Keepin’ Up with
Communication
Winter 2014
Communication Studies Department at Kutztown University Alumni Newsletter
A letter from the Chair of the Department, Dr. Claire Van Ens
It is hard to believe that we are done with the Fall
2014 semester! A lot has been happening, both
in the department and at KU in general. Most
of you already know that Kutztown University is
searching for a new President. President Cevallos
left for a new position in July 2014, and former
Provost Vargas is currently in the position of
Acting President. Interviews have started for the
position, and we are hopeful that we will find a
visionary leader, who will move us through the
current difficult times and help create a new and
exciting model of higher education for KU.
Change is also happening within the department. This is
the first semester that we are now simply the Department of
Communication Studies. Sadly, the Theatre program is now
gone, with only THE15 being taught by Professor Robert
Smith as a general education course. On a positive note, a new
academic program will be in place starting Fall 2015. In this
program, there will be only four required courses: COM101
(Introduction to COM Studies), COM240 (COM Theory),
COM340 (Research Methods) and COM380, our Capstone
Experience. We will be having five areas of interest that
students can choose from to concentrate their coursework
in: Performance Studies, Advocacy and Discourse, Strategic
Communication, Digital Communication and, lastly,
Relational Communication. We believe that by offering our
students a way to delve deeply into one, or two,
areas within Communication Studies, we will be
preparing them even better for the every changing
work force. Another exciting addition starting
Fall 2015 is an interdisciplinary minor, Digital
Communication and New Media, which will bring
together courses in the Departments of English,
Electronic Media and Communication Studies. The
minor emphasizes that the student best prepared for
the workplace of the next generation will not only
be technically trained in the use of digital media
but will also have a deeper understanding how to
effectively analyze and produce communication for those
media.
As we look forward to commencement, we remember Charlie
Eskin, who died unexpectedly. Charlie was set to graduate
on Dec. 13th, and since he had completed enough of his
coursework for this semester, his family will be in attendance
to receive his diploma. Earlier in the year, I read an article in
which a psychology professor said, “Life is about learning to
deal with loss.” This was certainly a very difficult life lesson
for all who knew Charlie. As we move forward, Charlie will
be remembered for the good and humorous person that he
was. As the early Roman philosopher, Cicero, said, “The life
of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.”
Senior Communication Studies Major, Charles Eskin passes away
Charles “Charlie” Eskin, 23, of Reading, passed away unexpectedly on November 2, 2014.
Charles attended Kutztown University after graduating from Atietam High School in 2010.
He will be awarded his Bachelor of Science degree at the graduation ceremony in December.
His memorial service was held on November 9 where friends and family gathered for closure.
Charles will be deeply missed, especially his kind heart, quick wit, and encouraging words.
Please send any news, notes, and suggestions to gambler@kutztown.edu.
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Tribute to Randy S. Schaeffer, ’72
Tribute to Charlie
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Randy Schaeffer, ’72.
source: kubears.com
To the Eskin/Gerson Families,
My name is Stephen Ogden, and I just wanted to take this moment to express my condolences on the loss of your son,
Charlie.
Your son was a blessing not only to you, but to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Charlie enriched the classroom environment for professors and students alike. Charlie’s laughter, quick wit, and smile will be sorely missed by all
of us that are working towards a degree in Communication Studies.
Charlie was in a few of my courses during our time at Kutztown University. We worked together on a couple of projects
in our Persuasion class. During this time I got to know Charlie a little, and liked what I saw. He was hard working and
had a thirst for knowledge. He carried his weight of the projects with ease, and was totally prepared to present when
the time came. When the group would begin to get a little stressed, Charlie would say something to break the mood
and restore balance, thus creating a harmonious working environment. As an older student at KU, I can tell Charlie had
parents who cared and wanted Charlie to succeed. He was serious about his education, as he never complained about
the workload that our professors gave, he just did the work and moved on to the next challenge.
Charlie will be sorely missed by all, but most of all by you, his loving family. My deepest condolences are sent to you at
this time. Prayers and loving thoughts are also sent.
Schaeffer (left) photographed with Andre Reed,
KU alum and recent inductee of the Professional
Football Hall of Fame, and Schaeffer’s partner, Bill
Bateman.
Schaeffer attended Kutztown University and was a double-major
in Mathematics and Theatre. He was nominated as the top senior
by both departments. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from
Kutztown University in 1972.
Hired at Kutztown University and promoted to the rank of Associate Professor of Math, Schaeffer taught undergrad and grad
level courses in Math and Math Ed, and supervised Secondary
Ed Math student teachers since 1980. He served on KU’s Alumni
Board and was the recipient of KU’S 2013 Arthur and Isabel Wiesenberger Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. In May he
delivered a wonderful commencement address at KU’s afternoon
ceremony.
In addition to his teaching, he gave generously of his time to
the university and beyond. He served as chair of the University Curriculum Committee, chair of the General
Education Committee, the advisor for the mathematics honor society Kappa Mu Epsilon, president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics (EPCTM), immediate past co-editor of the Pennsylvania
Council of Teachers of Mathematics (PCTM) Magazine, and former president and current treasurer of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Mathematics Association (PASSHEMA). In recent years, he helped
revise the general education curriculum for the university and oversee the implementation of the new general
education requirements. Schaeffer also served on the university’s Sesquicentennial Committee.
On Monday, October 27, there was a viewing in Schaeffer Auditorium followed by a Memorial Service. Shaeffer
now lays in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading Pennsylvania.
His tireless work ethic, congenial manner, quick smile, and sense of humor enriched life at KU.
Randy Schaeffer was a tremendous supporter of Kutztown University and will be deeply missed.
With Sympathy,
Stephen A. Ogden
“Charlie always had such amazing
perspectives and my experience here
at Kutztown would not have been the
same without knowing him.”
“He was a sweet guy who always brought
comic relief to class. Whenever everyone was
stressed out over exams or papers, he would
say something to lighten the mood. He is
missed greatly by all who knew him.”
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Happenings within the Department
Happenings within the Department
Love Your Body Day
Christina Wolfe wins the 2014 Sharadin Award
Love Your Body Day took place on Tuesday, October 21 2014 in the McFarland Student
Union building room 218 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day consisted of students visiting
different clubs and organizations’ information tables while snacking on free food including
vegetables, fruits, cheeses, chocolate, and more!
Christina Wolfe is the recipient of the 2014 Communication Studies Sharadin Award. Aside from
being academically strong, Christina is very active on campus. She is a Community Assistant
in Rothermel Hall, a member of the Presidential Ambassadors, and secretary of Lambda Pi Eta
Communication Studies Honor Society.
