News & events

AWC names Matsukawa Communicator of the Year

Lori Matsukawa ('96) was named 2009 Communicator of the Year by the Seattle professional chapter of the Association for Women in Communications (AWC). Matsukawa received the award at the AWC’s National Conference in Seattle.

The KING 5 co-anchor earned her master's degree from the Department and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University. She was inducted into the Department of Communication Alumni Hall of Fame in 2005.

Gregoire appoints Harrell to UW Board of Regents

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced on Oct. 8 the appointment of Joanne Harrell to the University of Washington Board of Regents. Harrell is the chief of staff for the Original Equipment Manufacturing division at Microsoft, where she has worked for the past eight years.

Harrell will be inducted into the UW Department of Communication Hall of Fame on Oct. 29.

“Joanne brings an extensive history of service to this position,” Gregoire said. “Not only is her career experience impressive, her willingness to give back to her community is admirable. I know Joanne will add additional leadership to the board of regents, and will serve her alma mater well.”

Harrell graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. She later earned a Master of Business Administration in marketing at the Foster School of Business before being appointed trustee at UW’s Evans School of Public Affairs.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the University of Washington, as well as all Washington state citizens,” Harrell said. “This is a rare opportunity to give back to my alma mater — which gave me so much, and work with an impressive team to further improve our state’s higher education system.”

Harrell has extensive experience in both the high-tech and nonprofit sectors. Before joining Microsoft, she was senior vice president at InfoSpace in Bellevue, and vice president and chief executive officer at US West Communications. Harrell is also a past president and chief executive officer at United Way of King County.

Harrell has received top recognition for her career and philanthropic accomplishments. She’s been recognized by both Telephony Magazine and Ebony Magazine for her business achievements. In 2007, she received Seattle’s “Women of Achievement Award.”

Harrell’s appointment is effective Oct. 16.

Posted: 10.9.09

Journalist turned novelist at U Bookstore Oct. 7

Author Sibella Giorello ('89) will join UW Communication Prof. Doug Underwood at the University Bookstore on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. Underwood recently published the book, Journalism and the Novel: Truth and Fiction, 1700-2000, which examines the journalists who have gone on to become famous novelists.

Giorello is the first of Underwood's students who has put what he has studied into practice. She recently published two mystery novels, The Rivers Run Dry and The Stones Cry Out, after graduating as a journalism student from the UW in 1989 and working as a reporter for the Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch.

Underwood will discuss the traditions that connect journalistic to novel writing, and why it is that so many journalists have aspired to fiction writing careers. Giorello will discuss what it has been like to go from being a student journalist to a reporter covering police and FBI matters to a novelist who has used her journalism background and knowledge of criminal forensics to fashion her detective novels.

Her second novel, The Rivers Run Dry, is set in the Seattle area and features her FBI agent-protagonist, Raleigh Harmon, who debuted in her first novel and has just been transferred from Richmond (the scene of The Stones Cry Out).

Virtual museum wins King County grant

King County 4Culture recently awarded a grant of $4,000 to MCDM graduate Vaun Raymond for work on his Lake Union Virtual Museum, a multimedia history website. Raymond established this website as a final project in the MCDM program, with help from advisors Kathy Gill and Hanson Hosein, in the fall of 2008.

Raymond’s virtual museum consists of 16 web pages, and includes exhibits about Gasworks Park, houseboats, boatbuilding and the lake’s native Duwamish people. Each exhibit includes a short HD documentary video, text stories, archival images and displays of artifacts, in a format designed to emulate the experience of visiting a physical museum.

The 4Culture grant will allow Raymond to develop new exhibits, including the story of Lake Union’s role in Seattle’s first world’s fair: the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909. Raymond began work on this new exhibit in July by taping an extensive video interview with historian Paula Becker of Historylink.org, who co-authored the definitive timeline history book about the AYPE, published this year.

Jenni Hogan part of Seafair broadcast team

Jenni Hogan (2000) joins the Seafair hydroplane broadcast team this year in the hydro pits with Steve Raible, Angela Russell, and Guaard Swanson. Her biggest broadcast will be Seafair Sunday for 8 hours of on-air action.

Posted: 07.20.09

David "Wiz" Mazzeo releases album

David Mazzeo ('04) has been a hip-hop artist for the past 12 years under the stage name Wizdom. His latest album, "Music: Soul of the Man," is out now and available for download at wizdomsound.com and www.myspace.com/wizdom.

