the communicator - siuedr. sarah vanslette, assistant professor, will be teaching spc 419 social...

In This IssueInsightful advice from alumni .................................. 2

Department introduces new graduate PR program ... 3

Department offering new social media course .......... 3

Students attend Pro-Am Day at SLU ......................... 4

Graduate program options ....................................... 4

PRize fighters knock out cancer ............................... 5

COMMraderie: Graduate student organization ........ 6

OCSA elects new officers .......................................... 6

City by the Bay welcomes PRSSA ..............................7

Five ways to survive tough job market ......................7

A glimpse of spring 2012 senior projects ..................8

SPC department honors students .............................9

Student-Centered Approach . Service . Scholarship . Collegiality . Excellence

Publication of the Department of Speech Communication, SIUE. Spring 2012

CommunicatorThe

SPC graduating seniors give back to the community For students, senior projects are the culminating celebration of their college careers. However, students are not the only ones that reap the benefits. Many of the senior projects provide students the opportunity to work with real clients and at the end of the semester the clients also have reason to celebrate. Since beginning the capstone assignment, one of only a few across the country, more than $15,000 have been raised for local nonprofit organizations as part of the senior project program. In addition to increased funding, organizations have also received numerous training tools and resources developed by the students. The work students do throughout the projects is much more than just a classroom assignment. They are working in a real-world environment, addressing issues and finding solutions. Many of the clients attend the senior project presentations, and it is always a proud moment for our department when clients share their gratitude and appreciation for the efforts put forth by the students. This year, 56 students were divided into 12 groups to participate in senior projects. They represented all three of our undergraduate tracks including interpersonal, organizational communication and public relations. All the projects were successful with both students and clients being pleased with the outcomes. Please check out page 8 in this newsletter to learn more about each of the projects and to see a few pictures highlighting the process. And, let me again extend my congratulations to all the graduating seniors on a job well done. We are proud of all you have accomplished.

Dr. Isaac Blankson, Department Chair

Department bids a fond farewell to Dr. Cattafesta and a warm welcome to Dr. Schaefer

Dr. Joanne Cattafesta is leaving the department after nearly seven years of teaching at SIUE. She joined the SPC family in August 2005 and was primarily responsible for teaching Org. Comm. courses. According to Dr. Cattafesta, “it is time for her to be closer to her family” in New Jersey. She will be greatly missed by faculty, staff and students. We wish

her great success and happiness in this transition. As we bid a fond farewell to Dr. Cattafesta, we also welcome Dr. Zach Schaefer to the SPC family. Dr. Z is a native of this region. He will be teaching courses in the Org. Comm. track. To read more about Dr. Schaefer, visit http://www.siue.edu/artsandsciences/spc/schaeferbio.shtml.

The Communicator - The Department of Speech Communication Newsletter, Spring 2012 p. 2


One of the best ways to learn how to use a degree is to hear how alumni are using it. On April 10, 2012, the department put together its annual event “An Evening With Speech Communication presents: Speed Networking” that brought nearly 20 alumni to campus to share their experiences and network with 65 of the current students. The event was organized by MARK PR, one of the senior project groups in public relations. The main goals, according to Dr. Blankson, who started this annual awareness and network campaign three year ago, are to connect our students with the alumni, to help students understand what they can do with a speech communication degree, and for students to develop strategies they can use to “market” themselves to prospective employers. “The event continues to grow every year, our alumni have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to give back to the department, and our students continue to tell us they learn greatly from listening to the alumni experiences,” said Blankson. Speech Communication alumni, Abigail Raesly, who also participated in this year’s alumni event, and Ken Steward, who has participated in past networking events, took time out of their busy schedules to share their experiences in the public relations field and give some advice for our recent graduates. Raesly graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s in speech communication in the public relations track and a minor in business administration. Originally a business major, she discovered public relations while exploring minors. “I changed majors because I wanted a degree that would match me to a career field with a diverse range of opportunities,” said Raesly. Steward obtained a degree in radio broadcasting at Lewis and Clark Community College but soon realized that “it was hard to make a living talking on the radio.” Still wanting to use the skills he had learned, he discovered SIUE had a public relations program. “PR has a lot of the same qualities of radio broadcasting, but is more multifaceted. It allows you to be expressive and creative through a number of different mediums rather than just