Earlier this year, Christina traveled to the Eastern Communication Association Convention in
Providence, Rhode Island with three of her classmates from Dr. Weckerle’s Oral Interpretation
of Literature class. Together they presented a performance of the novel Night Circus by Erin
Morgenstern.
At 11 a.m. there were events such as THE WALL, where videos of slam poetry about the
body were shown and students could write their own poems and stick them to the wall, and
free facials and manicures given courtesy of Paisley and Company and the Multicultural
Center.
Dr. Claire Van Ens
introduced Kristin
Pedemonti at Love Your
Body Day.
Christina is a well-rounded individual with such a pleasant personality.
Congratulations, Christina!
From 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. award winning worldwide storyteller and speaker, Kristin
Pedemonti, reveals Victoria’s Secret and reminded students, “Bodies come in all shapes and
sizes. You’re beautiful too. It’s time you realize this.”
Beginning at 1:30 p.m. and ending at 3 p.m. was Unhung Hero: a documentary about the
world’s obsession with penis size. One young man travels around the world to answer one simple question: “Does size
matter?”
To finish the day, Kristin Pedemonti gave a Body Beautiful multimedia interactive presentation. The presentation inspired students to see their inner and outer beauty and all they could do. A mini-mini flash mob followed!
Lambda Pi Eta hosts Communication Studies Day
On November 7, Lambda Pi Eta
sponsored the first-ever Communication
Studies Day for the Department of
Communication Studies at Kutztown
University. Three alumni were invited to
come and speak with students about their
career paths.
Allison Ruppe, class of 2001, spoke at 9am.
She works at Adams Outdoor Advertising.
Marissa Hann, class of 2010, spoke at
10am. She is the Strategic Solutions
Director at Forge3. Holly Hubbard,
class of 2009, spoke at 11am. She is the
Community Relations Coordinator for the
Philadelphia Eagles.
After that, Marissa and Holly had lunch
with members of Lambda Pi Eta and a
few professors including emeriti associate
professor, Reno Unger. Thank you to all
alumni, faculty, staff and students that
attended Communication Studies Day!
Speakers that visited this semester:
(left to right): Dr. Johnson, Brooke
Hamm, Allison Ruppe, and Reno
Unger at Communication Studies
Day.
Peter Hornberger and Dorian Screm from the
Small Business Development Center visited
Kutztown University on October 21, 2014.
They spoke to students about internships,
careers in the field, and resume building.
Speaker Marissa Hann
with Dr. Claire Van Ens.
Members of Lambda Pi Eta had lunch and
conversations with the speakers and a few
members of faculty after the event.
Mike Robinson, Director of Community
Relations for the Reading Fightin Phils,
spoke to students on September 30, 2014
about his career and current job.
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Alumni: Where are they now?
Alumni: Where are they now?
Kutztown University Communication Studies Department alumni can be found all over the world, contributing
in many different ways. Do you have an interesting alumni story to tell?
Share it with us at gambler@kutztown.edu.
Xavier Aponte, ’10, is a writer/producer for …
What’s This? Media.
Art Barndt, ’88, is the Senior Management
Analyst II, iBudget Program and Development for
Agency for Persons with Disabilities in Tallahassee,
Florida.
Jana (Dennis) Berg, ’86, is the System
Specialist for Planned Parenthood Keystone.
Tara (Kohan) Brogna, ’02, is the Human
Resources Administrator at Sanico,
Inc. She is responsible for all benefit
administration including health
and dental plans and profit sharing.
In addition to, workmans comp
and general liability issues. Other
duties include all aspects of our
in-house payroll. Tara ran her first
full marathon in May. It was an
amazing experience for Tara and
she hopes to run another. Tara has two daughters with
her husband Steven, Isabella, age 6, and Sofia, age 2.
Caitlyn Comunale, ’14, is the Assistant
Campus Director for Embry-Riddle University on
the Norfolk Navy Base. Caitlyn markets the college to
Navy Sailors and helps them pursue a college degree
while they are serving/
Jennifer (Burke) Doran, ‘98, is a Program
Manager, Consultant Programs at TEKsystems in
Radnor, PA.
Mark Driscoll, ’04, is the Director of Sales for
Specialty Steel Service, Inc. in Philadelphia, PA.
Andrew Hersh, ’90, is a Material Damage
Adjuster at Erie Insurance in Bethlehem, PA.
Allison (Ponting) Hosak, ’99, is the Vice
President of Global Communications at Avantor
Performance Materials in Center Valley, PA.
Roger Kitchen Jr., ’92, is a Senior Consultant
Physician Liaison at
Children’s Hospital
of Philadelphia. The
Physician Referral Service
team links pediatricians,
family practitioners
and specialty healthcare
providers to the Hospital’s
many beneficial programs and services. As a Liaison,
she is the direct contact to the community physicians
who have questions, concerns or specific issues
regarding access to pediatric specialists at our hospital
or navigating one of our services. She bridges the
gap between the local pediatric community and the
nation’s top pediatric specialists to enable patients to
get the best care possible. These services also allow
the community to stay up to date on educational
opportunities, changes to CHOP policies, and news
from the clinical departments and hospital leadership.
at Hitachi Consulting
Government Solutions in
Huntsville, Alabama. Prior to
working for Hitachi, he was an
Organizational Development
Specialist and Human Resources
Development Specialist for
the U.S. Army Aviation and
Missile Command on Redstone
Arsenal in Huntsville. He was
an Instructor and the Program Administrator for
the command’s award winning Leadership Develop
Programs known as LIFT (Leader Investment for
Tomorrow). In addition, Roger is a graduate of the
Return on Investment (ROI) Institute, and the only
Certified Return on Investment Professional in
Huntsville, trained under Drs. Jack and Patti Phillips,
as well as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt trained by the
Department of the Army. He holds a BA in Speech
Communications and Public Relations, an MA in
Christian Management and Leadership, and is a
certified Emotional Intelligence Specialist and Human
Behavior Consultant. Roger currently serves on the
Board of Directors (President-Elect) for the American
Society for Training and Development in North
Alabama.
Blake S. Miller, ’98, is the Human Resource
Analyst for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in
Harrisburg, PA.
Katie Panamarenko, ’06, is the Sales
Executive at Willow Creek Winery in Cape May, NJ.
She opened and ran her own café, Higher Grands,
from 2009-2012 until Hurricane Sandy destroyed it.
Kelsey Rauchut, ’13, is the Exectuive
Katy (Spinks) Lido, ’95, is the Manager of
Administrative Assistant to the VP of Productions
at AnnieMac Home Mortgage Company. Since
graduating, Kelsey also had the opportunity to start
her own business , LED Solutions, with the company
she interned with. She is also opening her own fitness
studio with a partner, where they will be teaching
Tabata classes. Kelsey is also opening her own fitness
studio with a partner
Fundraising and Special Events for the American
Diabetes Association. She is responsible for
promotion and marketing, logistics planning,
recruitment, volunteer management and financial
success of the annual New Jersey Skylands Tour de
Cure cycling event, which raises critical funds for
diabetes research, education and advocacy.
