School of Mass Communications: News You Can Use

Mass Comm alum joins CBS News

2009-06-29T22:55:00.002-04:00

Terrell Brown graduated in May 2009 with a B.S. in Mass Communicaton with a focus in broadcast journalism. While at VCU, Brown was the full-time anchor of the breaking news desk, on WWBT-TV, the NBC affiliate in Richmond. (more)

Grad app deadline is June 26

2009-06-08T22:09:00.001-04:00

June 26 is the last day to submit a graduation application for August 2009 graduation. Mass Comm students should email either carol Mawyer or Natasha Long for an appointment to complete the application. Students should bring a completed graduation worksheet (for the year they started at VCU), the graduation application and a current copy of their eServices transcript with them to the appointment.

Students who miss this deadline will have their degrees conferred with the December 2009 graduates.

Emmy Awarded to School of Mass Comm Alumni

2009-06-08T22:03:00.001-04:00

Alumna and adjunct instructor Lisa Figueroa and alumnus Jordan Rodericks earned an Emmy Award for a documentary they produced for VCU TV/HD, one of the first student-run operations in the country to produce TV programming in a high-definition format. The two received the award at the 51st Emmy Awards held on June 6 in Washington, D.C.

Learn more now.

VCU student takes first place in Hearst multimedia competition

2009-06-01T18:37:00.007-04:00

San Francisco – The top 10 winners in college multimedia were announced on May 13 in the 49th annual William Randolph Hearst Foundation's Journalism Awards Program. This was the second annual Multimedia Competition in which 78 entrants from 47 undergraduate journalism programs at colleges and universities across the nation participated.

First Place has been awarded to TRACY KENNEDY, a freshman from Virginia Commonwealth University. She will receive a $2,000 scholarship for her entry “Distracted Delegates” posted on Capital News Service. Virginia Commonwealth University will receive a matching grant, as do the journalism departments of all scholarship winners.

Other scholarship winners are:

TIM HUSSIN, University of Florida, second place, $1,500 scholarship
KRISTA SCHINAGL, Western Kentucky University, third place, $1,000 scholarship
ALI TABATABAI, San Francisco State University, fourth place, $750 scholarship
PHILIP ANDREWS, Western Kentucky University, fifth place, $600 scholarship
ALEX BLACKWELDER, Middle Tennessee State University, sixth place, $500 scholarship
KHARI JOHNSON, San Francisco State University, seventh place, $500 scholarship
McKENNA EWEN, University of Minnesota, eighth place, $500 scholarship
ASHLEY P. LAU, Northwestern University, ninth place, $500 scholarship
MICHAEL CALCAGNO, University of Oregon, tenth place, $500 scholarship

Western Kentucky University was first place in the Multimedia Competition with the highest accumulated student points in this competition. They are followed by: San Francisco State University; University of Florida (tie); Virginia Commonwealth University (tie); Syracuse University; Middle Tennessee State University (tie); Northwestern University (tie); University of Oklahoma; Temple University (tie); University of Minnesota (tie).
The Hearst Journalism Awards Program is conducted under the auspices of accredited schools of the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication, and fully funded and administered by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. It consists of six monthly writing, three photojournalism and four broadcast news competitions and one multimedia competition, with championship finals in all divisions except multimedia. The program awards more than $550,000 in scholarships and grants annually.

Judging the multimedia competition this year were: Arthur S. Brisbane, ASB Consulting, East Dennis, MA; Janet Reeves, Former Senior Editor/Photography and Multimedia, The Rocky Mountain News, Denver, CO; Fred Young, Former Senior Vice President of News, Hearst-Argyle Television, New York, NY.

For more information, see the Journalism Awards’ website, http://www.hearstawards.org/.

Whitaker named "Rising Star"

2009-04-03T09:23:00.004-04:00

LaTonya Whitaker was presented the 2008 Rising Star Award from the Virginia Chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPSVA) at the association’s annual conference Feb. 17 in Charlottesville, Va. The award is given to a marketing professional with less than five years experience in the A/E/C industry who has a demonstrated commitment to the field and industry, and who has shown an aptitude for leadership through their intense involvement and contributions.

Whitaker has been a marketing coordinator at the Richmond, VA, office of Hankins & Anderson for less than two years. Since joining the firm in April 2007, she has assumed several responsibilities both at the firm and in SMPSVA, including serving as coordinator for RichmondVirginia Commonwealth University. region meetings of the Chapter. As the Public Relations Director for SMPSVA, Whitaker revamped the Chapter materials and program flyers, and initiated the organization’s foray into social media. She is a 2005 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.

“Our Chapter is fortunate to benefit from the energy of many of our ‘younger’ members and competition for the Rising Star Award was tough this year,” said SMPSVA immediate past president Cindy Allen of DJG, Inc. “Among them, LaTonya is a definite stand-out. Her firm and our Chapter are lucky to have her talent; and I predict on her current course, she can rise as far as she likes in the AEC industry.”

SMPS Virginia is the definitive resource for marketing and sales of professional architecture, engineering and construction services for the built and natural environment in the Commonwealth. The Chapter currently has more than 100 members from firms from Roanoke to Charlottesville to Virginia Beach. For more information, visit www.smpsva.org.

Advertising Students Collect Ad Awards

2009-04-03T09:00:00.002-04:00

Winners Move on to Regional Competition

Every year, VCU’s undergraduate advertising students enter their work into top creative advertising competitions. The students have been garnering increasingly more recognition in recent years, receiving acknowledgment from some of the top student competitions.

This semester alone, students have won a total of 17 Addy Awards, including Best of Show and four Gold and 12 Silver awards. The work originated as a class assignment in Assistant Professor Bridget Camden’s senior-level classes.

Next, the award-winning students will compete against the local winners of the American Advertising Federation District 3 ADDY winners from Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. All entries that receive gold and silver ADDY awards on the district level compete for national recognition, the third and final tier.

Previously, VCU’s advertising students have also been recognized by the New York One Show, the annual Richmond Show and in publications such as CMYK magazine, the top trend-setting advertising publication in the country.

VCU PRSSA Chapter hosts April 18 conference

2009-03-23T18:29:00.002-04:00

Public relations plays a vital and diverse role in business, government and other professional organizations in today’s world.

The conference is designed to give students and professionals alike an opportunity to network and learn more about the many areas touched by the profession. Practitioners from the Richmond area and beyond will discuss topics featuring media relations, event planning, crisis communications and non-profit public relations--and how all of these are impacted by the new strategies and tactics of today's digital world of social media and networking.

Students majoring in marketing, communications and business will benefit as they learn more about these careers—and become more aware of where their own interests lie.

Plan now to attend. Go to the VCU PRSSA conference web site to find out more and to register.

Be a part of the Society of Professional Journalists' The Working Press

2009-03-22T19:32:00.007-04:00

Each year, the Society of Professional Journalists sponsors internships for 12 bright, motivated and hard working SPJ student journalists to staff The Working Press, a daily tabloid newspaper that covers the SPJ National Convention. Student writers, photographers and designers are invited to apply for these select positions.

This year's convention is set for August 27-29 in Indianapolis. Interns will need to arrive in Indianapolis by noon Wednesday, August 26 and the internship ends Sunday, August 30.

To apply, send 2 sets of the following (submissions will not be returned)

Cover letter

Résumé (include summer contact information)

Three clips, layouts or published photos (relevant to your area of expertise). Please send copies of clips on letter or legal-size paper.

Postmark deadline: April 17, 2009

You provide:

Energy, talent, great ideas and a good attitude

Your transportation to and from Indianapolis

Photographers: bring your own gear (digital)

The Society provides:

Complimentary convention registration

Complimentary accommodations at convention hotel

Mentoring by professional journalists

Networking venues

A place to showcase your talents in front of many professionals

Mail applications to:
Society of Professional Journalists
Attn: The Working Press
3909 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Or e-mail your application to Heather Porter.

Questions about The Working Press?
Contact Heather Porter, Professional Development Coordinator, @ 317/927-8000 ext. 204 or via e-mail.

Note: As a Working Press intern, the Society retains all rights to the work you produce during the convention as part of your internship.

National Mass Communications Honor Society Welcomes VCU Students

2009-03-22T19:07:00.003-04:00

This spring, 39 students from the VCU School of Mass Communication were inducted into the George T. Crutchfield Chapter of Kappa Tau Alpha, a journalism and mass communications honor society. Kappa Tau Alpha fosters high quality scholarship in journalism and mass communications by acknowledging students who excel in these areas.

Membership was extended by invitation only to juniors and seniors with overall grade point averages in the top 10 percent of their class in the School of Mass Communications. Graduate students of superior achievement also may be selected.

Dr. Judy Turk, the chapter advisor, led the ceremony on March 18.

VCU’s chapter was chartered in 1978 and initiates new inductees each year. Kappa Tau Alpha was founded at the University of Missouri in 1910 and is the seventh oldest national honor society in the country. It is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the only member dedicated to journalism and mass communications.
Congratulations to the following students:

Undergraduate
Adam Aceino
Yvonne Allen
Kimberly Barnes
Maddison Bradley
Melissa Calabro
Erin Catharine
Jelise Chung
Frances M. Correa
Stephanie DuVal
Rachel Erwin
Steven Flick
Sarah E. Griffith
Clarissa Hillen
Bridget Renee Jones
Douglas Kleeman
Catherine MacDonald
Jalyce Mangum
Colleen McMackin
Seth Powers
Lauren Stewart
Xanthe Waters

Graduate
James Adams
Christopher Brent Baldwin
Patrice Baltimore
Binta D. Cisse
Jordan Childs
Amanda M. Christopher
Marmie Edwards
Asriel Eford
Leslie P. Green
Kimberly Hodge
Amanda Hodges
Tiffany F. Murray
Mary Ellin Scarberry
John Vermeire
Anjali C. Wadhwa
Alyssa Walden
Nicole Whealen
Cassie Williams

Additional Awards and Scholarships
Congratulations to the following students who received additional awards and scholarships by upholding superior academic and leadership standing in and out of the classroom:

Black History in the Making Award
Cecily Lewis, Imani Green-Carr, Terrell Brown, Loren Pritchett, Jalyce Mangum, Patrice Baltimore and Asriel Eford.

Scholarships
Misha Adams (Gene B. Creasy Scholarship)
Frances Correa (Crutchfield Journalism Scholarship)
Jalyce Mangum (Lincoln Financial Media and Martin Agency Scholarship)
Julie Wyatt (Joseph F. Mason Scholarship)
Sara Griffith (Robert Beverly Orndorff Scholarship)
Iva Radman (Scott Stevens Scholarship)
Richard Griset (T. Edward and Polly D. Temple Writing Award)
Benjamin Cohen (Virginia Communications Hall of Fame)

CreateAthon onCampus

2009-03-17T20:59:00.001-04:00

CreateAthon on Campus reocgnized in Richmond Times Dispatch. Read the story here.

School of Mass Comm will award more than 100 degrees in May 2009

2009-03-08T22:47:00.002-04:00

The School of Mass Communications will hold its May 2009 commencement ceremony for BS and MS degree candidates Saturday, May 16 at River Road Church, Baptist. This year, the School will break a record by awarding more than 100 BS degrees. And with the record number of graduates comes a record number of guests.

The new location, although off campus, is larger than the university’s Commonwealth Ballroom, where the School’s December ceremony was held and should accommodate everyone.

“The ballroom’s maximum capacity is about 550. With more than 125 degree candidates and guests, we would easily fill the space, said Carol Mawyer, Assistant Director of Student Services and Scholastic Journalism. “By taking our ceremony off campus we won’t have to limit the number of guests each graduate can bring. Some of our students have spent four, five, six years in school; they shouldn’t have to choose only four guests to witness this important event.

River Road Church, Baptist, located at 8000 River Road, [Richmond, VA 23229], is 6 miles from the Monroe Park campus. (Visitors should allow 15-20 minutes travel time.) The church’s sanctuary seats 900 people.

Parking is limited to 275 vehicles. School officials are encouraging graduates to ride to the ceremony with their guests. All graduation candidates need to arrive at River Road Church, Baptist no later than 1:15 p.m. Doors will open at 1 p.m. for family and friends. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Due to the limited about of parking, carpooling is strongly encouraged.

Students planning to participate in the May 16th ceremony, should sign the Intent to Participate list and indicate the number of guests who will attend. This list is located in the Mass Comm front administrative offices, Temple 2216.

Featured at the graduation ceremony will be guest speaker Donna M. Reed, Vice President of News and Multimedia Strategy, Media General, Publishing Division. Reed leads efforts to improve the quality of Media General’s newspaper journalism and focuses on growing the company’s multimedia initiatives.

School earns accolades from PR agency founder

2009-03-02T08:02:00.001-05:00

When the co-founder of Richmond’s eminent public relations agency, The Hodges Partnership, spoke at the School’s public relations capstone course, he discovered one of the many secrets to the School’s success. Read Jon Newman’s review at http://jonnewman.typepad.com/jons_bridge/2009/02/what-vcus-mass-comm-students-taught-me-today.html.

