OU journalism professor to conduct research in Romania
By Katie Williams, student writer
For the second time in three years, Dr. Adina Schneeweis will travel to Romania this June for ethnographic work with the Roma, an at-risk population commonly known as gypsies.
Since joining Oakland in 2009, the assistant professor of journalism has been awarded two University Faculty Research Fellowships to support research in her native Romania.
She became interested in the plight of the Roma while studying race, ethnicity and stereotypes for her graduate work at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Schneeweis will bring this experience and more back to Oakland's journalism department, where she offers photojournalism and international communication courses.
“I came to understand this huge need. There’s almost complete segregation of the Roma based on misunderstanding,” she said. “For me, deciding to study the Roma was a very personal journey. I couldn’t continue doing racial and ethnic work when there were mass stereotypes I didn’t fully understand.”
Dr. Schneeweis will study the communication practices of non-governmental organizations that advocate the rights of the Roma. Her focus will be determining how advocates frame their communication and the way in which international advocacy work is translated for their specific community need. Read the full story here.
Dr. Erin Meyers' New Book Hits Bookshelves!
An April 30th release date has been set for the book, Dishing Dirt in the Digital Age: Celebrity Gossip Blogs and Participatory Media Culture, written by Assistant Professor of Communication, by Dr. Erin Meyers. Drawn from her dissertation, this expansive work explores how, beginning in the mid-2000s, celebrity gossip blogs exploded into the media market, challenging the traditional dominance of print tabloids as the primary space of celebrity dish and reconfiguring the audience's role in celebrity culture. The book is a critical and historical examination of the impact of the technological and textual shifts engendered by new media on the use of celebrity gossip as a form of everyday cultural production. Examining six popular American gossip blogs—Perez Hilton and Jezebel among them—at a peak moment of influence in the mid-2000s, Dr. Meyers explores how the technological affordances of new media enable the merging of the social practice of gossip with the practice of reading, creating an evolving participatory and community-based media culture that continues to transform celebrity culture in the digital age. The News at OU conducted an interview with Dr. Erin Meyers about her new book. Check it out! The Department of Communication and Journalism congratulates Dr. Meyers on the publication of her book.
Dr. Adina Schneeweis Publishes Article in Journal of Communication Inquiry
Dr. Adina Schneeweis, Assistant Professor, authored the article, "Advocacy Representation and Resistance: Two NGOs’ Efforts to Communicate the Movement for Roma Rights, 1990-2006," which was published in the international, peer-reviewed journal, Journal of Communication Inquiry, 37(2), 149 - 170. The article offers a case study of two nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that have tailored and improved their communication efforts so that politicians, governments, and international organizations hear, and do something about, the plight of the Roma, the most discriminated against European minority. This study examines advocacy publications and describes the discursive repertoire available to European NGOs working for Roma rights post-Communism. The analysis suggests that advocacy communication is fraught with imperfections and therefore resistance takes the shape of ambivalent discourses, both strong and ambiguous, and nonetheless disrupts fixed representations that have motivated historic and contemporary anti-Gypsyism; at the same time, it concludes that the movement for Roma rights is in need of clearer organizational and political mobilization if it is to succeed in the model of other vibrant social movements. You can read more about Dr. Schneeweis's accomplishments in her online portfolio. The Department congratulates Dr. Schneeweis on this important publication.
Dr. Rob Sidelinger Publishes Lead Article in Communication Studies
Robert Sidelinger, Assistant Professor of Communication at Oakland University and Brandi Frisby, Assistant Professor from the University of Kentucky, authored the article, “Violating Student Expectations: Student Disclosures and Student Reactions in the College Classroom” which appears as the lead article in the regional, peer-reviewed journal, Communication Studies, 64, pp. 241-258. In the article, the authors examine perceptions of appropriate and inappropriate student self-disclosures in the college classrom. Participants were randomly assigned to report on either an inappropriate or an appropriate peer disclosure and the frequency, relevance, negativity, expectedness, likeability, and perceived academic competence of the student discloser. Results found that student disclosures are inappropriate when they happen frequently, are negative, irrelevant to course materials, or violate student expectations for classroom norms. Overall, disclosers who violate expectations are rated lower in liking and perceived as less competent by their classmates. The Department of Communication and Journalism congratulates Dr. Sidelinger on his lead article in this important journal.