Insightful advice from alumniBy Jazmine Wade ( ’12 BS)

talking in between songs,” said Steward. Fast forward a year and a half, Raesly is a communications and outreach manager at Diversity Awareness Partnership. Her daily responsibilities include designing and managing a website, writing press releases and other pieces of copy, copy editing organizational documents, managing social media and branding for new initiatives like the membership program. After five years in the

industry, Steward is director of development and communications at

Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services. His tasks include website content, fundraising appeals, speaking to churches to promote the organization’s work, visiting donors and supervising three regional development officers and a development coordinator. Both Raesly and Steward have learned valuable lessons along the way, and they offer several pieces of advice for current students

including perfecting their writing, networking and cultivating relationships. None of these should come as a surprise to current students.

Raesly also encourages students to find a mentor. “This is so valuable. Invite and incorporate others’ opinions and thoughts into your work,” Raesly said. “Request feedback

and develop relationships with people that will help you. You’re not supposed to know everything right away!” In her organization, Raesly works with a diverse group of people. She believes that this gives them room for creativity and improves the quality of their public relations efforts. Steward also shared some insightful advice about building relationships. “I learned that the best way to get a person to like you is to make them feel good about themselves,” said Steward. “Don’t underestimate the power

Abigail Raesly ( ’10 BS)

Ken Steward ( ’06 BS)

Some of the alumni in attendance share their experiences

(continue on p.6)

2Student-Centered Approach . Service . Scholarship . Collegiality . Excellence

The Communicator - Department of Speech Communication Newsletter, Spring 2012 p. 3

Public relations has been named one of the best jobs for 2012 by “U.S. News and World Reports.” It is also

considered one of the fastest growing jobs in the U.S., by the U.S. Bureau of Labor with

expected growth of 22.5 percent through 2020. The average starting annual income for a public relations specialist with a bachelor’s degree is around $44,000; with a master’s degree, that income increases to almost $55,000. To help students reach their career goals in this growing industry, the Department of Speech Communication at SIUE has initiated a graduate level focus on public relations. The undergraduate public relations track currently has more students than any other area of focus in the Department, but has never before offered a graduate level program. According to Dr. Blankson, department chair, “it is time to expose our students to international practices in our profession. It is absolutely necessary and there is demand for it.” With the agreement of the faculty, Dr. Blankson charged Dr. Nastasia and Dr. VanSlette to put together a proposal for the new program. “Tentatively, we’re going to offer a PR theories seminar, a class called Issues in Reputation Management, a class on PR ethics, a course on non-profit PR, and a course in corporate social responsibility,” said Sarah Van Slette, assistant professor. The public relations master’s program was initially expected to enter an evaluation stage for the fall 2012 semester. Due to delays in paperwork approval, the program is expected to be pushed back by one school year. Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in public relations should contact Isaac Blankson, department chair, for more information at [email protected].

Speech Communication Department to introduce new public relations graduate

program at SIUEBy Dan Schmidt (PR student, ’13 BS)

Department offering new social media courseBy Megan Kuhns (PR student, ’13 BS)

Calling all speech communication students! Do you want to learn more about how to use social media to your advantage in the workplace? Social media is an everyday use for students today, but learning how to use these tools professionally could help you land the perfect job, and the Speech Communication Department is offering a new social media class to help you do just that. Dr. Sarah VanSlette, assistant professor, will be teaching SPC 419 Social Media for Public Relations. In this class, students will learn various social media technologies, such as blogs, social events and social networking. Since this class has not yet been approved as

a permanent course, it will only be offered in the summer, and potentially running again in the 2013-2014 school year. VanSlette said the purpose of the class is to learn how to practice PR in a

world of social media. “We will learn how to use different technologies as PR tools to monitor your online reputation, engage in conversations with your publics, learn ways to improve your product or company, and create fans of your product or company,” said VanSlette. VanSlette also shared some advice from her personal experience for students entering the professional world involving social media. “My advice is to familiarize yourself with as many social media tools as possible and follow organizations on social media sites to learn how to use social media in campaigns,” VanSlette said. “LinkedIn is a MUST for anyone in the communication field entering the job market. If you don’t have a complete professional profile on LinkedIn, you need to put that on your to-do list.” This course will not only be beneficial to public relations students, but to all speech communication students. It will allow students to become familiar with new social media websites and how to utilize them effectively. For more information on the social media course, contact VanSlette at [email protected] or visit the Speech Communication Department in Alumni Hall, room 3108.

