CST News

 

Fall 2012 News

Fundraisers Rock!

A fundraiser for RAQ Radio was held at the Root Note on Nov. 29. Chancellor Joe Gow’s band, the FurLow Riders, was the highlight of the evening. A raffle with prizes donated by Jimbo’s Guitar, Leithold Music, Howie’s Bar & Restaurant, Cost Cutters and Iguana’s helped raise funds, along with a donation bucket that was passed among the festive crowd throughout the evening. A total of $190 was raised that will go toward the operation of the student-run station.

The first 2012 Coulee Region Chili Challenge was held on Saturday, December 1, at the Eagle’s Nest. There were eleven challengers, including: La Crosse Auto 5000, Vanguards, UW-L Track Team, and Communication Studies Professor Tony Docan-Morgan. The event was so well attended that many challengers ran out of chili before 8:00pm. Tim Alberts, owner of the Eagles’s Nest and a communication studies alumnus, was instrumental in making the event a roaring success. Over $500 was raised for the Coulee Region Humane Society and RAQ radio.

Fall Senior Projects

Students taking CST 499: Senior Project in Communication Studies have conducted original scholarly research projects investigating communication topics of interest. Examples of student projects during Fall 2012 include: Sadie Tennessen's "Family Storytelling in Homeless Families," Jamal Anwar's "An Exploration of the Effect of New Media in Long Distance Romantic Relationships," Elizabeth Kramer's "Let's Talk about Bullying: A Study of Lay Theories of Bullyingand," and Andrew Olson's "Projecting Sustainability: Environmental Rhetoric in Oil-Company Advertisements." Click here to see a full list of their projects.

Health Communication (CST 354) Students Connect with Mayo Clinic

Chelsea Hodgins, CST major, tries out one of the alternative healing energy methods at the Health Communication tour at Mayo Clinic Integrative Services. Students learned about acupuncture, energy fields, chakras, and chi.

The CST Department Welcomes New Faculty

Three new faculty members join the CST Department this Fall! Masa

Dr. Masa Yamamoto comes to UW-La Crosse to fill a position in New Media. One of his current areas of research focuses on the role of local mass media in building a safe and healthy community. Dr. Yamamoto explores how local mass media foster the social control capacity of a community, such as social norms and organizational participation, in relation to between-community differences in crime, incivilities, and substance abuse. A second line of research centers on social media in terms of civil and political participation. He is teaching Contemporary Media in Everyday Life (CST 271) and Communicating Effectively (CST 110).

PamelaDr. Pamela Morris comes to a position in New Media after studying and teaching at the Brian Lamb School of Communication at Purdue University. Her educational background also includes degrees in Computer and Information Science. Dr. Morris’s research and teaching address issues of the design and uses of computer-based communication technologies to organizational contexts. Her work explores the way in which technology, as it is socially constructed, influences organizational communication practices, particularly in technical contexts such as virtual work, software engineering, and scientific teams. She is teaching Contemporary Media in Everyday Life (CST 271) and Communicating Effectively (CST 110).

KristaDr. Krista Belanger is a critical organizational teacher-scholar, specializing in issues of work and family within small family businesses. Her research attempts to complicate traditional notions of balance and separation by offering alternative metaphors and ways of thinking about the work-family interrelationship. In many contemporary working conditions, particularly in situations in which family members are working together alongside non-family employees, individuals are strategically separating and integrating work and family which leads to the need for alternate discourses that recognize complexity, fluidity, ambiguity, and simultaneity. Krista has been teaching in the communication discipline for 10 years and enjoys working with all kinds of students who are interested in studying communication. She is currenlty teaching Professional Communication (CST 260) and Organizational Communication (CST 350).

News from the Broadcast and Digital Communication Emphasis Area


Megan Glidden Receives WBA Student Awards for Excellence: Megan Glidden received a Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Student Awards for Excellence for her video produced for the Coulee Region Humane Society Telethon. The award-winning video highlights Fergie, a pitbull, that was abused and found a loving home with Allie Benish. The WBA Student Awards program recognizes outstanding achievement by radio and TV students enrolled in a postsecondary school in Wisconsin. See her video below.