Dr. Lily Mendoza Publishes Article in Interdisciplinary Journal, Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education, & Society
Dr. Lily Mendoza, Associate Professor of Communication, authored the article, "Savage Representations in the Discourse of Modernity: Liberal Ideology and the Impossibility of Nativist Longing," which appears in volume 2.1 (2013) of interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal, Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education, & Society. In the article, Dr. Mendoza explores how, in “Educating Savages,” intercultural communication scholar Richard Morris notes with poignancy that even when Native Americans realize their “true” history, there is in such realization “a sense of curiosity, even a sense of loss, but not quite a sense of longing.” Using perspectives in critical intercultural communication, this study seeks to uncover the mechanisms of domination in the discourse of modernity that makes nativist longing all but impossible for the assimilated native. Although I find insightful Morris’ formulation of the process of modern education as a form of violent transculturation for native subjects, I argue that such phenomenon cannot be fully explained without taking into account the particular ouvre of liberal ideology that underpins much of modern thought and education. To analyze the surreptitious ways by which liberal epistemology subverts nativist desire, the study revisits the material and psychic mechanisms of the colonial process, unpacks the hidden discourse of liberalism as its justifying content, and argues for the disavowal of liberalism’s premises as indispensable to empowering decolonization. It concludes by outlining the contours of an emerging counter-discourse, ‘anarcho-primitivism,’ as a way of breaking open modernity’s foreclosures and allowing the imagining of alternative human futures. The department congratulates Dr. Mendoza on the publication of this important article.
Do You Love to Tweet During your Favorite TV Show? Do You Viggle? Do You Binge Watch TV on Netflix or Hulu?
Then you should sign up immediately for Dr. Erin Meyer's COM 350: Popular Media in the Age of Convergence.
This course will look at how TV and other popular media forms are
changing in the age of new/social media. We will explore how TV and TV
audiences are changing with the rise of technologies like the digital
television, DVRs, the Internet and social networking platforms. Our
focus will be on TV, but we’ll look at media texts in other areas too,
including movies, popular music and a range of Internet platforms. How can I sign up? Register for COM 350: Popular Media in the Age of Convergence. The course is offered Summer II (CRN 33161) T/R 1:00-4:20pm OR Winter 2014 (14290) T/R 3:00-4:47pm. This
course CAN be counted for the media group course requirement for the
major OR as an elective. The instructor will ensure that overrides are
completed to give COM majors the media group credit. Questions or concerns? Contact Prof. Meyers.
Dr. Rebecca Mercado Thornton Wins Prestigious Dissertation Award
The
International Center for Qualitative Inquiry has bestowed upon Dr.
Rebecca Mercado Thornton, Assistant Professor of Communication, the
Illinois Qualitative Dissertation Award, Category A, for excellence in
qualitative research in a doctoral dissertation. There are two award
categories, experimental (Category A) and traditional or mixed-methods
(Category B). Dr. Mercado Thornton’s dissertation, “Constituting Women’s
Experience in Appalachian Ohio: A Life History Project,” won Category
A, in which submissions experiment with traditional writing and
representational forms. The winning dissertations are judged by their
clarity of writing; willingness to experiment with new and traditional
writing forms; advocacy, promotion, development, and use of qualitative
research methodologies and practices in new fields of study, and in
policy arenas involving issues of social justice. Her award consists of a
plaque, a waiver of registration and workshops fees for the 2013
Congress, as well as book credits from Sage Publications and Left Coast
Press. She will be presented with her award at the 2013 International
Congress of Qualitative Inquiry this May. The Department of
Communication and Journalism congratulates Dr. Mercado Thornton on
earning this prestigious award!
Dr. Sidelinger Publishes Article in International Journal
Dr. Robert Sidelinger, Assistant Professor of Communication, and Dr. Maria Brann authored the article, "Waiting in Line: College Students with Learning Disabilities and their First Year Experience," which appears in the international, peer-reviewed journal, Language and Communication Quarterly. The authors explored the transitory experience of college students with self-identified learning disabilities and their first year of college. Six students were interviewed and offered their unique perspective of being a college student with a learning disability. Three themes emerged across interviews: communication with faculty and administrators, a new sense of independence, and time spent qualifying for accommodations. In terms of the accommodation process, the students indicated their first year of college was a much different experience than their prior school years. The department congratulates Dr. Sidelinger on the publication of this important article.
