Department Chair:
Stories researched and written by:
Dr. Richard K. Olsen
Students in
COM 232: Strategic Writing
Newsletter Advisor:
Spring 2013
Dr. Jeanne M. Persuit
Ms. Lauren Frye
Edited by:
Ms. Lauren Frye
Meghan Larson
This newsletter is published
University of North Carolina
semiannually.
Wilmington
Department of Communication Studies
If you have any questions or
Leutze Hall 226
Comments regarding this
601 S. College Road
newsletter,
Wilmington, NC 28403
please email us at:
(910) 962-3443 or (910) 962-7744
comstudies@uncw.edu
Fax: (910) 962-7061
The Department of Communication Studies Newsletter
Volume 2 Issue 2
Spring 2013
Communication
Studies
One on One with Dr. Olsen
Department Chair of Communication Studies
by Courtenay Rickards
Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Richard Olsen knows how
infectious his charisma can be. When I walked into his office to meet for our
interview I was greeted with a generous smile and a familiar face. The Communication
Studies Department at UNCW has been on a high road of success and Dr. O was
enthusiastic to explain what goals they planned to achieve next.
Has the semester started off well for the department?
Of course. We have the energy of everyone coming back. We hired a new faculty member, Chadwick Roberts, who has been with us part time
for several years. He has now completed his Ph.D. and made himself invaluable as a versatile and passionate teacher and contributor to the
department. He's able to teach several courses within our department and is eager to develop courses in New Media.
What is the biggest challenge at the moment for COM Studies?
The biggest challenge is figuring out how we want to grow while still keeping the best interests of the students, the university, and the
faculty in mind. The university is requiring everybody to have a second major, a minor or a cluster so we are trying to figure out how to grow
in our participation with minors and clusters. Do we want to start a COM minor? Do we want to get involved with other minors since rhetoric
and communication touch everything? The advantage to our majors is that our classrooms will become more diverse.
Do you have any advice to help students avoid picking a class based on professor reputation versus class content?
If you hear that somebody is great, you ought to take that professor. There is no question.
We have a department full of talented professors so most of the time you aren’t shying away from a class because you’ve heard they’re
awful, it’s because you’ve heard they are hard. The industry you want to go into is hard. Ratemyprofessor.com or asking around is not as good
as checking out the syllabus and going for the first few days of class to form your own opinion. Looking back, what I think is particularly
helpful is to look at the assignments and ask yourself, “are those assignments going to help me grow where I need to grow?” Look at what you
are going to have gained by the end of the class.
If a COM major really wants to stand out amongst peers and future competition, what do you recommend?
It’s going to sound basic but read the directions. Read the textbook. It’s amazing, some faculty members and I were having a conversation
about how many students actually ask if they need to buy the textbook. So what they are saying is, “do I really need to learn anything on my
own?” We do talk about students, make sure that’s in the newsletter. You guys go to ratemyprofessor.com and we talk about how we rate our
students. The students who stand out follow directions, actually read the textbook and are trying to understand what the assignments are really
trying to get after. If you are in an argument and debate class, argue like it really matters or if you are giving a presentation, give a knock
down, drag out, perfect score performance. It sounds so simple, but those skills translate into the work place too. Commit to the
directions, love reading your textbook because it’s about the topic you say you want to become good at and don’t wimp out.
Do you recommend joining CSS, LPH, or another club?
Pick one or two organizations that meet part of your personality, not everything needs to be about professional development. Join your
interests and then CSS, LPH or advertising chapter. I know people have to work, I know college has gotten more expensive but I also know
people who are down at Dockside every Friday. I can’t afford to be down at Dockside every Friday and I have the best job I’m ever going to
have.
Anything else you would like to add?
Another point of pride in our department is that we have had a chance to communicate who we are. It has been fun for us to be able to sit
down and say who we are and how we want to communicate ourselves to new leaders who want to get to know us on official tours but also
unofficially. We have a lot to be proud of. While many people may not know exactly who we are or what we are doing because we are so
broad, we know who we are and what we do.
When I walked out of Dr. Olsen’s office, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in my major. It is encouraging to see how much the
Communication Studies Department here at UNCW has accomplished but the most impressive matter is the level of consistent
determination to achieve more. The anticipation of what is in store is sure to elicit excitement and confidence from alumni and current COM
to Pre-COM majors and outside audiences.