"Wizdom has prided himself on hard work and perseverance. These principles have granted him accolades on the West Coast, with special recognition in the Seattle area. It's only a matter of time before the Seattle MC's infectious flow blows up the hip-hop market." — Elliott Townsend of Urb Magazine's Next 1000

Posted: 07.20.09

Journalism grad writing for International Examiner

Nina Huang ('08), a recent journalism grad, is a frequent contributor to the International Examiner. Her most recent article appeared in the June 17-30, 2009, edition. Read some of her work >>

The Power of Mentoring

Communication undergrad Kim Kelly recently started work at 4th Avenue Media, an advertising agency started by alumnus Lucas Mack ('04) and Robin Ernst ('05). Kelly met Mack at a mentor lunch he hosted for the department. He looks forward to hiring more UW students as the company grows. 4th Ave Media is an advertising agency that focuses on helping local businesses make the most of their marketing dollars. Watch a video about 4th Avenue Media >>

Posted: 7.2.09

My Tam Nguyen completes Leadership Tomorrow

On June 23, 2009, My Tam Nguyen (’06) and 79 of her colleagues graduated from the 26th Leadership Tomorrow class at Woodland Park Zoo. Leadership Tomorrow is a regional servant leadership program bridging the public, private, and nonprivate sectors, sponsored by the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Some have described it as an intense condensed MPA with the area's best, brightest movers and shakers to improve our region and to incubate compassionate, well-informed, connected leaders. My Tam reports that for her the experience was also "…an opportunity to make 79 new friends and to learn from their collective wisdom."

Posted: 7.2.09

Ron Chew writes about home decorating

Ron Chew ('02) wrote a column for the International Examiner called, "Home Decorating on a Dime." The article appeared in the June 3 edition.

Posted: 6.17.09

Douthitt and Salmon help with award-winning book

Bill Douthitt ('84) and Marla E. Salmon, dean of the UW School of Nursing, made major editorial contributions to a book that received the Book of the Year award from the American Journal of Nursing. NURSE: A World of Care (Emory University Press) is a tribute to the honorable work done by nurses worldwide.

Posted: 6.17.09

Lorraine Howell earns 2009 AWC Headliner Award

Lorraine Howell ('82), media training specialist, top executive coach and author of Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift!, has been named the AWC Headliner Award winner for 2009 by the Association for Women in Communications.

The AWC Headliner Award recognizes an AWC member who has recent national accomplishments, as well as consistent communications excellence. Established in 1939, the award has been given to more than 200 AWC members. Howell will be presented with the award during the 2009 AWC National Conference at the Headliner Award Luncheon on Oct. 17 in Seattle.

Howell started Media Skills Training in 1998 after 12 years as a television news and talk show producer in the San Francisco Bay area. Currently, she coaches top executives and professionals to speak more effectively to the media and she specializes in message development, presentation skills and crisis communications. Her clients include Starbucks Coffee Company, Microsoft WIO & EIO, REI, Vulcan Inc., Group Health Cooperative, Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center, U.S. Small Business Administration, and many more. In October 2008, she returned for the second year to coach the five finalists in the Forbes.com national Boost Your Business Contest in New York City.

Howell’s book, Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift, helps professionals develop a concise, strategic answer to the question, “What do you do?” and engage the listener’s interest in just a few seconds. In June 2008, she received the AWC Seattle Chapter’s annual Georgina MacDougall Davis Founders Award, which was created in 1976 to honor AWC’s founder as well as a member who has consistently exhibited the highest ethics, professional excellence and personal commitment in everything they do.

As the Senior Segment Producer on the top-rated news show “Mornings on 2” at KTVU, the Oakland Fox affiliate, she specialized in booking exclusive, live interviews with top names in the news, public figures and celebrities. At KPIX, the CBS affiliate, she produced live, hour-long programs featuring breaking news stories, controversial issues, emerging trends and a long list of celebrities on the number one morning talk show, “People Are Talking.” She produced live broadcasts from the White House and from the Capitol in Washington, D.C., from the 1996 Republican & Democratic National Conventions, and from “Camp O.J.” during the Simpson murder trial in Los Angeles.

The Association for Women in Communications is a professional organization that champions the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning its members at the forefront of the evolving communications era. For more
information, go to www.womcom.org.

Posted: 6.4.09

Alum named top innovator in business publishing

Robert W. Merry ('68) has been named one of the Top Innovators in Business Publishing by BtoB Media Business. Merry is president and editor-in-chief of Congressional Quarterly Inc., a provider of news, analysis and information on Congress, politics and public policy.

This is Media Business’ sixth year of honoring business-to-business media executives who, in a rapidly changing environment, are constantly creating new products and services to build their audiences and generate revenue. BtoB Media Business is the leading magazine for business publishing executives.