Communication Students Present their Research at the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts & Letters
Four communication students presented their research papers at the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts & Letters Conference at Hope College on March 22, 2013. Mallory Smith, an undergraduate majoring in Communication, presented her paper, “Guilt Appeals in Advertising: An Examination of Past Research and Directions for the Future.” Steven Abend, a second year student in the Master’s Program in Communication, presented his paper, “The Proliferation of Transformative Power: Can Christian Communities Utilize the Next Communication Medium to Connect, Transform, and Support New Converts?” Anthony Misplon-Bolter, a graduate student in his first year of the program, presented his paper, “Alternative Media and Indymedia: A Study of Democratic Media Activism and Interactivity through the Lens of Social Movement Theory and Network Theory.” Alicia Linn, also a first year graduate student, presented her research, “Online Conversations and their Offline Implications.” The students were mentored by Associate Professor of Communication, Dr. Jeff Younguist, who was elected to be co-chair, along with Leah Omillion-Hodges from Western Michigan University, for the Communication Division at the 2014 conference, which will be held at Oakland University. The program thanks the students and Dr. Youngquist for representing the program so well at this important event. Students who are interested in participating next year may wish to talk to their advisor for more information.
WXOU Sweeps MAB Awards (AGAIN)!
WXOU, Oakland University's student run radio station, made an excellent showing AGAIN at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters College Awards this year. For a second year in a row, WXOU was named "College Station of the Year." Patrick Cymbalski and Sean Varicalli took first and second place for Air Check, and the team of Sean Varicalli, Ashley Allison, and Don Tottingham won second place in the Daily Newscast/News Feature category. Ashley Allison and Nicholas Rolling took first place for MIARNG Current Events Program, and the team of Sean Varicalli, Ashley Allison, and Josh Nagy received an honorable mention for Public Service Announcement. In the Sports Play-by-Play category, Matt Pocket and Bryan Everson took first place while Don Tottingham and Marc Jacobs received an honorable mention. OU students dominated the Promotional Announcement category, with Sean Varicalli and Josh Nagy in second place, and Christina Venditti and Josh Nagy tied with Kyle Bauer for honorable mention. Lastly, Sean Varicalli and Ashley Allison took second place for the Station Activities Report. For more information, view the complete list of winners. As a result of their fine showing in these awards, WXOU will be named the Michigan Association of Broadcasters College Station of the Year for the second time in OU's history (last year was the first). The Department of Communication and Journalism congratulates the entire crew at WXOU and the WXOU advisor, Christine Stover, for their excellent work!
Lapastora Honored with Keeper of the Dream Scholarship
Communication major, Charles Lapastora, is one of three Oakland University students selected to receive the Keeper of the Dream Scholarship. The Keeper of the Dream Scholarship recognizes students who exhibit strong citizenship, scholarship, and leadership in helping to achieve Martin Luther King's vision. It is not surprising that Charles was selected to receive this award. He has been an active leader on OU's campus, hosting his own radio show on WXOU, serving as an admissions ambassador, and working as an intramural intern for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “Charles has shown excellent leadership qualities in his role as supervisor in intramural sports where he helps resolve conflicts and establishes fairness among fellow athletes,” said Luz Clarke. “He is non-judgmental and open to hearing opposing views while maintaining very strong personal values. His eagerness to learn about others is reflected in the way he approaches life—with zest, enthusiasm and an open mind.” The Department of Communication and Journalism congratulates Charles on being selected to receive this prestigious award.
Communication and Journalism Professors Nominated for Teaching Excellence Award
The Teaching Excellence Award recognizes superior teaching, innovative instructional practice, high educational standards, the creation of productive learning environments, and the ability to inspire and motivate students. Nominations may be made by any member of the Oakland University Community and nominations are reviewed by the Teaching and Learning Committee (TLC). The TLC announced that three professors from the Department of Communication and Journalism were nominated for the 2013 Teaching Excellence Awards: Garry Gilbert, Director of the Journalism Program, Holly Shreve Gilbert, Adjunct Instructor and Faculty Advisor for the Oakland Post, and Charlie Rinehart, Special Lecturer and Coach of the OU Forensics Team. The department congratulates these outstanding professors for being nominated for such a distinguished award!