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Technology in the COM Department
Department
Creating Pathways
for COM Careers
New Video Page Boasts Student Work
by Marlene Lane
News
by Rachel Edwards
Communication Studies students and faculty now have a forum to display their media production
work for the UNCW community. Dr. William Bolduc was pivotal in the creation of the video page
for the COM Department website. “We are excited about the video page being available as a record
of the high caliber of work that our students are capable of,” Dr. Bolduc said. “This page exhibits the
true creative talent within the department, and I am excited to see it expand.” This new addition to the
website acts as an archive for student and faculty documentaries, short films and other media projects.
Not only does the website host student work, it was developed with the help of students as well. Dr. Jeanne
Persuit’s IMC 2 class presented a proposed integrated marketing communication plan for the video production area of
the department. This proposal became reality when three of the students in the class, Josh Vester ’12, Leslie Tyler ’12, and Molly Jacques ’12,
continued their work on the project as an independent study with Dr. Persuit in the Fall 2012. These students designed a visual identity for the
video production curriculum and work. This included the creation of a website that would feature student and faculty projects as well as the COM
department video production curriculum. In March, student Anna Petrea assisted with the planning of a COM Studies Social launching the new image
of the website. Petrea details, “The event had great turn out with over 80 COM Studies students, staff, alum and friends of the department.” Along
with the video page debut, a new logo representing the production and media aspect of the department is currently in development.
In addition to providing an online presence for student video production, the website hosts an alumni page and information on happenings in the
department. The alumni page details what graduates are doing now and advice they have for current students. In addition, information for students on
courses, clubs, scholarships and other opportunities are also available and updated monthly.
Dr. Bolduc hopes to see the website develop to student and faculty interests.
The video page provides students, faculty and alumni the unique opportunity to work together and
learn from each other’s experiences in video production. Maintaining a strong online
presence demonstrates that COM Studies remains an innovative and competitive department of
UNCW. This new virtual portfolio is an easily accessible way to display student ingenuity and
important information for the Communication Studies and UNCW community.
http://uncw.edu/com/media/index.html
Professor Frank Trimble Debuts His Original Musical, Extra! Extra!
by Alex Lepkowski
For an actor, not much is more exciting than working on an original production. Frank
Trimble, a Communication Studies professor, director, producer, screenwriter,
playwright, and musician, did just that. His new musical Extra! Extra! brought many
unique opportunities for actors, which have resulted in an excellent show. The show
brought about 50 people into the TV studio in Leutze Hall for each performance, 250
people total. Ten weeks before opening night, Mr. Trimble reported his progress was at
95% with the music and lyrics. That left a great window for the performers to
influence the final product, and Mr. Trimble was excited about the potential for new
input and ideas.
Working with the author/composer of a piece offers performers unique advantages. Mr.
Trimble, his Vocal Arranger Communication Studies alumna Kristin Graf Sakamoto and
Music Director Lynn O’Connell worked with the performers to make the songs sound
incredible. For performers, learning new music without access to a soundtrack CD,
posed unique challenges. Benefits, though, included an adjustment to the key of a few songs to accommodate performers. Mr. Trimble also
acknowledged that some of the best ideas came while running through the show during rehearsals, and he always looks forward to hearing ideas from
actors. Mr. Trimble shared his reaction upon hearing his music preformed for the first time, “It’s almost a third party experience for me when I hear
my music being preformed by someone else because it’s not just my music, it’s a team endeavor, and that’s a very good thing.” Mr. Trimble
encouraged the actors to contact him with any ideas they had for the script. The production is a result of many talented people coming together to
shape Mr. Trimble’s piece into a polished finished product.
Speaking of many talented people, Mr. Trimble and Music Director Lynn O’Connell cast everyone who auditioned. Before holding auditions, he
anticipated casting around 10-12 actors. Trimble saw great potential in all 22 of the people that auditioned. After auditions, he also realized that
having a large cast of talented performers would portray the life of an extra more realistically. It was realistic, as extras are frequently crammed in
one place waiting for their time on set and hopefully, on camera. With all 22 actors crammed into the small space of the TV studio in Leutze, the
crowd was real.
The final production of Extra! Extra! was a fantastic success, and it took a lot of hard work and collaboration to get there. Trimble is passionate about
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working with actors and creating the best show he can, which was displayed in the production. Experiences like Extra! Extra! do not come along
often, for the actors or the audience, so be sure to attend the next original work by Mr. Trimble.