 


Sean Mobley's "Francis Scott Key and the Defense of Fort McHenry": The CST Department congratulates Sean Mobley! His UW-L Grant-funded documentary, "Francis Scott Key and the Defense of Fort McHenry" won the 2012 NATAS - Upper Midwest Chapter Student Achievement Award in the Arts & Entertainment/Cultural Affairs category. The NATAS is the organization that puts on the Emmy awards each year. The Communication Studies Department will be receiving a Crystal Pillar Award to commemorate this honor. You can see the video and information on the award at the NATAS website.

 

Spring 2012 News

News from the Broadcast and Digital Communication Emphasis Area


Video Production Class Produces Weekly Newscast: Dr. Pat Turner’s Advanced Video Production class is producing a weekly 30-minute newscast, “News Update,” that airs on KQEG/ION (Charter 5 & CenturyTel 4) on Saturday mornings at 11:00am. In addition, the class is working on “Inside La Crosse,” a 60-minute PM format program, that will air in late May or early June on KQEG/ION. Class members are Brett Bailey, Chance Dickman, Aaron Engstrand, Jordy Foy, Callie Frank, Cole Gallagher, Megan Glidden, Zach Hansen, Elizabeth Kramer, Tyrell Luebker, Emily Marotz, Van Ngo, Braden Schrupp, Angela Spagnoli, Mike Stein, Summer Steiner, and Drew White.



RMP Seminar a Success: The Radio Marketing Professional (RMP) Certification Seminar was held on Tues., 3/20, & Thurs., 3/22. Ken Beno, chair of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Education Committee, conducted the seminar. There were over 20 students who attended and received RMP certification. The seminar is endorsed by the Radio Broadcasting Bureau.

Faculty, Staff, and Student Success

Congratulations to Thomas Reader, Kristyn Emmer, and Mackenzie Hautala! These students were recognized at the CLS Celebration of Excellence event for their successes. Congrats are also in order for the other student nominees--Kelsie Bolz, Ashley Przedwiecki, and Sarah Wilcox.

Congratulations are also in order for Dr. Scott Dickmeyer, Dr. Dena Huisman, Dr. Sara Docan-Morgan, Dr. Tony Docan-Morgan, and Dr. Dan Modaff. They were recognized by students in residence life for their care and contributions to UWL. This honor is with the National Residence Hall Honorary.

Ayesha Patnaik has been promoted from Associate Lecturer to Lecturer and Dr. Jim Putz has been promoted from Senior Lecturer to Distinguished Lecturer. Dr. Tony Docan-Morgan has been promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor. Their new titles take effect Fall 2012.

 

Fall 2011 News

Coulee Region Humane Society Telethon a Success

The 13th Annual Coulee Region Humane Society Telethon raised over $5,400 and more than $500 dollars in supplies. The majority of the monetary donations pledged during the telethon were for $100 or more. Many of the donations were given on behalf of viewers’ pets. The telethon aired Sat., Nov. 19, live on KQEG/ION Channel 23, campus channel 6 and Charter Cable channels 5 & digital 989 from 7 to 10 p.m. Rick Wilson, KQEG, and Carrie Vick, Communication Studies student, hosted the event. Chris Zobin worked the tote board, along with Drew White, Angela Spagnoli, & Courtney Zahn. Each took turns rotating between the tote board and phone bank. Allison Garkovich was the lead person on the phone bank.

Many Communication Studies students were instrumental in making this year’s event a success. Students, who assisted with the airing of this event, were Sean Mobley (director); Cole Gallagher (technical director); Chance Dickman (CG); Zach Hansen (Cayman); Nabeel Deane, Shahad Jan, and Luke Prescott (cameras); Sean Mobley (lighting); Jessica Anderson (audio); Van Ngo and Ryan Pomerening (floor directors); Abby Schyvinch (teleprompter); Chris Chard (computer graphics designer); Joe Etten (video technician); Anna Fein, Jordy Foy, & Tyrell Luebbker (video operators); Ashley Cary, Katy Coon, Aaron Engstrand , Megan Glidden, Chelsea Hodgins, Nick Rytilahti, Mikayla Smith, & Mike Wolf (line producers). Students, from Pat Turner’s CST 376 Remote Video Operations class, produced videos that aired throughout the telethon. In addition, the class was instrumental in getting coupon donations and other donations from the La Crosse business community before the telethon went on the air. Carrie Vick was instrumental in organizing the successful fundraising campaign, along with the help of Jordy Foy and Mike Wolf.