Dr. Schneeweis Receives Faculty Fellowship
Adina Schneeweis, Assistant Professor of Journalism, received Oakland University's Faculty Research Fellowship for her project "How talking about myself changes me: Ethnicity and gender in communicating about rights." This research is a study of advocacy communication for Roma (Gypsy) rights. A movement for Roma rights has emerged and solidified since the 1990s, marked by the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, rising neo-fascist anti-Gypsyism, European Union enlargement, immigration policies, and moral panics. Dr. Schneeweis will travel next summer to Romania for ethnographic work with Romanian NGOs and Romanian Roma women. Romania exemplifies Eastern Europe’s struggles with both ethnic communities at home, and migrant Roma that immigrate to Western Europe and risk being deported back. The research will examine how advocates – some Roma themselves, and others non-Roma – frame their work and communication materials for rights, how they translate international work done in other social movements to the specific plight of the Romanian Roma, and how their identities are marked in the course of the inter-ethnic interactions. This is the second time that Dr. Schneeweis won the fellowship award in three years.
Dr. Farrugia's New Book Hits Bookshelves!
Rebekah Farrugia, Associate Professor of Communication, recently published the book, Beyond the Dance Floor: Female DJs, Technology, and Electronic Dance Music with the academic press, Intellect Books. A pathbreaking study of the women who create electronic dance music, Beyond the Dance Floor focuses on the largely neglected relationship between these women and the conceptions of gender and technology that continue to inform the male-dominated culture surrounding electronic music. In this volume, Dr. Farrugia explores a number of important issues, including the politics of identity and representation, the bonds formed by women within the DJ community, and the role female DJs and producers play in this dance music culture as well as in the larger public sphere. Though Dr. Farrugia primarily focuses on women’s relationship to music-related technologies—including vinyl, mp3s, and digital production software—she also deftly extends her argument to the strategic use of the Internet and web design skills for purposes tied to publicity, networking, and music distribution. You can learn more about Dr. Farrugia or order the book.
Dr. Meyers' Research Published in the International Journal, New Media & Society
Erin Meyers, Assistant Professor of Communication, authored the article, “Blogs Give Regular People the Chance to Talk Back: Rethinking 'Professional' Media Hierarchies in New Media," which appears in the international, peer-reviewed journal, New Media & Society 14.6 (2012): 1022-1038. A version of this paper was presented at the International Communication Association Annual Conference in May 2011 in Boston. This article examines how new media technologies have supported the rise of a new class of 'audience/producer,' that challenges the traditional top-down model of media production and consumption. More specifically, this article explores the rise of celebrity gossip bloggers, such as Perez Hilton, as examples of this new audience/producer position. Beginning as audience members and becoming producers through the use of new media technologies, these bloggers exist outside the traditional professional media producer class, yet increasingly threaten these professionals' commercial position and, more crucially, the celebrity media industry's ability to control the production and circulation of celebrity images in popular culture.
Dr. Youngquist's Research Published in Two Books
The research of Jeff Youngquist, Associate Professor of Communication, recently has appeared in two scholarly texts. The first chapter Dr. Youngquist authored is entitled, "Somebody Different" and it appears in the 2012 book, Casing Organizational Communication, edited by Jason S. Wrench. This case study explores the potentially problematic relationship between diversity, organizational culture, organizational effectiveness, and conflict. The second article, co-authored with Scott Crabill and Jacob Cayanus, both Associate Professors of Communication, is entitled, “Second Life: Reducing Public Speaking Apprehension.” This chapter appears in Transformation in Teaching: Social Media Strategies in Higher Education, edited by Cathy Cheal, John Coughlin, and Shaun Moore. This chapter examines the usefulness of synchronous computer-mediated communication as a tool for reducing communication apprehension in public speaking, with results suggesting that the separation between speaker and audience is perceived as both a positive factor that helps speakers cope with their fears and as a negative factor that prevents them from connecting with their audience.