3Student-Centered Approach . Service . Scholarship . Collegiality . Excellence

Networking as a student can be unfamiliar territory, but it’s extremely useful. On March 16, PRSSA members got the chance to network and learn more about how to brand themselves at Pro-Am Day. The event connected students and professionals from the St. Louis area that may never have met outside of Pro-Am Day. I personally was able to speak with public relations professionals that represented numerous fields. With these conversations came an abundance of knowledge, numerous business cards and a beneficial resume review.

I had my resume critiqued by Billy Brennan, a group manager at Weber Shandwick. Weber Shandwick is a company PRSSA toured the week before, and I was in love with the agency and knew the second I left I wanted to intern with them. However, they require their interns to have at least one other previous internship, which brought my hopes down due to my demanding schedule. While talking with Mr. Brennan, I discussed my predicament regarding my schedule as a resident assistant. I shared that although I am limited on my opportunities to intern, I would love to get experience through volunteering. At the end of our conversation I exchanged business cards with Mr. Brennan, and the event was brought to a close. When I got home from Pro-Am Day, I was ecstatic to have an email from Mr. Brennan. He stated it was a pleasure talking with me at Pro-Am Day, and although I have a limited schedule for internships, he asked that I forward a copy of my resume to him and he would pass it on to the intern committee with a nice note attached. This made me realize just how important

Students attend Pro-Am Day at SLU By Jennifer Ross (PR student, ’ 13 BS)

Jennifer Ross and Billy Brennan at Pro-Am Day

Graduate program optionsBy Colleen Ryan (PR Student, ’13 BS)

Graduation can bring several opportunities and emotions. There is the nervousness of job interviews, anxiety of getting a job and

excitement for the future. When students are thinking about their future goals, they shouldn’t forget about the Speech Communication graduate program. The Speech Communication Department offers a master’s degree with an emphasis in organizational, health or interpersonal communication, and in the near future, public relations. The graduate program can be an option for students wishing to further their education in these specific areas of study. At SIUE, graduate students take classes based on one of the identified tracks. Students can also apply to become a teaching assistant to help fund their graduate studies and gain valuable leadership experience through teaching. Graduate students teach 100-level interpersonal communication or public speaking classes. Alison Knolhoff, currently enrolled in the health communication track, has taught interpersonal communication classes for the past two years. Within these two years, she has gained knowledge and experience that will help her in the future. “Teaching can be a challenge but is very rewarding too, providing great experience and a great way to pay for grad school,” said Knolhoff who has taught over 240 students at SIUE. Students interested in the graduate programs offered in the Speech Communication Department should check the website for more information at www.siue.edu/artsandsciences/spc/graduate/index.shtml.


networking can be in achieving career goals. Although networking is unknown territory to students it is something we can all benefit from. I encourage fellow members to take advantage of opportunities offered through PRSSA. You never know who you are going to meet or impress. Taking the chance to get advice from those in the profession is the best advice we can get at this point in our career.


POW! The SIUE/SPC Chapter of PRSSA knocked out cancer at the SIUE Relay for Life event on April 13. PRSSA members created their first Relay for Life team, The Purple PRoject, and exceeded their $1,500

