Summer 2009 - Texas Tech University

Bob Schaller with a selection of his booksFrom left: Megan Myers and Allison BaldridgeAliterary energizer bunny walks around the campus in aTexas Tech sweatshirt.Bob Schaller, who is working on his Ph.D. in masscommunications, has written 40 books. One of his most recentbooks, “Michael Phelps: The Untold Story of a Champion” was acover story for Publisher’s Weekly.“The day Michael won his eighth gold medal I wrote 13,000words from previous interviews,” said Schaller. “I sent what I wroteto my agent and by noon that day, I had a book deal.”Schaller said the book on Phelps was the easiest book he haswritten.“I write fast,” said Schaller. “I do about 220 words a minute. ThePhelps book took me eight days to write.”Schaller is also a contributing writer for Splash Magazine andSwimNetwork.com, and has written for USA Gymnastics magazine,Skating, and USA Hockey magazine. He said when he interviewspeople for articles, he does most of them through Facebook.Schaller grew up in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he was activein sports—playing baseball, golf and ice hockey.Schaller continued to be active in sports through college. HeBook Manby Yackjaira Ruizphoto by Courtney Ryburnplayed hockey at the Air Force Academy, and he wanted to turn hispassion for ice hockey into a career.However his desire of becoming a professional ice hockey playerwas not feasible.“My talent did not match my dreams,” said Schaller.Schaller said when he realized he could not live out his dream,"If you put something out there, put it out there and leave it alone. If it isgreat, people will tell you it is great.”—Bob Schallerhe turned to sports writing.“When I took off my skates for the last time I was ready towrite,” said Schaller.After one semester at the Air Force Academy, Schaller left topursue a degree in technical journalism at Colorado State University.He graduated in 1988.Over the next 15 years, Schaller added reporter, editor, writer,copy editor and teacher to his resume.Despite all his achievements,Schaller said the thing he ismost proud of is being a dad.He began working from homein 1997 to raise his son.(Continued on p. 34) Click It!Visit www.bobschaller.com tolearn more about Schaller and hispublications.Two Texas Tech students are gaining hands-on experiencein Colorado Springs, Colo., this semester as interns forthe United States Olympic Committee.Megan Myers and Alison Baldridge applied for and won thehighly competitive USOC internship. Both girls came across the positionon the College of Mass Communications e-mail list.Marijane Wernsman, Career Center director for the Texas TechCollege of Mass Communications, said the USOC looks for excellentwriters, hard workers, good academics, faculty recommendations,and good phone interviews. She said the USOC also wantsstudents with outgoing personalities to interact with the athletesand media.“I believe that Alison and Megan were chosen because they exhibitedall those characteristics,” Wernsman said.Megan Myers, a 21-year-old senior public relations major fromHouston, works for USA Wrestling as a communications intern.USA Wrestling is part of the USOC intern program.Myers said her internship entails a wide variety of tasks: writingfeature stories and press releases; working for international andOlympic Internsby Laura Hagen, Breanne Koutek and Alisa Hovlandphoto courtesy of Meg Myers and Allison Baldridgenational tournaments, where hundreds of wrestlers compete nationally;and keeping athlete competition records organized andup-to-date.“There are so many things that I love about this internship,”Myers said. “I get to interact with Olympic athletes and coachesdaily, and write stories that are published online and in a magazine.“I get to interact with Olympic athletes and coaches daily, and write storiesthat are published online and in a magazine. What an amazing experience,in Colorado!”—Megan MeyersWhat an amazing experience, in Colorado!”Myers said her internship has allowed her to gain valuableexperience in the PR field, but also given her the opportunity tomeet Olympic athletes and travel across the country. Myers metHenry Cejudo, 2008 Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, and hasseen gymnast Jonathan Horton, 2008 Olympic silver medalist, andOlympic speed skater ApoloAnton Ohno at the Olympictraining center.(Continued on p. 34) Click It!To see a complete listing of ourinternship placements, visit www.mcom.ttu.edu and click Current >Credited Internships.6 | mc mc | 7

y Matt Dowdyphoto by Christina Pavlovsky“Helping othersfind points ofexcellence andbuilding onthese notes ofexcellence is veryimportant.”—Bob Smithob Smith knew of Texas’s almost legendary hospitality, but now believesthat it may be unmatched by any other part of the country.Smith, the recently named provost and senior vice president ofTexas Tech University, said from the first meeting with Texas Tech’ssearch committee, everything clicked. While people here wereinterested in what he had done with the University of Arkansas,Smith said he was curious about what they were doing.After previously serving as the provost and vice chancellor foracademic affairs at Arkansas from 2000 to 2008, Smith joined theTexas Tech family in February.“It’s really great fun (being a provost),” Smith said. “It’s likeJoseph Campbell once said, ‘It’s your bliss.’”As provost, Smith, who obtained his bachelor’s degree from St.John’s University, oversees all academic aspects of the university,including both research and academic personnel.Smith believes it was special attention from the associate deanof St. John’s College of Pharmacy, Hugh Luongo, who first gavehim the confidence he should not only pursue his studies, but workin higher education, as well.Luongo was known for taking a special interest and advisingthe top students in the pharmacy college. During his junior year,Smith was called into Luongo’s office to discuss his future graduatestudies, but little did he know that one compliment would transformhis career.“He said ‘Bob you are one of our stars,’” Smith said. “‘Someday,I hope you will have my job.’”After experiencing how much Luongo’s outreach affected hislife, Smith believes it is extremely important for professors to takea special interest in being mentors, not only in class, but outsideof class, as well.“You cannot share anything more precious with a student thanto wish for them to have one of the top jobs in the country,” Smithsaid.Upon completing his Ph.D. in pharmaceutical chemistry at theUniversity of Michigan, Smith began his career as an assistant professorat the University of Iowa, was promoted to associate professorand awarded tenure, then moved on to the University of Texasat Austin where he eventually became the James E. Bauerle Professorand Director of the Drug Dynamics Institute.After several years as a professor and institute director, Smith’sresponsibility grew as he was named the vice provost for researchand dean of the graduate school at Washington State University.From there, Smith would take the same position at the Universityof Connecticut.His work at a variety of institutions across the nation led toArkansas’s interest and his job there.As Texas Tech’s provost, Smith is responsible for meeting andcollaborating with the deans of the 14 colleges and schools. Eachdean reports to him, as they work with strategic planning on howto integrate actions and plans with various other colleges and theuniversity as a whole.While meeting a new boss may seem intimidating to some, Collegeof Mass Communications Dean Jerry Hudson was immediatelyimpressed with Smith, not because of his previous record,but for his ability to greet each dean by name in the group’s firstmeeting.In addition, Smith also pointed out each dean’s focus of studyand accomplishments during the introductory session, Hudsonsaid.“I thought that was pretty impressive for him to take thatamount of time,” Hudson said. “I have never interviewed withanyone before who had done that much background work andwanted to learn something about each of the people he would beworking with.”Smith’s focus, plans and dreams for the university are undoubtedlythe reason he was chosen during such a pivotal point ofgrowth at Texas Tech.While aspiring to make Texas Tech a top research university,Smith said the challenge will be upholding the goal, while alsomaintaining the drive of Chancellor Kent Hance to reach 40,000students“If you diminish quality” Smith said, “you diminish the productof growth. This is the challenge for everybody.”He believes that Texas Tech should be looking across the academiclandscape of the university to find strengths and weaknesseswithin each program. Smith said he has previously helped otherinstitutions work more effectively by strategically assessing attributesacross campus.“Helping others find points of excellence and building on thesenotes of excellence is very important,” Smith said.In his short time here, Smith believes there are already marvelousthings happening. One way he hopes to accomplish his goalof developing research at Texas Tech is through grants. Smith saidattracting greater dollars provides great benefits in various sectorsof the university.“With research grants for undergraduates, you can do somewonderful things, and assist student learning in essential ways,”Smith said. “It’s a phenomenon when people, places and eventshelp advance the institutions.”In his free time, Smith enjoys reading many different types ofbooks, from art and art history to science.In conjunction with reading, Smith is also a well-establishedauthor. He plans to launch a new academic journal. He has publishedeight books and is now two-thirds through completing hisnewest work, “The Oz Complex,” which blends the life and workof L. Frank Baum with guidance for professional and personal development.An avid follower of both the "Wizard of Oz" book and movie,Smith has followed a yellow brick road throughout his career, soto speak. Along the way, he has found his brain, heart and courage.mc(Matt Dowdy is a junior public relations major from Idalou, Texas.Christina Pavlovsky is a senior photocommunications and advertisingdual major from Houston, Texas.)10 | mc mc | 11