Winter issue of alumni magazine is online

2009-02-24T21:40:00.002-05:00

The Winter 2009 issue of Mass Communicator, VCU's alumni magazine, is online. Dowload the issue now!

Five inductees selected for Virginia Communications Hall of Fame

2009-01-27T20:07:00.005-05:00

The 2009 class of inductees into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame includes a decorated print journalist, an influential educator, a dedicated First Amendment lawyer, a service-minded public relations executive and television host and an innovative broadcasting executive.

Professionals with exceptional careers in journalism, public relations, advertising and other media fields are eligible for selection to the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame. Possible inductees must have significant ties to Virginia. The newest class of inductees increases the hall’s membership to 112.

The reception for the induction ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and the ceremony to follow. Tickets are $150 each and can be reserved by calling (804) 827-3761. Proceeds benefit the Hall of Fame permanent exhibit and scholarship fund.

Learn more now, and read about the new inductees.

Attend the Spring 2009 Career Fair & Related Events

2009-01-26T23:47:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, Jan. 28
Career Fair Preparation Fashion Show
Noon -1 p.m.
Richmond Salons III & IV on the 2nd floor of the Student Commons

Monday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Resume Express—15-minute resume reviews; no appointment necessary
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Career Center, 1st floor of the Student Commons (across from Chick-fil-A).

Wednesday, Feb.4, 2009
Career Fair
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Check-in at the Richmond Salons
University Student Commons, 2nd floor

Book signing on Jan. 29

2009-01-12T06:55:00.005-05:00

Mass Comm alumnus and advertising executive, Doug Burford, has just written a book on his life in the industry and will be participating in a book signing at the Barnes & Noble on campus Jan. 29 at 1 p.m.

Burford will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the book to the School of Mass Communications.

Agency Reveals All by Doug Burford takes readers from humble beginnings in Richmond, to Madison Avenue, to the jungles of Africa, all in an effort to encourage young people to go into advertising and show business owners how to produce effective advertising. It’s over 200 pages, comes with a thirty-minute DVD, and is really three books in one:

It tells readers things they’ll need to know to get a job in advertising.

It explains how to “Burf” people.

It describes the looney world readers are about to enter.

Dowload the informational flyer now.

School of Mass Comm Graduation--December 2008

2008-12-28T16:27:00.003-05:00

The School of Mass Communications’ December Fall 2008 commencement ceremony ushered nearly 80 students into a world of opportunities as the latest VCU alumni stepped up to receive their diplomas.

Featured at the ceremony was guest speaker Dr. Lauren Tucker, director of consumer forensics at The Martin Agency — Richmond’s nationally renowned advertising agency. Dr. Tucker leads a team of consumer intelligence experts who transform data into business ideas and strategies.

A former tenured professor at the University of South Carolina, Dr. Tucker gave spirited tips to the graduates. Among other things, she urged them to “get rid of those toxic people in your life,” which inspired loud murmurs of agreement from the parents in the audience.

Dr. Tucker literally had the graduates – and even some faculty – dancing in the aisles when she ended her address with the popular dance song, “Live Your Life” by I.T. The lyrics, “You’re a shining star,” resonated throughout the Student Commons as the future professionals took the song’s name to heart and marched from the ceremony with diplomas in hand.

School of Mass Communications Graduation: December 13, 2008

2008-12-10T22:33:00.005-05:00

The School of Mass Communications will hold its Fall 2008 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. The ceremony will take place in the VCU Student Commons, located at 907 Floyd Avenue, in the Commonwealth Ballrooms.

As this anticipated date approaches, nearly 80 future alumni have mailed invitations, tailored their gowns and are anxiously waiting to receive their diplomas and move on to the next stage in their lives.

The school is proud to present degrees to this talented class of students. As with every year, faculty and staff look forward to seeing students put their teachings from the past several years to work in Creative Advertising, Strategic Advertising, Broadcast Journalism, Print Journalism and Public Relations.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Lauren Tucker
Featured at the graduation ceremony will be guest speaker Dr. Lauren Tucker, director of consumer forensics at The Martin Agency. Dr. Tucker leads a team of consumer intelligence experts who focus on uncovering data-driven insights that drive business ideas and strategies.

Educated at the Universities of Wisconsin-Madison, Texas-Austin and Virginia, Dr. Tucker has accrued more than twenty years of providing creative and disciplined thought leadership to colleagues and clients, including BF Goodrich Tires, Bacardi Rum, DaimlerChrysler and Kellogg.

A former tenured professor at the University of South Carolina, Dr. Tucker continues to take her passion for marketing and her communication education beyond The Martin Agency’s doors to inspire and encourage today’s professionals, educators and young thought leaders on whom the future depends.

Pictured: Dr. Lauren Tucker, director of consumer forensics at The Martin Agency

VCU student receives one of two PRSA Richmond scholarships

2008-11-24T22:41:00.004-05:00

The Richmond Public Relations Foundation announced the two winners of their $1,000 scholarships for juniors or seniors at four-year colleges or universities in central Virginia who plan to pursue a career in public relations.

The scholarships were awarded at the Nov. 19 PRSA Richmond luncheon at the Sheraton Park Hotel.

The winner of the Bill Dietrick memorial scholarship is Duncan Phillips a senior at the University of Richmond.

The winner of the David Hurdle memorial scholarship is Lauren Gauthier a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Learn more now.

Alumni Networking Reception

2008-11-20T07:14:00.002-05:00

The School of Mass Comm and CRT/tanaka are hosting an alumni networking reception on Tuesday, Nov. 25. (more)

Graduate students in multimedia program produce high-quality journalism

2008-11-16T21:44:00.012-05:00

The first class in the VCU School of Mass Communications’ multimedia journalism graduate program is well into its second semester. The group of thirteen students has already taken two courses in online journalism, as well as a research methods and a visual journalism class.

One visual journalism project involved the entire class. The idea for “Richmond is…” came from the students; the goal was to define what the city of Richmond means to its residents. Teams of three-to-four students set out on one day to talk to as many people as possible.

The multimedia graduate students also recently completed a series of online projects on topics ranging from the state fair to retirement planning to homeschooling. Teams of two or three worked together to use all the multimedia tools available to them, including video, audio, text and stills, and they experimented with various forms of interactivity and presentation. Check out the two projects linked below.

What lies beneath?
This exploration of Richmond’s slave history focuses on an old burial ground and other important sites that have been all-but destroyed by time and neglect. It also profiles the local groups trying to preserve this history and the latest initiative to get the city involved.

Go there now!

Homeowning 101
This project explores what a first-time home buyer will go through in the current economic environment, as well as provides useful information for anyone buying a home.

Go there now!

___________________

Read more about the program or contact:

June O. Nicholson
Associate Director for Graduate Studies
Room 1108 Temple Building
(804) 827-0251
jonichol@vcu.edu

Mass Comm annual food drive

2008-11-11T18:44:00.001-05:00

The School of Mass Communications and its Student Advisory Board will host an annual holiday food drive November 10 through December 3. This is not the same old food drive that you are familiar with, there’s a twist; the Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations sequences will be competing against each other this year.

Students and faculty will compete to donate the most canned food and nonperishable goods to win class pride! Families across Richmond will benefit from your donation. In recent years, the School of Mass Communications has donated nearly 1000 pounds to the Central Virginia Food Bank.

Food donations can be dropped off in your sequence box located inside the School of Mass Communications office. Items will be tallied regularly and a winner will be announced December 3.

With your help and a little bit of competitive spirit, you will feed hungry families across Richmond this holiday season.

CreateAthon onCampus 2009 is accepting applications from non profits

2008-11-07T18:47:00.002-05:00

Are you a nonprofit in need? Is your marketing budget next to nothing?

Apply to the 2nd annual VCU CreateAthon onCampus and you may be selected to receive free marketing materials. VCU student teams mentored by local professionals will create a wide variety of projects at no cost to the nonprofit organizations.

For a second year, VCU’s CreateAthon onCampus is looking for area nonprofits who are in need of marketing and/or promotional materials including but not limited to: logo, letterhead, business cards, brochures, posters, press kits, newsletters, ads.

There may be other needs you have that aren’t listed here. You never know until you ask if we can do it. The worst we can say is no, maybe next year….

Deadline for application: November 21, 2008

Learn more now!

Mass Comm Week 08' Scores Big

2008-10-19T22:38:00.004-04:00

Mass Comm Week 08’ blew through VCU like a hurricane from October 6-10, giving students a whirlwind of exposure to the professional level of mass communications. The VCU School of Mass Communications’ week of events ranged from lectures and book signings to compelling speeches by accomplished professionals and alumni.

Tradition was continued as Mark Ethridge, former editor of The Charlotte Observer and author of the book and upcoming film, Grievances, delivered the Turpin Lecture on News Management. The Miami Herald was duly represented by its police courts editor, Sergio Bustos, and its investigative journalist, Ronnie Greene, who have both recently published their first books. The two VCU Alumni returned to their alma mater to share their news room and book authoring experiences.

The cultural trend of online social networking was the topic of the day as Geoff Livingston, CEO of Livingston Communications, lectured on PR and Social Media. Livingston engaged a room of more than 80 students, all of whom received free copies of his award winning book on new media, Now is Gone.

After these and nearly two dozen other speaker events, the week was wrapped up with the Mass Comm Internship Fair, which attracted communications students hooping to follow in the footsteps of the week’s motivating guest speakers. Over 50 “dressed to impress” students mingled with internship providers such as WRIC TV, Radio Disney, the Richmond SPCA, Midlothian Exchange and Sprint.

The School of Mass Communications extends a resounding “thank you” to all those who helped make this week-long event a success!

In the Photo: The National Press Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a nationwide conversation that looks at where the news business is going and what news consumers should be demanding. The NPC panel discussion at VCU featured Bob Sullivan, who covers Internet scam and consumer fraud for msnbc.com; Reid Ashe, who supervises Media General's three operating divisions; moderator Gil Klein, a veteran national correspondent for the Media general News Service; Nancy Kent, news director for NBC-12; and Jeff South, associate professor of journalism.

Mass Comm Week finishes with the Brandcenter Friday Forum: Brooklyn Brothers

2008-10-09T17:22:00.004-04:00

Technology hasn’t changed our basic human nature, but it has changed the way we consume. Marketing to the new consumer requires a rethink of the way we create communications and use media. Advertising needs to be disposable, ideas need to be the medium, and the consumer needs to be invited into the brand. Come get inspired as Guy Barnett, cofounder and creative director, and Paul Parton, partner, share their perspectives.

The session is Friday, October 10, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at VCU Brandcenter, 103 S. Jefferson St.

Mass Comm week continues with Maimi Twice

2008-10-09T09:20:00.002-04:00

Interested in investigative journalism or crime reporting? How about authoring your first book? Expose yourself to it all in one event. An editor and an investigative journalist, both from the Miami Herald, share their experiences as first time authors. Police and Courts Editor Sergio Bustos discusses his book, Miami’s Criminal Past: Uncovered, while journalist Ronnie Greene tells the story behind Night Fire: Big Oil, Poison Air, and Margie Richard’s Fight to Save her town.

The presentation is 11 a.m.-Noon on Thursday, October 9 in Virginia Rooms C & D.

Ronnie Greene is a journalist with The Miami Herald and teaches journalism at the University of Miami. His first book is Night Fire: Big Oil, Poison Air, and Margie Richard's Fight to Save Her Town. The book tells the story of Richard’s hometown in Louisiana and the effects of a chemical plant owned by Shell that sickened many residents.

Determined to see Shell take responsibility for its actions, Richard and her fellow low-income neighbors fought back. The battle took them from Louisiana to The Hague and beyond. Greene’s book illustrates how determination and grit can move even the most stubborn of corporate giants.

Sergio Bustos is the police and courts editor at the Miami Herald. Bustos' book, Miami's Criminal Past: Uncovered, goes beyond the Hollywood imagery of Miami’s criminal underworld to present the dramatic history of true crime tales.

Beyond Scarface and Miami Vice are Miami’s real-life vigilantes, the family tragedies, the politically motivated homicides and the rampageous cross-country killers. Of course, there’s also the inevitable stories of celebrities behaving badly – as when Jim Morrison allegedly exposed himself during a 1969 Doors concert – along with accounts of celebrity murders, such as the 1997 slaying of fashion designer Gianni Versace. Bustos’ edgy book delves into the dark side of Miami’s glittering streets.

Turpin Lecture in News Management features author Mark Ethridge

2008-10-07T19:42:00.003-04:00

The School of Mass Communications is proud to welcome renowned author Mark Ethridge as a guest speaker for Mass Comm Week. Ethridge continues the school’s tradition with a Turpin Lecture in News Management. The lecture will take place on Wednesday, October 8 in Virginia Rooms A and B in the Student Commons at 7 p.m. Immediately following the lecture will be a signing of Ethridge's latest book, Grievances, and a reception in the Scott House.

Since 1990, Ethridge has been the president of Carolina Parenting, Inc. which publishes Charlotte Parent magazine and the parenting magazines in Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point and Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill.