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COM
Endeavors
Department Collaboration Evolves into Insightful Video
By: Caitlin Dwelly
Members of the Communication Studies Department recently embraced videos’ ability to allow viewers
to experience and interpret another’s reality. Professor Julie-Ann Scott evolved her six years of research into
a performance ethnographic video with the help of Professor Bolduc, Professor Trimble and a few students. Dr.
Scott wrote a script, cast students and helped to direct the video with Professor Bolduc as the videographer and
Professor Trimble as the director to create a video that accurately captures her findings. The performances in the video will allow viewers to
gain insight into the lives of professionals who identify themselves as physically disabled. The video explores topics such as what it means to be
a professional and disabled, physically disabled embodiment and the private identity of professionals who identify as physically disabled.
The performance ethnographic video is based on Dr. Scott’s research on the phenomenon of professionals who self-identify as physically
disabled through performance of personal narrative research. She points out that she cannot diagnose because she is not a medical doctor, so her
participants self-define. The first phase of her research involved interviewing 26 physically disabled professionals from across the United States.
Dr. Scott performed her participants’ narratives at conferences after finding themes in her interviews and writing her dissertation. It was at these
conferences that people asked if she would be willing to recreate the narratives for a video audience.
“I was on the fence on whether to do this project at all,” said Dr. Scott,
“but because Dr. Bolduc is such a talented videographer… and because
Mr. Trimble has so much directing experience… I could share that
responsibility with him. So, I decided it was a project worth taking on
since all three of us could do it together.”
A decision not to use the participants’ handicap accessories in the
students’ portrayals was made to avoid misrepresentation of the
participants. This challenge caused Dr. Bolduc to turn to lighting,
wardrobe and posture to accurately capture the students’ portrayals and
to create meaning. Dr. Bolduc also made use of the camera motion, shots
of expression and shots with only the students’ hands to capture the
attitudes of the original participants. His tactics portray the struggle both
disabled and able-bodied people have in understanding what it means to
be physically disabled in our society.
Professor Trimble stated, “Dr. Scott's project is a prime example of the
synergy of communication studies specialty areas: writing, performance,
audio and video production, editing, performance direction, technical
direction, artistic direction, and production logistics. The combined
competencies and experience of those involved are tremendous assets to
a production of this type and scope.”
Dr. Scott chose narratives that had received strong responses at her
conferences. Monologues and words from her participants show each of
their struggles over what it means to be physically disabled in our
society. The video’s creators hope that the delivery and content is
compelling for those with prior interest. Dr. Scott’s video made a local
debut at Dr. Jeanne Pursuit’s Integrated Marketing Communication
Conference in June.
Open access to the video online will be available after its
national debut at the National Communication Association this November.
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A New Chapter: Patricia Comeaux
by Stephen Mauceri
During her 23 years of service within the University of North Carolina
Wilmington’s Communication Studies department, Dr. Patricia Comeaux
has made a tremendous impact upon everyone she has encountered. From her
past students to her fellow colleagues and staff, Dr. Comeaux’s kind and
welcoming demeanor has made a good name for herself.
Faculty
Profiles
When asked about her proudest moments and biggest accomplishments during her
time at UNCW, Dr. Comeaux mentioned the semester she spent abroad at the University
of Swansea, located in Swansea, Wales. Dr. Comeaux was honored to be selected as the UNCW faculty director for
Spring 2009 and to travel abroad with a select group of students. During her time in Swansea, Dr. Comeaux taught the
Rhetoric of Civil Rights, which she expressed as something all students should learn and become aware of. Apart from the trip itself, Dr. Comeaux
was proud of the initiative she had taken to promote the trip to potential students. “ One of my greatest passions is Education Abroad,” Comeaux
said. It was very important for her to find an efficient way to spread the word of such a grand opportunity to anyone eligible.
Aside from her teachings here at UNCW, Dr. Comeaux has played an integral part within the Communication Studies Department. After hiring new
professors and lecturers into the department, it is essential that they receive a mentor with experience to aide them through the process. This is
something that Dr. Comeaux has taken part in for many years. She spoke of her mentorship of a few current professors in the Communication
Studies Department, such as, Dr. Anita McDaniel, Dr. Jeanne Persuit, and Dr. Chadwick Roberts (all of whom she has formed a strong bond with).