y Brittany McBlainand Sabrina GonzalezAs a native of California he grew upbelieving all the stereotypes about Texansand never thought he would end up livingand raising a family here.“Growing up in California, you neverhear of people going to Texas—peopleare coming to California,” Greenberg said.“The next thing you know I’m in Texas.”Greenberg had only touched down ina Texas airport twice before moving here,and he had always thought Texans cameEditor and Educatoracross as arrogant or boastful. But he soonrealized that this was not true and observedthat what seemed to be arrogancewas merely pride in their independence.“There is a real strong independentspirit here in Texas,” Greenberg said, “andI think even more so in West Texas.”Greenberg has spent most of his life livingand working in California. He grew upin the Los Angeles area where his parentsowned a hobby shop. He said that seeingphoto byDavid HalloranTerry Greenberg has lived all over the United States, from San Francisco, Calif., toMinot, N.D. And three years ago Greenberg made yet another move. He came toLubbock to take over as editor of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and was pleasantlysurprised to discover that Texas was not what he expected.celebrities was a part of everyday life—jogging down the beach and running intoDustin Hoffman was quite normal.Greenberg earned his bachelor of artsin journalism from California State Universityat Northridge in 1977 and was namedjournalism alumnus of the year in 1994.Since then, newsrooms under his leadershiphave won more than 100 state andregional awards.After graduation, Greenberg started his“He plays an active part in those internships and encourages his staffmembers to do the same. He works with them and encourages them to dothe very best they can. He works with people’s strengths, and uses thoseto help overcome their weaknesses.”—Randy Reddickcareer as a copy editor for The Daily Factsin Redlands, Calif. He said that he decidedto be a journalist because he liked to tellpeople what was happening, but now heloves knowing he gives people informationin a free society.Greenberg then worked for Californianewspapers for 19 years, with oneyear spent in Minot, N.D., where he wasinvolved with changing the criteria forclosing a court hearing. He successfullychallenged the closing of a preliminaryhearing, which later led to a North DakotaSupreme Court decision, Minot Daily Newsvs. Holum, making it tougher to close hearingsin trials in that state.Greenberg has worked in the newspaperindustry for 32 years, including stintsin Illinois and Indiana, and has also taughtcopy-editing and news writing at collegessuch as University of Southern Californiaand Fullerton College.Greenberg currently teaches advancedreporting at Texas Tech in the College ofMass Communications.Randy Reddick, Ph.D., journalism departmentchairman, who played a majorrole in recruiting Greenberg to teach atTexas Tech, said he is a great asset to thecollege.“A working editor can bring perspectiveto students that they aren’t going to get inany other way,” Reddick said. “He has akeen sense of teaching awareness.”Robert Wernsman, the instructor andcoordinator of News Writing at the college,is pleased to have Greenberg as part of thejournalism staff.“He sees the future of the industry inthe young people here at Tech and wantsto help them in making the right choices,”Wernsman said. “He is passionate abouthelping people that are really interested injournalism.”Reddick said Greenberg has also improvedthe relationship between the collegeand the Lubbock Avalanche-Journaland has tripled the number of internshipsthey offer since his arrival.“He plays an active part in those internshipsand encourages his staff membersto do the same,” Reddick said. “He workswith them and encourages them to do thevery best they can. He works with people’sstrengths, and uses those to help overcometheir weaknesses.”“We have more readersthan we’ve ever had.I think our Web sitewill continue to grow,as advertising shiftsto other areas we aredeveloping.”—Terry GreenbergWernsman said Greenberg has a lot tooffer students because his role as a dailynewspaper editor brings insight to thechanges occurring in the newspaper industry.Greenberg said he tells his students theindustry is changing, but he believes therewill still be a need for producing news contentfor people to read.“Learn all the technology that you canbecause as technology continuously changes,you need to stay on top of it.” Greenbergsaid. “Somebody who has masteredrock solid basics and mastered technologyshould be able to have a job.”Reddick said Greenberg embraces newtechnologies and is willing to make themwork for his newspaper, which has result-ed in him winning more than two dozenawards for writing and editing, most recentlyfirst place for a feature series in theIndiana Associated Press Managing Editorsnews writing contest.Greenberg said he likes his job andthinks it’s exciting to see where media willbe going, but he also encounters everydayfrustrations. One frustration is managingthe newspaper during a weak economy“We just have to be a lot more carefulwith how we spend everything.” Greenbergsaid. “Nobody likes it whether it’s businessor your personal finances.”Greenberg said even in the weak economythe Lubbock Avalanche-Journal audienceis growing because the online versionof the paper has increased readership.“We have more readers than we’ve everhad.” Greenberg said. “I think our Web sitewill continue to grow, as advertising shiftsto other areas we are developing.”Greenberg said another frustration inhis career is dealing with people in a communitywho have differing opinions. Hebelieves that being unbiased is a way to alleviatethat problem.“I am very comfortable that we’re fair,”Greenberg said. “If somebody doesn’t thinkwe are, it’s because they’re biased. Period.”Wernsman said Greenberg is qualifiedto be the editor of the Avalanche-Journalbecause he has a passion for doing theright thing.“He puts the community first, he understandsthe value of free speech and he iscapable of inspiring his employees.” mc(Brittany McBlain is a senior public relationsmajor from Dallas. Sabrina Gonzalez isa senior public relations major from Euless,Texas. David Halloran is a senior photocommunicationsmajor from Austin, Texas.) Click It!Visit www.lubbockonline.com to view theLubbock Avalanche-Journal Web edition.14 | mc mc | 15

Instructor, Photographer, Musicianby Britney Long and Molly Cook, photo by Joe EsparzaFoster grew up on a ranch in Paradise, Texas."If anything, the ranch really taught me how to workhard," Foster said. "We grew up with a driven personality.I never was told ‘no you can’t do something becauseof qualifications.’ It was always, 'Work hard at it, andsee what you can do with it.'"Cummins said he is determined to see one of the Hogg Maulies’shows and that Foster is an all-around talented man.“It’s not fair that one guy could have all that talent,” said Cummins.Chambers also said that Foster is a very talented person.“He has done some amazing things already,” Chambers said.“I get to do what I love all day, every day.Not many people get to do that.”—Jerod FosterAfter he met the state photographer of Texas, who later became his best friendand mentor, Jerod Foster, photography instructor at the College of Mass Communications,set out on a road that has led him to own businesses, partner inanother business, publish a book and have a successful band.Foster said as a child, he was always interested inmagazines and color, but he did not become interestedin photography until his second year at Texas Tech. Hemajored in agricultural communications and took aphotography class.He said he was set to go to law school until he decidedto introduce himself to Wyman Meinzer, the statephotographer of Texas. Even though he was not takingMeinzer's class, he said he waited until after Meinzer’slast class one day, introduced himself, and they sat outsidethe Mass Communications building at Texas Techand talked for an hour.Todd Chambers, chair of the Electronic Media andCommunications Department, said Foster was one ofhis students.