Katy has utilized her communication studies degree
throughout her entire career, with a heavy focus
on the non-profit sector including such national
organizations as Special Olympics and Big Brothers
Big Sisters. Her move to the American Diabetes
Association was a natural fit, after having experienced
gestational diabetes prior to the birth of her daughter,
Parker Ellis, last year. In her free time, Katy enjoys
spending time with her family.
Nicole (Spang) Maiatico, ’01, is the
Melissa (Collett) Preston, ’05, is the
Assistant Director of Admissions at Holy Family
University in Philadelphia, PA. In 2012 she was
married and also achieved her master’s degree. She
presented at Pennsylvania Association of College
Admissions Counseling conference on the topic of
Motivating Tour Guides.
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Gabrielle (DeVito) Noepel, ’02, is the
Human Resources Coordinator for New Jersey
Institute for Disabilities.
Rachel Roland, ’89, is a professional
business communicator with
25 years of experience in the
communications/public relations
industry. The work experiences
that have shaped her include
Med*Start Communications,
Touchstone Theatre, and Walter
Cronkite’s television production
company in Washington, DC.
She worked for AT&T, Lucent Technologies and
Agere Systems all the while never leaving the same
office. Rachel has worked as a television producer, a
marketing and public relations director, an employee
relations manager and a freelance writer and video
producer. Currently employed as a manger in the
Corporate Communications department of a large
multi-national corporation, she also does professional
communications consulting and public speaking.
Rachel also has experience in theatre, storytelling
and juggling. In 2005, she completed a Master of
Science in Communications Management from the
prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Communications
at Syracuse University. In 2009, she had a baby girl
named Roxan Roland, which was easier and quicker
than doing her Masters. Rachel is grateful to still be
making a living as a professional writer—and finding
out late in life that motherhood is one joyous long
rollercoaster ride.
Max Rothstein couldn’t ask to be in a better
professional position thanks to KU’S Comm. Studies
program. The evening before graduation, he was
offered the Account Manager position with 97.5 The
Fanatic (Philly Sports Talk Station). In going for his
dream job, he collaborated with the professors and
faculty in the communication department. Their
creativity and outside the box thinking paid off and
The Fanatic decided to take a chance on a hungry 23
year old right out of college. He is living in a studio
apartment just outside of Philadelphia and really
getting after it.
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Alumni: Where are they now?
Alumni: Where are they now?
Maggie (Welsh) Feld, ’86, is the Senior
Christina Steffy is a librarian at the Joseph F.
McCloskey School of Nursing at
Schuylkill Health in Pottville, PA.
As the only librarian at the School
of Nursing, she is responsible for
all aspects of running the library
including providing reference
services, teaching library
sessions, engaging in collection
development, and assessing and
implementing services. She regularly collaborates
with the school’s director and faculty on curriculum
and instructional design intitiatves, and she was
responsible for implementing a progressive series of
face to face and online information literacy modules
that have been integrated into the nursing courses.
In addition to working in the library, Christina serves
on the Pennsylvania Library Association’s College
and Research Libraries Division (CRD) Board.
She was part of a CRD Board committee to launch
Pennsylvania Libraries: Research * Practice (PaLRaP),
an open access, scholarly journal focusing on the work
of Pennsylvania libraries. Christina is the marketing
coordinator for PaLRaP, and she is assisting with
development initiatives for the journal. She is also
the co-founder and public relations coordinator for
small publishing company Crave Press, and she does
freelance writing and public relations.
Kern (Trupe) Wasylenko, ’04, Customer
Service/Inter-Regional Support at New Penn Motor
Exp. In Lebanon, PA. Kern is married to Partrick since
2007 and has one child, Nickalus.
Alex White, ’99, is the Policy Analyst, at
Teachers’ Retirement System of NYC.
Dan Wilde, ’07, is the Producer Editor at
Comcast Spectacor in Philadelphia, PA.
Nicole Wolfe, ’97, is the Executive Producer at
Fox 29 in Philadelphia, PA.
Rossin Wood, ’13, is the On-call Lighting
Assistant for QVC, Inc. He recently moved to New
York City and began freelancing on independent
films.
Manager, Curriculum and
Documentation at Oracle
Corporation. She has been
married to her husband,
Harry, for 25 years. For the
last 24 years, they have lived in
Christiana, PA. They have two
children- a daughter, Ariel, is
a freshman at LIM College in
NYC, and a son, Aaron, attends
8th grade at Octorara Junior High School and plays
baseball for the school and for a regional travel
team.
Anne Yerger, ’84, began teaching in NYC after
graduation. Early in her career, the
Joseph Papp Public Theater began its
Playwriting in the Schools Program
in her classroom on the Lower
East Side of Manhattan, and for its
duration, her classes performed
yearly at the Public. Later, Anne
worked with a team from the Henry
Street Settlement for the Arts to
establish a performing arts mini-school where her
students worked weekly with theater professionals
and a resident Obie Award winning playwright. They
performed at exciting venues like Theatre for the New
City and City Center. As a school administrator, she
earned a Project ARTS grant for her school’s music
program, as well as one from the Dave Matthews’
Foundation. Anne made her own performance debut
at La Mama Experimental Theatre Club, earning
$13 for her work as “narrator” in a friend’s play. She
earned an MA from Hunter College and a certificate
in School Administration from Baruch College. She is
currently working as an instructional coach.
Maggie has spent most of her career in the field of
adult training and education, mostly for software
companies, and is now a senior manager at Oracle,
where she directs a team of curriculum developers
and technical writers. While Oracle HQ is located
in northern California, she has been fortunate to be
able to work from her home for the last seven years.
Wanda Colon, ‘93, is a Theatre alumni
Andrea Gotwals Boone, ’05, is the
Executive Assistant to
President, Marketing
Manager at Brook Ledge,
Inc. Horse Transportation.
She was married in 2005
to her husband, Joshua.
They had a son, Griffin, in
April 2011, and a daughter,
Aspen, in September
2013. Upon graduation,
she worked as a customer service representative for
the National call center for Zoetis (formerly Pfizer
Animal Health) for a year before being asked to come
aboard the family business at Brook Ledge Horse
Transportation. Since joining the family business,
they have updated and modified their website, started
a successful social media presence, grown sales in
new customer disciplines, added many employees,
updated logos, graphics on trailers, and employee
uniforms to name a few items. Working with family
can be trying at times, but the rewards outweigh any
minuses.
from Reading. Fourteen
years ago, Colon decided
to move to Los Angeles to
push forward in her acting
career. She started in local
theatre at the age of 15 and
has had a passion for acting
ever since. Colon started
college at Penn State Berks
campus part time, and then
she decided to attend school full time. When
deciding on a college, Colon wanted to stay local
and to have a creative environment, so Kutztown
was the natural choice.