Merry was recognized as a Top Innovator in the publishing executive category, small trade division. A decade after joining Congressional Quarterly as managing editor, Merry was named CEO in 1997. "I immediately sought to create an online product," he said. He found himself in a race against the industry leader to convert an outdated dial-up information service to the Web. CQ got to market first and eventually acquired its formal rival.

Posted: 6.3.09

Alumna's records request shakes up Parliament

Heather Brooke ('92) helped set the stage for the resignation of England's speaker of the House of Commons in May. The Seattle P-I spoke with Brooke about her beginnings as a journalist. Brooke credits her investigative journalism techniques to her time as a student and young journalist in Washington.

Brooke, a freelance journalist and an advocate for open public records in London, requested expense-account information from members of Parliament five years ago. British parliamentarians, who abused expense accounts to garner massive profits on homes, among other things, could now face criminal prosecution.

While attending the UW, Brooke worked at The Daily and was an Olympia Legislative Reporting Intern. Professor Doug Underwood accompanied the interns to Olympia and helped Brooke learn the ropes. While in Olympia, she wrote for The Spokesman-Review. Brooke later worked for a year in Spokane for The Spokesman-Review.

Coverage of Heather Brooke:

• "Former UW student shakes up British government" — Seattle Post-Intelligencer
• "The woman behind UK expenses scandal" — PRI's The World
• "Freedom of information campaigner" — BBC
• "Unsung hero" — Guardian

Posted: 6.2.09

Rucker to serve on national CASE Commission

Paul Rucker ('95) has been selected by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Board of Trustees to serve on the CASE Commission on Alumni Relations. Rucker is one of only 11 advancement professionals chosen from a nationwide pool to fill the current openings on the three CASE commissions: Alumni Relations, Communications and Marketing, and Philanthropy. These groups support the creation and dissemination of knowledge in the advancement disciplines.

Posted: 5.1.09

Angela King one of "40 to watch"

Angela King ('95) was named one of the "40 to Watch" in the winter edition of Viewpoints. Three Communication alumni sat on the selection committee: Sue Brockmann ('72), Colleen Fukui-Sketchley ('94) and Paul Rucker ('95). Angela King is a reporter and anchor for KCPQ in Seattle. Sue Brockmann is director of marketing, communications and revenue development for the UW Alumni Association (UWAA); Paul Rucker takes over as executive director on June 1 and Colleen Fukui-Sketchley is vice president.

Cullen Heaney accepted into Boston University

Recent grad Cullen Heaney ('09) was accepted into the Master of Science program in Public Relations at Boston University's College of Communication.

Robert McChesney's article published in The Nation

The Nation published an article Robert McChesney ('86, '89) wrote, with John Nichols, on the crisis on journalism. "The Death and Life of Great American Newspapers" concerns the entirety of journalism.

UWAA names Rucker ('95) next executive director

Paul Rucker ('95) will succeed Charles R. “Chuck” Blumenfeld as executive director of the UW Alumni Association and associate vice president of alumni relations in a transition plan unanimously endorsed by the UWAA Board of Trustees.

Blumenfeld will retire at the end of May, following his 65th birthday. He has been the UWAA’s executive director since February 2007.

Rucker, 39, attended the UW as an undergraduate and also received a Master’s degree from the UW’s Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs. He brings more than 16 years of experience in higher education administration, specializing in international development and institutional advancement.

“I’m honored to have been asked to serve the University in this new and exciting role,” Rucker said. “I look forward to working with UW leadership and the UWAA Board of Trustees to ensure the continued vitality of this important part of the University of Washington community.”

In 2004, Rucker joined the UW as director of alumni relations for the UWAA and in 2007 was appointed assistant vice president for constituent relations.

Posted: 3.18.09

Alumni start 4th Avenue Media ad agency

Alumni Lucas Mack ('04) and Robin Ernst ('05) have started 4th Avenue Media, an advertising agency that focuses on helping local businesses make the most of their marketing dollars. Both Mack and Ernst are former KOMO news employees, starting there as interns while studying Communication at the UW.

They created 4th Avenue Media and have been using their newsroom skills to make feature videos for websites. In addition to making videos, Robin and Lucas specialize in medical marketing, public relations, and media buying. You can check out the website and videos at www.4thavenuemedia.com. 4th Avenue Media would love to help more UW alumni make their businesses grow.