“I really respected Jerod as a student for what hebrought to the table,” Chambers said. “He is extremelybright. He brought a unique perspective to class discussions.He did some outstanding work on his researchassignments. That’s where I really started to respecthim as a student.”Chambers said he recommended Foster, who has amaster's degree from the college, to Dean Jerry Hudsontwo years ago for a teaching position. Chambers said hethought Foster would be a good asset to the college.“He has really helped us connect with students interestedin photography for three reasons,” Chamberssaid. “He is very smart, and he knows about his industry,but he is also very approachable, and I think studentscan appreciate that.”Glenn Cummins, an assistant EMAC professor, said Foster is agreat addition to the college.“He’s an active photographer, so he spends a lot of time in thefield himself,” Cummins said. "That kind of experience is invaluablein the classroom, and I hope his students recognize everything hebrings to the table.”In October 2007, Foster and Meinzer published a book togetherentitled “Inspiration, Texas Style,” that pays tribute to the sceneryand landscapes of Texas. They paired photographs with quotesfrom notable Texans about the things they loved about Texas.Foster is also a member of a Lubbock-based band called theHogg Maulies. He plays lead guitar and sings harmony vocals. Hesaid they have toured all over the state and have appeared on theTexas country music charts several times.“He’s been photographing people around this campus and internationalfigures, but his real passion is his family.”Recently, Foster made a book especially for his grandparents.The book is a compilation of family photographs and scenic picturesof their family ranch where Foster grew up.Foster said he is very proud of the photograph from the bookthat he took of his grandparents.“That is one of my more proud photos memory-wise,” Fostersaid.Both of Foster’s parents are teachers and they encouraged himto earn his master’s degree so that he could teach at the collegelevel.Foster said he loves teaching because of the progressive environmenta college campus has to offer. He said he couldn’t ask for abetter job.“I get to do what I love all day, every day,” Foster said. “Notmany people get to do that.”Foster said he is unsure of where he will be in five years, however,he hopes to finish his Ph.D. at the college, and publish hisown book.“I see some more publications under my belt,” Foster said. “I seemy own book project.”One project that Foster is pursuing is a conservation documentaryof El Carmen mountain range in Coahuila, Mexico.Foster and Sylinda Meinzer, Wyman’s wife, started a companycalled Badlands Design and Production with this project in mind.He said they spent nine days filming the mountain range, andthey are planning more trips.Foster said he feels fortunate that he gets to pursue his passionfor photography as a hobby and a career.He said photography is one of the most useful components ofcommunication, and that its practicality lies in the ability to tella story, or at least part of a story. He said his memories revolvearound the people and places that he has photographed, each ofwhich has a story to tell.“It’s not hard to be passionate about photography,” Foster said.“But the main thing is for me to show how practical this is, howuseful this is.” mc(Britney Long is a senior public relations major from Midland,Texas. Molly Cook is a senior public relations major from Midland,Texas. Joe Esparza is a senior agricultural communications majorfrom Schertz, Texas.)18 | mc mc | 19

All the Right Wordsby Megan Yeary and Karl Andersonphoto by Morgan HallZig Zag to Texas Techby Christopher Martin and Erin Hawesphoto by Kasey MuthAfter leaving McLean to work at newspapers in the Houstonarea, he decided to return to West Texas in 1981 as the assistantcity editor for the Avalanche-Journal.“The West Texas values and the slower pace compared to somewherelike Houston,” Haynes said, referring to what brought himback. “I really like that.”Haynes became the editorial advisor for the student newspaper,The University Daily, and the yearbook, La Ventana, in 1983.Roger Saathoff, Ph.D., an associate professor of journalism atTexas Tech, said Haynes critiqued the student newspaper and yearbookto help the students make it better.The path that lead Ann Rodriguez, advertising and publicrelations visiting professor and life-long University ofFlorida Gator fan, to Lubbock is one with many zigs andzags. She grew up in Gainesville, Fla., mastered the fast-pace lifestyleof New York City, and moved her family across the country toTexas Tech University after signing only a one-year contract.Rodriguez has a widely varied background. She has a bachelor’sdegree in advertising, an MBA, a law degree, and teaching experiencein both public relations and sports media. Rodriguez said herpassion for so many different fields comes from her constant desireto learn.As the eighth grade champion of the Gray County SpellingBee, Mike Haynes learned just how far words could takehim.At the regional spelling bee in Amarillo, Texas, he shook handswith Wes Izzard, the editor of the Amarillo Globe-News for morethan 30 years. After shaking hands with the man who would becomeone of his role models, Haynes worked to build a journalismcareer in the tradition of Izzard’s accomplishments in West Texas.On March 27 the Panhandle Press Association inducted Haynesinto its Hall of Fame for his efforts, an honor Izzard also received.“It feels weird because I see (Izzard) as kind of an area journalismlegend,” Haynes said, “and I just don’t fit into that category inmy opinion.”Haynes began his journalism career in 1968 under the byline“High School Reporter,” covering local football games for TheMcLean News in McLean, Texas. After graduating from high schoolin 1969, Haynes attended Texas Tech for his bachelor’s degree injournalism.Haynes said the History of Journalism class taught by Bill Dean,Ed.D., and Editing class taught by Harmon Morgan, Ph.D., helpedearn him the hall of fame induction by teaching him the basics ofjournalism.“(Haynes) was a bright, energetic person who was hard-working,”Dean said.After graduating from Texas Tech in 1973, Haynes worked ascopy editor for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.Haynes said after he left Lubbock, he moved back to his hometownof McLean to run The McLean News, fulfilling his ambition tobe a rural newspaper editor.“The West Texas values and theslower pace compared to somewherelike Houston, I really like that.”—Mike HaynesDuring his adviser years at Texas Tech, Haynes began a master’sprogram in mass communications. He wrote his thesis on Wes Izzard,one of the people who inspired him to become a journalist.Saathoff, who advised Haynes on his thesis, said for Haynes,the process of earning a master’s degree in mass communicationsinvolved writing a biography of a historical figure of significance inmass communications.“A historical thesis requires more time than a technical thesis,”Saathoff said, “because you have to find the research.”After earning his master’s at Texas Tech, Haynes moved to Amarilloto be closer to his family. He worked for a short time as areporter and editor at the Amarillo Globe-News, and still writes acolumn in the Faith section every third Saturday. Haynes also tooka job as a journalism instructor and publications adviser at AmarilloCollege in 1991, where he remains today.Returning to his roots as “High School Reporter,” Haynes recentlyco-authored the book “Pride of the Plains: 50 years of thePanhandle Sports Hall of Fame,” a reference book he hopes willexpand sports knowledge in thearea.(Continued on p. 32) Click It!Visit www.mcom.ttu.edu and clickAlumni > Feedback to update yourinfromation with us.“I think professors should be open tointeract with students because thatrelationship is more important thanmost people think."—Ann RodriguezShe went to school as an undergraduate at the University ofFlorida, where her father was a professor, with her heart set onmaking a career as an advertising copywriter.“I was pretty well convinced that I needed to be in advertisingbefore I even got into college,” she said.Rodriguez said she enjoyed her college experience at the Universityof Florida, which is evident to anyone who enters her officefilled with Gator memorabilia. However, after graduation, Rodriguezsaid she had a difficult time finding employment.“I graduated and thought that I would move up to New YorkCity and make a career out of it,” Rodriguez said.Rodriguez’s plans soon changed as she learned that her undergraduateachievements did not suffice, compared with other applicants.“I had a couple of really good interviews with good agencies, onexcellent accounts, but I kept losing out to one person,” Rodriguezsaid, “I finally had to ask myself what other applicants had that Idid not, and one agency finally told me that the person they hiredover me had an MBA and I did not.”Rodriguez, who avoided the college of business as an undergraduate,applied to Boston University to receive a master’s in businessadministration. She said things did not go according to planat first.“I struggled through some of the business classes the first year,”Rodriguez said, “but after that I stuck it out, and found out that thiswas what I really wanted to be doing. When I was taking a businesslaw class I discovered that I had a real aptitude for the law.”During her last semester at Boston University, Rodriguez madethe decision to apply for law school. Her intentions of doing sowere slightly different than most.“Most people that I know go to law school to make money,” shesaid, “I just really wanted to learn about the law.”While waiting for her bar exam results, she began teaching businessat the University of New Haven. After this experience, Rodriguezfell in love with teaching, but after passing her bar exam, shedecided to practice law.She landed her first job working for a prestigious law firm, Debevoise& Plimpton, which was recently named law firm of the yearfor trademark disputes by Managing Intellectual Property magazine.Rodriguez represented many companies, including MetLife InsuranceCompany and Owens Corning, and gained a large amountof experience working for different corporations.“It was interesting because I was constantly learning about newfields,” Rodriguez said. “When you have to work on litigation forsomeone you learn a lot aboutwhat they do.”(Continued on p. 32) Click It!To learn more about our faculty,visit www.mcom.ttu.edu and clickAbout > Facutly & Staff.20 | mc mc | 21