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After her college graduation, Colon did some
work in Philadelphia and New York. When Colon
moved to L.A., she didn’t have any connections
there. She acted in the movie “Swelter,” and
she has also been on a few television shows on
HGTV as well as being the host/designer on
TLC’s “Homemade Simple.” Her latest venture is
Rachel Beck, ’07, turned her passion for capturing
memories into a career after
a childhood of loving photos.
Photo collages covered walls of
her home on Baldy Street, where
she lived in Kutztown, for three
college years. After five years
of hard work and success since
her years at KU, Rachel claims
social media is what helped
kick-start her photography
business through networking. Her professors at KU
taught her the skills she needed to connect through
effective communication with her clients. She learned
how to identify with her clientele, to listen to them and to
clairfy expectations of their portrait session or wedding.
All of this resulted in maximizing her relationships and
photographic style to grow a successful photography
business: Rachel Beck Photography.
Whether Rachel is organizing a 22 person bridal party, or
being over-the-top silly for a family with small children,
her personality and way of making people feel realxed,
having fun in front of her lens, is an important part of
the total Rachel Beck Photography experience. Happy
customers keep her client base growing through word
of mouth. Approaching her 100th wedding and events
within five years, Rachel knows she is still climbing the
ladder to greater success! She currently conducts her
business from her home in Montgromeryville, Pa. Check
out her website at www.RachelBeckPhotography.com.
Have an event? Rachel gives alumni discounts and will
come to you!
her own Youtube Channel (https://www.youtube.
com/user/Spanglishcooking) where she combines
her love for cooking with acting. “Cooking calms
and keeps me grounded,” said Colon. Growing up,
her father was a cook, so cooking has always been a
favorite passtime.
Colon’s next goal is to write a cook book. She is also
in the process of writing a script for a sitcom called
“Cafe con leche” with a few of her colleagues.
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Alumni: Where are they now?
Alumni: Where are they now?
Kelly Dunkle, ’04, is the Field Representative for
the PA 529 College Savings Program in Harrisburg,
PA. As a Field Representative for theprogram, Kelly has
represented the program, which offers many investment
options that have helped over 150,000 families of all
income levels answer one of their biggest financial
concerns, how to afford college. Through her work she
has had the opportunity to travel across Pennsylvania
but more recently settling her geographic territory, and
focus, on the Greater Philadelphia area. She has built
relationships with financial advisors, schools, employers,
community groups and legislative offices.
Kelly says that Kutztown and all the wonderful
professors have taught her everything she needs to know
and excel in this profession. She writes and coordinates
targeted communications pieces including newsletter
articles, emails, brochures, flyers and postcards. She
acts as a spokesperson for the PA 529 College Savings
Program by delivering PowerPoint Presentations at
conferences, employee workshops and community
events. Those of you who may know Kelly, know that
she was never shy, however now you may find her
presenting to hundreds of people within an audience,
yet still maintaining that friendly, bubbly attitude. The
professors, such as Dr. Claire Van Ens, which was her
favorite, have made all of this possible. Kelly loves her
job and could not be where she is without the help from
her Kutztown Professors.
Xavier Aponte, ‘10, is a writer/producer for What’s
This?! Media in Kutztown. This company is owned by Joe
Grosso, who also graduated from Kutztown University.
What’s This?! Media holds music, art, and video events.
Xavier writes press releases and does public relations
for the company. He also helps spotlight different local
bands and artists.
Currently, there is a 1850 face clock from Germany that
is the backdrop for the bands.
Reno Unger, emeriti associate professor,
occassionally has lunch with former students.
Last Fall, he met with Allison Ruppe, who currently works for Adams Outdoor Advertising.
Kristin Miller, ’00, is the Director of Customer
Marketing for Comcast
Business. She leads development
of multi-channel customer
marketing campaigns to
improve the customer
experience, drive revenue,
reduce churn and build loyalty.
In this role she has supported
new product launches, built
programs that drive brand/product awareness as well
as demand generation. Her experience with Comcast,
over the past five years, has also included media
strategy, planning and execution before coming into
the role of Customer Marketing. In this prior role,
Kristin led strategy and execution of innovative and
strategic media platforms for Comcast Business.
Jillian Lentz, ‘07, submitted the photo
above. She was on top of Runyon Canyon in
Hollywood and the water behind her is the
Pacific Ocean on the coast of Santa Monica. Jillian just happened to be wearing her
Kutztown gear!
Linda (Curren) Nicholas, ’90, is the Senior
Project Coordinator at Brown Brothers Harriman in
Jersey City, NJ. Linda is married to James and they
have two daughters, Emily, 16, and Carly, 14.
Paula (Nugent) Prinzi, ’99, is self-employed
through her business, Betty Productions. Visit www.
bodaciousbetties.com. Bodacious Betty, who grew up
in Pennsylvania, and is a proud alumni of Kutztown
University, has been shooting professionally since
2009. Bodacious Betty specializes in retro glamour
pin-up photography and fine art boudoir. It is her
belief that any woman can be made to both look and
feel gorgeous.
Betty is the author of a photography magazine
column for photo tips in Pin Up America magazine,
and recently collaborated with Strickland Vintage
Watches, and House of the Broken Dragon for their
advertising campaigns. The grand opening of her
studio in March of this year has led to even bigger
and better opportunities: a collaboration with Lina
Teixeira, winner of the 2014 Couture designer of the
year for Atlanta City Fashion Week, an interview with
Marie Grace Berg of Today’s Leading Women, and an
interview with CEO of Living Large, P.K. Spearman.
Betty has shot the cover for the second issue of Pin Up
America magazine, created her own pin-up calendar
to benefit charity, and most recently was featured in
Delicious Dolls magazine October 2014 issue.
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Nina (center) with her grandparents who also
attended Kutztown University.
Nina Reynolds graduated in May of 2014. She was honored
with the award of Outstanding Senior for the Department of
Communication Studies. “It looks like it was my destiny to attend
Kutztown,” said Reynolds. Her grandparents met in Old Main
while attending KU, and her parents also attended. Her younger
brother Alex started at Kutztown this past semester. Both of her
parents won their departments’ senior awards during their time at
the university, as well. “It goes without saying that I am extremely
proud to be able to follow in their footsteps.” Congrats, Nina!
