best Profile: “A Guy Named Craig,” More information about the
Philip Weiss, New York Magazine Mirror Awards is available online at
• Best Commentary: “The Media Equation,” mirrorawards.syr.edu. For information
David Carr, The New York Times about entering this year’s competition,
contact Jean Brooks at 315-443-5711
• Best Coverage of Breaking Industry News:
or jabroo01@syr.edu. The next Mirror
“A Local Newspaper Endures a Stormy
Awards ceremony will be in June 2008.
Backlash,” Dean Miller, Nieman Reports
• Best Subject-Related Series: “Among the
Audience: A Survey of New Media,” Andreas
Kluth, The Economist
Editors or Teams of Writers
• Excellence in Media Information Services:
HealthNewsReview.org, University of
Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass
Communication
• Overall Excellence: American Journalism
Review Andreas Kluth Gary Schwitzer
The Economist University of Minnesota
School of Journalism and
Mass Communication
16
19. Ivory Tower Half Hour goes statewide
by George Thomas
The Ivory Tower Half Hour, a weekly public affairs “We think this show is valuable to viewers Still, he believes the topics and discussions on
program produced and broadcast on Syracuse because it is different from the other television the program are relevant and valuable to viewers
public television station WCNY-TV, began airing talk shows,” says Rubin. “We don’t shout and everywhere.
statewide this fall. The show, now in its fifth year, is hector and talk over each other. In short, we Other regular panelists on the program
the most popular local program aired by WCNY-TV. have a civilized, if spirited, conversation. And include Kristi Andersen, professor of political
Hosted by Newhouse Dean David Rubin, we provide it from the perspective of Central science at SU’s Maxwell School of Citizenship
The Ivory Tower Half Hour New York and not and Public Affairs; Tim Byrnes, professor of
features faculty from Washington—that is political science at Colgate University; Lisa
Newhouse as well as other crucial.” Dolak, associate dean at SU’s College of Law;
Central New York colleges Although the Bob Greene, Paul J. Schupt Professor of History
and universities in discus- program’s viewing area and Humanities at Cazenovia College; Tara Ross,
sions on local and global is expanding statewide, professor of history at Onondaga Community
issues. Topics have included the show will stick with College; and Bob Spitzer, Distinguished Service
the war in Iraq, the Virginia its Central New York Professor of political science at SUNY Cortland.
Tech shootings, and the panelists in order to Newhouse professor Barbara Fought serves
2008 presidential election. preserve the chemistry occasionally as guest host.
among the participants,
according to Rubin.
CNY’s First Environmental Magazine
is MNO Student’s Brainchild by Jason Levy
As a child, Khristopher capstone project. In six short artist who created a sprawl- issue prototype to pitch the the magazine and its
Dodson received a book—50 weeks they created Envi, a ing temple of trash next to a idea to a growing list of inter- web site, visit www.envi
Ways to Save the Planet— magazine that, according busy highway. ested investors. To check out magazineonline.com.
that changed his worldview to its web site, is dedicated But Envi is more than a
and hinted at his future. to “exploring our region’s magazine, and the cap-
Thanks to his cap- people, places, wildlife, and stone is notable for another Khristopher Dodson, editor
stone experience, Dodson history.” reason. For the first time in in chief, discusses magazine
now knows 51 ways. The The launch issue the department’s history, layout with Wanda Lau,
Newhouse and SUNY College features a wide variety of Envi creative director, in the
the course also included an
Newhouse computer labs.
of Environmental Science stories, including an inves- online version of the publica-
and Forestry graduate tigative piece on well water tion, including 18 original
student wants to start an in the region, a profile of stories, four sound slides
environmental magazine the most eco-friendly house (slideshows with narration),
for Central New York. Lucky in New York, a roundup of photo galleries, and a read-
for Dodson, 27 of his fellow green transportation, a travel ers’ blog. Dodson says he
magazine, newspaper, and narrative based on a trip to plans to bring the magazine
online journalism graduate Ithaca’s eco-village, a service to newsstands and houses
students decided to help by story on eat-local options, across Central New York and
choosing his idea as their and a photo essay on a folk use the 100-page, premiere-
17
20. By Christy Perry
Flocke Wins Shoemaker Named Keller Matlock Inducted
SU London Distinguished Educator Cited for into Hall of Fame
Award Pamela J. Shoemaker, John Ben Excellence Marshall Matlock may be best
Professor Lynne Snow Professor in the Newhouse Professor Johanna known at Newhouse for organizing
Flocke last spring School, received the Distinguished Keller, director the Society for News Design’s annual
was awarded the Educator Award for excellence in of the Goldring creative competition. The largest
Michael O’Leary teaching from the Association for Arts Journalism newspaper design competition
prize for excellence Education in Journalism and Mass Program, recently in the world handed Matlock its
in teaching. The student-nominated Communication (AEJMC) during received a faculty excellence award Lifetime Achievement Award this
award, presented each semester its national conference in August from Syracuse University’s Graduate past year, honoring him for his work
by SU London, recognizes those in Washington, D.C. The award is School. in news design.