Posted: 3.18.09

Rita Brogan appointed to City U board

Rita Brogan ('72, '75) was recently appointed to the board of governors at City University in Seattle. Brogan is one of the members responsible for approving and monitoring the implementation of the mission of the institution in addition to overseeing the establishment of broad institutional policies. Read more in the Northwest Asian Weekly>>

Posted: 3.6.09

P-I reporter earns award for military reporting

Seattle P-I Chief Investigative Reporter Eric Nalder ('68) earned a George Polk Award for Military Reporting in honor of his work "Demoted to Private." Nalder is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Read more >>

Posted: 2.20.09

Nate Miles shares experience of inauguration ball

Alumnus Nate Miles attended inauguration events for President Obama in Washington, D.C. He reflects on the Jan. 20 Western States Ball in the Northwest Asian Weekly.

Posted: 2.17.09

Alums contribute articles to International Examiner

Alumnus Ken Mochizuki ('76) is a freelance writer for the International Examiner. His recent contributions highlight a woman who was forced to leave Bainbridge Island with her family during the Japanese internment and the local Bainbridge newspaper that wrote against the internment and took steps that helped Japanese-Americans reintegrate into the community when they returned.

Gary Iwamoto recently wrote about "Uncle Bob" Santos, an advocate for Seattle's International District who will celebrate his 75th birthday on Feb. 21.

Posted: 2.17.09

Students and alumni chat during the Communication Networking event on Jan. 29. Jenni Hogan ('02) said, "I thought it went great. I was really impressed with the students and really thought they got warmed up. By the third person they had it down. Then when we opened it up, they were really great at approaching, not staying too long with one person and just being really impressive."

Students, alumni enthusiastic about Career Week

During UW’s Career Discovery Week, Jan. 26-30, the Department of Communication had some important visitors come to campus to talk to students. A candid discussion on jobs in journalism was followed by a group of PR specialists giving invaluable career tips to students. The last event of the week was a lively networking event hosted by Jenni Hogan of KIRO TV. Hogan gave the students tips on networking, shared her top tips on networking, including “get out there but be real” and “get over being polite.”

Students and alumni at all three events were enthusiastic in their praise. Communication senior Jeni Ayers says “The communication department put on the best Career Discovery Week events!” (Ayers may even get an internship as a direct result of attending CDW.)

Jobs in Journalism panelists:

• Terry Tazioli ('70), recently retired travel editor for The Seattle Times
• Dan Lamont ('81, '04), photojournalist
• Robert Hernandez, director of development for seattletimes.com
• Tom Tangney, managing editor and film critic at KIRO NewsTalk 710 AM/97.3 FM

Jobs in Communication panelists:

• Andy Wappler ('86), senior PR manager, Puget Sound Energy; former meteorologist, KIRO
• Kathleen Miller ('87), freelance writer and owner of Blue Emu Communications
• Mathew Bernardy ('08), consultant, Microsoft Imagine Cup marketing campaign
• Jacque Coe, communications director, Washington Lottery

Networking event alumni:

• Pat Foote ('71), recently retired managing editor for The Seattle Times
• Edgar Gonzalez ('04), associate director of Development for the Sciences, UW College of Arts & Sciences
• Linda Farmer ('90), communications and government affairs manager, City of Federal Way
• Jeanine Lupton ('77), assistant regional director for public affairs, Department of Labor
• Derek Belt ('04), communications & media relations specialist, UWAA
• Peg Achterman ('82), photojournalist, graduate student
• Janet Luhrs ('76), writer: simpleliving.com
• David Blandford ('87), director of communication, Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Megan Coppersmith ('04), communication specialist, King County Elections
• Jenni Hogan ('02), KIRO morning traffic anchor
• Terry Tazioli ('70), Communication Alumni Board president, recently retired travel editor for The Seattle Times

Lori Matsukawa is MC at installation banquet

Lori Matsukawa ('96) was the Mistress of Ceremonies at the Seattle chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League's (JACL) annual Installation Banquet. The event took place on Jan. 24 and included a Community Service Award to the UW, a Special Recognition Award to Fumiko Hayashida and the Unsung Hero Award to Takako Yoda.

Posted: 2.2.09

Learn from The Digital President on Jan. 15

Facebook. Twitter. Mybarackobama.com. Text messaging. The president-elect used all of these digital tools to devastating effect in the 2008 election. How did he do it? What strategic lessons can we learn from Barack Obama’s high-tech campaign? How might he deploy this online army of millions to govern? And does President Obama’s historic rise to the White House also propel social networking into the mainstream?