“I was saddened to hear of the loss of the Theater Department. I graduated in 1974 and had a wonderful
experience that has contributed to my business scucess. Now retired the acting and organizational
skilled obtained from my professors was invaluable. I learned to be fearless even when speaking in front
of hundreds. Thanks to Dr. Rieneke, I did summer stock when I first graduated. It resulted in learning
flexibility even in unimaginable high stress situations. As a corporate trainer, I saw it all! I am hoping
to hear more about some fo the other ‘Old Timers’ in future publications. There were many, in my
generation, who were successful in the Arts when they left Kutztown.” Susan R Kerecz, class of ‘74
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Alumni: Where are they now?
Alumni: Where are they now?
Alyson Komyanek, ’09, is the Director of Communications at Woods in Langhorne, PA. Shortly after graduating
Jill Marra started working at Calvin Klein
in May of 2009, Alyson began a career at Woods (Services). Currently serving as Director of
Communications, her responsibilities include managing the organization’s social media sites,
press release creation and distribution, event planning, website maintenance and writing for
Woods World, the company’s quarterly magazine. Alyson says that one of the best elements of
her job is being able to connect with KU alumni and students. “This year I was able to hire a KU
grad to produce and shoot a short film for us, and a few years ago we brought in another friend
and alumni to paint two murals on our campus. We’ve also recently hired a KU student as our
summer intern. I’m so fortunate to have these connections and be able to work with KU students
and graduates, while knowing we’ll receive quality work in return.”
Underwear about ten years
ago and joined the Sales team
working for someone that she
had worked for at her previous
job. Jill worked in sales as a
Men’s Account Executive, and
was promoted, after four years,
to run their Incentive Sales
division for Men’s and Women’s
Underwear. This was a newly created position that has
generated a lot of revenue and profit for the company.
Jill runs a team that manages national accounts
like Costco, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack,
Century 21, Ross stores, Burlington Coat Factory,
Steinmart, Bloomingdale’s outlet, and the Calvin Klein
outlet stores. She has considered herself lucky to build
such great partnerships with these particular retailers.
Her actual responsibilities include everything from
collaborating with the Design and creative teams
on selecting the line, to working with Finance and
Forecasting on ensuring that the financial goals are
being met. Her team works with the account buying
teams on selling in the various product lines; meeting
with them in their NYC showroom or traveling to
see them. While most of her time is spent in NYC,
Jill spends a considerable amount of time in Seattle
and Boston, home to Marshalls/TJ Maxx, Costco, and
Nordstrom Rack. She has been able to travel to trade
shows as well and has had the opportunity to meet
a lot of interesting people over the years. It’s been an
amazing journey; working for this iconic brand that
she is so proud to be a part of.
In addition to her full-time job, Alyson works as a freelance writer for Happenings Media where
she compiles two monthly columns. The Wedding Warrior, discusses all things weddings. From attending a wedding stag or
receiving terrible wedding gifts to planning a winter wedding or how to keep a rowdy groomsman in line, there is nothing
left uncovered. Miss Money Funny, which appears nationally, covers how to do just about anything on a budget.
Alyson recently purchased her first home in Bucks County, PA where she resides with her dog, Rascal.
Stephen Kenney, ’08, was a Marking major
with a double minor in Public Relations and Speech
Communications. He was the Public Relations Chariman
and in his senior year he applied and was accepted for
an internship with Wyomissing based casino company,
Penn National Gaming Inc. He interned at their flagship
property in Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in
West Virginia. After graduating, he was offered the position
of Special Events Coordinator for Hollywood Casino,
Tunica Mississippi. Two years later he was promoted to
Guest Services Manager of Hollywood Casino Perryville.
Currently, he is the manager of promotions, VIP marketing,
bus marketing, guest/customer service, valet and coat check.
Penn National Gaming Inc. is offering him incentives to
further his eduaction, and he is pursing his Masters Degree
in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Casino
and Gaming Management with Drexel University Online.
Caitlin Matlack, ‘08, married William Eagles,
who she met while at Kutztown, on June 21, 2014.
Caitlin and Will are living in New Britain, PA. She was
working for 3rd Fed Bank in Doylestown, PA until the
bank’s merger with National Penn Bank. Caitlin was promoted to Assistant Manager for National Penn, working
in Feasterville, PA.
her first book, BoHo Chic Jewelry: 25
Timeless Designs Using Soldering,
Beading, Wire Wrapping and More
(KPCraft, FW Media Inc, March 2014).
View her blog at www.blogher.com/
laura-loves-new-jewelrybook-now-stores-more
. She is currently an
artist in residence at
Artsquest’s Banana
Factory in Bethlehem, PA. She just received
her second book deal for her next title which
will be published by FW Media, release date of
May 2015.
Cara Swetksy, ’14 graduated in May with a BA in
Communication Studies paired with a
concentration in Marketing and Public
Relations. Since then, she has obtained
a full-time Marketing Assistant position
with Home Health Care Management
Inc. in Wyomissing. While Cara was still
studying, she completed an internship
with Reese Advertising in Fall 2013. She
also writes a blog for college students and
graduates that focuses on advice, thoughts, and opinions. You
can find her blog at thecollegegradblog.wordpress.com.
Katherine (Hibbs) Leary, ’03, worked at a local engineering company for two years as an Administrative
Erin (Cooney) Fenstermacher, ’04. After graduation, Erin started her career as the first public relations
director for the Kutztown Tavern, Shorty’s Bar and Golden Avalanche Brewing Company. She
enjoyed gaining experience in her new role at the business where she worked as a bartender
throughout college. But she longed to return to The Hill School, where as a senior, she interned
in the Office of Communications. When a position opened at Hill, she went to work as their
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations for Events in the Office of Advancement. In October
of 2007, Erin took a position closer to home, as Donor Relations Manager for the Office of
Development and Alumni Relations at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. There she found
a love for all things stewardship- planning scholarships and giving society events, named space
dedications and building openings. She also managed the College’s endowed scholarships,
creating individualized stewardship reports for scholarship donors and prepared acknowledgement letters for the
President. Nearly four years later, in June of 2011, the President’s executive secretary retired after 18 years with the College,
and Erin was chosen as her successor. Since then she has been responsible for maintaining the President’s calendar,
scheduling meetings and planning his travel- both domestic and international- as well as working with her colleagues in
support of the College’s Board of Trustees. Erin married her husband, Bart, who manages Shorty’s Bar in Kutztown, in May
2010, and they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Maia, in July 2012. Outside of work, Erin enjoys traveling with Bart and
Maia, skiing, boating, cooking, wine “tasting” and working out (when there’s time!).