Dr. Palmer-Mehta's Publishes Lead Article in the International journal, Communication, Culture & Critique
Valerie Palmer-Mehta, Associate Professor of Communication, authored the article, “Theorizing the Role of Courage in Resistance: A Feminist Rhetorical Analysis of Aung San Suu Kyi’s ‘Freedom From Fear’ Speech” which appears as the lead article in the international, peer-reviewed journal, Communication, Culture & Critique 5.3 (2012): 313-332. A version of this paper was presented earlier this year at the Crossroads in Cultural Studies International Conference held in Paris and hosted by Sorbonne Nouvelle University and UNESCO. In the article, Palmer-Mehta examines how Burmese pro-democracy dissident, Aung San Suu Kyi, disentangles masculinity from courage, challenges the epistemological unconscious that guides Western notions of courage, and maps its viability for nonviolent political resistance.
Dr. Discenna's Research Featured in New Book
The research of Dr. Thomas A. Discenna, Associate Professor of Communication, is featured in an April 2012 book that draws systematic attention to the theme of communication in twentieth-century academic philosophy. Focusing on the work of a philosopher that is lesser known, but has something meaningful to provide to the discipline, Dr. Discenna's chapter, "Ernst Cassirer: Communication, Rhetoric, and Symbolic Form," makes a rich contribution toPhilosophical Profiles in the Theory of Communication.
Do You Love to Tweet During your Favorite TV Show? Do You Viggle? Do You Binge Watch TV on Netflix or Hulu?
Then you should sign up immediately for Dr. Erin Meyer's COM 350: Popular Media in the Age of Convergence. This course will look at how TV and other popular media forms are changing in the age of new/social media. We will explore how TV and TV audiences are changing with the rise of technologies like the digital television, DVRs, the Internet and social networking platforms. Our focus will be on TV, but we’ll look at media texts in other areas too, including movies, popular music and a range of Internet platforms. How can I sign up? Register for COM 350: Popular Media in the Age of Convergence. The course is offered Summer II (CRN 33161) T/R 1:00-4:20pm OR Winter 2014 (14290) T/R 3:00-4:47pm. This course CAN be counted for the media group course requirement for the major OR as an elective. The instructor will ensure that overrides are completed to give COM majors the media group credit. Questions or concerns? Contact Prof. Meyers.
Communication Students Present their Research at the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts & Letters
Four communication students presented their research papers at the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts & Letters Conference at Hope College on March 22, 2013. Mallory Smith, an undergraduate majoring in Communication, presented her paper, “Guilt Appeals in Advertising: An Examination of Past Research and Directions for the Future.” Steven Abend, a second year student in the Master’s Program in Communication, presented his paper, “The Proliferation of Transformative Power: Can Christian Communities Utilize the Next Communication Medium to Connect, Transform, and Support New Converts?” Anthony Misplon-Bolter, a graduate student in his first year of the program, presented his paper, “Alternative Media and Indymedia: A Study of Democratic Media Activism and Interactivity through the Lens of Social Movement Theory and Network Theory.” Alicia Linn, also a first year graduate student, presented her research, “Online Conversations and their Offline Implications.” The students were mentored by Associate Professor of Communication, Dr. Jeff Younguist, who was elected to be co-chair, along with Leah Omillion-Hodges from Western Michigan University, for the Communication Division at the 2014 conference, which will be held at Oakland University. The program thanks the students and Dr. Youngquist for representing the program so well at this important event. Students who are interested in participating next year may wish to talk to their advisor for more information.
WXOU radio once again named "College Station of the Year"
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Second time’s the charm for Oakland University’s student radio station
WXOU-FM. Student participants brought in numerous awards from the annual
Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation (MABF), including the
College Station of the Year Award for the second year running.
“WXOU is now considered a top contender in communication programs across
the state and radio programs as well,” said Sean Varicalli, WXOU
general manager. “This is a validation award for us. Last year people
might have seen the award as a fluke because it came out of nowhere.
Well this year we did it again, and people know that we're the real
deal. It's an amazing feeling.”
The MABF awards gauge the skill and talent of students in broadcasting
across the state, and are judged by industry professionals and national
radio experts.
Oakland students were recognized in nearly every category. Patrick
Cymbalski and Sean Varicalli took first and second place for Air Check,
and the team of Sean Varicalli, Ashley Allison, and Don Tottingham took
second place in the Daily Newscast/News Feature category.
Ashley Allison and Nicholas Rolling took first place for MIARNG Current
Events Program, and the team of Sean Varicalli, Ashley Allison, and Josh
Nagy received an honorable mention for Public Service Announcement.