The answers to these important questions have a profound impact on the very near future of our democracy, as well as how we organize, communicate, and even do business in the digital age.  Obama’s campaign manager, David Plouffe, describes it as a convergence between movement politics and business strategy. On the eve of the inauguration, join us for "UW Insight: The Digital President," for a dynamic, engaging conversation that seeks to put this digital revolution in perspective.

The Event:
"UW Insight: The Digital President"
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009
Johnson 102, UW Seattle
6:30 p.m. reception (refreshments served)
7 p.m. program, with Q&A throughout.

Open to the public, free admission.

Presenters:
Prof. Lance Bennett, Political Science and Communication, on the digital tools.
Kathy Gill, Senior Lecturer, Department of Communication, on social media strategies.
Brett Horvath, Social Media Strategist; Pickens Plan, YourRevolution.org, on youth voter registration and the future.
Moderated by Hanson Hosein, Director, Master of Communication in Digital Media.

RSVP: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/1477748/?ps=8

Career Discovery Week Jan. 26-30

The University of Washington's 10th annual Career Discovery Week will take place Jan. 26-30, 2009. It offers students and alumni more than 150 free sessions on all three UW campuses. Hundreds of alumni and friends will be on hand to share their career experiences and tips on every career field imaginable. Panel presentations, career fairs and conferences, networking events, skill-building seminars, and more — whatever your interests, there's something for everybody at this year's Career Discovery Week. Visit careerweek.washington.edu for a detailed event guide, and be sure and use the MyCDW feature to help set your schedule. We'll see you there!

Communication events:

Jobs in Journalism
When: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Communications Building 126
Journalism professionals discuss careers in their field in the Northwest — what students can expect; how to prepare for a job; mentoring; internships; networking; important skills to develop.

Jobs in Communication
When: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Communications Building 126
Communication professionals discuss careers in their field in the Northwest — what students can do now to prepare for a job; mentoring; internships; networking; important skills to develop.

Communication/Journalism Student and Alumni Networking
When: Thursday, Jan. 29, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Communications Building 126

Students and alumni meet in an informal setting, giving students a chance to talk to Communication professionals one-on-one. Each student-alumni conversation will last no more than 3 minutes, so students are encouraged to prepare an "elevator speech" for the event.

We will have an expert networker on hand to give you tips and feedback. Join us for a fun and informative evening where you can practice networking in a safe environment and get prepared for that great connection that will land you the job of your dreams!

Posted: 1.12.09

Domke breaks down election results for Columns

Columns Magazine interviewed Communication Acting Chair David Domke about the presidential election results for its December edition. Domke's most recent book is The God Strategy: How Religion Became a Political Weapon in America.

Posted: 12.30.08

In Memory: Edwin O. Guthman

Columns Magazine wrote about Pulitzer-Prize-winning alumnus, Edwin O. Guthman, in its December edition. The beloved journalist and University of Southern California professor died Aug. 31 at his home in Los Angeles.

Posted: 12.30.08

Stranger features Luke Burbank's KIRO radio show

Luke Burbank ('98) and his radio show "Too Beautiful to Live" on KIRO FM received a full-length feature in the Dec. 11 edition of The Stranger. The show has aired more than 200 episodes.

Posted: 12.18.08

 

Film marks centennial of Association for Women in Communication

In 2009, the Association for Women in Communications will celebrate 100 years of service to communication professionals. Recently, a group of students from the UW student chapter of AWC acted in a video produced for the centennial event, which takes place in 2009 at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel (Oct. 15-17, 2009). Bon Kelly, assistant director of student publications for The Daily hosted the video production group, which was overseen by AWC DVD Centennial Committee Co-chair Nancy Wright. The pictures were taken on the UW Seattle campus in historical Hansee Hall and The Daily newsroom. For more information on the event, please visit the AWC national Web site.

Posted: 12.8.08

Alum's award-winning play has spring run in Seattle

Local playwright and UW alumna La'Chris Jordan ('01) — named one of the "50 Playwrights to Watch" by the Dramatists Guild — will debut the premiere of her play "Piney Ridge" at the Seattle Parks and Recreation's Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center from March 20 through April 5, 2009. "Piney Ridge," winner of the 2007 Eight Tens @ Eight Festival in Santa Cruz, Calif., is a gripping story of racial tension in 1910 Virginia. Isiah Anderson Jr., a well-known comedian and director, will direct the full-length play. A special discussion with the cast and director will follow various shows. See the press kit.

Posted: 12.8.08

Communication alumnae Meredith Bagley, Irina Gendelmen Giorgia Aiello and Melissa Meade attended the UW NCA reception in San Diego.