professors who truly make the study presented annually to an individual Keller was selected along Now Matlock has been inducted
abroad experience as valuable and who demonstrates excellence in with six faculty members from into Central Michigan University’s
rewarding as possible. teaching and a profound influence across campus to receive the 2007 (CMU) Journalism Hall of Fame. A
Flocke, who teaches Com- on pedagogy in the field of Excellence in Graduate Education 1967 graduate
munications Law for Journalists, is communications. Faculty Recognition Award. The of CMU, he was
the first visiting American faculty In addition, Shoemaker won award honors faculty members recognized for
member to win the prize. The prize two research awards at the AEJMC whose dedication to graduate his work as a
is named after Michael O’Leary, who conference: top faculty paper in the students and commitment to “trailblazer” in the
taught public affairs in London for Mass Communication and Society excellence in graduate mentoring field of scholastic
a number of years before his death. Division and the Ecquid Novi Award have made a significant contribution journalism.
SU London encourages its faculty for international research. to graduate education at Syracuse Matlock is a
to go beyond a strictly classroom- Shoemaker, an internationally University. former Michigan Interscholastic
based instruction and use all of the known scholar, co-authored with In addition to her teaching Press Association Outstanding
resources at their disposal in Great Stephen D. Reese the books and Goldring duties, Keller was the Teacher of the Year and has received
Britain and Europe. Among the Gatekeeping and Mediating the first nonfiction editor of the SU arts state and national honors in the field.
students’ comments in nominating Message: Theories of Influences journal Stone Canoe: A Journal of Matlock began teaching at
Flocke: on Mass Media Content. An Arts and Ideas From Upstate New Newhouse in 1973. He has taught
• “She has taken what could be internationally known scholar, she is York. The publication won a bronze mass communications, news
a very boring, tedious class and a past president medal from the 2007 Independent writing, advanced reporting, editing,
turned it into an interesting and (1995-1996) Publisher Book Awards. The first graphics, and news design. He also
engaging course. …She is very of AEJMC and issue of Stone Canoe features work has served as director of student
passionate about her subject, and has served on from 71 artists and writers, ranging affairs and as executive assistant to
we all respect that.” the editorial from Pulitzer Prize-winners to those three deans.
• “Lynne Flocke is absolutely the boards of many being published for the first time.
best teacher I’ve had at SU major journals The publication’s mission is to
London, and probably one of the in the mass augment the University’s ongoing
best in my entire academic career. communications efforts to build creative partnerships
She really wants her students to field. She earned bachelor’s within the larger community and to
learn and enjoys watching them and master’s degrees from Ohio showcase the impressive range of
do so.” University and a Ph.D. degree artistic activity that characterizes life
from the University of Wisconsin- in upstate New York.
Madison.
18
21. Scholarship...
continued from page 7
Amendment only prevents the government from limiting free speech.
New Faculty This does not mean that limits to free speech do not exist in our soci-
ety,” she says, citing actor Isaiah Washington’s recent firing from Grey’s
James C. Tsao comes to Newhouse from the University of Wisconsin-
Anatomy over a highly publicized anti-gay slur. “People are free to
Oshkosh, where he has served on the faculty since 1992. His positions
speak their minds, even when doing so might emotionally harm others,
there have included, most recently, chair of the Department of
but they are not free to do so in a way that directly endangers others.