In the Sports Play-by-Play category, Matt Pocket and Bryan Everson took
first place while Don Tottingham and Marc Jacobs received an honorable
mention. OU students dominated the Promotional Announcement category,
with Sean Varicalli and Josh Nagy in second place, and Christina
Venditti and Josh Nagy tied with Kyle Bauer for honorable mention.
Lastly, Sean Varicalli and Ashley Allison took second place for the Station Activities Report. For more information, view the complete list of winners.
“The amazing people on this staff prepare students for the real world,”
Varicalli said. “We teach each other, listen to each other, and give
constructive feedback to each other. We all make each other better. That
said, more of us are leaving this great station with professional jobs.
We don't have the mass amount of resources that many schools have, and
that says a lot about our continued success.”
The Station of the Year honor recognizes the increasing quality of
students and programs at WXOU, which was established in 1966. The awards
will be officially recognized on Wednesday, March 13, at the Michigan
Association of Broadcasters at the Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference
in Lansing Michigan.
For more on WXOU-FM (88.3), visit the website at wxou.org.
Charles Lapastora Honored with Keeper of the Dream Scholarship
Communication major, Charles Lapastora,
is one of three Oakland University students selected to receive the
Keeper of the Dream Scholarship. The Keeper of the Dream Scholarship
recognizes students who exhibit strong citizenship, scholarship, and
leadership in helping to achieve Martin Luther King's vision. It is not
surprising that Charles was selected to receive this award. He has been
an active leader on OU's campus, hosting his own radio show on WXOU,
serving as an admissions ambassador, and working as an intramural intern
for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “Charles has shown excellent
leadership qualities in his role as supervisor in intramural sports
where he helps resolve conflicts and establishes fairness among fellow
athletes,” said Luz Clarke. “He is non-judgmental and open to hearing
opposing views while maintaining very strong personal values. His
eagerness to learn about others is reflected in the way he approaches
life—with zest, enthusiasm and an open mind.” The Department of
Communication and Journalism congratulates Charles on being selected to
receive this prestigious award.
What do OU journalism and communication students do after graduation? See for yourself:
Tim Rath, 2009
I have worked as a non-profiter in San Francisco, a blogger in Lima, a busker in Amsterdam and a team leader in Oxford. I currently work as local editor of West Bloomfield Patch, using skills acquired earning a bachelor's degree in Summer 2009 including video editing, beat reporting and event photography to provide hyperlocal news in an entirely online media. I am also a proud alum of The Oakland Post's web division at oaklandpostonline.com.
Kaniqua Daniel, 2004
After graduating from Oakland, I landed my DREAM-job as a news reporter at The Oakland Press. A Pontiac native, this is my ‘hometown’ newspaper, thus a big deal for me and my family. Within four years, I provided news coverage for every major community in Oakland County, including the courts and cops beats, as well as my beloved city of Pontiac. That love quickly died after enduring 2 a.m. city council meetings. In 2008, I made the switch to P.R. at the POH Riley Foundation, the non-profit organization and fundraising arm of POH Regional Medical Center. Here, I am responsible for all corporate publications, marketing material, and media relations for coverage of hospital news and foundation events. I am also pursuing a master's degree in communication at Wayne State University.
Rob Tate, 2008
I have been a sports writer at the
Daily American Republic newspaper in Poplar Bluff, Missouri for two and one-half years. Since moving in August 2008, I married my longtime girlfriend Sara and we bought a house. I really enjoy living in a small town and have made a smooth transition personally and professionally. I report on high school sports, which are very popular here since the nearest pro sports team is more than two hours away, as well as junior college sports. I also assist in copy editing, page layout and I shoot my own photos on a Nikon D300 at sporting events, which is something I've really grown to love. I'm known around here for my fanatic behavior when it comes to Detroit sports teams as well as those at Oakland University.