NCA reception draws prospective students, alums

On Nov. 21, Communication faculty, staff and alumni came together at the National Communication Association (NCA) conference in San Diego for food and fun. The Department of Communication holds a reception annually at the NCA conference to bring together current and former colleagues, alumni, faculty and prospective students.

Katy DeRosier, Graduate Program Advisor for the Department of Communication, hosted the event. She writes:

"The reception was a success. I received feedback from faculty and grad students that it was the best ever. Buster's [Beach House] was a great location, and the food was a total hit. Lots of people remarked that they were happy we fed them a substantial meal, and the quality of the food was excellent. As you know, it was scheduled to end at 8:45 but there were plenty of grads, faculty and guests still hanging out at 9:00 (sign of a good party!). We got many prospective students to attend and it was a great environment for them to meet and talk to graduate students and faculty, and get a feel for the department."

We are very proud that this year, one of own gave the prestigious Carroll C. Arnold Distinguished Lecture. Professor Gerry Philipsen held that honor in San Diego. Philipsen spoke to the UW community on "Coming to Terms with Cultures" on Oct. 29. Watch the video.

Thank you to all the people who attended our reception and to those who signed our guest book:

Giorgia Aiello
Deborah Bassett
Isabelle Bauman
Carrillo Rowe
Rebecca Clark
Lisa Coutu
Tony Docan
Sara Docan-Morgan
Danielle Endres
John Gastil
Irina Gendelman
Marita Gronnvoll
Jessica Harvey
Katherine Grace Hendrix
Julie Homchick
Brian Hough
Cheryl Jorgensen-Earp
Ralina Joseph
Jeffrey Kerssen-Griep
Jay Leighter
Sean Luechtefeld
Madhavi Murty
Gerry And Marie Philipsen
Jenny Rosenberg
Gary Ruud
Elizabeth Scherman
David Travers Scott
Debra-Lynn Sequeira
Cindy Simmons
Carolyn Strohkirch
Crispin Thurlow
April Trees
Michaela Winchatz
Melissa Meade

Posted 12.5.08

Best-selling children's author publishes latest book

Joseph Slate's ('51) newest children's book, "I Want to be Free," with illustrations by Caldecott honoree E.B. Lewis, will be published by Putnam in 2009. Also in 2009, a musical based on Slate's best-selling "Miss Bindergarten" series will tour 19 cities. The schedule is on his web site.

Posted 12.1.08

Tazioli featured speaker at SPJ conference

Terry Tazioli ('70) was a featured speaker at the Society of Professional Journalists Washington State Collegiate Journalism Conference held on the UW campus Nov. 22. The focus of this year's conference was on ethics and career advancement.

Posted: 12.1.08

Ramsey receives jazz journalism award

Doug Ramsey ('56) was awarded the 2008 Jazz Journalism Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA). The 12th annual awards recognized excellence in 41 categories of music-making, presentation, production and jazz journalism. The nominees and winners are based on votes cast by more than 400 JJA members, which include writers, broadcasters, photographers and new-media professionals.

Posted: 11.7.08

Newspaper publishers recognize Chernis

Stuart Chernis ('81) was recently recognized by the Washington Newspaper Publisher’s Association as a 2008 General Excellence Winner, earning a First Place for the Marysville Globe and a tie for second place for the Arlington Times. Chernis is Publisher of the Marysville Globe and Arlington Times.

Posted: 11.5.08

Second season of Brocka's MTV series to begin

Q. Allan Brocka ('95) premieres the second season of his hit animated television series “Rick & Steve The Happiest Gay Couple In The World” on MTV’s LOGO Network Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 10 p.m.

Posted: 11.5.08

Hamilton writes Alternative Journalism

James F. (Jay) Hamilton ('83, '86), an Associate Professor at Grady College, University of Georgia, has published a second book in 2008, in the wake of Democratic Communications; Formations, Projects, Possibilities, that was published by Lexington Books in February. His new book Alternative Journalism, co-authored with Chris Atton (Napier University, Scotland), is coming out with Sage Publications in December. It conducts a cultural, historical, political-economic, and sociological analysis of alternative journalism, and is the first book-length study of the topic.

Posted: 11.5.08

McCabe earns public relations designation

Jocelyn McCabe ('93) earned the designation Accredited in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America. APR is a mark of accreditation for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice. McCabe is vice president of communications for the Association of Washington Business.

Posted: 11.5.08

Mathews writes script for movie 'Picture This'

The film for Temple Mathews' ('76) script "Picture This" was released in 2008 and stars Ashley Tisdale. Mathews is a successful writer and screenwriter living in Southern California.