For more info, contact Dr. Pat Turner, Communication Studies at 608.785.8369.

 

Health Communication (CST 354) Students Run Campaigns and Connect with Mayo Clinic

Dr. Cheri Niedzwiecki's Health Communication students are actively running campaigns to promote health awareness. Below left, her students focus their project on breast cancer awareness. Other groups running their health promotion campaigns include Nutrition on Nov. 9 in Cartwright Center 12-2 p.m., Be Wise--Exercise on Nov. 15 in Whitney Center 4-7 p.m., Autism will show the film "Temple Grandin" at 9 p.m. in Drake Hall on Nov. 28, and Stress Management on Dec. 2 in Port o' Call 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Students also toured Mayo Clinic's Center for Health & Healing in Onalaska to learn about alternative forms of medical treatment firsthand. On the table is CST student, Scott Schell who is experiencing one of the energy treatments with Judy Aufenthie, Health & Healing Coordinator.

 

Two CST Faculty Members Honored

Dr. Linda Dickmeyer and Dr. Scott Dickmeyer were honored by the Department of Communication Studies at Minnesota State University-Mankato and selected to give the 2011-2012 Nadine B. Andreas Lecture. The title of their talk was "It's complicated: The not-so-natural way to effective communication." Congratulations!

 

Event Promotes Communication about End-of-Life Decisions

More than 250 people attended a film screening and panel discussion about communication regarding end of life issues, coordinated by Dr. Michael Tollefson. Filmmakers Mike Bernhagen and Terry Kaldhusdal presented Consider the Conversation: A Documentary Film on Oct. 19 on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus. Following the film Bernhagen conducted a panel discussion with Kaldhusdal and area end-of-life experts in fields including medical ethics, sociology, and religion. For more information about the event, contact Dr. Michael Tollefson at mtollefson2@uwlax.edu or (608) 785-4211. For more about the film and its creators, visit the website: http://www.considertheconversation.org/about/mike

 

The Communication Studies Department is Now Located in Centennial Hall

The Communication Studies Department is now located in the newly built Centennial Hall. The building is located at the center of campus and is home to 44 classrooms, 2 auditoriums, multiple academic departments, Career Services, the Academic Advising Center, and much more. Read more about fast facts, the floorplan, and the courtyard memorial pictured below.

in Spain for a Month of Learning about Communication and Culture

Located in the heart of Seville, students will take classes at the CEA Global Campus near the Royal Alcazar Palace. Students can enroll in two 300-level Communication Studies Courses for a total of six credits, or earn credits towards independent study. For more info, click here or see the UWL Summer in Seville Facebook page.

Fall 2011

Senior Project Presentations

Student taking CST 499: Senior Project in Communication Studies have conducted original scholarly research projects investigating communication topics of interest. Examples of student projects during Fall 2011 include Allison Garkovich's "From the Hardwood to the Gridiron: A Qualitative Study of Women in the Field of Sports," Clara Johnson's "Student Association: An Evaluation of Organizational Reputation," and Kailey Charlton's "A Qualitative Analysis of Website Use by Small Local Businesses." Click here to find the schedule of presentations.

Comm Club Happenings - Come Join Us

On Tuesday, September 20th, Communication Club President Mackenzie Hautala convened the first meeting of the school year with almost 40 students in attendance. Vice President Kristin Riniker discussed volunteer opportunities while Membership coordinator Ashley Santolin and Public Relations coordinator Zach Iler discussed membership requirements and how to find Comm Club on their newly launched Facebook page. New members are welcome and encouraged to attend the next meeting, which will be October 4th at 6PM in Centennial Hall 2102 with special guest speaker Chancellor Joe Gow. You can also find information on the organization at their website.