Journalism; chair of the humanities division, College of Letters and
For example, the government could stop a rally that is going to lead
Sciences; and professor in the Department of Journalism. Prior to his
directly to an attack on a given group of people.” Adds Zac Cummings,
position at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Tsao was an assistant
of Atkinson, New Hampshire, and a member of the Orange Seeds leader-
professor in the Department of English and Journalism
ship program, “The biggest misconception is that the First Amendment
at Western Illinois University. Outside of academia, he
protects people in the private arena. In reality, it only protects our rights
co-founded Multimedia Market Research Associates,
from the government, not from the workplace or other private institu-
providing consulting services for the Wisconsin free
tions.”
community papers industry; and he has held a variety
“Most people don’t bother to think about our constitutional
of other positions in the fields of market research,
rights and what they allow us to do,” says Pearly Leung, a Fuji Junior
communications, and media. He was a freelance
Filmmaker of the Year from West Windsor, N.J. “Maybe this video can be
reporter for China Times and managing editor of
a small reminder of that.”
Washington News, two publications based in Washington, D.C.; and
Rubin says the First Amendment video project had been percolating
an executive producer of China Television Network, in Taiwan.
for a while before a dual major from the Class of ’53 helped make it a
Tsao earned an undergraduate degree in broadcasting from
reality by supporting the project. Of the College of Arts and Sciences
Western Kentucky University; a master’s degree in communications from
contribution, Rubin says, “It’s unusual that one school would support
Western Illinois University; and a doctorate in mass communications
another school specifically to establish something within a new building.
from Temple University.
It’s not that schools don’t contribute in various ways to other schools;
He was named a United Daily News Forum Scholar, Department of
they just don’t usually do it in such an elegant and impressive way.”
Advertising, at National Chengchi University.
Gorovitz says he is delighted that the project encourages students
to engage with the city. “Our scholars have already gone to many
Bruce Strong has worked on assignment as a staff or freelance
locations—such as the state fair, the regional market, the airport—to
photographer in nearly 60 countries. His work has been published in
collect hours of interviews,” he says. “We will then work with Barbara
Time, Newsweek, U.S. News World Report, National Geographic,
Fought, director of the Tully Center, to produce the finished product,
and various international magazines. He also worked at The Orange
which will air in the Newhouse III atrium along with other video projects,
County Register for more than a decade. Before coming to Newhouse,
sustaining a climate of discussion and debate.”
he served as the visiting professional at Ohio University School of Visual
Communication, where he previously was awarded the
Knight Fellowship in newsroom graphics management
and publication design. Strong also served as the
Kellogg Public Policy Fellow at the University of
Michigan Journalism Fellowships Program.
Strong, who obtained a bachelor’s degree in
photo illustration/photojournalism from Rochester
Parent
Institute of Technology, has received recognition E-newsletter
for his photography from the National Press Keep up-to-date with the Newhouse
Photographers Association, the Society of Newspaper Designers, School by signing up for our special
the Associated Press News Executives Council, and Women in biannual parents e-newsletter. You can
Communications. In 1993 the California Press Photographers subscribe by sending an e-mail to listserv@
Association named him California Photographer of the Year. Strong and listserv.syr.edu with the message “sub
his wife, Claudia, co-wrote the book Armenia: The Story of a Place in newhseparentnews” and your name.
Essays Images.
19
22. Lauren Pomerantz ’03
revealing the Power of the Lens
By Agatha Lutoborski
During her undergraduate studies at Syracuse A photography major now studying medicine Action, where she put together human-interest
University, Lauren Pomerantz ’03 spent a semester at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Pomerantz stories about stigmatized social groups that the
documenting the life of discovered a post-graduation niche in international organization helps, such as “untouchables” and
a 15-year-old Latina girl, philanthropy, using her camera to focus attention commercial sex workers. “I was in a park with a
Taina, and her family as part on those living in hardship in other parts of the group of sex workers, and I asked them whether
of a final assignment for a world. She says those experiences contributed or not they had boyfriends,” she says. “They all
photography class. It was to her decision to study medicine. “With photo- started giggling, and it was the exact same reac-
Pomerantz’s first glimpse graphy, it’s all about people,” she says. “And that’s tion that I would have with my friends. Moments
of life outside middle-class my main interest.” like that really hit home, and you realize everyone
America, and, she says, it was Pomerantz began her career working as a is the same and wants the same things.”