goal by raising $2,484 for the American Cancer Society–putting them in 2nd place out of 47 participating teams for most funds raised. The Purple PRoject kept the punches rolling all night long winning the Relay for Life Spirit Award! One Spirit Award is given at each Relay for Life nationwide to the team that earns the most spirit bucks. Spirit bucks are given to teams for participating in relay activities, games and fundraisers from the start at 6 p.m. to the end at 6 a.m. Let’s just say The Purple PRoject didn’t sleep a wink! Stacey Howard, PRSSA chapter adviser and Purple PRoject member said, “The Purple PRoject put the SIUE Chapter of PRSSA on the map for Relay for Life. I think exceeding our goal and winning the Spirit Award is a huge accomplishment for our first year and hopefully it will continue to grow each year.” Relay for Life is a life-changing event to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and fight back against cancer. It is a 12-hour event… because cancer never sleeps, so relay participants don’t either. They are up all night, raising awareness and raising funds, and every donation helps to save lives and create more birthdays. The Purple PRoject had a boxing theme to go with the SIUE Relay for Life theme, “Cancer is not a game” with a team motto of, “Prize Fighters Knockout Cancer! It’s no game… cancer is going to kiss the canvas!” As a fundraiser, people could pay $1 to enter a boxing match using inflatable boxing gloves. “I thought the boxing ring fundraiser was a clever idea and gave us all something fun and entertaining to watch throughout the night,” said Isaac Blankson, department chair and Purple PRoject member. Prior to the event, the team raised $2,000 from luminaria sales, friends and family donations, and various fundraisers including selling purple cupcakes, sparkly purple head bands and displaying a purple donation jar at Evergreen Hall. The sparkly head bands were a huge success. Team members hot glued sparkly trim together to create the head bands and sold them for $3 a piece or two for $5. Sales rocketed as some other teams bought in bulk, so that they could have matching head bands the night of the event. Purple PRoject team captain Sarah Rohner said she is extremely proud of exceeding their $1,500 goal. “This is a huge accomplishment for the SIUE chapter of PRSSA. It just shows what PRSSA can do as a team when we work hard for a good cause and add a little spirit!” Rohner has always attended her hometown Relay for Life events with her grandmother, but this is her first time as a team captain. “Everyone has a reason to relay. I relay for my friend who lost her battle with lung cancer, my neighbor who is fighting breast cancer and my grandma who beat colon cancer.” The Purple PRoject will continue their fight to knockout cancer with their spirit and rally for a cure. Cancer’s no game, but if it was, The Purple PRoject would knock it out!

PRize fighters knockout cancerBy Sarah Rohner (PR Student and Purple Project Founder, ’ 13 BS)



The Organizational Communication Student Association has elected new officers, and Anne Donath, the newly elected president, is eager to make this fairly new student organization more active. “I hope to increase recognition of OCSA and exposure for students on campus,” said Donath. “I also hope OCSA can increase Organizational Communication students’ knowledge of the organization and the track by incorporating workshops and guests speakers into our meetings to ensure that graduates understand their expectations in the corporate environment.” OCSA was designed by Megan Harbison, a 2012 Speech Communication graduate, who served as the organization’s inaugural president. Harbison’s goal was to develop a student organization that would help inform students about career opportunities in the corporate and organizational field. The organization provides peer mentoring between students, allows networking opportunities with alumni and gives students the chance to attend conferences pertaining to the organizational communication field. All of these serve as opportunities for students to learn more about the corporate and organizational industry. Involvement with OSCA also looks great on a resume. Harbison said student leaders need to be passionate about advancing OCSA and providing professional development opportunities for its members, and she is confident the newly elected officers will do that. “OCSA needs students who are willing to be a resource for corporate track underclassmen,” said Harbison. “They have to lead by example and that takes commitment.” The new OCSA officers that will be leading the student organization through the 2012-2013 academic year are:President: Anne DonathVice-President: Hope WalkerSecretary: Alphonzo KinnebrewTreasurer: Olivia YoungTechnology Director: Francis Bennett

If you would like more information about OCSA, contact Anne Donath at [email protected] or Dr. Sonia Zamanou-Erickson, faculty adviser, at [email protected].