The third-generation journalist directed The Charlotte Observer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning investigations of the textile industry and the PTL ("Praise The Lord") scandal involving Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. His work has appeared in newspapers and magazines coast-to-coast. Ethridge studied as a Nieman Fellow at Harvard and was a member of Esquire magazine’s inaugural class of “People Under 40 Who Are Changing America.”

Recent on his list of accomplishments is his captivating novel, Grievances, in which Ethridge takes readers on a journey of the real-life breakneck world of newspaper reporting, from bylines to deadlines, and reluctant publishers to mysterious sources. Tennessee’s largest production company, Transcendent, has joined forces with the author to turn the novel into a feature film.

Bob Deans, White House correspondent for Cox News discusses transformations in elections

2008-10-07T19:11:00.004-04:00

As part of VCU’s Mass Communications Week, Bob Deans, White House correspondent for Cox News, will present his lecture on Transformations in Elections on Wednesday, October 8 in the Commons Forum, 2-3:30 pm.

Deans will talk about his experience as a White House correspondent during the transition from the Clinton administration to the Bush White House, as well as his time as White House Correspondence Association President in the early years of the Bush administration.

Deans offers a unique perspective on what effects the 2008 elections and the changing media landscape will have on future coverage of presidents and presidential candidates.

Deans, a 1978 graduate of VCU’s School of Mass Communications, entered the newspaper business at age 10, delivering his hometown paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch.In 1980 he became an Atlanta-based reporter for Fairchild Publications and the following year moved to New York as a Fairchild editor. In 1983, he returned to the south as a reporter for the Charleston (S.C.) Post and Courier. The following year he joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as a business reporter.

Deans was posted in Tokyo as the Cox Newspapers Asia correspondent from 1987-1991. In 1992 he joined the Cox Washington Bureau, where he covered economic and diplomatic affairs before shifting to White House coverage in 1998. He was president of the White House Correspondents' Association 2002-2003.

CreateAthon onCampus is recognized as one of VCU’s 40 Acts of Caring

2008-10-06T19:32:00.005-04:00

Virginia Commonwealth University’s 40th anniversary is a chance to celebrate the contributions that VCU faculty, staff and students have made in the community. Of the hundreds of examples of community initiatives, VCU will showcase and celebrate 40 Acts of Caring.

The School of Mass Comm’s CreateAthon onCampus, created and directed by Associate Professor Peyton Rowe, has been recognized as one of those 40 Acts of Caring.

CreateAthon and the other examples of university-community partnerships will be honored at the university's 40th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, October 24, as well as the university’s October 25 Monroe Park Festival.

One of the 40 finalists will be honored with VCU's Currents of Change award.

During CreateAthon on Campus—a 24-hour creative blitz that took place during Spring Break 2008—Mass Comm students worked in teams to produce marketing and advertising services for 12 area nonprofits. During the event, local professionals were on hand to mentor the students, ensuring high quality and effective materials.

Some of the completed work included four identity packages of logos, letterheads, business cards and envelopes; a web site; a brochure; eNewsletter; brand and marketing plans; a digital presentation; and five video spots.

According to Rowe, her students met and exceeded her expectations.

“I’m so proud of the students,” she said. “They all rose to the occasion at all levels: the concepts, the work (and) the presentations. After four years in the making for me, CreateAthon onCampus was everything I had hoped it would be.”

The Virginia Communications Hall of Fame seeks nominees

2008-10-02T11:16:00.005-04:00

The Virginia Communications Hall of Fame seeks nominees for induction in 2009. The induction will occur on April 2, 2009 “black tie optional” event at The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond. No more than a total of four individuals will be inducted, one of whom may be inducted posthumously. Living selectees are expected to attend the induction ceremonies.

The Hall of Fame seeks to induct persons who were born in Virginia who have made outstanding long-term contributions in the field of communications, or persons born elsewhere who have become distinctively identified with Virginia and have made outstanding long-term contributions in the field of communications.

Learn more about previous Hall of Fame honorees.

Nominations should include:

a letter that identifies the nominee and describes, in as much detail as possible, the professional contributions to communication of the nominee and the nominee’s Virginia connection,

contact information for the nominee (if deceased, one of the nominee’s family members) including address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address

names and contact information for at least two individuals whom the Hall of Fame Selection Committee can contact for additional information

Nominations must be received before November 1, 2008, and should be sent to:
Dr. Judy VanSlyke Turk, Chair, Selection Committee
Virginia Communications Hall of Fame
School of Mass Communications
Virginia Commonwealth University
PO Box 842034
Richmond, VA 23284
FAX 804-828-9175

Associate Professor Jeff South receives distinguished teaching award

2008-09-30T15:17:00.003-04:00

On September 16, the 26th Annual Faculty Convocation, acknowledging the quality and excellence of VCU faculty, marked the official kick-off of the 2008-2009 academic year. During the convocation event, President Eugene Trani and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Stephen Gottfredson, recognized four honorees for their outstanding accomplishments in the areas of teaching, scholarship, service and overall excellence.

Among the educators honored was our own School of Mass Communications Associate Professor, Jeffrey South. South received the Distinguished Teaching Award for his accomplishments in the field of journalism and his contributions to VCU’s School of Mass Communications.

An enthusiastic learner as well as teacher, South is known as an “evangelist” for technology and is an active proponent of incorporating it in the classroom. South also makes time to share his insight with fellow teachers and journalists. He has participated in more than 90 panel discussions and workshops covering topics such as performing ethical training sessions, writing for the Web, and using the Blackboard course management system.

Among South’s accomplishments are his many published articles in the American Journalism Review, Online Journalism Review and other publications. In 2007, he took his teaching expertise beyond VCU when he spent six months training journalists in Ukraine under the prestigious Knight International Journalism Fellowship. South calls the opportunity life changing. “It really opened my eyes to what’s happening in Eastern Europe,” he says. “Understanding how the press operates in another country was a wonderful experience for me.”

After returning to VCU, South worked with other mass communications faculty members to revamp the school’s curriculum. The new courses successfully began this fall and, like most of what he’s worked on, the end results prepare students to reach their full potential and excel as professional journalists.

National Press Club and VCU's School of Mass Communications present a panel discussion on the media

2008-09-22T20:34:00.008-04:00

The National Press Club, the world’s leading professional organization for journalists, and the School of Mass Communications are teaming up to present a panel discussion on the future of the news media and how to protect its core values.

The October 6 event will begin at 7 p.m. at Harris Hall on the university’s Monroe Park Campus. The event, part of Mass Comm Week 2008, is open to the public and admission is free.

The NPC Centennial Forum on “The First Amendment, Freedom of the Press and the Future of Journalism,” features some of the leading journalists shaping the news business.

Reid Ashe, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Media General

Nancy Kent, news director for NBC-12
Bob Sullivan, technology correspondent for msnbc.com

Jeff South, VCU School of Mass Comm associate professor who specializes in multimedia journalism.

The panel will be moderated by Gil Klein, a veteran national correspondent for the Media General News Service, past NPC president and director of the club’s Centennial Forum Project.

This forum is part of a nationwide conversation the National Press Club is holding during its 100th anniversary to look at where the news business is going and what news consumers should be demanding. This is one of 35 forums the club is hosting this fall.

The event begins with a preview of the club’s centennial documentary, “A Century of Headlines,” which follows the history of American journalism through the lens of one of its leading institutions. Everyone who attends this forum will get a copy of the documentary.

“We’re excited to be hosting this forum and are especially excited that it will give our students the opportunity to hear from these journalists and newsroom executives about the transformation taking place in the news industry,” said Dr. Judy VanSlyke Turk, director of VCU’s School of Mass Communications.

Let Mass Comm Week '08 inspire you!

2008-09-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

Continuing its tradition of excellence, the School of Mass Comm brings its students and community a week full of informative and interactive learning sessions focused on the field of Mass Communications. Featuring experts from around the country, check out how Mass Comm Week can inspire you!

Student Advisory Board seeks six new members

2008-09-16T23:07:00.003-04:00

The School of Mass Communications Student Advisory Board is seeking six new members for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Established in 2005, the Student Advisory Board meets monthly to assist the school's faculty and administration in identifying important student issues and assists with school activities such as open houses, the internship fair and graduations.

The SAB consists of 12 members – presidents (or designees) of the five MASC student organizations and seven at-large members representing MASC freshmen through seniors. Two at-large members fill the position of chairman and vice-chairman. The openings include five at-large positions and one vice-chairman position.

All students within the School of Mass Communications are urged to apply. Applications are due Friday September 19 by 4 p.m. For more information contact Board Chairman Allyson Hunter at hunterag@vcu.edu.

Fall 2008 Meeting Schedule:

October 6, 4pm
November 3, 4pm
December 1, 4pm

Journalist and writer David Hadju to discuss the surprising tale of comic books in American history

2008-09-12T22:44:00.001-04:00

To commemorate Constitution Day, the VCU School of Mass Communications is cosponsoring a talk by David Hadju, journalist and author of The Ten-Cent Plague: The Great Comic Book Scare and How it Changed America.

This free event will take place Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Harris Hall Auditorium. The School of Mass Communications and the VCU Student Chapter of Society of Professional Journalists are cosponsors of the event, along with VCU Student Media, VCU Libraries and the VCU Division of Student Affairs.

Learn more about the book and the author now.

Mass Comm professor honored for promoting diversity in newsrooms

2008-08-14T11:32:00.008-04:00

June Nicholson, associate director and associate professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Mass Communications, has received the 2008 Robert P. Knight Multicultural Recruitment Award. The award was given by the Scholastic Division of the Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication.

Nicholson, a VCU faculty member since 1984, was honored for her significant contributions over more than two decades to promoting diversity in America's newsrooms through work in scholastic media programs.

"June is passionate about bringing more young people of color into journalism education and the profession of journalism," said Judy VanSlyke Turk, director of the VCU School of Mass Communications. "She has done a remarkable job of pursuing that passion and creating undeniable results."

From 1985 to 2007, Nicholson directed VCU's Virginia Urban Journalism Workshop, an intensive summer workshop founded to provide experience and training for minority high school students interested in journalism. A dozen participants spend two weeks each year at VCU, learning the basics of journalism and producing a 20-page newspaper. The workshop is sponsored by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the national Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, VCU and the Virginia Press Association. In 2007, the workshop adopted race-neutral admission criteria.

A number of graduates of the Urban Journalism Workshop during Nicholson's tenure advanced to careers in journalism and journalism education. Among them is George Daniels, assistant professor at the University of Alabama and a 1987 participant in the workshop program.
"Her willingness to not give up is exceeded only by her passion for young people that has lasted for decades," Daniels, who nominated Nicholson for the Knight Award, said in his nomination letter. "It is fitting that we pause to recognize and salute her for the time and talent she has brought to ongoing efforts to make our nation's newsrooms more reflective of the diversity in their communities."

Nicholson is co-developer of the Society of Professional Journalists' (SPJ) diversity curriculum that is part of the organization's newsroom training program, and is a former member of the national SPJ committee on diversity among journalists. She is the chair of national SPJ's International Journalism Committee and served as chair of SPJ's national Journalism Education Committee from 2000-07. She is former president of the Virginia Professional chapter of SPJ and a current board member.

The Knight Multicultural Recruitment Award is given by the Scholastic Division of the Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication to recognize any media organization or individual who has made significant contributions to promoting diversity through contributions to high school or middle school media programs.

School of Mass Comm recruits for four new professors

2008-08-14T10:25:00.002-04:00

Want to have a hand in shaping future mass communications professionals? At VCU's School of Mass Comm, you can impact the future! We enroll 1,200 majors and pre-majors in journalism, advertising and public relations and 200 graduate students in advertising and public relations. VCU has a diverse student body of more than 28,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

Current Job Openings (Beginning Fall Semester 2009):

Assistant or Associate Professor, Broadcast Journalism
(Two Positions Available)
Assistant or Associate Professor, Advertising
(Two Positions Available)

VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Urban Journalism Workshop Wraps Up

2008-07-16T12:45:00.006-04:00

The ink has dried on the 2008 Virginia Urban Journalism Workshop and a dozen outstanding students from across the Commonweath have a publication to prove it – The Urban Reporter.

The UJW is a two-week intensive workshop for high school students who might be interested considering journalism as a course of study in college and as a possible career. The participants produced a 20-page tabloid-sized newspaper which focused on the 2008 Presidential election. Each student wrote an article highlighting some aspect of the election and a profile on one of their peer reporters.

The residential program, held June 15-27, was one of nearly 30 Urban Journalism Workshops across the country sponsored in part by a grant from the by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund. Other sponsors of the VCU workshop included the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Virginia Press Association and VCU’s School of Mass Communications. It was the School’s 24th year to host the workshop.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about interviewing, reporting, writing and editing by working in an intensive news environment. They interacted with some of Richmond’s top newsmen and women,” said Carol Mawyer, director of the UJW. “For the first time in our workshop’s history, we included a multi-media component. This reflects the industry trend in convergence and received high marks with the students.”