 

Did You Miss the "All Majors Meeting"?

The "All Majors Meeting" was held on September 15, and included introductions of CST faculty and staff, introductions to all our student organizations and clubs, catalog/course/advising updates, and more. If you missed the meeting, click here to see it on video.

 

Spring 2011 News

Senior Project Presentations: Come Join Us!

Students taking CST 499: Senior Project in Communication Studies will be presenting their research between May 9 (Monday) and May 12 (Thursday). Each student has conducted an original scholarly research project investigating a communication topic of interest. Examples of student projects include Nathan Schorr's "Using Nonverbal Communication to Manage Relationships with Youth," Sarah Curry's "The Use of Social Networking Site Profiles as a Factor in Hiring Decisions," and Yuhan Luo's "The Role Blogs Play in the Chinese Mass Media."

Click here to find the schedule of presentations.

College of Liberal Studies Awards for 2011

CST department chair, Dr. Linda Dickmeyer (pictured below), received the CLS Faculty Recognition of Excellence Award for Teaching. According to the newsletter of the UW-L College of Liberal Studies, "Dr. Dickmeyer has been a member of the Communication Studies Department since 2000. Students recognize Dr. Dickmeyer as an innovative and dedicated teacher who cares about their academic and personal successes. She maintains SEI scores that average 4.8-4.9 out of 5. Dr. Dickmeyer has been instrumental in advancing undergraduate research locally, regionally and nationally. She advises 15-30 individual CST student research projects per year, has been recognized for outstanding service four times in the last five years for planning the Undergraduate Honors Research Conference for the Central States Communication Conference, has national publications and conference presentations about undergraduate research and pedagogy, and was an active planner and promoter when UWL hosted the National Council on Undergraduate Research conference. As Department Chair, she continues to engage students both inside and outside the classroom. The following statement summarizes Linda’s contributions: 'Linda pushes us to the best we can be, all while be-ing there as a mentor, a counselor, and a friend.'"

Undergraduate student Katy Christensen received the John E. Magerus Award. Sean Mobley and Kacey Persson, both undergraduates, were recognized for their achievements.

Faculty Publish Textbook on Organizational Communication

CST faculty members Dr. Dan Modaff and Dr. Jennifer Butler Modaff, along with Sue DeWine (Hanover College), published Organizational Communication: Foundations, Challenges, and Misunderstandings (3rd ed.). The text explores organizational communication from the perspective of all organizational members, not just management, utilizing interviews to evaluate communication and misunderstandings.

CST Undergraduate Research @ Central States Communication Studies Conference

Ten CST students presented their work at the Central States Communication Studies Conference (CSCA) as part of the Undergraduate Research Honors Conference in Milwaukee, WI April 8-9, 2011. Dr. Linda Dickmeyer planned the conference with the assistance of undergraduate students James Bushman and Peter Van Ess. The following students presented their research at the conference:

  • Katy Christensen: "Breaking the Silence: Selective Mutism and its Treatment in the School Setting." She also received a 2010 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Undergraduate Research Grant for her project and will showcase her project at the 2011 UW-La Crosse Celebration of Student Research and Creativity.
  • Aiyana Bloome: “Short Courtship and Early Marriage In the Military.” She also received a 2010 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Undergraduate Research Grant for her project.
  • Maria G. Hodkiewicz: “An Exploration of Mother Daughter Food and Nutrition Messages and Eating Patterns.” Maria’s paper will be awarded as a “Top Paper.”
  • Peter Van Ess: “Elaboration Likelihood Model Examination of Image Framing in Non-Profit Advertisements”
  • Kate Slisz: “A Qualitative Study to Understand the Influence The L-Word has on the Formation of Queer Identity”
  • Melissa Clawson: “Green Products—Comparing Intent with Purchase and Use”
  • Greg Roskos: "I Want You To Want Me: Examining Sexual Initiation Patterns in Heterosexual Relationships"
  • Katy Christensen, Mackenzie Hautala, Kacey Persson, Greg Roskos, and Janelle Woggon will take part in a panel titled, “Putting Honors Students to Work: The Role of Undergraduates in Building a Sense of Home in the Department.” The panel is organized and lead by Professors Dena Huisman and Ayesha Patnaik.