Laura Beth (Potylycki) Love, ’99, just published
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Assistant and Marketing Assistant after graduating. Katherine didn’t love the job so she started her own online business
which she operated for almost five years. After two years out of the workforce, she returned to the corporate world as an
Event Planner for a non-profit organization, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. While working there she had an
opportunity to go on tour - they traveled 20 cities in 40 days - planning events. After the multi-city tour, she accepted
a position as a Program Coordinator within the foundation and was responsible for media relations, event planning,
program management, and grant writing, staying true to her minor in Public Relations. At the end of their grant period,
she moved onto working for Temple University Hospital where she served in various roles over a five year period. She
was a Program Coordinator for the hospital auxiliary, responsible for event planning and fundraising in addition to daily
oversight of the auxiliary program. After two years in that role, she moved into a more operational role, serving as the
Manager of Administrative Services and Special Projects, where she stayed for three years. This role exposed her to strategy
and operations. While working at Temple she completed a master’s Degree from Neumann University in Strategic and
Organizational Leadership. She currently serves as an Internal Project Manager at Towers Watson, a large HR Technology
Consulting firm. In her current role, she is responsible for large internal projects spanning, operations, finance, client
delivery, and business development and have responsibility over a $34 million operating budget. Her current job, while
not directly communications related, does use many of the skills that she learned at KU. She married her husband, Tom, in
2008 and they have two children.
13
Communication Studies Clubs
Blast from the Past
Public Relations Club
Who remembers this production name and
year? Email your guess to Stacey at
gambler@kutztown.edu
Members of Public Relations Club and Communication Club participated in the Pride Parade sponsored
by The Allies of Kutztown.
Members of Public Relations Club, Communication
Club, and Lambda Pi Eta distributed candy on Main
Street for Merchant Trick or Treat Night.
President: Ellyn Kershner
(ekers266@live.kutztown.edu)
Advisor: Dr. Joseph Harasta
Lambda Pi Eta
Alumni Birth & Wedding Announcements
Lambda Pi Eta is the official Communication Studies honor society of
the National Communication Association (NCA). Kutztown University’s
Xi Kappa chapter is one of Lambda Pi Eta’s 400+ active chapters at fouryear colleges and universities worldwide.
Alex White, ‘99, and his wife
Ashley had their first child,
William Alexander White on
September 23, 2014.
Gabrielle (DeVito) Noepel, class
of 2002, had her third baby
Hayley Elizabeth on May 20.
Over the course of the semester, Public Relations Club
was able to participate in several activities on and off
campus. The club hosted two speakers from Kutztown’s
Small Business Development Center. Peter Hornberger,
Blended Learning and Consulting Specialist, and Dorian
Screm, a graduate student, provided wonderful career
advice and examples of real world experiences. This was
a great way for club members to explore career options
and begin to develop themselves professionally. The club
also participated in Dr. Muugi’s book packaging service
project. Dr. Muugi collected many books to give back to
the education system of Kenya. Our members participated
in Main Street’s Merchant Trick-or-Treat night and
will be volunteering during the Main Street Christmas
celebration. Members also held a bake sale to raise money
for new club sweatshirts. Lastly, the club has begun
planning fundraisers and advertisements for the Military
Club’s 5k race, which will be held on campus on April 4,
2015. We will be selling bracelets to raise money for the
race and veteran/injured soldiers. Our members look
forward to the Spring Semester and all that is has to offer.
This semester, Lambda Pi Eta inducted 14 new members and graduated
two members.
Lambda Pi Eta members have been busy this semester! They organized
the first ever Communication Studies Day at Kutztown, in which they
invited three alumni to speak with students. Lambda Pi Eta raised
awareness for Free Speech Week in October by hosting a table in the student union building.They also did a Philly
Pretzel sale as a fundraiser and participated in the Merchant Trick or Treat on Main Street.
Christina Steffy and
David Reimer married
on October 25, 2014.
Join Lambda Pi Eta! To become a member, a student must be a Communication Studies major or minor, an Electronic Media major, or a Public Relations minor. The student must also have at least a 3.0 overall GPA, 3.25 in his or
her major/minor, and have completed 60 credits overall with 12 credits being in communication.
14
President: Kaitilyn Amodei
(kamod109@live.kutztown.edu)
Advisor: Dr. Mary Eicholtz
15
Communication Studies Interns
Recent Student Internships
Dakota Alvarez, Reading Health System
Jillian Bickelman, The Hill School
Karli Binder, United Way of Berks County
Chad Butz, Allentown Rescue Mission
Kailee Charles, PBS 39 WLVT
Alyssa Cuccurullo, Reading Fightin Phils
Cole Davidheiser, Lehigh Carbon Community College
Meghan Devlin, Pottsville Broadcasting Company
Gina Fino, The Attic Clothes
Kathleen Flynn, Live Nation Entertainment
Samantha Hagen, Alpha Center for Divorce
Brooke Hamm, Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Katlynn Hildebrant, Maximum Exposure PR
Scott Horner, Vivint
Ellyn Kershner, Reading Health System
Amber Korkes, Edge@Kutztown
Michael LaFrance, Tau Delta Phi Fraternity
Isabelle Martinez, Kutztown University Women’s Center
Erin McDonald, J. Scott Catering
Christina McGill, Clear Channel Radio
Diana Minogue, Frey Smiles Orthodontics
Emily Moore, Center for Parenting Research
Danielle Neupauer, Peopleshare
Ryan Oudenne, Comprehensive Wealth Management
Kiara Richardson, Pink Label Beauty/Suite Extensions
Victoria Rost, Clarence Schock Education House
Victoria Schaffer, Wawa Welcome America Philadelphia
Emily Shuler, Salvation Army Children’s Services
Mallory Senavitis, Sahl Communications, Inc.
Danielle Taus, Reading Health System
Morgan Turner, Sahl Communications, Inc.
Alexander Vigilante, The Webstaurant Store
Jodi Wagner, Small Business Development Center
Meghan Weber, Lehigh Valley Miracle League
Rebekah Zerfing, Berks County Living Magazine
Dean’s List, Internships, & Study Abroad
Kelsey Sedlacek interned at the headquarters office locat-
Looking for an Internship?
Courtney Woytko, an alumni from KU, received a BFA
in Communication Design. She currently works at
the Sands Event Center as their Graphic Designer and
entire Marketing Department. They are seeking interns
to help her and their box office throughout the week
when they have shows, but mostly on the weekends. If
interested, e-mail her at courtneyedesign@gmail.com.
ed in Wilmington, Delware at AAA
Mid-Atlantic in the Public and Government Affairs. She wrote press releases,
updated data, revised presentations, and
researched social media and photos. She
also went to political events such as the
govenor speaking about a new bill being
passed and she also attended a press
conference at the Deldot office about the
495 bridge in Delaware being closed for
the summer. Her most exciting experience was when she attended an
event where President Obama spoke about information structures
being rebuilt, and she even got to shake his hand.