The workshop was held on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University and included occasional visits to the Richmond Times-Dispatch building as well as a trip to the Newseum in Washington, D.C., an interactive museum of journalism history and current worldwide news. The students also enjoyed visits from various speakers including Tom Silvestri, president and publisher of the Richmond-Times Dispatch and Glenn Proctor , the paper’s vice president and executive editor.

Bonnie Davis, the workshop’s associate director noticed a big change in some of the students during the workshop. “They came in timid and left with a sense of self confidence,” she said. “The program provides them with skills they can take with them in various aspects of their lives for years to come.”

Matthew Bardowell, a rising senior at James River High School in Chesterfield County, recieved a four-year renewable $1,000 scholarship from the Richmond –Times Disptach for his outstanding reporting on immigration issues. Kendra Johnson, a rising senior at Varina High School in Henrico County, was recommended for a $1,000 national Dow Jones Newspaper Fund scholarship for her story on Barack Obama.

UJW participants lived in university dorms and ate in the campus dining center during their stay. Most days began at 7 a.m. and ended at 11 p.m.

After two weeks of hard work and long hours, the students reflect on what they learned.

“I have really enjoyed the Urban Journalism Workshop this year, despite the long nights and the lack of sleep, said Erika Maguire, a senior from Midlothian’s Cosby High School. “However, with our daily schedule, I have really gotten a feel of what it's like to be a reporter.”

Lurah Lowery, a rising senior at John S. Battle High School in Bristol, said, “We have to work hard and work long days but it's worth it because we end up writing great articles. Plus this is good practice and experience for college.”

Maguire said, “Although it is a lot of work, you get the chance to come in contact with so many people, from newspaper writers, to broadcasting anchors, to politicians, and best of all, to fellow students, just like yourself, who want to pursue the same career. These are the people that will ultimately help you get where you'd like to be in the future.”

Arviet Rawlings, a rising senior at L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield, said, “I would absolutely recommend this program to other students. Whether they are into advertising, live broadcast, or journalism, I think this is definitely a good source for preparation.”

Reuben Jones, a rising senior at Charlottesville High School, said, “I would recommend the workshop because you learn a lot and meet a lot of friends and hear from a lot of journalists. The workshop helps improve your writing skills and helps you become a better journalist.”

Learn More!

Read the coverage from the Richmond Times Dispatch.

View a slideshow of the UJW experience.

Judy VanSlyke Turk receives PRSA Richmond's prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award

2008-06-24T22:02:00.010-04:00

On June 12, PRSA Richmond awarded Judy VanSlyke Turk, PhD., APR, Fellow PRSA, with the prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award.

Each year PRSA Richmond recognizes extraordinary achievement by an individual working in the field of public relations. Thomas Jefferson Award winners exemplify the best in the profession. The program is open to public relations practitioners in the Greater Richmond metropolitan area.

“This award recognizes and celebrates a lifetime of achievement,” said Felicia McLemore, APR, PRSA Richmond’s president. “In Judy VanSlyke Turk’s case, she has achieved enough for three lifetimes! We’re so pleased to be able to honor her in this way, and to count her among our chapter membership.”

Judy VanSlyke Turk is Director of the School of Mass Communications at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Prior to joining VCU in March 2002, she was founding dean of the College of Communication and Media Sciences at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates, a position she held for 2½ years. Previously, she was dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina, director of the journalism and mass communications program at Kent State University and a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma, Louisiana State University and Syracuse University.

VanSlyke Turk is president-elect of the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communications and is past president of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (AEJMC), the largest association of journalism faculty and administrators in the United States. She was chair of the teaching standards committee in 1992

VanSlyke Turk is an elected member of the Arthur W. Page Society, an association of senior executives and educators in corporate communication and public relations.

She is 2008 chair of the Educational Affairs Committee of the Public Relations Society of America and a past chair of its College of Fellows. She also is a member of the Commission on Public Relations Education, a collaborative venture among PRSA and several other academic and professional associations in public relations.

VanSlyke Turk, who worked professionally for The Associated Press and in university and corporate public relations before beginning her academic career, was named Outstanding Public Relations Educator in 1992 by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). In 2005 she was awarded the Pathfinder Award by the Institute for Public Relations in recognition of her research and publications in the field of public relations.

She is associate editor of Journalism Studies, an international refereed journal. She also is a member of the editorial advisory board for Journal of Public Relations Research, and Journalism and Mass Communications Quarterly.

VanSlyke Turk is co-author of This is PR: The Realities of Public Relations (Wadsworth Publishing, now in its 9th edition) and co-editor of a collection of international public relations case studies developed as a project of the Public Relations Division of AEJMC and published by the Institute for Public Relations.

She has consulted and lectured on public relations and journalism/mass communications curriculum issues in Eastern Europe, the Newly Independent States, the Baltics, Russia, the Middle East and Asia.

Dr. VanSlyke Turk's friends congratulate her in a video tribute

View the tribute video in which just a few of Dr. VanSlyke Turk's friends congratulate her on this lifetime achievement award.

Tribute Video- Part I

Tribute Video- Part II

School of Mass Comm welcomes Timothy Bajkiewicz

2008-06-18T14:41:00.007-04:00

The School of Mass Communications at VCU has added another broadcast journalism faculty member, Associate Professor Dr. Tim Bajkiewicz (or as he prefers, “Dr. B”).

“I'm really excited about coming to VCU. I just have a good feeling about everything--the students, my fellow faculty, the campus,” said Bajkiewicz. “When you start talking to people you can sense the buzz and that's something special. I visited campus in late January, which was a little cold for a guy who's basically lived in Florida for the past 20 years. Everyone was so kind to me and I had a great time. As soon as I got there I knew this is where I wanted to be,” he said.

Bajkiewicz holds a doctorate in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also has a master’s degree in mass communication and telecommunication from the University of Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida as well, majoring in anthropology with a minor in mass communication.

“I bring a lot of broadcasting and media experience with me, especially with multimedia journalism,” Bajkiewicz said. “You just have to look around to see all the ways we get information today, like our cell phones or online. Quality information has never been so important, and so we need to train the next generation of media storytellers. VCU's School of Mass Communications has a great national reputation, and I'm looking forward to working with the School's students and faculty to keep that up.”

Bajkiewicz has a great deal of teaching experience, including working as an instructor at the University of South Florida. He has also received a number of awards such as the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award for his work at the University of South Florida. He also placed second in the “Promising Professors” National Teaching Competition the same year.

Bajkiewicz also has a long list of professional broadcast experience. He was a researcher and production assistant for the North Carolina Center for Public Television. He was Online Assistant Coordinator of the General Alumni Association at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has also been a full-time on-air talent at stations like WRUF AM-FM in Gainesville, Florida, WGLF-FM in Tallahassee and WRQN-FM in Toledo, Ohio.

School of Mass Comm welcomes Soo Yeon Hong

2008-06-16T11:25:00.006-04:00

Part of what makes Virginia Commonwealth University and the School of Mass Communications great is its experienced and diverse faculty. The school takes pride in hiring qualified faculty to educate the continuously growing number of students. Dr. Soo Yeon Hong is one of the newest assistant professors to be added to the School’s faculty.

Hong, who joins the School on Aug. 15, said, “I'm very excited to join the faculty at the School of Mass Communications in Virginia Commonwealth University and to teach students at VCU. I've taught students before but this is huge! Many of my friends here in Syracuse told me that Richmond is a very historic city. But with so much energy coming from the students, the professors, VCU, and the city, I felt like I was in a very young city when I was there for an interview last fall.”

Hong received her PhD in May 2008 from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She obtained a master’s degree in television, radio and film in May of 2005 and a master’s in magazine journalism in December of 2000, both from Syracuse. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature from Hankook University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, Korea.

“I've always followed my heart which led me to explore wonderful professions and education--public relations, graphic design, research, magazine journalism, film, marketing--as well as great parts of the world--Spain, Indonesia, Japan, New York City, Syracuse, and Alabama, “ Hong said.

Hong began her teaching experience as a guest lecturer at Syracuse University. She quickly moved up the ladder to become a lab instructor and then a teaching assistant. After that she became an adjunct professor, teaching Introduction to the Graphic Arts and Visual Communication Theory and Practices.

“At VCU, I want my diverse experience to create useful, relevant lessons that kindle and affirm students' interest, and I want the work we do in the classroom to build students' confidence,” Hong said.

She was rated as one of the best Syracuse professors and classes in The Daily Orange, a student-run newspaper at Syracuse. Hong was also Mentor to a Syracuse University Scholar in 2006-2007. University Scholar is the highest honor given to an undergraduate.

Hong is excited about her new position, stating, “I can't wait to begin my journey in VCU.”

School of Mass Comm hosts Urban Journalism Workshop

2008-06-16T11:16:00.004-04:00

The Virginia Urban Journalism Workshop is back for its 2008 encore! Twelve rising or graduating high school seniors have been selected to participate in this year’s program, which will take place June 15-27. The students are from James River, Deep Run, Cosby, Varina, Charlottesville, John S. Battle, Floyd, Windsor, L.C. Bird, George Wythe and J.R. Tucker High School.

This two-week intensive residential workshop is designed for high school students interested in journalism. The Richmond Times-Dispatch and VCU's School of Mass Communications and the Virginia Press Association are partnering to sponsor the event. Additional funding is being provided by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund. It will take place on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and includes occasional visits to the Times-Dispatch building.

The workshop is offered to participants at no cost.“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about writing, editing, design, graphics and career opportunities in the important field of journalism,” said Carol Mawyer, director of the Workshop and the School’s assistant director for student services and scholastic journalism. The Workshop’s associate director is Associate Professor Bonnie Newman Davis.

Kappa Tau Alpha inducts 32 new members

2008-06-11T18:30:00.006-04:00

This spring, 32 students were inducted into the George T. Crutchfield Chapter of Kappa Tau Alpha, a journalism and mass communications honor society.

“This is the Phi Beta Kappa of mass communications students,” Dr. Judy VanSlyke Turk told those assembled, illustrating the honor and importance of membership in Kappa Tau Alpha.

Kappa Tau Alpha is meant to foster a high level of scholarship in journalism and mass communications. Therefore, membership was extended by invitation only to juniors and seniors with overall grade point averages in the top 10 percent of their class in the School of Mass Communications.

Turk, the chapter advisor, led the ceremony held in the Temple building on March 21. She read from the chapter’s charter explaining to all of the new members and guests the history and purpose of the organization.

VCU’s chapter was chartered in 1978 and has initiated new classes each year since. With this year’s number of new inductees, Turk commented the new class was larger than it has been in the recent past.

Kappa Tau Alpha was founded at the University of Missouri in 1910 and is the seventh oldest national honor society. It is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the only member dedicated to journalism/mass communications.

According to the Kappa Tau Alpha web site, the organization’s emblem is the key, which stands for knowledge and communication. In addition, the letters kappa, tau and alpha suggest the words knowledge, truth and accuracy. The Greek letters also represent “The Truth Will Prevail” the underlying purpose of journalism and mass communications.

VCU InSight in action!

2008-05-27T18:14:00.003-04:00

It's year six for VCU's student-produced news program, VCU InSight. The show airs four times each month on Richmond PBS affiliate, WCVW, a Community Idea Station.

To see what our team of student anchors, reporters, producers and production personnel accomplished this year, check out this video.

Then check out our blog at vcuinsight.wordpress.com works or watch the show on WCVW, Channel 57 (Richmond Cable Channel 24) on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays.

Cutting-edge curriculum introduced to match changing industry

2008-04-30T11:00:00.004-04:00

The School of Mass Communications is transforming its curriculum to better meet the needs of changing media industries. Major updates to the advertising, journalism and public relations sequences are scheduled to affect students beginning in fall 2008.

Curriculum changes are designed to create more tailored majors, allow students to determine their sequences and begin taking specialized MASC courses earlier in their college career. Students will enter VCU as MASC majors in the Foundation instead of being classified as “pre-majors.” After three semesters in the Foundation, students will petition for a Sequence.

The curriculum update includes a number of cutting-edge courses; updated names and descriptions, and changes in MASC collateral courses.

The most significant changes are in the advertising curriculum, which faculty members said they “blew up” and rebuilt from the ground up.

“Our new advertising curriculum focused on the attributes of those who perform successfully in a variety of advertising roles,” said Dr. Judy VanSlyke Turk, the School’s director. “Our old curriculum focused on the skills we taught in our courses – like courses in copywriting and art direction, for instance. Our new curriculum focused on the attributes copywriters and art directors need to be successful – “Perspicuousness” for copywriting, and “Imagination” for art direction.”

The Mass Comm updates are being introduced at the same time as when VCU is evaluating its core and general-education requirements.

Mass Comm adviser Natasha Long says the School’s new curriculum will offer more choices from a wider variety of courses to better meet the needs of students and the changing media industries.

Should students need guidance or assistance in understanding the curriculum changes, they are encouraged to seek advising either with their University College adviser (for freshmen) or the School’s adviser(s) (for sophomores, transfers and students yet to petition).

Get May '08 graduation details here

2008-04-22T15:07:00.006-04:00

You've worked hard, and the time has finally come to graduate!