Settling for living in a man’s world was not an option for Nelda Armstrong. This oneof-a-kindwoman broke the mold and made a name for herself in the advertisingindustry by becoming the first woman to open her own ad agency in Lubbock.“God put me on this earth to be in advertising,” said Armstrong,“because there was nothing in my life leading me here,” referringto her background in accounting.Armstrong was born in Gatesville, Texas. When she was 10 shemoved to Crosbyton, Texas. After graduating from Crosbyton HighSchool in 1954, she married and moved to Lubbock the next yearand on to bigger things.Armstrong’s climb to success began in 1955 when she enrolledin Draughn’s Business College. She said she was skilled in math andEnglish, and accounting had always come naturally to her, so shealso attended various bookkeeping schools and learned how to bea successful accountant.Armstrong loves what she does and prides herself in being honestand dedicated to giving good service to her clients, and herpeers think the same thing.Jerry Hudson, founding dean of the College of Mass Communications,and a good friend of Armstrong’s, said he thinks a lot of hersuccess can be attributed to her honesty and dedication.“I respect Nelda’s interest in higher education and her truthfulness,”said Hudson. “If she tells you she will do something, you cancount on it.”Hudson said what has set Armstrong apart from other advertisingprofessionals has been her ability to see the big picture, and herspecial interest in helping her clients achieve success.“God put me on this earth to be in advertising, because there wasnothing in my life leading me here." —Nelda ArmstrongNeldaArmstrongand hergranddaughter,Brittany HooverOne-of-a-kindWomanby Kendall Fadner and Merideth Murpheyphoto by Morgan HallAfter attending Draughn’s, Armstrong took a job as an officemanager and secretary at Buckner Advertising Agency, where shefirst began learning about advertising. Having no official trainingor education in advertising, Armstrong had no idea of the successthis job would lead to. However, when she became pregnant withher third child, she left the agency to focus on her family.She went back to work in advertising for Webster, Harris &Welborn until her fourth and final child was born. Armstrong thenbought her own accounting business, but after four years and adivorce, she sold it and went back to work for Buckner Advertising,which then became Buckner, Craig & Armstrong.Armstrong flourished there, but Buckner eventually left theagency, and she did not always agree with Craig. Armstrong sawthis as her chance to branch out on her own. She already had credibility,clients, and experience as a business owner, so her own adagency was clearly the next step in her path to success.Being a divorced mother of four, she made a risky move, butArmstrong said she thought the worst that could happen is thatshe would not make any money, in which case she would just findanother job. Fortunately for her she did make money, and in 1974N. Armstrong Advertising was born.Phil Price, another successful advertising agent in Lubbock, hasknown Armstrong for more than 30 years and said he respects herand the risk she took.“It took guts for a divorced mother to step out of her securityand go into business for herself,” said Price, “especially in thosechauvinistic ‘mad men’ days.”Armstrong used the name N. Armstrong so potential clientswouldn’t know if she was a man or a woman, making it easierto gain clients. Also, she chose to mainly work with family-ownedbusinesses whose focus was agriculture.She said when she opened her agency she did not want to competewith other agencies or steal their clientele. If she is ever askedto do an ad, but thinks another agency would be better suited forit, she will not hesitate in sending the business to one of her competitors.Throughout her career, Armstrong has garnered many honorsfor her work in the advertising field, but she is most proud of hernomination and admittance into the Texas Tech Mass CommunicationsHall of Fame. She takes great pride in this award because sheis one of only two women in the Hall of Fame.“She was chosen to be a recipient because of her contributionsto the college in time, resources and personal involvement,” saidHudson.“I’m always surprised and honored when I get an award,” saidArmstrong. “It is a big thing to be in the Mass Communications Hallof Fame and that still amazes me.”Her advice to young people is to always dream big but keepgoals realistic. She has been instrumental helping young peopleachieve their goals by providing internships to college students.Armstrong has seven grandsons and one granddaughter, BrittanyHoover, who is a junior journalism major in the College ofMass Communications at Texas Tech. “She has grown up with advertising,and I’m pleased that she is in the College of Mass Communications,”Armstrong said of her granddaughter.Armstrong, who said she considers herself to be in good companywhen she is alone, never remarried, and since all of her childrenare grown, she lives alone and works out of her home. She alsodoes volunteer work in the Lubbock community and her church.Today, she only handles about five regular clients, and said shedoes not feel the need to take on anymore than that. Although shehas lightened her load, she does not see an end to her work anytime soon.“There isn’t another business you can go into and have morefun,” said Armstrong, “and as long as I enjoy what I’m doing, I’llkeep working.” mc(Merideth Murphey is a junior public relations major from Southlake,Texas. Kendall Fadner is a junior public relations major fromFriendswood, Texas. Morgan Hall is a senior photocommunicationsand advertising dual major from Duncanville, Texas.)22 | mc mc | 23

Parkinson's Legacyby Rachel Daily and Shelby Sinclairphoto by Morgan Hall“He really was the architect ofour Ph.D. program. He showedhow we would best servestudents. I don’t know howhe slept during that two-yearperiod—it really was amazing.”—Dean Jerry C. HudsonTexas Tech University’s College of Mass Communications is preparing to saygoodbye to Michael Parkinson, Ph.D., professor of public relations and associatedean for graduate studies.Parkinson will be retiring with his wife Marie, who taught masscommunications law in the college, in August. They have been atTexas Tech since 1999, but Parkinson said he is excited about retirementand their plans to move to Colorado.“Right now I intend to start by sitting on my deck and watch themountains and do nothing,” Parkinson said, showing off a pictureof their future home in Colorado Springs, where he also attendedthe Air Force Academy.He is not retiring without leaving a legacy behind, however. Hisfellow faculty members said that besides being one of the kindestand most generous people they know, he changed the face of thecollege by helping to found the doctorate program. Tech is now oneof 10 universities in the country that offers a Ph.D. for mass communicationgraduate students.Jerry Hudson, dean of the college, said that Parkinson was essentialto the development of not only the doctoral program, butto the college becoming an independent college as well. To breakaway from the College of Arts and Sciences, Hudson said theyneeded to justify having a separate college, which necessitated adoctoral program.Parkinson, who is also an attorney, came to Texas Tech fromSouthern Illinois University and began to assist by designing a curriculum,budget, admissions procedures and qualifying exam forthe doctorate, Hudson said.“He really was the architect of our Ph.D. program,” Hudson said.“He showed how we would best serve students. I don’t know howhe slept during that two-year period—it really was amazing.”Coy Callison, department chair of public relations at the college,knows from first-hand experience how important Parkinson is tothe university.