Victoria Rost
interned at Clarence Schack Education House.
She says regarding her internship, “I am extremely grateful that Josh
Leiboff and University Relations has
allowed me to work with them and
I am learning so many new things.
The experience University Relations
has given me is invaluale. I feel that
this internship has given me a better
perspective on what I want to do with
my communications degree after
graduation.”
Kiara Richardson
Pink Label Beauty/Suite Extensions
Philadelphia, PA
Katelyn Hawley studies abroad in London
Alyssa Cuccurullo
Reading Fightin Phils
Reading, PA
Jocelyn Schlegel
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Harrisburg, PA
16
Katelyn Hawley has been in London
for six and a half weeks and has already learned so much. Getting there
was the hardest part, but still surprisingly easy and well worth it. She
had to do research to find out what
program she wanted to, which the
Kutztown study abroad office helped
with. Being a student at a PASSHE
school, you are free to go through
any other PASSHE school’s program.
Katelyn chose to go through Millersville University’s program with
London Metropolitan University.
She chose this program because it
is directly in the heart of London, and she really wanted to live
in a city in Europe that has English as their language. Millersville University and Kutztown University’s study abroad offices
helped Katelyn with all the details. All of her classes will transfer
and count towards her graduation at Kutztown, so she won’t fall
behind being abroad.
Dean’s List Spring 2014
Heather Adams
Kaitlyn Amodei
Mark Arabia
Shannen Bagley
Sekou Bamba
Brittany Beaudoin
Emma Billig
Jillian Boyer
Laurel Brandt
Nicole Brumbley
Jessica Brygier
Randi Burdge
Lizabeth Calligaro
Isabella Canova
Nicole Cantelmi
Alexandra Cima
Brandon Conniff
Monica Denofa
Meghan Devlin
Erin Dixon
Chelsea Drob
Charles Eskin
Luke Ferracone
Brooke Hamm
Lindsey Hobson
Abigail Hoy
Jenessa Keller
Ellyn Kershner
Rachel Lawes
Kourtney Martin
Diana Minogue
Destiny Phillips
Kevin Pollock
Nina Reynolds
Aubree Robitzer
Violet Sam-Otuh
Cory Samsel
Samantha Sayles
Victoria Schaffer
Amanda Schoell
Samantha Scott
Setrag Shahikian
Emily Shuler
Mary Smith
Molly Smith
Kieran Sninsky
Sierra Snow-Woody
Megan Soucy
David Spurlin
Erin Stoops
Danielle Strunk
Cara Swetsky
Victoria Tagliamonti
Katelyn Tiernan
Samantha Troeller
Chelsea Williams
Christina Wolfe
April Yost
Natalie Yuengel
Nicole Zensky
Every day Katelyn wakes up in disbelief that she is there. It was
so easy and does not cost that much more than Kutztown. She is
only there for a semester but has loads of things planned and has
already done so much exploring. She has been all over London,
to museums, land marks, etc. and the city amazes her. It is so
old, beautiful and filled with history. Traveling withinin Europe
is extremely affordable, which is why she has trips outside of
London planned. She just got back from Venice, Italy for the
weekend and she could go on for days about its beauty and the
amazing time she had. Studying abroad is so much more than
course work. It’s a learning experience that is a once in a lifetime
thing. Katelyn has met so many different people from all over
the world and made so many amazing memories. She wonuldn’t
change this experience for the world.
17
Communication Studies Interns
Internships & Senior Seminar Projects
TOGO AFRICA: What I learned and where I’m going
Ellyn Kershner is currently interning at the Reading Hospital with Human Resources. Although she has only
essay by Megan Soucy
After my summer 2013 volunteer internship in the
Dominican Republic, and week at the Change Initiative
with Oxfam America, I did not think that I would ever
be lucky enough to exceed my experience in those
few months. I was so very wrong. I found out about
an internship offered in Togo from a good friend. My
passion for volunteer, developmental, and international
work made the decision to go, cost aside, a no brainer.
My internship this summer in Togo was nothing,
and everything that I dreamed it would be. In a short
amount of time I experienced many different cultures
and met and worked with enduring, determined
people.
While I was there I was given the opportunity to work
with one of several organizations who were waiting
on our arrival. After a few shifts of trial and error, I
found an organization that precisely aligned with my
skill set and that I believed I could make the most
out of. Agerto was that organization. Agerto, works
with young adults in order to leave them with tools
and skills to thrive in daily life in Togo. I worked with
them by developing modern day outreach, specifically
English speaking. I did so by working with a group of
students to revamp the organization’s website, social
media, brochure, logo, and a fundraising page. In
addition I designed a mural for the new educational
facility being built on site. With two other students,
working day and night, we saw the mural through. In
addition we were living on top of orphanage, where in
my free time I learned from and assisted with many
daily tasks with the kids.
I feel it is nearly impossible to put down on paper
the feeling of being somewhere so totally out of
your comfort zone, culture, and experience. It is so
freeing, it is so effortless to be present there, and
so exhilarating to be doing something that feels so
immediately rewarding. This is the second time I have
been out of the country for a volunteer internship, and
this experience reiterated and reminded me of this
feeling of utter presence. It is so hard to fathom not
caring about anything, being able to turn off all other
thoughts, and experience so fullyl what is, and who
is, in front of you. I feel that when I am opening my
mind and heart to another culture and a new place this
feeling becomes most achievable. It has opened doors
been there for a few weeks, she is already exceeding and applying so much of what
she has learned. Reading Hospital held a service awards where Reading Health
System employees were honored for five, ten, fifteen, twenty-five, thirty, thirtyfive, and forty years of service. Over 300 guests were honored for just five years
of service. All the luncheons, which were held for the years five through fifteen,
and the dinner, which was for twenty-five years and up, was held at the Crowne
Plaza in Reading. Ellyn sat next to the Vice President of Human Resources during
one of the luncheons and completed the Employee Referral article. She continued
to attend the Service Awards Dinner, which was the largest of the three award
ceremonies. She put her event planning skills to use during this ceremony by
arriving early to help set up the awards table, hand out programs, greet the guests
and point them in the correct direction of the check-in table, and filled out raffle tickets for each honoree. Ellyn also
had the chance to attend a conference which discussed and implemented relationship-based care in the various nursing
units on the Reading Health System campus. Each unit shared their experiences through the creation of a tri-fold
poster board and a PowerPoint presentation. “It was interesting to see how employees utilized this style of care,” Ellyn
said. Human Resources employees were present to oversee and evaluate the conference, which was called “All In”. “It
was a great way for nursing leadership and Human Resources administration to assess nursing outcomes. The different
nursing units discussed how to provide more effective patient care. I was also able to work with the Human Resources
table to discuss how to provide better service to customers.”
to a whole world of new possibilities. It has given me
the reassurance and faith in the things I am capable
of doing and places I can go. I did not feel boxed in
by the walls of my town, society, or country, I saw
through a new pair of glasses with discernment.