For her last semester (for now) at The University of North Carolina Wilmington (Fall 2013), Dr. Patricia Comeaux will be teaching Communication
Theory, Organizational Communication, Small Group Communication, and Power and Identity: Civil Rights. Current COM majors should be sure
not to miss an opportunity to enroll in any one of these classes next semester.
As one chapter in Patricia Comeaux’s life is coming to an end, another chapter, full of new experiences, is awaiting her. One thing Dr. Comeaux
said that she would miss most about teaching is, “engaging class discussions with students.” This was one way Dr. Comeaux was able to connect
with another generation and gain insight on the ways they think. After ‘retirement,’ Dr. Comeaux mentioned her interest in working with children in
her downtime and teaching forms of poetry. In addition to this, Dr. Patricia Comeaux would like to continue traveling in order to get her fill of the
beautiful natural world around us.
Part-Time Professors; Full-Time Passions
by Cassandra Vinhateiro
The faculty roster in the Communication Studies department at UNCW, includes 15 part-time faculty members. This wide array of working
professionals is an invaluable asset to our experience as COM majors, adding both depth and context to the courses they instruct.
The classroom dynamic of a part-time professor varies greatly from that of a full-time professor. Many are able to effortlessly intertwine their
everyday career experiences into lectures and assignments, teaching concepts in a way that is not only accessible, but readily applicable to our
everyday lives as students and employees. Recently I had the unique opportunity of meeting with and interviewing two of these part-time professors
on their personal interests and current careers.
Here in the UNCW community Dylan Lee is known for his position as a instructor of public speaking. Outside of class, however, he is most likely
associated with his job as the Station Manager of GTV (Government Television) for the city of Wilmington. Describing his position, he refers to
himself as a sort of “spokesman” for the city. He is constantly mediating the flow of communication between journalists, citizens, corporations,
organizations and the city itself. He tells me that his “two worlds mesh together quite nicely.” That is to say his academic teaching profession and
outside career complement each other in more ways than one. Not only are his students gaining explicit insight through his experiences, but he says
he “prospers from theirs as well.” As college students we represent a unique, ever-changing and important demographic, especially when it comes
to PR and social media. Being able to tap into the minds of his students helps him to more accurately promote the cities
messages on new media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Even more interesting than his current career,
is the path he took in getting there and the motivations behind his journey. He expresses to me that his passion is for
“place” and his driving desire is simply to “live in a cool place and work to make it better.”
Susan Lanier spends most of her time working as a deaf interpreter, but takes a break here on campus three times a week
to teach a section of COM 245 (Communication of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired). Upon questioning her on her work
with the deaf community, her face instantly beams with a sense of pride and excitement. She explains to me that around
her senior year of high school she became “smitten” with the notion of making a career out of communicating with the
deaf and hearing impaired. It was in meeting and befriending two girls close to her own age, who have grown up with
hearing loss, Susan’s lifelong fascination with the deaf community began. Susan attributes the majority of her success to
her “I can do this” mentality.
Perseverance is defined by the steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success and as passion, by intense, driving
conviction. Getting to know these professors in a more personal manner illuminates a central connection between these two concepts. These two
professors show the importance in finding the overlap between determination and interests.
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Skyrocket Your Brand (and Experience) with COM Scholarships
by Christine Schulze
Attending college can be financially difficult for some students. The Communication Studies Department attempts to alleviate some of the financial stress by
offering five scholarships to their majors. Each of the scholarships require slightly different qualifications, but the Betty Jo Welch scholarship, the Brian Pearson
King Memorial scholarship, the Craven Scholarship in Communication Studies, the George Diab Scholarship in Communication Studies, and the Justin Thompson
Communication Studies Scholarship all aim to take some of the burden of paying for college off of students’ backs.
I interviewed Jenn Rojeck and Jessica Ferrer, two recipients of Communication Department scholarships. They received the Brian Pearson King Memorial
scholarship and the George Diab Scholarship in Communication Studies, respectively. Both of these women heard about their scholarships through Dr. Olsen’s
weekly COM bulletin, so to all you COM majors out there, make sure you read that email!
Both applications included general biographical information, as well as a short essay. Although the application process appears similar, the effect each scholarship
had was different for each recipient. Even though the scholarship helps to pay part of her out-of-state tuition, Jenn views her scholarship primarily as something to
add to her resume, as something that “skyrockets [her] brand.” She also told me that receiving the Brian Pearson King Memorial scholarship gave her more
confidence. Because of the scholarship dinners and ceremonies she is required to attend, she has ventured outside her comfort zone. Jenn laughingly said, “People
know me as the girl who got that scholarship.”