Get the details you need here:

http://www.has.vcu.edu/mac/graduation_details/may2008.html

Mass Comm Director Judy Turk calls Hall of Fame inductees "outstanding communicators in Virginia."

2008-04-21T10:26:00.018-04:00

The Virginia Communications Hall of Fame inducted a college professor, a management and lobbying firm founder, two editors and publishers and a public relations firm chairman and chief officer at its 2008 ceremony on April 17.

The selection committee for the Hall of Fame chose Rick Boyko, Peter Easter, John Edwards, J. Malcolm (Jay) Pace, III and Mark Raper to join previous inductees. They make up the 21^st class of the Hall of Fame’s 22 year history and raise the number of honorees to 111.

“We are very excited to honor these individuals who have been outstanding communicators in Virginia,” said Dr. Judy VanSlyke Turk, APR, Fellow PRSA, director of VCU’s School of Mass Communications. “Each of these inductees has excelled and truly deserves a spot in this year’s class.”

The induction ceremony and dinner was held at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Va. This black tie event was hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Mass Communications.

The Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to honor men and women who have shown exceptional achievement through the years in newspapers, magazines, radio, television, advertising, public relations, journalism-related organizations or journalism education.

Also honored was the 2008 Virginia Communications Hall of Fame Scholarship winner, Cassie Williams. In recognition of outstanding Virginia communicators, this scholarship was established by the VCU School of Mass Communications faculty in 1992. It is awarded to an outstanding undergraduate student based on merit, need and writing skills.

The Master of Ceremonies was Aaron R. Gilchrist, Jr., Emmy-award-winning morning and news anchor for WWBT NBC-12 Television in Richmond.

View a slide show of the evening's festivities!

Pictured Above: Mark Raper, Peter Easter, Mrs. Jay Pace, John Edwards, Rick Boyko and Dr. Judy Turk.

Advertising Undergrads Count Accomplishments

2008-04-14T18:56:00.015-04:00

The School of Mass Communications congratulates its undergraduate creative-advertising students who, after receiving a number of regional Addy awards last month, were recognized again in the higher level of the competition at the Third District Addys.

VCU recent graduates Alyssa Collis and Erin Martin won the Student Best of Show award for their Nutella ads designed as a magazine campaign. The award represents the best work among all student entries.

Student Special Judges Award went to VCU senior Chip Stevens and recent graduate Kyle Asay for their McCanns Oatmeal ads.

The American Advertising Federation District 3 Addy awards recognize student and professional work from Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. All entries that receive gold and silver Addy awards on the district level compete for national recognition.

The national award ceremony this year will be in Atlanta, Ga., on Tuesday, June 10.

For more information about the Student Addy Awards, visit AAF Web site.

Through "Skunkworks," VCU undergrads design the future of media

2008-04-11T14:28:00.006-04:00

Transforming TV experience by tying Internet and broadcast news, offering free classified ads to newspaper subscribers, and the list goes on.

Creative ideas for media companies to re-engage consumers are shaping up among a group of VCU honor students. They are giving their feedback to a major media company about its business.

The class, creatively called Skunkworks, brings together a diverse group of students to work with professionals from Media General, the conglomerate that owns The Richmond Times-Dispatch among other media. The students come up with new ways for media companies to connect with consumers. The students have developed a number of suggestions, bringing in next-generation views and experiences.

“We let the students explore the problem and solve it for themselves,” said Scott Sherman, assistant professor of strategic advertising, and added that declining numbers of newspaper readers is a threat to the business. “That’s a real problem that big companies are trying to solve.”

Sherman and Jeff South, associate professor of print journalism, lead the class that Sherman referred to as a creativity session. The idea behind it, Sherman explained, was to look at the problems media companies are facing. Students were then encouraged to brainstorm on suggestions for improving the media business, develop their ideas and offer them to Media General.

The innovative class has students of all class levels and a number of different majors and takes them off campus encouraging them to work in professional settings. And students are pleased with the results they have accomplished.

“One thing that’s been cool about the class is to help encourage new ideas,” said creative-advertising senior David Canavan.

To assist and enhance the process, Sherman and South have brought in guest speakers, among them media professional and analysts.

“The guest speakers have been my favorite part of the class,” Canavan said. “To hear industry professionals’ perspective on the way media are changing has been very beneficial.”

Andy Stefanovich, from the Richmond-based innovative company Play, talked to the class about inspiration and generating creativity.

Joe Antle, vice president for sales and strategic marketing at Media General, told students about what is happening in big media companies and how they operate in today’s world.

David Richards, chief executive officer of the Norfolk-based software company Concursive Corp., and Michael Harvey, the company’s executive vice president, discussed interesting and new ways people use media.

One of the ideas that students pitched to Media General is using a TiVo technology to link television to the Internet with something similar to a hyperlink on the TV monitor. It would allow viewers to watch a TV show and use their remote control to link to a Web site on their TV, thus making it more convenient to go from one medium (TV) to another (Web).

Another idea students are developing is for a newspaper Web site that would engage young readers. Sherman said students are not encouraged to redesign a given site, but to design a totally new Web experience tailored specifically to young consumers.

When developing their ideas, the students communicate with professionals from related fields and take into consideration how the idea links to both consumers and experts.

On a daily basis, students have the flexibility to self-direct their work, which for many is a plus that the class offers. John Zhao, creative-advertising senior, said this flexibility is making the class cool and daunting.

“The best aspect of the class is being able to have all the freedom to make decisions,” Zhao said. “We’re following ourselves.”

“There’s no right or wrong answer,” he said. “That’s what’s making it a real interesting class, but also a tough one.”

In the beginning of the semester, students were skeptical, but that changed, Sherman said.

“They didn’t think they’d have an impact,” he said. “Now they all believe in what they’re doing.”

Mass Comm students recognize favorite professors

2008-03-28T16:28:00.009-04:00

The Mass Communications Student Advisory Board is accepting nominations for the third annual student-sponsored faculty award to be presented to an outstanding professor at the May'08 graduation ceremony.

The award is a way for students to show their appreciation to professors and recognize their efforts not only as instructors, but also mentors and academic and professional advisers. Students of all majors and class levels are encouraged to nominate their favorite faculty member and share a memory or quote, which illustrates his or her personality. The nomination period ends on April 25, when votes will be counted and one professor will stand out as the students' pick for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Public Relations junior Leah Rullman and freshman Janelle Scott are initiating the process this year.

"I'm excited to take over this opportunity and coordinate such an important student initiative," Rullman said.

The first two recipients of the award were Associate Professor of Broadcast Journalism Deb Wenger in 2006, and Adjunct Professor of Print Journalism Mary Ann Owens in 2007.

An increasing number of students participate each year in the initiative to recognize professors.

"These are people who dedicate themselves to enlightening us, challenging us and preparing us for the world," said Strategic Advertising senior Ian Slinkman, who participated in the process last year and plans to do it again this year. "The student faculty-award program is a great way for students to acknowledge those professors who bring us new perspective and force us to push the envelope of our ability."

Graduating senior in Broadcast Journalism, Brandon Shulleeta said Mass Comm faculty deserve the recognition.

"Some (professors) have gone above and beyond their obligations, to help us become better reporters," he said. "This is just a small way for us to say 'thanks.'"

For more information about the faculty award and submitting your nomination form, contact Leah Rullman.

Download the nomination form now!

“Good design for good causes can change the world,” Peyton Rowe, following the first-of-its-kind CreateAthon onCampus

2008-03-24T18:30:00.005-04:00

A week after the first CreateAthon onCampus, during which VCU Mass Comm students spent 24 hours working on advertising and marketing projects for local nonprofits, participants proudly announced the success of the event.

Some of the completed work includes four identity packages of logos, letterheads, business cards and envelopes; a finished Web site that has been launched already; a brochure, eNewsletter, brand and marketing plans, a digital presentation and five video spots.

Organizer of the event and former participant of a number of professional CreateAthon events, Peyton Rowe said her students met and exceeded her expectations.

“I’m so proud of the students,” she said. “They all rose to the occasion at all levels: the concepts, the work (and) the presentations. After four years in the making for me, CreateAthon onCampus was everything I had hoped it would be.”

Participating students came from the School of Mass Communications, the Brandcenter and the School of the Arts. For some students, the event was part of a semester-long class, MASC 491: Topics: Nonprofit Project Development; while other participated as volunteers. A total of 43 students and 18 professional mentors devoted their time and efforts for the event, helping 12 nonprofit organizations.

A number of participants shared enthusiasm and pride, looking back at CreateAthon onCampus. First-year Brandcenter student Jake Dubs, 23, said the lessons he learned were serious and philosophical.

“I learned the true value of collaboration and being courteous to others, as well as the value of working with people you actually like working with,” he recapped. “It's not about who is most talented and creative and hard-working. It's about how well you can work together. The Brandcenter greatly emphasizes this too, but it was a much more condensed, real-life version when doing it with CreateAthon.”

For Creative Advertising senior Carly Reed, 21, the event was tiring but rewarding.

“In such a materialistic industry, it was wonderful to work toward helping organizations that really needed it,” she said. “When you push yourself for something you believe in and for a good cause, it can be really rewarding even if you are super exhausted. And I learned you really can accomplish an immense amount of work in 24 hours.”

The next phase of CreateAthon onCampus is working toward getting these advertising and marketing materials produced at little or not cost to the nonprofits. The class will shepherd any work through production, having yet another opportunity to get professional experience outside the classroom . There is a reception to be held for all involved on April 24^th and any deliverables will be given to the nonprofits.

Rowe is optimistic and already has an eye open about future CreateAthon onCampus events at VCU.

“There is no question that CreateAthon onCampus will become a regular event at VCU,” she said. “The learning opportunity is so great for students and with over 5,000 nonprofit organizations in Richmond, there will not be a shortage of work to be done. “

Following this pilot year, Rowe said she plans to assess the program and then package CreateAthon onCampus to present to other schools.

“CreateAthon onCampus is a unique and rewarding experience for students and an outstanding way to give back to the community,” she said. “I want to make it easier for colleges and universities to offer this type of experience to their students who will then create great work for organizations who need it.”

To learn more about VCU’s CreateAthon onCampus, visit its Web site.

School of Mass Comm/VCU Career Center offer student workshops

2008-03-21T16:56:00.009-04:00

The VCU Career Center and the School of Mass Communications will be offering two workshops to help students get the most out of the opportunities that VCU offers.

Workshop: Choosing a Concentration
This workshop targets pre-majors and undecided students.

Tuesday, March 25
Wednesday, March 26

Both workshops will be held in Temple 2211 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Workshop: How to Get the Most Out of Your Internship
This workshop includes advice on finding and signing up for an internship, as well as how to get the most out of the experience.

Monday, April 14
Thursday, April 17

Both workshops will be held in Temple 2211 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

School of Mass Comm recruits for three teaching positions

2008-03-21T12:09:00.006-04:00

Want to have a hand in shaping future mass communications professionals?

At VCU's School of Mass Comm, you can impact the future! We enroll 1,200 majors and pre-majors in journalism, advertising and public relations and 200 graduate students in advertising and public relations. VCU has a very diverse student body of more than 28,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

Current Job Openings:

Assistant Professor - Broadcast Journalism
Assistant Professor - Creative Advertising
Assistant Professor - Public Relations

Learn more now!

VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Advertising Students Receive National Recognition

2008-03-20T09:43:00.007-04:00

Advertising students from the School of Mass Communications swept a number of awards at the American Advertising Federation’s 2007 Western Virginia Addy Awards in Roanoke earlier this month. The VCU students were recognized for their advertising work with four Gold, six Silver and one Judges-pick Addy Awards.

Assistant professor of Advertising Bridget Camden said she is proud of the accomplishments of her students.

“It is great seeing their long hours and hard work start to pay off for them,” she said. “Winning a student advertising award won’t get them a job, but it is great on the resume.”

All gold and silver-awarded entries moved on to the Third District Addy Awards to compete against student work from Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina in early April. Winning work from the district level goes to the national-level competition soon after that.

The prestigious judges-pick award in the student category went to advertising seniors Chip Stevens and Kyle Asay for their campaign for McCanns Oatmeal.

“There was a lot of good work submitted,” Stevens said. “(Our award) came as a surprise, but I’m very proud that we got it.”

The award-winning work originated as a class assignment in Camden’s senior-level Portfolio Development classes, MASC 450 and MASC 451. Camden encourages her students to enter work in competitions each semester.

Assistant professor Will Sims currently teaches sections of the portfolio classes and in the MATX PhD program.

“These students are demonstrating the kind of leadership that ranks them and VCU School of Mass Communications among the best in the nation,” he said.

Other competitions where VCU advertising students’ work has been recognized before include the annual New York One Show, annual Richmond show and publications in the prestigious CMYK magazine, which serves as a respected trend-setting publication in the industry on an international level.

For student-work samples, visit Camden's Web site.

VCU Brandcenter opens its doors

2008-03-17T18:34:00.011-04:00

VCU’s nationally recognized graduate advertising school, the Brandcenter, formerly known as VCU Adcenter, celebrated its grand opening on Thursday, March 6. Classes in the new facility started at the beginning of this semester.