I can go into detail about all the things I did while
away, but I realize what is more meaningful is the
impact it has had on me, and the people I got the
privilege to interact with. While there, I witnessed
things that I will never be able to forget and made
connections with people that I can never replace.
Whether it was planting beans and corn, painting
a huge mural, visiting an orphanage, or sitting in
days of bumpy car rides, the complexities of cultures
and people were exemplified through mutual
respect. I would not change a single moment, I grew,
and experienced things in ways I never thought
imaginable.
A mentor of mine, and the founder of the Foundation
Mahatma Gandhi, Jose Bourget, painted a metaphor
for me that will never leave me. He told me that when
we enter a culture that is not our own, we enter with
a pair of sunglasses, that are tinted with the color of
our own beliefs, ideas, ways of thinking, and history.
He said it is near impossible to enter a new culture
and take off those glasses fully. However it is possible
to consciously change the color of our glasses. For
example, if my glasses were yellow and the people
in Togo’s glasses were blue. I entered Togo, worked
the minimum amount of hours a day, stayed close to
my phone, ate what I thought was as close to home
cuisine, I would have been in Togo but my glasses
would have stayed yellow. I would have had an
American experience in Togo. If we allow ourselves to
experience, let in, step out, and immerse ourselves, as
much as possible, while there, we can leave with a tint
of green in our glasses.
That being said, I have made it my goal to hold onto
glasses with many different colors and shades, in order
to see life and the world at a wider transparency. I
believe if we all had the opportunity to tint our glasses
it would motivate us to stand up, stick up, and act a bit
more selfless and for the people who have given us the
new shades.
Senior Capstone Project Presentations
On Wednesday, December 3, the students in Dr. Ebersole’s Senior Capstone Experience class presented their projects on
the concourse of Old Main. This course has to be taken by all Communication Studies majors during their last semester of
study. Students work in pairs and develop their own projects throughout the semester.
Brooke Hamm and Matt Frizalone
presented their public relations
campaign for a campus event.
18
Jenessa Keller presented her project on Facebook and relationships.
Martha Turpin and Megan Soucy
presented their project
on recycling.
19
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES SURVEY
Communication Studies Faculty
1. Name: (last)____________________________________ (first)_____________________________
Maiden:______________________________ Spouse’s Name :_____________________________
Dr. Deryl Johnson awarded
commencement speaker
for winter graduation
Dr. Keith Massie’s publishes novel
Dr. Keith Massie published a novel under
his pseudonym, Kirk Vonnegut, in August
called Amber in the Moment. More
information on the novel can be found
at www.tinyurl.com/amberinmoment.
Recently, he published the second edition
of his textbook entitled Communication
Connections: From Aristotle to the
Internet. He also published an article on
Zizek in a peer-reviewed journal.
2. Home Address: (street)____________________________________________________________
City:____________________________________State:_____________Zip:___________________
Home Phone: (area code)_________ Phone:___________________________________________
3. Employer:___________________________________________________ since:______________
Title:________________________________________________________ since:______________
Company Addresss: (street)________________________________________________________
City:___________________________________State:______________Zip:__________________
E-Mail:____________________________________________
4. Year of Graduation:_________________________________
Dr. Deryl Johsnon, professor of
Communication Studies, is the
winter commencement speaker.
Dr. Johnson earned his Ph.D. from
Northwestern University and has been
with Kutztown for more than 20 years,
earning tenure in 2001. He is actively
involved on campus and currently
serves as president of the University
Senate. His outstanding commitment
to this university and his storytelling
abilities should make for an inspiring
presentation for the graduating class.
5. What was your major at Kutztown? SPEECH/COMMUNICATION__________ THEATRE__________ OTHER ________
Dr. Joseph Harasta publishes textbook
Dr. Joseph Harasta published a textbook entitled The
Fundamentals of Public Relations: What It Is And How To Do
It Well. This will be published in Cognella Academic Publishing
this December. He also published an article called Jersey
strong, right?: A communications analysis of New Jersey’s postHurricane Sandy tourism recovery. Case Studies in Strategic
Communication, 3, article 4. To view this article go online at:
http://cssc.uscannenberg.org/cases/v3/v3art4
6. Are you currently employed? (If no, go to 10) YES__________ NO__________
7. Are you employed: FULL TIME_____________ PART TIME_____________
8. Are you working in a degree related field? YES___________ NO___________
9. Did you do an internship while at Kutztown University? YES____________ NO____________
If you did are you currently employed or have you ever been employed by that internship? YES_________ NO__________
10. If your job is non-degree related, what is the primary reason that you are not working in the field?
_____ (1) FEW OR NO JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FIELD
_____ (2) INABILITY OR LACK OF DESIRE TO CHANGE GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS
_____ (3) AVAILABILITY OF HIGHER PAYING POSITIONS IN NON-RELATED FIELDS
Dr. Diana Ebersole presents at Faculty First Thursday
Dr. Diana Ebersole presented at Faculty First Thursday on October 2. The
presentation was called, “Do Actions Speak Louder than Words?: Adolescent
Interpretations of Parental Substance Use.” This qualitative study analyzed
in-depth interviews with adolescents in rural Pennyslvania and Ohio about
implicit and explicit messages they receieved from their parents about
substance use. She discussed the various and powerful interpretations that
those adolescents shared from conversations with parents about substance
use, observations of parental behavior with substances, and interpretations
they formed in the absence of explicit communication with their parents
about substance use. Dr. Ebersole also participated in the PASSHE Women’s
Consortium Leadership Institute for Faculty Women. She was one of two
faculty representatives from Kutztown at the Institute in State College, PA,
this summer.
20
_____ (4) OPTED FOR GRADUATE STUDY
_____ (5) OTHER (please specify)___________________________________________________
11. Have you enrolled in any programs for graduate study? YES________ NO________
SCHOOL:_______________________________________________________________________
DEGREE PROGRAM:______________________________DEGREE AWARED:__________________
YEAR:_________________
12. Were you employed in the field at graduation? YES________ NO________
. Please bring us up to date about yourself. Include information that you would allow us to publish in our newsletter.
(ex: promotions, job changes, moves, awards, marriage, births, etc.)
Our goal is to have this newsletter become 100% electronic, so please send us your email address. Feel free to update us by filling out
the above survey and send to Stacey Gambler at gambler@kutztown.edu.