CST faculty members served as chairs and respondents at the conference, including Dr. Linda Dickmeyer, Dr. Dena Huisman, Dr. Jennifer Butler Modaff, Dr. Dan Modaff, Ayesha Patnaik, Dr. Ronda Leahy, and Dr. Michael Tollefson. The Undergraduate Research Honors Conference program can be downloaded here.

CST Students Receive Awards

Nicolaas van Oss and Kate Slisz are the recipients of the 2011 Murphy Awards for Academic Excellence. The Murphy Awards for Academic Excellence recognize the university's top two graduating scholars. Kate and Nicolaas will be recognized along with four other students and four disntinguished alumni at the UW-L Alumni Awards Reception and Ceremony Friday, May 13. To attend the event, register here.

 

Recent CST alum Angela Swenson (pictured right) was a "Top Paper Award Winner" at the 20th Annual Undergraduate Communication Research Conference sponsored by the Department of Communication and Journalism at the University of St. Thomas. Her paper was titled, “You make My Heart Beat Faster: A Quantitative Study of the Relationship between Instructor Immediacy, Classroom Communication, and Public Speaking Anxiety.” Angela will be attending Marquette University for graduate school and will serve as a TA.

 

The following CST students received the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Student Awards for Excellence for video productions they produced. They competed with other students from UW schools throughout the state, including technical colleges. The recipients include:

Sean Mobley - third place in News Series/Documentary (TV) category for "Francis Scott Key and the Defense of Fort McHenry." View below:

Sean Mobley - third place in Public Affairs/Talk Show (TV) category for "Goodbye, Julia"

James Bushman & Sean Mobley - second place in Promo/PSA/Commercial (TV) for "Hero of Alexandria," an informational short about one of Ancient Rome's most underappreciated inventor.

In addition, James Bushman received a $2,000 scholarship from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation. The foundation awards only two $2,000 scholarships and two $1,000 scholarships yearly to students at 4-year public or private colleges/universities and 2-year Wisconsin Technical College.

Recent Faculty Research Endeavors

On January 21, Dr. Dena Huisman and Heike Flood presented their research at UW-L Faculty Research Day. With funding from a UW-L Faculty Research Grant, Heike and Dena interviewed German immigrants and their families about their experiences blending and managing their dual German American identities through everyday family communication. They found that rituals, language, and connections across families were an important means of maintaining a long-term German American family identity.

Dr. Tony Docan-Morgan published an article in Communication Education titled, "'Everything changed": Relational turning point events in college teacher-student relationships from teachers’ perspectives" (2011, Volume 60, 20-50). He also launched RelationalTurningPoints.org, which offers teachers and students tools to facilitate relationships.

 

Fall 2010

Senior Project Presentations: Come Join Us!

Students taking CST 499: Senior Project in Communication Studies will be presenting their research between December 17 (Friday) and December 20 (Monday). Each student has conducted an original scholarly research project investigating a communication topic of interest. Examples of student projects include Amy Knutson’s “A Survey of Father-Daughter Affection and Perceived Relationship Closeness,” Angela Swenson’s “You Make My Heart Beat Faster: A Look at Public Speaking Anxiety,” and Pa Moua-Yang’s “Hmong Parent Communication with Young Adult Children About Life After Death.” Click here to find the schedule of presentations.