A number of industry-leading professionals and board members, visited the new building to congratulate administration and students and give personal advice to upcoming graduates.

VCU President Eugene P. Trani said the Brandcenter faculty, staff and students deserve the celebration for their achievements and national recognition.

“The grand opening of the Brandcenter is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the success of VCU’s graduate advertising program as one of the best in the country,” he said.

During their introductions, professionals told students to work hard, believe in themselves and show passion for advertising on their path to success.

Nick Law, R/GA's chief creative officer for North America, focused on the three C’s that ensure success.

“Concept - you’ve got to be able to think; Craft - you’ve got to make; and the last one is Context – you’ve got to know where that stuff that you make lives in time and space and how to read people,” Law said.

Lori Erdos, vice president of advertising sales for USA Today told students to be proud of their knowledge and degrees when they interview for jobs.

“Have confidence when you go to an interview that you know what you are talking about. Because you really do,” she said. “Also (important are) passion and follow up. It’s not brain surgery, it’s really about commitment.”

Earl Cox, partner and director of strategic planning at The Martin Agency, encouraged students to stand up and show individuality.

“Always, always, always have an opinion,” said Cox, who also is adjunct professor at the Brandcenter. “The more provocative the opinion, the better. I would encourage you to develop a strong opinion about the future (of the advertising industry).”

Echoing Cox, Mike Hughes, president and chief creative officer at The Martin Agency, stressed the importance of networking.

“You sure have a chance here to get to know some professionals in the business who are awfully good people,” he said.

Enthusiasm and passion, many agreed, play an important part in the advertising business.

“You defining and understanding what it is that you love about it and why you want to do it and be part of it, will be critical to your opportunities for getting your first job,” said Jeff Steinhour, managing partner and director of content management at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, “and demonstrate some enthusiasm and passion.”

For detailed coverage of the grand opening of the Brandcenter, featuring videos and photos, visit http://ihaveanidea.org/live/.

Visit the Brandcenter's website.

Virginia Communications Hall of Fame to honor five new inductees in April

2008-03-13T16:45:00.006-04:00

In 2008, the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame continues its tradition of excellence with the induction of five new members: Rick Boyko, director and professor at the VCU Brand Center; Peter Easter, chairman and director of public affairs for Easter Associates, Inc.; John Edwards, editor and publisher of The Smithfield Times; J. Malcolm "Jay" Pace, III, former editor and owner of the Herald-Progress; and Mark Raper, chairman and CEO of CRT/tanaka.

The Hall of Fame, established by VCU's School of Mass Communications in 1986, recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional achievement in the fields of print, broadcast, public relations, advertising and interactive media, including cable and the Internet. Inductees are nominated and selected by their peers.

These communications pros will be inducted during a ceremony on Thursday, April 17 at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Va. (more)

Creating sustainable economic growth in Ghana

2008-03-13T11:50:00.003-04:00

Ever heard of the Millennium Challenge Corporation? It's an independent U.S. government agency established to reduce global poverty through sustainable economic growth. School of Mass Comm Professor Bonnie Davis has seen the fruits of this group's labor first-hand in Accra, Ghana.

Read her commentary, which appeared recently in the Richmond Times Dispatch.

Capital News Service: Student Bylines

2008-03-05T16:53:00.004-05:00

One of the advantages that VCU’s School of Mass Comm offers student journalists is the chance to work with real news stories, and have their work published in news outlets across the state.

Here are just a few examples of CNS student work in the media now. Check out links to just a few CNS reporter stories.

Four Mass Comm students receive Black History in the Making Awards

2008-03-04T10:24:00.002-05:00

As part of Black History Month, the VCU Department of African American Studies sponsored the Black History in the Making Awards on Thursday, February 28. This year’s recipients from the School of Mass Communications are, (left to right): Adam Bush, Chamise Jones, Eric Larkin, Shana Bernabela and Charles Ayodele “Dele” Smith.

School of Mass Comm welcomes Academic Advisor Natasha Long

2008-03-03T17:21:00.011-05:00

Before you log in to Banner to register for your fall 2008 classes, make sure you stay on the right academic track and take the classes you need to graduate when you plan to. Seeking out advising is critical to ensuring success.

To help you keep up with class processes and deadlines, in November the School of Mass Communications welcomed Academic Adviser Natasha Long. With duties ranging from advising to handling student paperwork, Long is a great student resource to keep in mind. She can assist with selecting and scheduling classes, discussing school procedures and regulations and declaring and/or changing Mass Comm sequence.

Long earned her B.A. in history with a minor in Spanish from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She started her advising career in student-athletic advising at VCU in 2002. She received her master’s of education from VCU in 2003. Long also worked with students at Longwood University before returning to VCU to assist Mass Comm pre-majors, majors and minors.

“I am extremely happy to be working for the School of Mass Communications,” Long said. “The faculty and staff are outstanding."

A student athlete herself, Long understands the delicate balance of time management and academics, an issue that many VCU students face.

Long also partners with the University Career Center to provide workshops to address petition issues facing Mass Comm students.

In addition to her extensive knowledge of the Mass Comm programs, Long can direct you to the right people at the university, making problem-solving one step shorter.

Long can be reached by e-mail at longnj@vcu.edu or by phone at (804) 827-3722.

Changing the community … in 24 hours

2008-02-29T09:28:00.010-05:00

A group of Mass Comm students is preparing for a mid-spring-break 24-hour creative blitz, when they will work in teams to produce marketing and advertising services for 12 area nonprofits.

CreateAthon onCampus is the first program of its kind on a university campus, initiated at VCU by Associate Professor Peyton Rowe.

“The CreateAthon program started by RIGGS is such a rich and rewarding experience,” Rowe said. “Since my first CreateAthon in 2004, I’ve always wanted to bring this intense and fulfilling experience to students.”

The School of Mass Communications’ initiative is registered as a topics course MASC 491: Nonprofit Project Development.

More than 20 undergraduate students from the school, 20 graduate students from the Brandcenter and nearly two dozen local professionals will participate in CreateAthon onCampus around the clock, starting at 8:30 a.m. on March 13, 2008. During the creative blitz, participants will create and develop advertising and marketing projects at no cost to selected nonprofits in an effort to help them fulfill their missions.

Rowe says the results from the professional CreateAthon programs that she has participated in have been invaluable for client organizations.

“CreateAthon projects give these nonprofit organizations the opportunity to focus on what they do best – helping others,” She said.

Public relations coordinator and PR senior Carrie Lefler has worked with Rowe on the CreateAthon onCampus from its planning stages. Lefler participated in the professional version in fall 2007 in Richmond at PUNCH and now is excited to work with her peers and professionals at VCU.

“It’s great to be a part of such an exciting opportunity,” she said, “and be able to see how this idea has grown into an actual event.”

The VCU program is based on the professional CreateAthon, which was started in 1998 by RIGGS advertising agency in South Carolina and is now a national program and network that annually supports nonprofits.

“It’s truly amazing to help people who don’t have the funds to fulfill their good will to help the community,” Lefler said.

Creative advertising senior David Canavan will volunteer on one of the working teams. He says the experience from the program would be beneficial for both students and client nonprofits.

“It’s a good cause and I think it’s going to give me a lot of experience that’s really valuable to me as a student,” Canavan said.

Following the pilot program at VCU, Rowe plans to offer CreateAthon onCampus to other universities and spread the idea to more students and nonprofits.

For more information about CreateAthon onCampus, visit http://www.createathononcampus.org/

A list of selected nonprofit organizations:

Richmond Friends of the Homeless

The Faces of HOPE

Coordinators2inc

Twin Saddles Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

Richmond Affiliate, Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Lifelong Learning Institute, Chesterfield

Virginia Council for Economic Education

Offender Aid and Restoration of Richmond, Inc.

Jackson-Feild Homes for Girls

Connect Richmond

The James House

The United Virginia chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation

For Capital News Service reporters, every day includes state politics

2008-02-25T10:40:00.014-05:00

Tied to the Virginia General Assembly, the everyday life of some Mass Comm students has a dose of state politics.

Capital News Service (MASC 475) student reporters cover the legislative session for a number of media outlets across the state. Associate Professor Jeff South leads the class. He says CNS is as professional as established news organization.

“CNS is an opportunity for students to compete against the 'big dawgs' at the Capitol – The Washington Post, the Associated Press, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, The Virginian-Pilot,” South said.

“CNS students go head-to-head with veteran reporters in covering the top stories – the state budget, for example, and proposals to ban smoking in restaurants. In my opinion, the CNS reporters often beat the pros – in part because the students look at what's happening in the General Assembly with a fresh set of eyes. What the students may lack in experience, they make up for in enthusiasm.”

Graduating senior Suzanne Hoyle spends an average of two hours a day working for her client newspapers.

“To me, CNS has been a great learning experience in helping me to build relationships with local officials,” Hoyle said. “I feel like this is a learning experience that I can take with me into the real world.”

Hoyle said she usually focuses on one story at a time until it’s ready to file to CNS copy desk. Hoyle has been assigned to cover the GA for the Petersburg Progress-Index and the Smithfield Times. She said that the editors she has communicated with have also enhanced her experience in CNS.

“The most valuable thing (I’ve learned) is working with Virginia publications,” Hoyle said. “I was able to learn what they need and how to cater to them.”

Former CNS reporter and copy editor Patrick Kane said the class helped him to not only become a better reporter, but also open up to people.

“CNS showed me how much I enjoy the action and drama of Virginia politics,” Kane said. “It helped me overcome some of my shyness. It is definitely my long-term goal to cover a statehouse.”

Kane, who is now staff writer at the Petersburg Progress-Index, covered two legislative sessions. He said that even in his current job as a reporter, the CNS experience comes in handy.

“At our small daily, we can't keep a reporter at the legislature,” Kane said. “However, my knowledge of how everything works in Richmond helps me keep tabs on our region's lawmakers and proposed bills that would affect our area.”

The class is in session while the General Assembly is, starting every January. For three upper-level Mass Comm credits, CNS student reporters gain hands-on experience and portfolio clips from newspapers from all around the state.

The client list includes the Washington Examiner, Richmond.com and Rappahannock News. The class enrolls an increasing number of students every year with a record of 23 students, including a multimedia producer and a graphic artist this session. A new aspect of the class is multimedia.

“This year, CNS made its first serious effort to branch into television reports and multimedia news, such as slide shows and podcasts,” South said. “You can see CNS on VCU InSight, the school's public affairs show on PBS. I hope we'll be doing more of that in the future.”

For a second time this year, the School of Mass Communications expanded the learning opportunities for CNS students by adding a second class to make the reporting process easier. The new class, Topics: CNS Copy Editing (MASC 491) enrolled six students as copy editors under the guidance of adjunct journalism professor Mary Ann Owens. Copy editors meet on Friday to polish the stories before they are sent to clients.

Close to the end of the legislative session, Hoyle now says she found CNS to be easier than she had initially thought.

“With the guidance of the professors, I knew exactly what needed to be done, which made it easier than I expected,” she said.

Kane’s advice to future CNS reporters is be consistent and start laying the groundwork for their reporting early.

“Spend time at the Capitol early and often,” he said. “Have the relationships with the lawmakers you will be following solidly in place before school starts, so you have a good head start.

“Also, follow a handful of bills that you can write about again and again as they progress through the lawmaking process.”

Pre-majors' deadlines approaching

2008-02-18T10:20:00.009-05:00

Pre-majors need to keep in mind a couple of important dates that are coming up this semester:

Feb. 28… Deadline to Register for MASC 203-Writing for Mass Media
(summer and fall semesters)

March 6… Deadline for Completing Petition to Major

MASC 203—Writing for Mass Media

One of the courses pre-majors need to complete is MASC 203 – Writing for Mass Media, which follows pre-requisite Mass Comm and English classes. Once students have completed Writing and Rhetoric workshop I (ENGL 101) or Focused Inquiry I and II (UNIV 111-112); Introduction to Mass Communications (MASC 101) and computer literacy, they are able to take MASC 203; a gateway course to the upper-level. Students must fill out and submit paperwork for this course; they must obtain an override form in order to register for MASC 203.

Download the full list of prerequisites, requirements and instructions now.

The deadline for completed paperwork is Feb. 28, 2008 for both summer and fall semesters. Paperwork may be picked up and dropped off at the Mass Comm office, with student worker Danielle Shutt.

Petition to Major

Another important step in the Mass Comm program is going from a pre-major to a major status. Students must petition to enter the upper-level. During the semester students are enrolled in MASC 203, they need to choose a specific major in the school (i.e., print or broadcast journalism, creative or strategic advertising, or public relations).

Download the Petition to Major application and instructions now.

The deadline for completed applications for fall entry to the upper-level is March 6, 2008. Student Advisor Natasha Long handles the paperwork.

If you have any questions about the procedures or the paperwork, contact Long at (804) 827-3722.