Kelly Kozlowski, 2008
I graduated with a job offer at the Detroit Free Press. It was a college grad's dream: working on the web desk, covering everything from weather reports to Bon Jovi while learning from some of the city's finest journalists. During my year at the Freep, I was offered a fellowship at the Oakland University SmartZone Business Incubator, which meant a career path change. I took it and completed half of my MPA while learning the business of economic development. That job led to a position at Automation Alley, where I now work full-time as a business consultant. I'm in the process of completing my MPA at Oakland University, and my spare time is devoted to freelancing for the Detroit Free Press, Metromix, Patch and a handful of companies that contract me for business writing. I also contributed to a book due out in March 2011, but that's a very long story. Basically, the point here is that there is plenty of work out there for journalists (you just have to be hungry), OU's journalism program is solid (once you take it seriously), and the ability to write will land you job interviews and offers (how else do you think I ended up in economic development?).
Lindsey Wojcik, 2009
I moved to New York City to begin my editorial career in October 2009. I began 2010 as an editorial intern at
Time Out New York magazine. I spent five months assisting editors with fact-checking and also wrote feature stories for the print and online edition. In October 2010,
Jewelers' Circular Keystone magazine, a jewelry industry trade magazine, hired me as an editorial assistant. I worked with the editorial team to create news content for the website's daily newsletter, in addition to contributing to the monthly print edition. After leaving JCK, I recently became an associate editor at
Pet Business magazine–a pet business trade magazine–managing and writing content for the news and new products sections of the magazine. In addition, I produce content for the weekly e-newsletter and copy edit the entire book.
Kyle Magin, 2007
I recently finished my first year with
The Union newspaper in Grass Valley, Calif., where I cover county government and outdoor recreation. It’s my second stop with our parent company, Swift Communications, after starting my career with the
Tahoe Bonanza and
Sierra Sun newspapers in North Lake Tahoe, Nev./Calif. I’m now getting the hang of the daily newspaper grind and in my spare time started a college football blog. At the paper, we have a smaller staff than ever, and I’m always reminded that it behooves you to do more with less.
Nick Degel, 2008
My 2010 was strange in that it sort of transpired in three different phases. I spent the first third painting houses. And by painting houses I mean I literally painted an entire rental property in Farmington Hills by myself (otherwise known as the never ending job or "a snapshot of my personal Sisyphus punishment in hell"). My summer was comparatively – and a little obnoxiously – quite relaxing. Took a couple vacations. Enjoyed a lot of "me" time. September arrived and with it came law school. As I write this I'm taking a much needed break from finals as I finish up my first term at Thomas M. Cooley in Auburn Hills. It has challenged me in portions of my brain I never knew existed but I have truly enjoyed the work load and the benefits of a JD education.
Go Grizzlies!
Colleen (Miller) Campbell, 2010
As editor-in-chief at
The Oakland Post, I garnered first place general excellence in our division from the Michigan Press Association along with 10 other awards including third place for an editorial I wrote, "No confidence in vote." We were also recognized as an Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker finalist for the second year in a row.
I am now the online media specialist for Oakland University's Communication and Marketing department. I'm also a member and officer of the Wolverine HOG Chapter.
Jeff Kranitz, 2007
I bounced around like a whirling dervish after graduation. First worked as a film publicist for the Detroit branch of a national agency. Sunny Florida was my next stop, writing TV and radio commercials for a marketing group in Fort Lauderdale. Just as my shuffleboard game was beginning to get good, I fell victim to the recession and decided to move back home and learn the broadcasting biz. Specs Howard led to an internship with the Web team at WJBK. I was offered a job during my internship, and now rotate between writing for the newscasts, publishing stories for
myFOXdetroit.com and working the assignment desk. Currently putting together a demo reel, with hopes of landing a reporting job somewhere.
Hillary Sawchuk, 2009
Hillary is an OU journalism grad who runs an innovative website called A Drink With Chicagowith co-owner Kelly Kane. Hillary and Kelly interview noteworthy Chicagoans one drink at a time, hoping to build an audience for their site using social media. "Since making Chicago our home, we have found that all it takes is one great conversation over one drink to create a long lasting friendship, change your outlook or learn something new," write Hillary and Kelly, "We have had so many of these experiences that we thought we’d start to share them as we continue getting to know the many fascinating people around our city." Their site includes interviews and pictures with "local entrepreneurs, chefs, celebrities, socialites, artists and athletes who all love Chicago as much as [Hillary and Kelly] do."
If you're an alum, we'd love to hear from you! Send a first-person micro-blurb to Holly Shreve Gilbert (shreve@oakland.edu). Be sure to include the year you graduated and any professional links you'd like us to include. We're always happy to send you updates and keep you connected.