an eye-opening experience. newspaper photographer in Newburgh, New What she saw in India strengthened
It also has led Pomerantz in unexpected directions York. After six months, she Pomerantz’s desire to attend medical school.
since graduating from Newhouse four felt drawn elsewhere and, After completing a postbaccalaureate premedical
years ago. on a whim, decided to fly to program at New York University, she went to
India. She took a job with the Guatemala as part of a University of Southern
Deccan Herald, a large daily California program, Somos Hermanos, which
newspaper in Bangalore, teaches Spanish to students going into health-
but she found the work related careers in that country. She then put her
confining. “I was only camera to use in Guatemala for a nonprofit that
exposed to one side of builds schools in rural villages. “It’s hard when
the society,” she says. you just photograph someone who’s poor; you
“I wanted to see more.” feel like you’re taking and not giving,” she says.
She did just that “I don’t know if that person will benefit from what
while working for the I did.”
not-for-profit organiza- But Pomerantz did find a way to give
tion New Entity for Social back: When she returned from Guatemala, she
20
23. Images of Guatemala and India by Lauren Pomerantz
showed her photographs to members of her
temple. Inspired by her work, they conducted a
clothing drive for the Guatemalan villages she
had photographed. More than a ton of clothing
and school supplies was donated, and a Latino
shipping company provided free shipping.
Pomerantz continues to sell her photographs from
Guatemala and India through her web site, web.
mac.com/lalapantz/iWeb/Site/WELCOME.html,
with proceeds going toward a school construction
project in Guatemala.
“I found it amazing that my photos were
able to draw support from people with no prior
connection to the Latino/Guatemalan community,”
Pomerantz says of her efforts. “The skills I got
from Newhouse allowed me to do that.”
She also believes the interviewing and
interpersonal skills she developed at Newhouse
and as a photographer will serve her well as a
doctor. “I’m less afraid to approach people I don’t
know,” she says. “I’m good at talking with people
and getting them to open up. And I think that will
help me empathize with patients.”
21
24. William Kagler ’54
Skills for Success
William Kagler ’54 started his first job as a sports editor one week before he graduated from
Syracuse University with degrees in business and journalism. His newspaper career would last 10
years before it opened a door to a 22-year executive position in corporate communications as an
expert in lobbying and public relations.
Kagler started out as sports editor for the Geneva Daily Times in Geneva, New York, and
subsequently served as state editor and city editor. After several years, he went to the Delaware
Daily Times in Chester, Pennsylvania, to gain general reporting experience and went on from there to
take a political reporting job with the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Kagler then won a congressional fellowship awarded by the American Political Science
Association that created opportunities for him to pursue a political career path. He worked in
the office of Connecticut Senator Abe Ribicoff and then served as press secretary for former
Senator Robert Taft in his first run for the U.S. Senate in 1964.
When Taft lost the election, Kagler returned to journalism. “Then a friend of mine,
who was a corporate executive but involved in politics, asked me to work with him in the
public affairs department at the Kroger Company, which was the largest supermarket
chain in the country,” Kagler says.
Kagler spent 22 years at Kroger and became president of the company in 1983. He
left three years later, after leading a turnaround of the company. He subsequently led a
similar turnaround of Skyline Chili Inc., a Cincinnati fast food restaurant chain.
Kagler, who was inducted into the Newhouse School’s Professional Gallery in ’98,
credits his journalistic experience for his business success. “The training I had as a jour-
nalist helped me become an effective executive by using my curiosity and questioning to
construct successful business solutions,” he says. “With an inquiring mind, you can put
facts together and make sense of them. I was able to do that, thanks to my journalism
training and experience.”
In an effort to help future journalists gain the same skills, Kagler and his wife,
Gail, in 2006 established a $100,000 scholarship for a Newhouse student with an
interest in political reporting and newspaper journalism. “Newspaper journalism, for
me, not only was exciting but helped me develop as a person,” he says. “My curiosity
was sharpened and enabled me to become a successful editor and reporter.”
Kagler hopes the scholarship will help those who, like him, can be productive
in more than one career path, and he is confident the Newhouse School will play
a significant part in helping students reach their full potential. “I’ve always been
a great fan of the University,” he says. “I owe a great deal to Syracuse, and that is
why we established this scholarship.”
By Shavon S. Greene
22