“Truthfully, Dr. Parkinson was the key component of a perfectstorm that resulted in us being allowed to award doctorate degrees,”Callison said.“We would have meetings and talk about how we needed weeksto get reports together and data gathered. We would come in to theoffice the next day and find that Dr. Parkinson had done in a nightwhat we thought would take weeks,” Callison said. “In short, withoutDr. Parkinson, I simply don’t think we would have the programwe enjoy now.”With the backing of the university, a dean that was able to buildsupport, and Parkinson, the dream of having a Ph.D. program inmass communications came true in January 2005.Having a doctoral program in mass communications not onlywas an achievement for the faculty and potential students, but itput the college on the national map in the field.“Our first graduate class got jobs almost immediately,” Hudsonsaid. “People are impressed with our students. We measure our successby secondary information we hear from our peers. We havebeen pleased with what we’ve heard.”Kent Wilkinson, Ph.D. and Regents Professor in Hispanic andInternational Communications, said that Parkinson’s contributionsto the credibility of the college and the university as a whole wereprofound.“It has moved our college to a new, more elevated categoryamong mass communications programs across the country. Wehave more visibility within the university now as a separate collegewith a doctoral program,” Wilkinson said. “Having our Ph.D. graduatesout working in high profile tenure-track teaching positions orat prominent organizations brings positive attention to Texas Techand the college.”After having such a heavy hand in the development of the programand assisting in the graduation of the first doctoral students,Parkinson said he is going to find it hard to leave this part of himbehind.“I think I’ll follow the program after I go,” Parkinson said. “It’shard to be this invested in something and just walk away.”Faculty in the college said they are sad to see him go and saidthat while his administrative contributions during his time at TexasTech were huge, his daily personality and happy demeanor will bemissed as well.“I think there are people who do things sometimes for self-gratificationand self-recognition and he is not one of those people,”Hudson said. “Everything he has done has been for faculty andthe good of the students. He has the respect and support of everygraduate faculty member.” mc(Rachel Daily is a junior public relations major from Albuquerque,N.M. Shelby Sinclair is a junior and a former public relations majorfrom Katy, Texas, now focusing on multi-disciplinary studies in education.Morgan Hall is a senior photocommunications and advertisingdual major from Duncanville, Texas.)Michael Parkinson, Ph.D.24 | mc mc | 25

y Helen Kahl and Sarah Lewisphoto courtesy Lakshmi N. Tirumalaby Crystal Casias and Allyson Wickardphoto by Bri CrowSpending 45 days in a Malaysian rainforest was an unexpectedexperience for one Texas Tech University graduatestudent.Lakshmi N. Tirumala, who is working on his Ph.D. in mass communications,discovered that he was wanted by the Texas Tech BiologyDepartment to help shoot and edit an educational film inMalaysia.Tirumala was a part of a group that journeyed to Malaysia thispast semester to research the diversity of insectivorous bats in theKrau Wildlife Reserve. “We were there for about two months,” saidTirumala. “We camped in a rural area by the forest, so there wasn’tInternet or TV.”He and the team filmed broadcasts, conferences and video footage,developing an integrated biology curriculum for about 250fourth- and fifth-grade students.Together, Tirumala and Tigga Kingston, Ph.D., an assistant professorof biology at Texas Tech, developed the concepts, and wrote,directed, filmed and narrated the concept films and bat videos.Tirumala said most of the trip was spent going into the forestbetween 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. and then returning to eat and possiblysleep. The team would then start again at 7 p.m. and return to thelodging around midnight.“The fun part was in the mornings, because you get to see everythingin the forest,” said Tirumala. “It was not as much fun at nightbecause you couldn’t see anything.”Upon his return to Lubbock after the trip, and after gaining backthe eight pounds he lost while on the trip, Tirumala went to workediting the 24 hours of footage that was taken in the Malaysianreserve.“It takes about an hour to edit one minute of video, so you canimagine how long it took me to finish,” said Tirumala, laughing.The educational video was a great experience for Tirumala, whohas aspired to be a filmmaker since he was young.He further developed his passion for filming and video editingwhile working as an associate producer and promo producer withone of the leading broadcasting companies in India.“The fun part was in the mornings, because youget to see everything in the forest. It was notas much fun at night because you couldn’t seeanything.”—Lakshmi N. TirumalaTirumala came to Texas Tech in 2006 to pursue a graduate degreein mass communications, specializing in electronic media andcommunications.Todd Chambers, Ph.D., an international graduate student director,associate professor and chair of the Electronic Media andCommunications Department, said that he appreciates Tirumala’spassion for electronic media the most.“Since his arrival at Tech, he has wanted to help us developmore opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students inelectronic media,” Chambers said. “He is always eager and ready toparticipate in research and teaching activities.”When the Malaysian research opportunity came along, Chambers,who has known Tirumala for three years and greatly respectshis strong work ethic and willingness to learn, didn’t hesitate torecommend him to the team.Kingston said that Chamber’s recommendation as well as Tirumala’sprior experience both in film and in travel helped him standout from all other possible candidates.“Lakshmi is an excellent student who does a great job,” saidChambers. “He has an outstanding ability to communicate and iswilling to help all types of faculty and students.”Tirumala said the differencehe sees in his major comparedto other communication majors,is the amount of passionone must have. He said if onedid not have enthusiasm forelectronic media, there wouldbe no point in spending longhours at the editing table.(Continued on p. 33) Click It!Visit www.ttu-mbea.org/ to learnmore about The Malaysian BatEducation Adventure.Intelligent, responsible, fun and creative are just a few wordsthat describe Wendy Maxian, a graduate student in the Collegeof Mass Communications.Maxian is from Fabius, N.Y., a small dairy farming community.She has attended several universities and has enjoyed every experience.Texas Tech, however, has proven to be the most welcomingcampus and community.“There are intelligent people who want to helpyou achieve your goals, but you have to acceptthe opportunity.”—Wendy MaxianMaxian began her academic journey at John Carroll Universityin Cleveland, Ohio, where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications.After graduating, she worked at a coffee shop nearthe university while she explored her options for her future. Afterworking at the coffee shop, Maxian worked as an enforcement officerfor a child support agency. Maxian enjoyed her short term jobs,but she knew that she wanted to pursue a graduate degree.Maxian attended Cleveland State University to earn a graduatedegree in communications. While attending Cleveland State, Maxianworked as a teaching assistant.“I realized I had a passion for teaching,” Maxian said, “and knewthat was the path I wanted to pursue.”After Maxian discovered her love for teaching, she decided towork on her doctoral degree. Maxian first attended Ohio State University.While studying there she met her mentor, Samuel Bradley,Ph.D., now an assistant professor of advertising at Texas Tech.“Bradley had an office next to mine, “Maxian said, “and that iswhere our friendship, professional and academic relationship began.”After Maxian had been at Ohio State for one year, Bradley accepteda teaching position at Texas Tech. At that time Texas Techwas introducing a new doctoral program in the College of MassCommunications and recruiting its second class of students.“Bradley told me about the program and I decided the move toTexas would be a great new experience,” she said.The move to Lubbock was definitely a change of culture, howevershe quickly settled in and has grown accustom to the friendlyand laid back environment.Bradley described Maxian as a very responsible, accountable,and reliable doctoral student. Currently Maxian is the lab managerfor one of the college’s labs.Bradley said she keeps the department and lab meetings on targetwith her outstanding organization and leadership skills. Theywould be lost without her, he said.While serving as lab manager, she also teaches Principles of Advertisingand is a mentor to her students, as well as to her peers inthe doctoral program.Maxian is currently writing her dissertation on how people respondemotionally to the media. In today’s world, most of societyrelies and depends on their personal technology devices. For example,her study examines the emotional response of a person whosecell phone was taken away or access to Facebook was blocked.