 

Coulee Region Humane Society Telethon a Success

The 12th Annual Coulee Region Humane Society Telethon raised over $5,500. Many of the donations were given in memory of the viewers’ pets. The telethon aired Sat., Nov. 20, live on KQEG/ION Channel 23, campus channel 6 and Charter Cable channels 5, 96 & digital 989 from 7 to 10 p.m. Rick Wilson, KQEG, hosted the event, along with Communication Studies students Katie Cerniglia and Kacey Persson. Chris Zobin was on the tote board. Many Communication Studies students were instrumental in making this year’s event a success. Students, who assisted with the airing of this event, were James Bushman (director); Ashley Deleeuw, Liz Kramer, and Pa Moua-Yang (phone bank); Andi Turtenwald (CG); Shahad Jan, Nabeel Deane, and Drew White (cameras); Sean Mobley (lighting); Jimmy Esch (audio); Adam Smith (technical director); Allison Garkovich and Zach Timmons (floor directors); Yuhan Luo (photographer and teleprompter); Chris Chard (computer graphics designer); Kathryn Martin (video operator); Ashley Cary, Chance Dickman, Shaynan Holen, Corissa Raska, and Alanna Trost (line producers). Zach Dickmeyer also assisted as a line producer helping usher in pets up for adoption and guests.

 

CST Faculty Member in the News and Publishes Work

Dr. Sara Docan-Morgan was interviwed by and quoted in LiveScience. Click here to see the article. In the interview, she draws from her recenlty published reserch in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (2010, Volume 10, Issue 3, pages 137-157) titled, "'They don’t know what it’s like to be in my shoes’': Topic avoidance about race in transracially adoptive families." Dr. Docan-Morgan also published an article in the Journal of Family Communication (2010, Volume 10, Issue 3, pages 137-157) titled, "Korean Adoptees' Retrospective Reports of Intrusive Interactions: Exploring Boundary Management in Adoptive Families.

Dr. Docan-Morgan has also been awarded a Faculty Diversity Research Award through the UW System's Institute on Race and Ethnicity. This award provides full release time from teaching and service responsibilities for one semester, as well as research support funds. Dr. Docan-Morgan will use her award in the spring of 2011. Dr. Kathleen Galvin of Northwestern University will serve as her research mentor.

CST Chair, Dr. Linda Dickmeyer, is Honored as an "Everyday Hero" by WKBT Channel 8

Dr. Linda Dickmeyer is the September Everyday Hero. WKBT Channel 8 reports that "Linda's students describe her as someone who is willing to go above and beyond the requirements of her job. Her students say she pushes them to the best they can be, all while being there as a mentor, a counselor and a friend."

Read more at WKBT.

Students' Health Communication Campaigns Bring Awareness to Issues

 

Maren Kallous and Annie Engmark, students in Dr. Niedzwiecki's Health Communication class (CST 354), share information at their HPV Prevention booth in Cartwright Center. The booth was part of their campaign on HPV. Other student campagains addressed nutrition, eating disorders, sleep deprivation, stress, depression, healthly relationships, and beauty and self esteem.

 

 

Dr. Jim Putz (far right) took part on a panel of cancer patients for the radiation therapy students' Health Communication campaign. The rest of the panel were breast cancer patients from the Living in Pink Support Group at Gundersen Lutheran.

 

The Communication Studies Department welcomes two new faculty members!

Dr. Jennifer Butler Modaff (pictured left) specializes in organizational communication, interpersonal communication, and gender studies. She is teaching Organizational Communication (CST 350) and Research Methods in Communication Studies (CST 498) in the Fall.

Dr. Dan Modaff (pictured right) specializes in organizational communication, public speaking, interviewing, and Lakota traditions, culture, and communication. He is teaching Professional Communication (CST 260) in the Fall.

 

 

Spring 2010 News

  • Dr. Cheri Niedzwiecki and her Advanced Interpersonal Communication class with graduating seniors celebrate the end of the school year!
  • Heike Flood, Associate Lecturer in Communication Studies, is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Keiser University, Florida.
  • 2010 Central States Communication Association conference in Cincinnati: Dr. Linda Dickmeyer and her coauthor, Donna Pawlowski, presented their research, "Service-learning in public and private university missions: Students' perceptions and reflections." They were awarded a top paper in the Instructional Resources division. Dr. Dena Huisman presented on a panel titled, "'I’m not racist, but...': Addressing Diversity and resistance in the college classroom" andpresenting "Engaging Pride and Prejudice in interpersonal communication." Dr. Dena Huisman and Dr. Michael Tollefson shared their recent research, "The dog ate my paper: A content analysis of student compliance-gaining strategies." Dr. Linda Dickmeyer was also the planner for the Undergraduate Honors Research Conference. Greg Roskos, a Communication Studies major, presented a poster at the Central States Communication Association conference. Sarah Palzer presented her senior project on a special "Distinguished Papers" panel at the conference. Click here for more information and pictures.