Associate Professor Bonnie Newman Davis offers a glimpse of a recent trip to Ghana

2008-02-14T13:14:00.013-05:00

Associate Professor of Journalism Bonnie Newman Davis delivers a compelling account of a recent trip by students from the VCU School of Social Work to Accra, Ghana.

Read the feature story, which appeared in the Richmond Times Dispatch.

See a gallery of images taken by photographer Doug Buerlein.

Audrey Thomson joins the Virginia Council on Economic Education

2008-02-12T10:24:00.001-05:00

The School of Mass Communications said good-bye to a valuable member of its staff Friday. On Friday, Feb, 8, Audrey Thomson spent her last day as the school’s director of development and alumni relations, before becoming director of development with the Virginia Council on Economic Education, housed in the VCU School of Business.

The council is a non-profit that promotes economic literacy in grades K-12.

During her last days at the School, Thomson said she has appreciated the opportunity to work with the Mass Comm community.

“I leave with gratitude for the opportunity to serve here and for the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors with whom I've come in contact and with whom I've built relationships,” Thomson said. “It is bittersweet to leave friends and colleagues behind as I look forward to my new adventure.”

Director Judy VanSlyke Turk wrote to faculty in January that Thomson was a great staff member who had contributed a great deal to the school.

"Audrey brought considerable professional development experience and expertise to the school and VCU," Turk wrote, adding that under Thomson’s leadership, the school “completed the endowment of the Crutchfield Scholarship; secured a 10-year pledge to support a new visiting professorship in the area of interactive marketing, created an Alumni Advisory Board and has taken the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame to higher levels of visibility and sponsorship.”

In addition to her efforts to continue established programs and scholarships, Thomson undertook the first-ever faculty and staff campaign in the school and the College of Humanities and Sciences.

Thomson leaves the School with nostalgic feelings about her colleagues and students.

“I will miss the students hanging out in the airport lounge outside my office,” she said. “What a joy to see and hear their creative wheels spinning as the next advertising gurus, newspaper reporters, broadcast personalities and PR practitioners come into their own. This school has much to be proud of. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it.”

Legendary designer, Massimo Vignelli, to speak at VCU

2008-02-07T08:58:00.000-05:00

Tom Gresham
University News Services

RICHMOND, Va. – Massimo Vignelli, the legendary designer, will speak at Virginia Commonwealth University next week about his career and his views on design.

Vignelli’s lecture is scheduled for Feb. 11 at 3:30 p.m. at the Grace Street Theater, 930 W. Grace Street. The event is free and open to the public.

Vignelli designed the signage for the New York City and Washington, D.C., subway systems, the U.S. National Park System and Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, among many other projects over the years. His work with Vignelli Associates, which he established with his wife, Lella, includes graphic and corporate identity programs, publication designs, architectural graphics, and exhibition, interior, furniture and consumer product designs.

Vignelli, a staunch modernist, has also seen his work exhibited and entered into the permanent exhibits of numerous museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Montreal and the Die Neue Sammlung in Munich.

“Massimo Vignelli is the foremost proponent of modernism in this country, as well as one of its most articulate and passionate defenders,” said Jamie Mahoney, assistant professor of Graphic Design. “It is exciting to have him visit VCU.”

Vignelli’s appearance is being hosted by the VCU School of the Arts Department of Graphic Design.

Celebrities gone wild: What's the impact?

2008-02-06T10:15:00.000-05:00

Join the Richmond Times Dispatch for its latest Public Square topic: Celebrities Gone Wild: What’s the real impact?

Details:
Tuesday, February 19
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
300 East Franklin Street, Downtown

Learn more now!

School of Mass Comm prepares to award more than $10,000 in scholarships

2008-02-05T12:04:00.000-05:00

Financing college may not be as difficult as many think. At least not when money is coming from scholarships and doesn't need to be paid back.

The School of Mass Communications again this year is getting ready to award more than $10,000 to its students. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, motivation for future realization and need. Director Judy VanSlyke Turk said students shouldn’t hesitate to apply for the scholarships.

"I would definitely encourage Mass Comm students to apply for one or more scholarships," she said. "I think sometimes students feel they wouldn't stand a chance but that's not the case. We have some great scholarships that are just waiting to be matched with the right student!"

Applications are available for pick up at the main Mass Communications office on second floor of Temple Building.

You also can download the application here!

Criteria for the scholarships vary, but all require that the applicant be returning to VCU for the Fall 2008 semester.

The last day for submitting application packages at the Mass Communications office is Monday, February 18, 2008.

VCU and School of Mass Comm open houses give students a chance to learn more

2008-02-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

The School of Mass Communications will open its doors at on Saturday, Feb. 2, for interested high school students. The school's open house is staged to begin after the university welcomes students at the Siegel Center at 9 a.m.

After the university's session, the School of Mass Comm will offer informational sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Students and their families will gather in a Temple Building lecture hall: Room #1164.

At the School of Mass Comm's open house, students will learn about the five sequences (print journalism, broadcast journalism, creative and strategic advertising, and public relations), expectations of life at VCU and job opportunities and prospects for graduates of the programs.

The Mass Communications sessions will consist of an overview about the school, tours of its facilities, and a question & answer period. During the tours, students will visit the VCU InSight TV studio, and PC and Mac labs.

School of Mass Communications Director Judy VanSlyke Turk will kick things off with an introduction to the school. Advertising Professor Will Sims will lead the advertising tour, Journalism Professor Marcus Messner – the journalism tour, and PR Junior Leah Rullman – the public relations tour.

For more information about the university's open house, visit http://www.ugrad.vcu.edu/openhouse/

Advertising Professor Will Sims, Journalism Professor Marcus Messner,
and PR Junior Leah Rullman are leading tours atthe School of Mass Comm’s
Feb. 2 open house.

Otto accepts VA Lottery position, leaves VCU

2008-01-28T16:25:00.001-05:00

By Suzanne Hoyle and Gergana Bobeva
Capital News Service

RICHMOND – The Virginia Lottery, which donates all of its profits to Virginia public schools, will welcome a new executive director Feb. 1. Paula Otto, associate director of the School of Mass Communications at Virginia Commonwealth University and part of the lottery’s starter team, accepted the position Friday.

“I’m very excited to be going back to the lottery,” she said. “I was part of the group that helped create it.” Otto started her work with the lottery in 1987 as its first director of public affairs, working to ensure a good public image for the agency. While working at VCU, she continued to contribute her time and effort to the lottery.

The Virginia Lottery provides about seven percent of the annual state funding of Virginia Public Schools. Since 1999, the agency has donated $3.4 billion to the K-12 education system. The lottery’s Web site states in 2007 the agency generated $1.3 billion from sales, which contributed $437.1 million or about 32 percent to education. Prizes for the players totaled 57.4 percent of the revenue. Retailers, who sell lottery tickets, received 5.6 percent. Five percent of the revenue covered operational expenses.

Otto will oversee all of the lottery’s operations, including ticket sales, retailers, the finance department and the information systems department. She is rejoining the lottery during its 20th anniversary for raising money in Virginia. Some of Otto’s colleagues at the School of Mass Communications received the news with mixed feelings. In a staff e-mail, Director Judy Turk stated the new position is a “terrific career move” for Otto.

“But of course, her departure from VCU and the School of Mass Communications leaves a void that will be impossible to fill,” Turk stated in the e-mail. “Nevertheless, we will do our best to absorb her responsibilities and contributions as she departs.”

Otto has been working with Turk to make the transition easier. “She and I have been working closely as to how my duties will be given out,” Otto said. “We’re lucky that the school has such a devoted, hard worker who will be able to make things work, even though she’s losing an employee.”

In a press release, Gov. Tim Kaine stated he “can’t think of another person more qualified for this position.” “I am very happy that Paula Otto has agreed to take on this important job,” Kaine said. “She was with the lottery at its beginning and has more than 20 years experience in public service.”

Otto, who has been working for VCU for more than 10 years, said she will miss her students and colleagues, but accepts the new position with pride.

“It’s certainly an honor to be asked by the governor to serve in any capacity,” Otto said. “It’s going to be great to be associated and go back and lead a very talented group of employees who have created one of the best lotteries in the country.”

Jump-start your job search with the University Career Center Spring 2008 Career Fair

2008-01-22T14:39:00.000-05:00

Finding a job just got a little easier, thanks to the University Career Center. During their 2008 Career Fair events, students can get help preparing their resumes, get interviewing advice, and meet face-to-face with more than 50 potential employers.

Prep week events will occur Tuesday, January 9 – Monday, February 4. The career fair will be held Wednesday, February 6 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Employers will be recruiting for internships as well as full-time jobs, and they are looking for candidates from a variety of majors, including mass communications.

Download the list of participating employers now.

“Consider talking to any organization you may be interested in, whether they are recruiting for your major or not,” says Alicia Aroche, associate director of the University Career Center.

“Recruiters at the career fair can offer great inside information into an organization.”

The University Career Center encourages students to register with them before attending the career fair. To register, visit the Career Center in the Student Commons in Room 143. Registration is not required for any of the Prep Week events.

Learn more about Prep Week events now.

Virginia Association of Broadcasters offers scholarships and paid internships

2008-01-14T11:27:00.000-05:00

Attention Broadcast Students!

The Virginia Association of Broadcasters offers both scholarships and paid internships. The VAB chooses 32 students each summer for its summer intern program.

To qualify, students must be entering their junior or senior year in the fall of 2008. The deadline for both scholarships and the internship program is February 15, 2008.

See Prof. Deb Wenger for more details, or visit the VAB Web site at http://www.vabonline.com/education/intern.aspx.

School starts early for Capital News Service students

2008-01-14T10:35:00.000-05:00

The semester started early for 30 students who are participating in Capital News Service. CNS students cover Virginia’s legislature and write stories for 60 newspapers and Web sites across the state. The General Assembly convened on January 9.

“It’s a fast-paced environment,” said senior Stacey Hamman. “It really gives us a taste of the real world.”

CNS is taught by Prof. Jeff South and adjunct instructor Mary Ann Owens. “It’s not just a class,” South said. “It’s really a public service to the citizens of Virginia. We are their watchdog.”

Profs. Mary Ann Owens and Jeff South work with CNS student copy editors Rebecca Landau (left) and Stacey Hamman (right).

School of Mass Comm to host Virginia Urban Journalism Workshop this summer

2008-01-03T16:06:00.000-05:00

VCU's School of Mass Communications has been selected by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund as one of 26 sites across the country to host a journalism workshop for high school students this summer. VCU's Virginia Urban Journalism Workshop is scheduled for June 15 - 27, 2008.

In the upcoming weeks, high school journalism teachers throughout central Virginia will receive information regarding the student application process. Twelve aspiring journalists will be selected to produce the 2008 Urban Reporter.

For more information contact the VUJW's Associate Director, Bonnie Davis, at bndavis@vcu.edu.

See the paper that last year's UJW students produced.

Maria Carrillo addresses graduates regarding the impact of journalists

2007-12-19T16:36:00.000-05:00

Maria Carrillo, managing editor of The Virginian-Pilot, told graduating seniors Saturday, December 8 that journalism is more important now than ever. "Today, everyone has loads of information at their fingertips. On the Web, you can find hundreds of references to almost any subject, from bulimia to beer pong. Problem is that so much of it isn’t true. Or it’s misleading or confusing or spun."

Carrillo said that the most Americans get their news from media companies and that the public seeks credible information. "That’s why I can’t imagine journalists being replaced by blogs or Google or MySpace or You Tube or Wikipedia," Carrillo said at ceremonies for the School of Mass Communications.

The 1985 graduate of the school quoted Bill Keller, the editor of The New York Times, who said recently that "the civic labor performed by journalists on the ground cannot be replicated by legions of bloggers sitting hunched over their computer screens...It cannot be replaced by a search engine. It cannot be supplanted by shouting heads or satirical television shows."

“The truth is,” Keller said, “people crave more than raw information. What they crave, and need, is independent judgment, someone they can trust to vouch for the information, dig behind it, and make sense of it. The more discerning readers want depth, they want skepticism, they want context, they want the material laid out in a way that honors their intelligence, they might even welcome a little wit and grace and style.”

Carrillo discussed some of the Pilot's coverage that has had impact, including a series on suicide showing that far more people die of suicide than homicide. "We told the stories of surviving family members what what a toll those deaths took. We pointed out that most of those who contemplate suicide wouldn't go through with it if they gave themselves one more day. We touched a nerve."

The Pilot also ran stories about a local development company that fraudulently obtained loans to buy properties in low-income neighborhoods, for substantial profit. Those stories resulted in an FBI investigation.Carrillo told students, "As you look to the future, I’d encourage you to remember the past. This is a great democracy and part of the ideal is that there will always be people like you and me who seek to keep everyone else in line." The Pilot is Virginia's largest circulation daily newspaper.

Carrillo, who joined The Pilot in 1998, is former deputy managing editor for enterprise and led the newspaper's narrative team. Three serial narratives that she edited for the paper have been expanded and published as books. She and the staff gained recognition as a Pulitzer finalist in 2007 for explanatory reporting. Carrillo has been a Pulitzer juror, and a speaker at The Poynter Institute for Media Studies and the Nieman Narrative Journalism conference at Harvard. She is a former reporter and editor for the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star.