Jessica has also reaped the benefits of accepting her scholarship, which helped her to get an internship last summer with MSNBC in New York and with WHQR
locally last spring. She said her scholarship allowed her to be more stress-free while in New York because she no longer needed to worry about expenses.
Receiving this scholarship has also given her inspiration to start a scholarship of her own. “[This scholarship] makes doing an internship in a big city possible; [it]
makes going to school and studying what you want to study possible … I would like to pass that on,” Jessica mused.
These scholarships have had more than financial benefits for these two young women. They have increased their confidence in their own abilities, gained
valuable experiences, and been inspired to help others as well. With such positive testimonies, it isn’t hard to see the benefits of applying for a scholarship or two.
With applications easily accessible on the COM Department website, every COM major should take the opportunity to apply and skyrocket your brand as well.
Globe Trotting: Going Abroad with the COM Department
by Rebecca Hobbs
In today’s society, having the tools necessary to interact with people of different cultures is key. The
Communication Studies (COM) discipline teaches students the importance of being able to communicate
effectively and build relationships in different contexts. What better way to learn about other cultures
than to experience them first hand? UNCW’s COM Department, alongside the Office of International
Programs, offers various study abroad opportunities each semester.
Two faculty members of the COM Department, Dr. Steven Pullum, Professor and Assistant Chair, and
Professor Kara Pike, Adjunct Professor and Assistant Director of Education Abroad, work together to
provide students with the opportunity to go abroad. Pike helps with selecting the right location as well as
academic fit for the individual students, while Pullum helps with academic credits, making sure courses
and credit hours are cleared.
UNCW has relations with a diverse range of countries such as Australia, China, Ecuador, Thailand, the
United Kingdom, Spain, and England. Taking COM courses abroad has several advantages. Initially,
there are some classes offered abroad that are not offered at UNCW. Taking courses abroad can generate
both personal and academic artifacts that cannot be produced or found in the states. Lastly, studying
abroad grants students the opportunity to see things from a different perspective than they would at UNCW.
Professor Bill Phillips and Students in Ireland
Aside from independent study trips open to all students, there are also faculty-led trips for COM students. During the week of March 1-9, Dr. Pullum co-led a trip
to Peru with Spanish Professor, Dr. Emmanuel Harris. Once there, they participated in tours of local markets and museums, as well as ziplining and other outdoor
adventures. Professor Bill Phillips also took a group of student overseas during this time for a tour of Ireland. Additionally, from May 20-30, Professor Pike will
lead a group of students throughout Italy and the Vatican. Some of their activities will consist of walking tours in Rome to see the Coliseum, Spanish Steps and
Pantheon. Their itinerary also includes an audience with the Pope, as well as visiting the International Gelato Festival in Florence, and meeting with the event’s
organizers. For those students who missed out on this year’s faculty-led opportunities, there are more in store for 2014. During the spring of 2014, Dr. David
Weber, Associate COM Professor, will be leading a semester-long trip to Swansea, Wales. This trip is especially unique because it is open to all majors, even
non-UNCW students. Additionally, Pike and Prof. Rachel Olsen will also be leading a spring break study abroad experience to Belize.
When asking Pullum and Pike what advice they would give to students considering study abroad they both responded with two simple words: “Do it.” According
to Pike, “This is the time in your life to take advantage of these types of opportunities, because after you graduate you wont have this
kind of freedom.” Students were also advised to disregard two myths pertaining to study abroad, the first being the myth about
cost. Pike explained that for some international programs the cost of tuition is the same as what you
are paying now to study at UNCW. Also, to many students’ surprise, for those out-of-state,
studying abroad can in some cases even be cheaper than continuing a semester at UNCW!
Last is the myth about not being able transfer the credits needed to graduate. Pullum ensures
that almost any COM course, within reason, can come back as a credit, and no time will be
lost towards graduation.
Study abroad is the chance to enhance problem solving skills, basic foreign language skills,
as well as the ability to learn adaptability, patience, and flexibility. According to Dr.
Pullum, “When you go abroad you get such a rich education by seeing a different part of the
world you are not use to. I would highly recommend for anyone to take advantage of study
abroad opportunities while you can.” It is evident that a study abroad experience is not only
great for providing different perspectives inside the classroom, but also for providing
Kirsten Kalsky in Australia experiences and enhancement outside the classroom.