OCSA elects new officersBy Cassie Hoffman (PR student’13 BS)

In this current economic crisis, we live with a lingering fear for occupational security. Students work hard for a degree in the field of their choice, then can’t help but ask the question, “Now what?” For this reason, some undergraduates in the Speech Communication Department consider graduate school for further training and experience. For those studying in the Speech Communication Department, they also have the opportunity to be a part of a growing student organization known as “COMMraderie.” COMMraderie is a fairly new student organization developed two years ago initially with the intention of receiving student government funding. This organization has since continued to grow in numbers as well as purpose. “COMMraderie exists to provide informational and financial support to speech communication graduate students at SIUE,” says Lauren Spaeth, current member and developer of COMMraderie. “This will be done primarily by hosting informational sessions related to the program and career opportunities, helping students network with current faculty and alumni, and raising funds for students to attend conferences.” Being that this organization is in its growing stages, it provides a rare opportunity for SPC graduate students to gain hands-on experience. Students will not only benefit from what this organization already offers, but also have the opportunity to learn how to make a new organization grow. “There is a lot that can be done with this organization,” says Spaeth, “and we are open to new and creative ideas to making this organization thrive and function appropriately for the department.” Graduate students interested in gaining hands-on experience while working toward their master’s degree should consider joining COMMraderie. For more information about COMMraderie check out their Facebook page or contact Dr. Josie DeGroot-Brown at [email protected].

COMMraderie: Graduate student organization continues to expand

By Rafael Gonzalez (PR student, ’13 BS)


of a person’s name. When you meet someone new, try your best to remember their name and use it. People like to hear their own name; it communicates that you care about them. Remembering their name will also put pressure on them to remember you and your name.” Steward said networking is more than just going to seminars and meeting people. He said to think of it as meeting as many people as you can and providing services to meet their needs. When you help others, they will help

you. Even though Raesly and Steward specialized in the public relations track, their advice is for all students in the Speech Communication Department. Finding a mentor, working with others, networking and building relationships are helpful to all students in any of the communication tracks.

(Insightful advice ... continued from p. 2)


Five ways to survive a tough job market

By Jenna Matzer (PR student, ’12 BS)

Are you a recent college graduate? Having trouble finding a job? Don’t give up and don’t just sit around waiting for that job to come to you. Here are five ways to keep you and your resume active during your job search.1. Apply for an InternshipWhile job searching, you can also build experience by accepting internships. You

continue to increase your professional knowledge, and it shows prospective employers you are staying engaged in the industry. Internships also act as great tools for networking within the industry. Some internships may even pay a small stipend which can help with paying the bills.

The SIUE Chapter of PRSSA is preparing for the 2012 National Conference in San Francisco, Calif., Oct. 12-16. The host chapter, Sacramento State University, will offer professional development sessions, speakers and social media events while sharing their local attractions with participants. Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, will deliver the Sunday keynote presentation, “Open, Informed and Engaged: A Changing Communication Landscape.” Other session topics include Media Training, Breaking into Sports and Facebook: A Virtual Art. Although PRSSA is geared to future PR professionals, students in other disciplines also benefit. “I’m a marketing and management major and I don’t know what I want to do yet, but I knew that PRSSA would give me some insight into the PR field,” said Alex Burkart. Annual membership dues for PRSSA are $70. The fee covers the $50 national dues requirement and $20 to the local chapter. PRSSA uses funds to offset costs for members to participate in professional development opportunities. For example, the executive board attended the PRSSA National Conference last fall in Orlando, Fla., and several other members attended Pro-Am Day held at Saint Louis University this past March. Events like these give students the chance to network with PR professionals and see the different career paths that are offered in the PR world. This organization also provides members with a lot of free professional development at the bi-monthly chapter meetings. Guest speakers attend the meetings and talk to the members on a variety of topics such as media relations, networking, resume writing and more. Another conference highlight to look forward to is the “A Day in the Bay” social. This event will highlight attractions in the San Francisco area, such as Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Union Square. Along with the educational sessions, Sacramento State University wants everyone to be able to experience popular bay attractions. The conference is taking place at the Westin San Francisco Market Street, located near historical sites, shopping and an exciting night life, making it easy for members to enjoy all the conference and the city has to offer. PRSSA members interested in attending the conference should contact Stacey Howard, SIUE chapter adviser, regarding summer fundraising initiatives. Members won’t want to miss this opportunity to “Bridge the Gap” so make plans now to attend National Conference 2012!