Read Carrillo's entire speech now.

Current's Inaugural Video Scavenger Hunt

2007-12-10T17:29:00.000-05:00

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12th. CURRENT's INAUGURAL VIDEO SCAVENGER HUNT

Current and The Branching Films want YOU to "SHOW ME YOUR Richmond!"

The first 20 people who RSVP to RVAscavenger@current.com and show up at high noon (12PM) on December 12 @ Shafer court at VCU will receive a FlipCam (easy to use video camera) and their Video Scavenger Hunt Instructions.

The best participant footage will be shown at our FREE party the following night @ Gallery 5, on Current.com. and maybe Current TV!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13th. EAT! DRINK! BE RICHMOND!

On December 13th, 6PM-9PM, join the Current crew @ Gallery 5 FOR COMPLIMENTARY DRINKS, FOOD, MUSIC AND INTERACTIVE GAMES AND PRIZES, including highlights from the Video Scavenger Hunt!

Where: Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23220
When: Thursday, December 13th 6:00-9:00pm
Why? Free drinks and food?! Why not!?

---
That's TWO Current Events for the price of NONE! You officially have NO excuses now.

We're looking forward to seeing the good folks of Richmond show us what their Richmond is all about!

Mass Comm students won’t ‘let them go hungry’

2007-12-10T14:38:00.000-05:00

By Shoshannah Nunez

A recent visit from President Bush ushered in the holiday season at the Central Virginia Foodbank. Along with the excitement of the season comes a greater need for Foodbank volunteers and food donations.

The Foodbank’s motto is: “This holiday, please don’t let them go hungry.”

Foodbank donation boxes can be seen all around VCU. They are part of a food drive organized by the Student Advisory Board of the School of Mass Communications. Donations will be accepted at the Mass Comm administrative office, Temple 2216, until Tuesday, Dec. 18 – the last day of exams.

“It’s important to give,” said Lauren Hidalgo, an 18-year-old freshman. “I’m a college student, I don’t have a lot of money or extra food, but I mean, pretty much everyone has an extra can of soup or some peanut butter or something.”

Last year, the Foodbank distributed 12.9 million pounds of food to the needy. Just over 1 million pounds of that was collected in food drives like the one at VCU.

Brenda Miller, the Foodbank food drive coordinator, said that the kindness of communities like VCU is vital to helping people who are in crisis.

“The generosity of the community during the holiday season significantly helps us to maintain an adequate food supply throughout the winter,” Miller said.

Two VCU PR students receive scholarships from PRSA Richmond

2007-11-29T11:01:00.000-05:00

The Richmond Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America announced that two VCU mass communications students have been named as recipients of the Richmond Public Relations Foundation scholarships. Shana Bernabela and Cassie Ann Williams, both seniors majoring in PR, were recognized at the November 28 PRSA membership luncheon. Each received a $1,000 check.

Bernabela is the winner of the Bill Dietrick Memorial Scholarship.

The Newport News native has completed five internships including ones with Warner Music Group, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Average Girl Magazine. She maintains a 3.4 GPA and plans to pursue a career in New York City in the entertainment PR industry after her May 2008 graduation.

Williams is the winner of the David Hurdle scholarship.

A double major (her second major is Spanish), she maintains a 3.0 overall GPA. She serves as treasurer of VCU’s PRSSA chapter. Among her accomplishments are a semester studying abroad in Seville, Spain. The Danville native will graduate in May 2008 and hopes to pursue a graduate degree in the VCU Strategic PR Program.

The Richmond Public Relations Foundation solicited scholarship applications from students attending numerous other area colleges and universities offering a PR curriculum including the University of Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University, Longwood University and Randolph Macon College.

Rhoda Weiss, chair and CEO of the Public Relations Society of America, will meet with VCU students

2007-11-26T12:48:00.000-05:00

Don’t miss this opportunity to personally meet Rhoda Weiss, APR, Fellow PRSA, on Wednesday, November 28. Weiss will be available 10:15 to 11 a.m., and will meet with students in Temple 2211.

As PRSA’s chair and CEO, she leads the 32,000 members of PRSA, the world’s largest organization of public relations professionals and students. She also is president of Rhoda Weiss and Associates in Santa Monica, Ca.

For more than 30 years, Weiss has been a nationally recognized health care executive and communicator.

During her career, she has traveled more than six million miles speaking and consulting with more than 700 organizations across the country.

She has authored more than 300 journal articles and a book, Managing Health Care Reform: Ideas from Leaders. She has been a UCLA public relations extension faculty member for 23 years and is a PhD student in leadership and change.

Rhoda Weiss is the recipient of dozens of honors, including several lifetime achievement awards for her contributions to the profession.

Her client list includes the top U.S. health systems and hospitals, including national and regional health systems; academic, community and teaching hospitals; aging programs; military and veteran's health; home care, hospice, and ambulatory settings; physician organizations; health plans; behavioral health, specific-disease organizations, and much more.

Get December '07 graduation details here

2007-11-20T14:20:00.000-05:00

You've worked hard, and the time has finally come to graduate! Get the details you need here:

http://www.has.vcu.edu/mac/index-DecemberGraduationDetails.html

Student Work / School of Mass Comm in the news

2007-11-20T14:14:00.000-05:00

Check out these links to articles published by Mass Comm students, and articles that feature VCU's School of Mass Communications:

http://www.has.vcu.edu/mac/student_work-MC_in_the_news.html

Mac Lab: Special Thanksgiving hours

2007-11-20T14:12:00.000-05:00

Special Thanksgiving Hours: The Mac lab will have regular hours through Tuesday Nov. 20. It will be closed from Wednesday Nov. 21 thru Sat. Nov. 24. The lab will re-open on Sunday Nov. 25 at noon.

The VCU CreateAthon onCampus team is taking applications from nonprofits: Deadline is Nov. 20

2007-11-20T14:09:00.000-05:00

The VCU CreateAthon onCampus team invites you to encourage your favorite nonprofit organization to submit an application for our Spring 2008 creative blitz event. Any 501(c)3 organization in need of marketing materials to help their socioeconomic cause can apply. The application deadline is Nov. 20.

WHAT IS CreateAthon onCampus? CreateAthon onCampus will be a 24-hour, work-around-the-clock creative blitz during Spring Break, 2008. During this event, VCU Mass Communication students will produce marketing and creative services for selected area non-profits. Each student team will be partnered with local advertising, design or marketing professionals who will mentor the students’ work, ensuring high-quality and effective materials.

CreateAthon onCampus is the student expansion of RIGGS’ national CreateAthon event. This annual program is a 24-hour creative blitz for professional agencies held in September. During CreateAthon, advertising agencies across the country generate marketing and advertising services for their area nonprofits on a pro-bono basis.

TO APPLY OR GET MORE INFORMATION, HAVE NONPROFITS visit www.createathononcampus.org, or email Peyton Rowe, prowe@vcu.edu

Ad Photography Class

2007-11-20T14:03:00.000-05:00

Master the power of visual communications. This new course is all about making better photos for advertising. This is a hands-on course where you’ll create images that help communicate something about a brand. You’ll study the work of accomplished commercial photographers and visit a commercial photo studio.

There will be a lot of picture taking. Access to and working knowledge of a digital camera is required. The class meets once a week for 10 weeks and is worth one credit.

Details:

MASC-491 Section 005
tue 2:00 – 3:15
registration call number 21019
prof. scott sherman
sfsherman@vcu.edu

Looking to the Future

2007-11-20T13:57:00.000-05:00

By Henry Bellows

If there is one thing about mass media today that everyone agrees on it is the fact that it’s changing. And changing quickly.

“It is the wild, wild west of the information age,” according to Dick Robertson, a 1967 VCU graduate who is now a senior adviser to Warner Brothers Television and chair of the School’s Advisory Board. Robertson held up his I Phone to demonstrate his point.

“There is no better time to go into this business,” he said. “The access is no longer controlled. The Internet has liberated it. It has leveled the playing field and you are now empowered,” Robertson told an audience of students and faculty.
Robertson and other members of the School’s Advisory Board participated in a panel discussion on future of content delivery systems – particularly cell phones.

From one end of the table to the other, each member talked about how cell phone technology is evolving. To start the discussion, moderator Prof. Marcus Messner, gave research results from a large class this semester that showed 99 percent of students have cell phones, while only 77 percent have a television and only seven percent read a newspaper daily.

Harnessing potential revenue from selling information through the hand-held device is something Reid Ashe is interested in as chief operating officer of Media General. “Location-specific information seems to be a potential revenue source,” Ashe said. He talked about serving real estate or restaurant customers with “short code” technology which could provide cell phone users with individual data about a house or which restaurants have no waiting.

Frank Batten, Jr., chair and CEO of Landmark Communications, Inc. said at the moment the cell phone is a “walled garden” controlled by the carriers, but that control is changing rapidly as more companies use the technology to provide Web access.

For Mass Comm alumnus Derek Meyer, life tastes good

2007-11-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

The 2001 slogan for Coca-Cola has new meaning for Derek Meyer, VCU Mass Comm class of 2007. After graduating last spring, he entered Florida State University to pursue his MFA in filmmaking. Recently he was selected as one of ten finalists to produce a 50-second film about Diet Coke. He joins talented filmmaking students from USC, FSU, Chapman University, Columbia University and New York University, the homes of the winners of the last five “Coca-Cola Refreshing Filmmaker’s Awards.”

Created in 1998, Coca-Cola invites students from participating film schools across the country to submit entries of original scripts and storyboards. Ten finalists are selected, receiving $7,500 to produce a 50-second film to be viewed before the featured showing at certain theatres across the nation. Winners also receive $10,000.

Once submitted, the films are then reviewed by the “Red Ribbon Panel of Judges” that includes actors such as Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, along with screenwriters, directors, and entertainment executives. The winning film is shown in more than 21,000 movie theaters for four to eight weeks.

We’re pulling for you, Derek. Make it real!

Skunkworks: Design the future of media

2007-11-20T13:22:00.000-05:00

Register for HONR 398-705 (Call No. 20945) for Spring 2008

skunk·works: A small, loosely structured research and development unit or subsidiary formed to foster innovation.

That’s what HONR-398 (‘Skunkworks for Media Innovation’) is all about. We’ll develop prototypes for innovative media products. Our partner in this course is Media General, which owns newspapers, TV stations and Web sites throughout the Southeast.

What kind of prototypes? Well, maybe:

a Web-based solution to help match college students with the right employers
a politcal mega-site bout the 2008 presidential elections- a "Rock the Vote" for Virginia
an online sound stage where local bands introduce themselves--and users can remix their music
a self-service tool that lets small businesses design their own newspaper ads.

For this course, we need creative thinkers and resourceful problem solvers. You'll work with faculty from VCU's School of Mass Communications and leaders from Media General to generate ideas--and make them reality. The course will meet on Mondays & Wednesdays from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Forget sitting at a computer table or being crammed into a lecture hall; the class will meet at The Work Factory, a few blocks from campus (1113 W. Main), in a space where you can let your creative juices flow.

Need more information? Contact Mass Comm faculty members:

Scott Sherman: 827-3777 sfsherman@vcu.edu
Jeff South: 827-0253 jcsouth@vcu.edu

MASC 491: Nonprofit Project Development

2007-11-20T13:15:00.000-05:00

Do you want real life experience for your portfolio? Do you want to work with advertising professionals? Do you need a MASC elective? Are you interested in working with nonprofits.
Enroll in MASC 491 Special Topics: Nonprofit Project Development. Classes are being held Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. The class will discuss issues relevant to nonprofit projects, have guest speakers from the nonprofit and advertising sectors, and follow through with the production of creative work during its CreateAthon onCampus.

VCU's CreateAthon onCampus is a 24-hour, work-around the clock creative blitz. Students will be producing work for local nonprofits while working alongside with local agencies. They will be able to develop problem-solving skills across multiple disciplines while earning the rewards of providing services and talents to worthy nonprofit organizations.CreateAthon onCampus will be held Spring 2008.Work produced and used by the nonprofits can go into a student’s portfolio.

If you have any questions about the class visit the class website or contact Professor Peyton Rowe.

Real news. Real bylines. Real fast-paced.

2007-11-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

For Spring 2008, consider taking MASC 475 - Capital News Service. You’ll cover the General Assembly, the governor and issues that affect millions of Virginians: health care, education, roads, public safety, taxes, the state budget. You’ll work for a news service that publishes stories in more than 60 newspapers throughout Virginia. You’ll collect terrific clips for landing a job after graduation. And you’ll rub shoulders with other reporters and with government officials.Interested? Contact Associate Professor Jeff South in Temple 1149-B, or at 827-0253.

More interested in editing than reporting?Try the MASC 491 course “CNS Editing.”You will fact-check, edit and distribute CNS stories – and help manage our wire service. You might even produce a weekly newsletter and update the CNS Web site. For more information, contact Mary Ann Owens in Temple 1110 or at 334-2393.

Learn more about the Capital News Service here.