Posted: 11.5.08

Alumni inducted into Hall of Fame

The Department of Communication at the University of Washington inducted six new members into its Alumni Hall of Fame on Oct. 23, 2008 at the University of Washington Club. Learn more about the recipients.

Posted: 10.24.08

Alumni newsletter online

Check out the fall 2008 Department of Communication alumni newsletter. This issue features information on the 2007 department review, the stories of students who covered the presidential campaigns, a look at the documentary by MCDM director Hanson Hosein and student, faculty and alumni news updates.

Weller named UWAA Top Volunteer

Columns Magazine (September 2008) recognized Robb Weller ('72) as UWAA's Top Volunteer.

Alaniz co-authors "Viva La Raza"

Yolanda Alaniz ('77) is the co-author of "Viva La Raza," which investigates Mexican American militancy from the 19th century to the present.

Sibonga honored as leader in diversity

Dolores Sibonga ('52, '73) was honored at the 2008 MAP Bridging the Gap Breakfast honoring leaders in diversity.

Ed Guthman, Pulitzer winner, dies at 89

Ed Guthman (1944) died Aug. 31 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 89 and suffered from amyloidosis, a rare disease which attacks the internal organs. He received a Pulitzer Prize in 1950 for his series on the clearing of Communist charges against UW professor Melvin Rader.

He also served as press secretary to U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy.

Guthman was inducted into the UW Communication Alumni Hall of Fame in 2005. More information is available from The Seattle Times, where Guthman worked for 14 years.

Posted: 9.05.08

Dinner honors Asian American pioneer

The Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation's annual Asian American Pioneer Dinner honors Mayumi Tsutakawa, a 1972 graduate of the Department and a 2008 UW Communication Alumni Hall of Fame honoree. The dinner is on Saturday, October 11, 2008. For more information, contact rsvp@nwasianweekly.com.

Posted: 8.21.08

SPJ chapter awards highest honor to Frank Garred

The Western Washington chapter of Society of Professional Journalists recognized UW alumnus Frank Garred (1958) for his lifetime of journalistic achievement on May 31.

Garred, former publisher of the Port Townsend and Jefferson County Leader, was awarded the June Anderson Almquist Award for Distinguished Service to Journalism. The award, named for longtime Seattle Times journalist June Anderson Almquist, is the highest award given by the Western Washington chapter.

The honor is listed in the August 2008 issue of SPJ's Quill magazine.

Garred was inducted into the University of Washington Department of Communication Hall of Fame in 2007. He's been president of the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce, president of the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors, and a member, representing the National Newspaper Association, of the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

He is currently teaching at Peninsula College in Port Angeles.

Posted: 8.15.08

Students visit with incoming Alumni Board president

Karen Rathe's news lab class had a chance to tour The Seattle Times in the spring and talk with travel editor Terry Tazioli. Tazioli, who is incoming president of the Department of Communication Alumni Board, stressed to students the importance of honesty in good journalism and recounted for students one of his first assignments - a profile on Miss Teen Missouri. Learn more about how Tazioli wrote the story here.

Posted: 7.29.08

Washington Museum Association recognizes Ron Chew

Ron Chew ('02) was awarded the 2008 Board Award of Excellence by the Washington Museum Association June 19 in Vancouver, Washington at the WMA’s annual conference. Chew delivered the keynote speech at the conference, talking about the Wing Luke Asian Museum’s community-based museum model and the growth of the institution. The award says, “The Washington Museum Association Board recognizes Ron Chew’s exceptional expertise, vision and unwavering dedication to the stories of history. He has served as executive director of the Wing Luke Asian Museum for 17 years. Under his directorship, the Wing Luke Asian Museum is now a nationally known treasure, offering both progressive programs and exhibitions with a locally oriented emphasis on social justice."

Laura Cruikshank ('06) starts online magazine, resource center for women

Laura Cruikshank ('06) has founded Women's Wellness & Integrated Social Health (WWISH), an online magazine, forum and virtual women's resource center for those facing crisis, adversity and transition in all stages of life.

Cruikshank developed the idea after overcoming her own personal crisis in the late 1990s. Despite the odds against her, Cruikshank left an abusive marriage with little education and no earning power. Determined to break out of her cycle of poverty and depression, she created a new life for herself, graduating from the University of Washington in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

"I want to inspire other women to become healthy, self-sufficient and independent," Cruikshank said.

WWISH offers information and resources on legal issues, health care, domestic abuse, career, education, financial planning, parenting, aging issues and more. The site will feature an online forum and chat room, helping to connect women to each other and to relevant service providers.