Seahawk
Pride
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Congratulations Spring 2013 COM Graduates!
Zachary Abramo
David Adusei
Jordan Allen
Katelyn Alston
Julianna Andrews
Kathryn Ascenzi
Kristen Aspey
Erin Baily
Kelsey Barbour
Michael Barnes
Meaghan Beam
Sarah Bell
Mollie Berthold
Nicole Betterbid
Lara Bettinger
Lauren Booher
Jordan Brackett
Kelyn Brame
Matthew Brannock
Trevor Bray
Elizabeth Briley
John Broome
Luke Brown
Maureen Brown
Walker Buchan
Jessica Butner
Christy Byrd
Lindsey Camp
Leah Chappell
Ashley Christensen
James Connolley
Charles Cox
Jessica Crawford
Meagan Culkin
Cameron Dailey
Alessandra De Vecchi
Alexandra Diaz
Yanet Diaz
Abigail Doron
Jordan Dubreuil
Jessica Duckett
Caitlin Dwelly
Luke Edwards
Joy Ellis
Owen Empey
Hannah Eure
Callie Fenlon
Jessica Ferrer
Amanda Fichera
Shawn Gagnon
Lindsay Gallagher
Marissa Gallo
Shawn Galvin
Shelby Gilmore
Eric Griffin
Lauren Habig
Olivia Hackenberg
Alice Harrell
Matthew Heiniger
Rachel Hopson
Anthony Hughes
Victoria Humphrey
Kurt Hunsinger
Angela Hunt
Alexandra Huss
Christina Izquierdo
Molly Jacques
Lawton James
Micah Jarrett
Jeanelle Johnson
Alexandria Kapczynski
Margaret Kercher
Erin Kiffmeyer
Morgan Kirk
Kelsey Knight
Ryan Kramer
Jackson Lane
Mitchell Lee
Alexandria Lemley
Sarah Lively
Kyle Lowers
Kimberly Mans
Stephen Marks
Karen May
Erin McDaniel
Lindsay McSwain
Tyler Molinaro
Laura Moriarty
Alyssa Morrello
Michael Mulleavey
Jaimie Mullen
Colby Murdock
Patrick Murphy
Michael Nunes
Lindsey Nusdeo
Jenni O’Toole
Marcia Petitgout
Anna Petrea
Sara Pezzoni
Jennifer Pitman
Alyssa Portera
Genae Randall
Amanda Raxlin
Ashlyn Reaves
James Reilly
Keith Rendleman
Mary Richardson
Jordan Roberts
Kelsey Rogers
Jennifer Rojek
Lucero Rojo
Jessica Saunders
Sierra Scellato
Daniel Schaefer
Michelle Schmidt
Shauna Seaver
Mary Sheltra
Jordan Slaughter
Donovan Smith
Laurel Smith
Ryan Smith
Grant Snell
Timothy Snell
Matthew Soles
Cortney Strickland
Shannon Sweeting
Carly Tanner
Laura Tippett
Lindsay Tomanio
Julia Tompkins
Cynthia Tran
Hannah Travis
Lauren Van Trigt
Christopher Vickery
Kirstin Vogel
Katlin Voigt
Andrew Wahlund
Allyson Walton
Cary Welborn
Greer Wendling
William Wigley
Sarah Wilcox
Daniel Williams
Nitia Williams
Brandon Wissbaum
Keep in Touch
Please be sure to
keep all of your
information up to
date with the
Alumni Office
so you can receive
invitations to COM
events and stay up
to date with the
COM Department!
http://www.uncw.edu/
alumni/update.html
What’s Happening in the COM Studies Alumni Chapter?
by Caitlin Towe
The COM Studies Alumni Chapter facilitates connecting alumni and friends with UNCW, as well as
providing networking, reunions, and student mentoring opportunities. The COM Studies Alumni chapter
began hosting their annual Homecoming Reception five years ago and that has been a great opportunity for
alumni to reconnect. All alumni who have graduated with a degree in Communication Studies are
automatically considered members of the COM Studies Alumni Chapter. There is no formal way to join;
although in order to receive information and invitations to events alumni must update their contact
information with the university by using this link: https://appserv02.uncw.edu/alumupdate/
Current President of the COM Studies Alumni Chapter Jenna Curry ‘08 has responsibility to let alumni
know of ways to get more involved with UNCW, as well as being a resource for them if they have questions
or would like to be more involved. COM Studies Alumni Chapter has a Facebook page, a LinkedIn account,
and an Alumni Association page. Curry says, “My purpose is to keep alumni engaged, and to keep the alma
mater in the front of their minds.” Curry has the responsibility of promoting and attending the alumni events in efforts to get more people involved. Curry says
that she uses social media as a resource to let alumni know when events are being held and what they can do to help support the event.