“Find something you are really interested in and research it.”Maxian said as advice to students presented with the challenge ofwriting a dissertation.Wes Wise, a fellow mentor and doctoral student, said Maxian isa good friend to confide in.“Wendy gives a different perspectives of things, “Wise said. “Shegives different ideas about attitudes and thoughts about things.”He said that she is the lab manager and is a good leader in theabsence of Bradley.“Professionally and academically, she is a hard worker,” Wisesaid. “I am happy for her that she got a position with Xavier, it willput her closer to Cleveland where her family and friends are.”Maxian recently accepted an assistant professor position in theDepartment of Communications Arts at Xavier University in Cincinnati,Ohio, where she will primarily teach advertising classes. Sheis excited to move closer to family and friends.Maxian said if she could give any advice to undergraduatestudents it would be to take advantage of opportunities and findsomething they are really interested in, and learn everything theycan about it.She explained that students have so many resources at the tip oftheir fingers in a university setting,from coupons, work outfacilities, and entertainment,to intelligent conversationswith professionals.(Continued on p. 33)Click It! To learn more about our graduateprogram, visit www.mcom.ttu.eduand click Graduate Studies.26 | mc mc | 27

Dallas Scholarship Breakfast—Dallas alumni and friends hosted the third annual Dallas Scholarship Breakfast in April. StanRichards, founder and principal of The Richards Group, was the keynote speaker. The attendance and the funds the committee raisedfor its scholarship endowment are quite impressive. Thanks to Mat Threadgill, principal of dib creative, and Jennifer Schuder, directorof marketing for the Dallas Opera, for their work on this initiative. Thanks to Linda Rutherford, vice president, public relations andcommunity affairs of Southwest Airlines, and Greg Davis, general manager of WRR Radio, for their corporate sponsorships.2134Identifications listed from leftphotos by Ian Halperin1. Kirk Dooely, Kellis Dooley, Camille Keith,Ralph Burns, Lucas Burns and Zach Burns2. Mat Threadgill, Leigh Anne Haugh, EmilyJones, Chuck Cooperstein and JenniferSchuder53. Mat Threadgill4. Keynote Speaker Stan Richards5. Master of Ceremonies Emily Jones6. Camille Keith, Stan Richards and ChuckCooperstein628 | mc mc | 29

Spring2009Photos1267354Identifications listed from left1. Andrea Rogers, Cindy Fluitt and Susan Simkins2. Faye Kennedy, Dennis Harp, Ellen Harp and HershelWomack3. Malcom Bordelon4. Emily Bradley, Sam Bradley, Brandon Nutting, AnnRodriguez and Coy Callison5. Greg Davis and Todd Chambers6. Terry Greenberg, Randy Reddick and Bill Dean7. Stephen Beasley and Phyllis Jones30 | mc mc | 31

Advertising to Hispanics(continued from p. 12)Texas Tech students can learn from theLatinos who are chasing their dreams, Pantaninisaid. The goal for this culture is to bepassionate about their lives while accomplishingtheir goals. That passion, she said,is what keeps people working and happyfor their entire lives, and she hopes TexasTech students find that happiness in the future.People must have a passion for their careerand should try to find a cause they canfight for in that career to help stay excited,she said, adding that she found a cause intrying to discover the best way to advertiseto the Hispanic culture.“Stick to what you’re passionate about,”Pantanini said. mc(Mia Walters is a senior print journalismmajor from Ovilla, Texas. Courtney Ryburnis a senior photocommunications major fromMidland, Texas.)Dawn of all Trades(continued from p. 13)“I truly enjoy the different people I workwith.”Bridget Christopherson, the departmentchair support staffer, described Moreno ashard working, kind, and a patient individualto work with.“I have worked with Dawn almost twoyears,” Christopherson said, “and evenwith her hectic and busy schedule she stilltakes the time to help me when I havequestions.”When not on campus, Moreno said sheenjoys being outdoors. Camping, cooking,and working in her garden are among herfavorite ways to relax. She spends muchof her time gardening. She also cans vegetablesherself.Christopherson praised Moreno’s abilityto cook, and said working in the officenext door she gets to reap the benefits ofMoreno's cooking skills.“She is planning a big garden for thesummer,” Christopherson said, “and if weare real nice maybe she will share somegoodies that come from that project.”Moreno worked in the private sector atone time but returned to Texas Tech becauseshe enjoys working with studentsand faculty.“My 13-plus years of experience atTexas Tech University have afforded methe opportunity to become quite familiarwith the policies and procedures of thecampus,” she said. “In fact, I have movedfrom different positions during my careerin a conscious effort to improve my skillsets and take advantage of opportunitiesfor advancement.”Moreno’s passion for Texas Tech spreadthrough her genes and on to her daughter,Lauren, who now attends Texas Tech. Asfor her husband, Jaime, he is no strangerto the Lubbock community. His blues andclassic rock band, Reverend Al and the Pythons,performs around Lubbock at localvenues. Although her daughter and husbandshare a love for music, they do notperform on stage together, as Lauren studiesclassical music.Moreno said she loves the social partof her job. Working on upcoming collegeevents with donors and alumni is a bonusfeature of her workload. She said she enjoysthe variety of experiences from each ofher jobs, which keeps her busy throughoutthe year. mc(Bailey Baker is a junior public relationsmajor from Dallas. Natashia Yezak is a juniorpublic relations major from Bellville,Texas. Morgan Hall is a senior photocommunicationsand advertising dual major fromDuncanville, Texas.)All the Right Words(continued from p. 20)Haynes said he was honored to be inductedinto the Panhandle Press AssociationHall of Fame, and noted how humblingit was to be mentioned in the same breathas the other members. As a journalist andeducator, Haynes used West Texas valuesto influence his decisions and the words hewrote.“I hope to transmit the culture and valuesof West Texas to the people who arereading what I’ve written,” Haynes said.“And on the education side,” Haynessaid, “to teach students to do that, plus theother tenets of journalism, which is transmittingthe culture of the area, the peopleand also uncovering darkness and trying toshine a light on it.” mc(Megan Yeary is a junior public relationsmajor from San Antonio. Karl Anderson is ajunior public relations major from Georgetown,Texas. Morgan Hall is a senior photocommunicationsand advertising dual majorfrom Duncanville, Texas)Zig Zag to Texas Tech(continued from p. 21)Rodriguez started teaching a three-dayweek after she gave birth to her first child.She knew she could not raise her childrenand keep working in the demanding hoursof a law firm. She also said that she didnot want to raise her children in New YorkCity.“Education is the only thing that I cando that combines all of my crazy interests,”she said.It is due to all of her extensive experiencethat Coy Callison, Ph.D., chair of thepublic relations department, enjoys havingRodriguez at Texas Tech.“With her broad experience,” Callisonsaid, “she can bring another dimension toour department that very few people can.”When Rodriguez and her husband Roydecided to leave New York, she got a job offerfrom Dean Jerry Hudson for a one-yearteaching contract in the college. Five yearsafter moving her family to Lubbock, Rodriguezis still teaching at Texas Tech, and thefaculty could not be more impressed withher efforts.“Of all of the faculty members I have,she is the easiest one to schedule,” Callisonsaid. “She is always the person I call whenI need someone to fill in for a class becauseshe is always willing to take it. She nevercomplains, but she just takes care of business.”When asked if Rodriguez would root forher home team of Florida or Texas Tech ifthe two ever competed, she hesitated toanswer.“It would have been really difficult, butI would have to root for Tech,” she said, “Iknow who pays the bills!”Rodriguez is currently working on anumber of different research fields, includinglaw, litigation, crisis planning, advertisingmanagement, usability of universityWeb sites, Native American mascot names,legal duties of universities in educatingathletes, and Heisman PR effectiveness.It is the interactive mentality and downto-earthattitude that keeps Rodriguez sowell-liked among the students and facultyat Texas Tech.“I am always telling stories in class andmost students like that,” she said. “I thinkprofessors should be open to interact withstudents because that relationship is moreimportant than most people think.” mc(Christopher Martin is a sophomorepublic relations major from Lubbock. ErinHawes is a junior public relations majorfrom Austin, Texas. Kasey Muth is a seniorphotocommunications and advertising dualmajor from Spring, Texas.)45 Days & Nights(continued from p. 26)Working hard may be an understatementfor all that Tirumala has done.I was completely cut out ofthe world. But, if you have theheart for the job, you don’t mindthat.”