Posted: 07.23.08

12 of Columns 100 Notable Alumni are Communication graduates.

Posted: 07.01.08

Robb Weller ('72), Television Producer and Host, Awarded UWAA Distinguished Service Award

The UW Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals who make outstanding efforts on behalf of the Alumni Association:
http://uwnews.org/uweek/awards2008

Posted: 07.01.08

Bill Chamberlin ('67, '77) retires from University of Florida (UF), College of Journalism and Communications

In his 43-year career as a journalist and scholar, Chamberlin taught at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before coming to the Univesrity of Florida, served as founding driector of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, statred the UF's Marion Brechner Citizen Access Project and serves is a Joseph L. Brechner Eminent Scholar in Mass Communication. You can read more about Chamberlin in the Spring, 2008 issue of the Communigator, UF's College of Journalism and Communications alumni magazine.

Posted: 07.01.08

Dave Ammons ('70), is stepping down after 37 years as a state government reporter for the Associated Press.

Posted: 07.01.08

Eddie Pasatiempo ('76) Joins The Clarion Group, Ltd

On June 2, 2008 Pasatiempo joined The Clarion Group as, Partner, working in their Kirkland office. Pasatiempo was formerly a partner at Korn Ferry International.

Posted: 07.01.08

Pac-10 commissioner, Tom Hansen ('59), to retire

Pac-10 leader Tom Hansen, the longest-tenured Division I conference commissioner in the country, will retire next summer after 26 years on the job. Hansen, 70, will step down effective July 1, 2009. Hansen studied journalism at UW, then took a job at The Columbian in Vancouver. From there, he took a job as the public-relations director for the conference and served in that role from 1960 to 1967. Hansen spent 16 years working for the NCAA before returning to the Pac-10 as commissioner in 1983. To learn more about Hansen's career, read this story in The Seattle Times.

Posted: 07.01.08

Nancy Leson ('92) was a panelists on theWomen of Color Empowered luncheon & conversation held on May 16, 2008.

Posted: 06.04.08

David Horsey, ('92) named the Department of Communication's 2008 Distinguished Alumnus.

Posted 06.04.08

Greg Lane (’88) New President at TVW

Olympia – The TVW Board of Directors has chosen Greg Lane as the new president and chief executive officer of the statewide public affairs cable television network.

Lane, a graduate of the University of Washington in Communications, has been deputy chief of staff for Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna since 2006. Before that he was the attorney general’s communications director, after also serving as a communications director in the Washington State Legislature from 1998 to 2005.

Lane becomes TVW’s third president, following founding president Denny Heck and Cindy Zehnder, who was hired in October by Governor Chris Gregoire as her chief of staff.

Lane said, “I’m excited to be joining an organization that is committed to engaging the public with state policymakers and state government. TVW is already a national leader in public affairs television. We want to build on those accomplishments and make the network an even better resource for the people of Washington.”

TVW Board Chair and former State Supreme Court Justice Faith Ireland said, “We are pleased to have Greg Lane as our new president and CEO after an exhaustive search. Greg is a professional communicator and excellent manager and thoroughly understands Washington government and politics.  We believe he will effectively lead TVW in its mission to provide unbiased, unfiltered public access to government.”

Posted: 05.12.08

Piper Hopkins (formerly Piper Ross) ('06)

Master of Communication in Digital Media, 2006
New Work Exhibition opens May 10, 2008
Hopkins' work explores the nuances of emotion and nostalgia through frenetic line work, jarring static forms and scale. By creating visual juxtapositions of loose, messy figural forms placed on highly reflective metallic and silver-leafed backgrounds, she delves into how memories and feelings of nostalgia are interwoven, contained, or obfuscated by time. Piper Hopkins has a BFA from Parsons School of Design, New York, NY, and a MCDM from the University of Washington, Seattle, WA.  
Learn more about the artist at: www.piperhopkins.com

Posted: 05.12.08

Robert McChesney ('86, '89)

Monthly Review Press has just published McChesney's new book: "The Political Economy of Media: Enduring Issues, Emerging Dilemmas." This volume culminates the research in his career to date, and includes his latest thinking on journalism, the Internet, global political economy, and the burgeoning media reform movement and our broader changing political climate. Read more about the book at: http://www.thepoliticaleconomyofmedia.org:80/

Posted: 05.12.08

Wendy Tokuda: Political Science Alumna, Communication Professional

Posted: 03.20.08

In Memorial, Arthur Kulman, Seattle Rock & Roll Pioneer

Posted: 12.31.07

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Victoria Sprang
Alumni and Development Manager
206-543-2717
vsprang@uw.edu

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