COM
Alumni
The UNCW alumni do seem to be actively involved in the events that are being held on campus. According to Kim
Gargiulo, Assistant Director of Reunion Programs at UNCW, about 50 alumni attend each homecoming reception. The
attendance of alumni at each event is slightly growing every year. Alumni are encouraged to take part in many events
that are held throughout the year. One of the main events was the Rock for the Cure event, held October 19, 2012.
Some of the other COM events include “Project Protégé” the “Dress for Success” Fashion Show, hosted by the
Communication Studies Society, Communication Studies Day and the Alumni Social and Reception held during
homecoming. The COM Alumni Chapter holds homecoming reunions every year; this year the reunion was held
on February, 16 in Leutze Hall Lobby. Alumni heard current COM studies news and received complimentary
appetizers before they attended the Alumni TEALgate. This reunion was a great way for current students and
alumni to reconnect and share their exciting new experiences with one another.
The COM Studies Alumni Chapter is a new chapter on campus. Through Jenna Curry’s use of social media,
more alumni have had the ability to participate in what is happening in the COM department. Curry looks for
ward to the growth of the COM Alumni Chapter and she states, “Promoting COM events using social media
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has been a great way to add growth to our chapter, and I hope that more alumni continue to join.”
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You’ve heard from us,
now we want to hear from you!
The COM Alumni Spotlight is an opportunity for former UNCW COM Majors to
share their accomplishments with our current PCOM and COM majors. This is helpful
in showing them all the great possibilities for what they can do with a COM degree. It is
also an opportunity for us to keep in touch with our graduates and for our graduates to keep
in touch with each other.
We would love for you to nominate yourself for our COM Alumni Spotlight. It's easy! Just got to
www.uncw.edu/com/alumni/nominate.html, answer a few questions and send us a photo of yourself
utilizing your communication skills. You may elect to send a photo of you on the job, doing volunteer work,
or interacting with family and friends. New winners will be featured on our department website throughout the
semester and will receive an awesome prize. Also note--we will retain your nomination for future use; you do not need
to apply more than once. Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon!
More About COM
Curious to learn more about what’s going on in the COM Department? Check out more student articles below!
What are you doing in college? If you’re like many students you are skipping your readings, doing your assignments on their
due dates, and generally using college as a means to an end: to get a degree that you hope lands you a job. A lot of students
take this passive road through their education, but I’ve found, after speaking to a pair of UNCW professors, that college
offers far more than students may realize… Making the Most of Your Major by Chad Darrah
You should keep this assignment so you can put it in your portfolio for COM 400!” We’ve all heard it before. Alumni, you’ve
heard it in the past; students, you’re hearing it now; and professors, you’ve probably all said it. But what is your
portfolio? What is COM 400 all about?… What is Capstone? by Kaitlyn Fisher
For those who may not know, the Communication Studies Department here at UNCW offers an abundance of courses that
can in turn fall in line with a specific concentration in the Communication Studies major if a student so chooses. As UNCW
grows, so does the amount of options in courses these students will have to choose from. We asked students Morgan Jones,
Ryan Wiese, Anna Phillips, Brett Faulk, Matt Heiniger, and Alyssa Portera what their favorite course in Communication
Studies is and why it affected them… Insights From Six Students on Their Favorite COM Courses by Matt Soles
One of the easiest ways to enhance your education at UNCW is to earn one of over 50 options for a minor. For COM
Studies students, minors are an excellent way to use elective hours effectively, learn specific skills, and stand out among other
COM Studies majors… Enhance Your COM Degree in a Major Way with a Minor by Ellen Watts
Often times within the Communication Studies major, students, teachers, and even parents wonder whether or not graduates
will be able to obtain the job they truly desire. One profession that falls under this area of concern is journalism and/or
writing… YOU CAN Have a Career in Writing: An Interview with Jason Frye By Charles Cox
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