—Lakshmi N. Tirumala“Students enrolled in public relationscampaigns, advertising campaigns, journalismreporting classes, and electronicmedia and communications courses haveenjoyed the benefits of having Lakshmiaround,” said Chambers. “He has been theone that faculty and students call on whenthey need help editing video, creating acommercial, producing a podcast or withany other production-related project.”For Tirumala, passion is the key to hismany successes.“I worked hard for what I do,” said Tirumala.“I mean, I spent two months in a ruralforest without TV, radio or Internet, Iwas completely cut out of the world. But,if you have the heart for the job, you don’tmind that.” mc(Helen Kahl is a junior public relationsmajor from Plano, Texas. Sarah Lewis is ajunior public relations major from Amarillo,Texas.)Pursuing Passion(continued from p. 27)“No one should pass up an opportunityto learn more about your passion or careerfield,” she said. “There are intelligentpeople who want to help you achieve yourgoals, but you have to accept the opportunity.”Maxian was named the outstandinggraduate part-time instructor for the 2008-2009 school year from the college. Theaward is a teaching award for those graduatestudents who "contribute to the teachingmission of Texas Tech University." mc(Crystal Casias is senior public relationsmajor from Paducah, Texas. Allyson Wickardis senior public relations major from Lubbock.Bri Crow is a senior photocommunicationsmajor from Austin, Texas.)Congratulations to Dr. Shannon Bichard and the studentsof the Texas Tech American Advertising Federation studentteam for their winning performance at the 10th Districtcompetition in April. The team competed with other districtwinners in the national competition in Washington, D.C., inJune and placed sixth.The 2008 Tech AAF team, from left, bottom row: Dailey Fuller, Laurie Umfleet, Matt Bush,Lauren Filipski, Abby Spears and Kyla Butterfield. Middle row: Shannon Bichard, SeanCouch, Lynn Lawrence, Stephanie Foster, Jennilee Wilson, Jason King, Morgan Hall, SaraThetford, Meagan Froehlich and Nicole Sever. Top row: Jerod Slay, Stephen Ayers andBobby Purnell.The 1984 Tech AAF team, from left, top row: Beth Walraven and Cheryl Habbe. Middle row:Scott Santese, Andy Rowe, Ladonna Craig, Laura Eads, April Brock and Brent Landrum.Bottom row: Jimmy Clark, Dr. Joe Bob Hester and Debbie Guthrie. Not pictured: Tim Sojka.32 | mc mc | 33

Book Man(continued from p. 6)“I always volunteered at my son’sschool,” said Schaller. “I volunteered alongwith 21 moms. I cut construction paper,I fake-baked. I would buy cookies at thestore and put them in sacks.”When talking about his son, Schallersmiles. He said his son is considering goingto an Ivy League university as well asTexas Tech.“I have learned so much at Texas Tech,”said Schaller. “I did not know I had thismuch learning left in me. I did not realizehow much I did not know. That has beenthe best part about being at Tech.”Schaller was a lab instructor for NewsWriting for summer 2007, fall 2007, andspring 2008.“I like teaching because I can help thesekids not hit a lot of the potholes in life thatI hit,” said Schaller.Jessica Fajans, a senior public relationsmajor and former student of Schaller, saidhe is dedicated to helping students.“He helped me improve my writingskills more than any teacher at Tech,” saidFajans. Schaller made her more confidentin her writing, she said.“He would always make you feel comfortableto write,” said Fajans. “He is easygoingand makes you work hard at thesame time.”She said Schaller is down-to-earth andinspiring.Ashley Diaz, a senior broadcast journalismmajor, also had Schaller as a lab instructor.“I learned a lot from him,” said Diaz.“He helped me transition to print.”According to Diaz, Schaller is alwayswilling to help.“In order to go to Spain for the summer,I had to have a scholarship,” said Diaz. “Hehelped me proofread the article for myscholarship and wrote a letter of recommendation.”Though she is no longer in his class, Diazsaid she still goes to Schaller for help.“He helped me narrow down my choicesfor graduate school,” said Diaz. “He evenloaned me the book he used to study forthe GRE.”“I can always count on him, as a teacherand as a friend,” said Diaz. “I can text himor e-mail and I know he will answer and bethere for me. Whenever he leaves Tech, Iknow I can still count on him.”Ann Rodriguez, a visiting professor ofadvertising in the college, said Schallerhelps students get internships and get incontact with people for jobs.“He is really good at giving studentsideas and direction and helps them alongthe way,” said Rodriguez. “Not a lot of facultymembers do that or go out of their waylike Bob does.”Both Fajans and Diaz still stay in touchwith Schaller.“I never thought people would stay intouch with me,” said Schaller. “I still havelunch with former students at least twice aweek at Chili’s.”Schaller said he also uses Facebook tostay in touch with his students. But, “you’renot going to see me (on Facebook) doingbeer bong shots in my bikini in Mexico,”said Schaller. “If you conduct yourself as aprofessional, you will be fine.”Schaller has won several awards for hiswritings. However, he does not like to attractattention to himself.“I love being the guy on the treadmillthat nobody knows,” said Schaller. “If youput something out there, put it out thereand leave it alone. If it is great, people willtell you it is great.”Some of Schaller’s upcoming projectsare books on Al Gore, Kanye West, and hisdissertation on Bill Gates, which he plansto also turn into a book. mc(Yackjaira Ruiz is a senior public relationsmajor from Katy, Texas. Courtney Ryburnis a photocommunications major fromMidland, Texas.)Olympic Interns(continued from p. 7)“The wrestling nationals are prettymuch the biggest event, next to the Olympicteam trials and World team trials,” Myerssaid. “I am very excited to be a part ofthe event, and meet and interview all thetalented athletes.”Myers said some of the athletes she haswritten about have gone through hardships,and now have become decoratedOlympic athletes. Her favorite piece wason an athlete who battled leukemia andepilepsy, and is one of the top athletes inthe country now.“I loved hearing his story, it was so interestingto hear how he overcame all of thoseobstacles, and is one of the best wrestlersin the nation,” Myers said. “Stories like thatmake your job worthwhile.”Alison Baldridge, a senior public relationsmajor from Celina, Texas, is also currentlyinterning in Colorado Springs forthe USOC. Although both students attendTexas Tech, they did not know each otherbefore the USOC internship.Baldridge’s internship is with the USOCcommunications division, handling mediaand public relations. One of two six-monthinternships offered in media relations, herinternship runs January through June. Thisis her fourth internship, which she foundthrough Wernsman.The different time periods of each of herinternships were valuable, Baldridge said,and she got different experience in eachorganization because of the various timespent with them.“Learning how PR works on aworldwide setting is important.”—Allison BaldridgeShe is a contributor to the “OlympicBeat” magazine and wrote an article onNastia Liukin, who is the USOC sportswomanof the year. She has been workingon a media book for the 2010 VancouverWinter Olympics and writing athlete biographiesand sport summaries for Olympichopefuls.“I researched news articles from Beijinguntil January, for our media guide here atthe USOC, and on the USOC Web site,”Baldrige said.“Learning how PR works on a worldwidesetting is important,” Baldridge said.”Once you get the connections you need tokeep them.”Myers said that her internship has allowedher to network with many PR professionalswho can help her get her footin the door after graduation. She said thatinternships are very beneficial in makingprofessional contacts.“Find something you really have apassion for,” Myers said. “You don’t wantto be stuck in a job or industry you don’tlike.” mc(Laura Hagen is a senior public relationsmajor from Houston. Breanne Koutekis a juniorpublic relations major from Dallas. AlisaHovland is a junior public relations majorfrom Houston.)Identifications listed from leftphotos by Kristen Shaw1. Dr. John Aure Buesseler, BenSargent and Cathryn Anne HansenBuesseler2. Cathryn Anne Hansen Buesseler andScott Pelley3. Dean Jerry C. Hudson, Julie Moreno,Ann Arnold and Don Flores4. Faye Kennedy, Charles Kennedy andVictoria Price5. Mike Davis, Celia Davis, Linda Millerand Bill MillerBuesseler Lectureship Series —The purposes of the Cathryn Anne Hansen Buesseler Distinguished Lectureship in Print Media areto provide opportunities for students and faculty to meet nationally known print media professionals and to engage them in dialoguerelevant to current social, cultural and political issues.34 | mc mc | 3514532