The city by the Bay to welcome SIUE Chapter of PRSSA in 2012By Natalie Pitzer (PR student, ’13 BS)

2. Support your alma materIt is advantageous as alumni to keep active in the campus organizations you were involved in while in school. This allows you to keep busy and to enhance your professional networks by building relationships among your peers. 3. Volunteer in your communityThere are plenty of community service opportunities available. Non-profits have also felt the pinch of this down economy, and they rely on volunteer support now more than ever. Volunteering for your favorite organization gives you experience, shows commitment to civic involvement and it is a great way to network.4. Engage in professional developmentTaking advantage of professional development services and opportunities will also help you in your job search. Many local Chambers of Commerce and professional organizations like Public Relations Society of America offer free workshops, webinars and networking events. You can also visit the SIUE Career Development Center for


(continue on p.9)

The Communicator - The Department of Speech Communication Newsletter, Spring 2012 p. 8


A glimps of the spring 2012 senior projects

The Opal’s House/Speech Comm group recognized for outsanding project.

Power Communication group partnered with the Edwardsville YMCA to put together Healthy Kids Day.

Spotlight Communications collaborated with the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois to raise awareness

of volunteer opportunities.

Star PR helped the Complex Youth Center in Granite City, Ill. increase its visibility in the community.

Gem Communication worked with the Covering House of St. Louis, Mo. to bring more attention to

victims of sex trafficking.

Global Inc. assisted the Main Street Community Center in Edwardsville, Ill. in launching a new program aimed at celebrating ethnic diversity.

Group collaborated with Madison County Juvenile Detention Center to develop training and development

modules for at-risk youth.

Group developed a needs assessment and training module for Challenge Unlimited Inc.

Mark PR group worked with Department of Speech Communication to bring together students, faculty and alumni for the annual “An Evening with Speech

Communication.”

Interpersonal Communication group after senior project presentations

Seniors take a pose after senior project presentations.


To contribute to this newsletter send your articles to:

Stacey Howard ([email protected]) orIsaac Blankson ([email protected])

Join the Speech Communication Dept. Facebook group at:http://www.facebook.com/groups/178569794039/

Newsletter Editorial Board

Danielle ParmenterExecutive Director

Abigail DelehantyGraphic Designer

Ashlyn BrammierCopy Editor

Sarah RohnerCopy Editor

Jazmine WadeCopy Editor

Stacey HowardFaculty Adviser


additional ideas.5. Do freelance work Many college graduates are unfamiliar with freelance work. Freelance work shows that you take initiative and looks great on a resume. Offer to work on social media for a company by setting up a Twitter account, write website content for a company or offer to be a guest blogger. “I created a Twitter account for Pottery Hollow, a local family-owned business that enhances creativity through painting,” said Jennifer Ross, a current speech communication student. “Volunteering gives me the opportunity to improve my technology skills as well as my communication skills.” These simple tips encourage independence while generating leadership skills and experience. If you are beginning your job search, give these tips a try and you’ll be on the road to a happy and successful career as SIUE alumni.

(Five ways to survive ...continued from p. 7)SPC department honors outstanding students

Every year, the Department of Speech Communication recognizes deserving students with a variety of awards. The AY 2011/12 award recipients are: Darcy Hahn - Communication Award (to undergraduate student for outstanding academic performance and service to the department)Kristen Bilyeu - David B. Valley Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (exhibiting outstanding teaching skills and scholarship)Kimberlee Runnion - Robert B. Hawkins Graduate Award (to a graduate student for outstanding academic performance, participation in outside activities, creativity and service to the department)Danielle Parmenter - John W. & Eva M. Morgan Award (to an undergraduate student for outstanding academic performance and participation to the field of Speech Communication)Nathan Biggerstaff - Speech Communication Mentorship Award (for outstanding mentoring of both graduate and undergraduate students)

Nine students were initiated into the prestigious national communication honor society, Lambda Pi Eta for “acheiving a high level of academic excellence.” The 2012 initiates include:

Colleen TepattiJennifer BrownJulian GloverEmily RagusaAlphonzo KinnebrewAbigail ErnstAnne DonathJoy FureyLaynie Richardson

We wish you continued success.

L to R - Darcy, Kimberlee, Danielle, Kristen, Dr. Blankson. Nathan not in picture

Inductees - Abigail, Joy, Anne & Colleen

the communicator - siuedr. sarah vanslette, assistant professor, will be teaching spc 419 social...

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