  • CST Students Present Their Research and Receive Awards

    Two Communication Studies majors were awarded University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Undergraduate Research Grants. These grants are highly competitive. Katy Christensen received a grant for her project, "Breaking the Silence: Selective Mutism and its Treatment in the School Setting." Maren Kallaus received a grant for her project, "An Explanation of how Hmong Immigrant Parents Communicate with First Generation Teenagers about Health Behaviors." Congratulations, Katy and Maren!

    Four CST students presented their research at the 2010 UW-La Crosse Celebration of Student Researchand Creativity. Pictured to the right: Sara Donahoe, faculty mentor Dr. Tony Docan-Morgan, Krista Hagman, and Rawan Albenjabi presented their research titled, "Nonverbal Expectancy Violations in Intercultural Interactions: A Survey of Hmong, Saudi Arabians, and White Americans." Josef Simon presented his senior project research, "Transformational Leadership and Outdoor Recreation."

    Rawan Albenjabi, a Communication Studies major, is the recipient of the 2010 International Student Academic Excellence Award. CST students Rachel Lange, Sarah Palzer, and Greg Roskos received honors at the CLS Recognition of Excellence.

  • UW-L held a Grief Support Gathering March 22 to help the campus community grieve the loss of Julia Sumnicht, a Communication Studies major, who died unexpectedly during spring break. Read more here. UW-L held memorial for Julia April 22 at 8:01 pm.

Fall 2009 News

  • Dr. Linda Dickmeyer has been named Chair of the Communication Studies Department. Congratulations, Dr. Linda Dickmeyer!
  • Dr. Sara Docan-Morgan was honored by the ALANA (Asian Latina African Native American) Women's organization as a Phenomenal Woman. She received her award/recognition at the Phenomenal Women ceremony on November 5.
  • Five faculty members presented research at the 2009 National Communication Association conference in Chicago. Linda Dickmeyer and Dena Huisman presented on a panel titled, "Healthy minds, healthy families: The social and communicative nature of coping with mental and emotional illnesses." Scott Dickmeyer presented two papers in the Training and Development Division, including "The Case of Hiring for the Future: Using of Training and Development as a Tool for Organizational Change" and "Case #3: Be Careful What you Wish for: Lessons Learned Constructing Communication Training Programs." Sara Docan-Morgan presented a paper titled, "Korean Adoptees’ Reports of Intrusive Interactions: Exploring Boundary Management in Families." Tony Docan-Morgan presented his reseach, "Relational Turning Point Events and their Outcomes in College Teacher-Student Relationships from Students’ Perspectives."

 

  • Dr. Cheri Niedzwiecki had CST alumni and students talk about their experiences with parenting in her Family Communication course.
    • Far right picture: Sara Havener, Lindsay and Josh Golackson, Gretchen Maas with her baby, Abram.

    •  

    • To the right: Brad and Anne (a CST alumni) holding Lainey.

    • Above: Gretchen Maas (CST alum) with Abram

Spring 2009 News

  • Dr. James Putz Receives 2009 Murphy Award. Click here to learn more.

 

  • Student video podcasts: Joseph van Oss had his students in Computer Mediated Communication create video podcasts. Students were given wide latitude to explore the intersection of their CST emphasis area with CMC. For instance, Public Relations & Organizational Communication students explored public relations in the realm of CMC by interviewing Susan Schuyler, Cary Heyer, and Chancellor Joe Gow. Other teams reported on Web 2.0's impact on Interpersonal Comm issues and the changing world of news. Check out the students' work as part of their online portfolios.
  • Lacey Frederick and DeAndre Taylor, both Communication Studies majors, received 2009 College of Liberal Studies Excellence Awards. Job well done, Lacey and DeAndre!