Planned GiftsA planned gift is a special gift for the future,which is arranged in the present, usuallywithin an individual’s estate or financial plan,but actualized at a later date, and providesa source of financial support for the college,while also providing opportunities forindividuals to achieve personal tax benefits.$500,000 or MorePhil and Victoria PriceRalph and Toni Wallingford$200,000 - $499,999Lucia AdamsL. F. (Rick) and Ginger FrancisJerry and Sue Hudson$100,000 - $199,000Chris Wallace and Shane EdlerMichelle and Dale Turner$50,000 - $99,000Debbie ProstPatricia and Phil RecordLifetime GiftsThe following is a list of donors who havemade donations to the College of MassCommunications totaling at least $5,000.Contact Karen Jacobsen at karen.jacobsen@ttu.edu if we have excluded the name of adonor that should have been listed.Diamond ($1,000,000+)Helen Jones Foundation, Inc.Emerald ($500,000 - $999,999)Wayne C. Sellers Management TrustChoc and Gin HutchesonRalph and Toni WallingfordPlatinum ($250,000 - $499,999)Lucia AdamsSharleen Formby RhoadsL.F. (Rick ) and Ginger FrancesJerry and Sue HudsonPhil and Victoria PriceGold ($100,000 - $249,000)William Randolph Hearst FoundationLubbock Avalanche-JournalRamar Communications, Inc.Jim FergusonLarry and Charlotte FranklinGeorge and Jeannie IrishWendell and Mary Jane MayesEstate of Samuel O. MontgomeryWilliam and Mary Morris, IIIKing (Randall) and Pam NelsonChris Wallace and Shane EdlerSilver ($50,000 - $99,999)Annonymous DonorIn Memory of Miller H. Bonner Jr.Dr. John Aure Buesseler and Cathryn AnneHansen BuesselerClint FormbyWill and Renee JarrettIn Memory of Kelsey KiddDebbie ProstPhil and Patricia RecordBronze ($25,000 - $49,999)Association for Women in CommunicationsAmon G. Carter FoundationGene & Jerry Jones Family CharitiesChad AndrewsFred and Vonnie AndrewsClifton and Rosalie BolnerOtice and Mary GreenChris and Ann KiddJonathan and Kyla TurnerRed ($10,000 - $24,999)Burke, Mayborn Company, Ltd.Lubbock Advertising FederationLubbock Area Foundation, Inc.Nadel & Gussman, LLCLarry AckersNetha AlsupLarry and Nancy BeaulieuMarshall and Margaret D. FormbyCamille KeithDr. Jim KiddMary KiddRay and Mary MoranMolly PattilloJohnnie PentonJohn and Gina RaffertyClinton and Audra SneadPaul and Telea StaffordGordon and Charlene StarkJoan TuckerAnn WardLoyce WardRay WardTom WardJames and Amy WilsonBlack ($5,000 - $9,999)J. H. and M. L. Bryant FoundationCharitable Gift FundChevron U.S.A., Inc.Franklin Family FoundationFrank W. & Sue Mayborn FoundationSouthwest Airlines CompanyUnited Supermarkets, L.L.C.The Ward Family Living TrustWatson Sysco Food Service, Inc.Javier AldapeDon Belding, Jr.Mike and Celia DavisRay J. Diekemper Jr.David and Ardele GaretsGordon W. HannaStephen J. HeymanLorene U. KaiserJ. D. LeftwichPatsy R. LokeyGeorge and Beverly McDuffEunice C. MoweryGeorge and Ann O'DwyerBarbara RichardsBilly and Avis RossKeith and Megan SamplesStephen W. SpencerMass CommunicationsContributorsThe following donations were madebetween November 1, 2008 and May 1,2009. Contact Karen Jacobsen at karen.jacobsen@ttu.edu if we have excluded thename of a donor who should be listed.College Booster ($100,000+)Helen Jones Foundation, Inc.Wayne C. Sellers Management TrustRandall "King" and Pam NelsonDiamond ($10,000 - $14,999)C.R. (Choc) and Gin HutchesonPlatinum ($5,000 - $9,999)Snead Charitable Gift FundWatson Sysco Food Service, Inc.Fred and Vonnie AndrewsClint and Audra SneadGold ($1,000 - $4,999)American Academy Of AdvertisingCreede Magazinedib Creative Group, Inc.Lubbock Avalanche-JournalSouthwest Airlines CompanyTracyLockeChad T. AndrewsTeri and Tracy M. DavisKirk and Charlotte DooleyRichard and Cindy FloraJ. M. FrederickLynn GilmoreCamille KeithCharles and Faye KennedyMr. William and Mary Morris IIIO. Randal RobertsDr. Billy and Avis RossKurt and Jennifer SchuderJonathan and Kyla TurnerRalph and Toni WallingfordSilver ($500 - $999)Aars and Wells, Inc.Lifeway Financial CorporationSHW GroupWord PublicationsMichael W. AarsMichelle BleibergDavid and Beverly BrunsonMilton and Mary Ann EdwardsMichael Guerra and Mrs. Jaime GuerraJoe and Sally HornadayDuane and Nan HowellLester and Kay JacksonWilliam and Martha JusticeChris and Ann KiddBruce and Cynthia OttTom and Kim RiceMichael and Linda RutherfordJohn and Betsy StrieglerAlex L. WellsBrent and Lindsay WilhelmWhitni ZimmermanBronze ($250 - $499)Michael H. Asher, Inc.The Price Group, Inc.James Acosta and Jennifer Davis-AcostaPatricia FerrellLawson KimbleAndrews and Emily LambJessica L'EcuyerArthur and Carol MayhewPhil and Victoria PricePaul and Telea StaffordCraig and Mary TurnerDavid and Holly WainscottRed ($100 - $249)The Wilkes CompanyJames AndrewsJohn BeckerichAshley BlackPaul BodenmanJason BolanzRebecca BowersDr. Dorothy BowlesEnnis Spence and Diana Brannon-ParkerWillliam and Christina Brown IIEdna BuddinghElizabeth BurnettBillie J. BurrellKevin CaddellAndrew Callis Jr.Douglas and Anne CannonRamon and Deborah ChavezRobin CollettJesse CouchChris Wallace and Shane EdlerSarah ErpCraig and Deborah FinlaysonMina FittingEvelyn FreemanChad and Denise GarlingtonNeil GarrisonJanice L. GibbsJoseph and Sheila GorgonioChristopher GougeTim and Laura Green IIICharles and Julie HickmottAngela HumphreysSean and Natalie JohnsonDustin JonasLarry and Kathy KelleyChristopher and Jill KingGene KwanStuart LangSheri LewisLin Lofley and Kim Cobb-LofleyWilliam and Beverly LoweryJeffrey and Pamela LuckyHeather MarrouBryan and LeeAnna MaskMichelle MayoWyman and Sylinda MeinzerJacob and Erica MillerSandra PedersonAndrew and Regina PenneyJason and Emily PhillipsDaniel PobudaEdward PorrasMichael and Debra RatliffPaul and Wonda RobinsonElizabeth RollJay RosserRick and Rebecca SalesMichael RitzmanCody RubioDennis and Susan SandersonMr. Nathaniel SchaufDanny SealesJennifer SimkinsRalph and Laura SimmonsKeith and Bridgit SommerGordon and Charlene StarkBruce and Khristy StrangeLisa SustaitaTyrone ThurmanBrooks and Melinda TinsleyGreg and Charlotte ToddHenry Tuck Jr.Steven Weaver and Holly Bea-WeaverDavid and Amy WeidnerMyrna WhiteheadMorris Wilkes and Dr. Kitty Harris-WilkesRonald and Barbara WiltBlack (up to $99)Annonymous DonorSid AllenLes BakerJeffrey BalterLindsay BarclayMitchell BassBrice and Cynthia BeairdShawn and Sally BestMichael and Lynn BinghamJames and Rosalinda BlodgettWilliam and Susan BrooksAmie BrooksBrent and Lori BurnsGregory and Janet BustinChristine CanalesCrystal ColeFawn CreamerRaymond and Lorraine CrowleyMrs. Byrdean CypherJohn DeJongDouglas and Nancy DieboltGavin Dillingham, Ph.D. and Megan C.Clark-DillinghamGary and Susan DixonJustin DoveDon and Jennice FishburnJame and Kathleen Gaither Jr.Chris and Angela GarciaTommy and Sandy GonzalezGretchen GoodeChristopher GougeKevin and Renee GrantRandolph and Sindy GreenEric and Laura GutschkeArnold and Lisa HalfmannDanny and Katherine HarpGreg and Cindy HeitzmanHal and Gloria HeltonKent HendersonBrad and Alicia HendonJames and Marcella HeringGloria HilleDennis and Kathy HoelscherChris and Andrea HootenElizabeth HowellJoe and Leslie InceScott and Erica IrlbeckBrian and Lane JensenDr. Ramnik JosanJohn Julian, CHF and Heather JulianKevin and Renee KetelsGene KwanWesley and Raychel LowranceAlan and Rita MathisBrett and Debra McCrackenSam Monaco Jr.Jaime and Dawn MorenoHarvey Morton and Dr. Cathy MortonDouglas and Rachel NaugleDonald and Camille OwensRod ParkerDoy PerkinsDwanya PierceAlysia PifferoMichelle PiseccoTravis and Kendra PlankMs. Leighanna PriceAndrew RathwickRichie and Debra ReecerWilliam Risen and Susan Mowery ChristiRisenDavid and Linda RoehrigSteve and Karen RogersBrent and Aleesa RossDr. Billy and Avis RossSamuel SchaalDarrell and Catherine SeedsRichard SmithColby and Cara SmithWilliam and Jana SwartMr. Sean M. SznajderEdward and Monette TaylorChristopher TorresNancy Farmer VarnerRobby VestalSavannah WalkerDonald and Laura WallinMichael and Tammy WebsterAngela WennerlindKeith WhitesideNorris and Penny WikaArthur and Debbie WilliamsTimothy and Robin WoodLTC (ret) John Wright and CatherineWright, Ph.D.It’s Easy to GiveTexas Tech makes it extremely easy todonate, and your money can be directedany place you like. Go to www.give2tech.com, select “Give Online Now.” It’s simple.Several mass communications funds arelisted, and any amount is appreciated. mc36 | mc mc | 37

Box 43082 | Lubbock, TX 79409-3082Celebrating Two of our LegaciesThe College of Mass Communications has been very fortunate tohave two long-time employees who have molded the successful careersand lives of many students. Dr. Dennis Harp, associate dean,retired in 2008, and Janet Wright, director of academic advising, will retirein January 2010.We would like to honor their loyalty and dedication with something appropriateand long lasting. We want to name one of the production studiosin honor of Dr. Harp and the director of academic advising office in honor ofMs. Wright.CelebratingTwo LegaciesThe naming right for each of these rooms is $30,000. The funds will alsoexpand the educational experiences for our students and provide additionalprofessional training for faculty and staff. If you would like to fund the entireroom, your name will be included on the plaque as the donor. You may paythe pledge in three annual payments. If you make a minimum contributionof $1,000, we will engrave a 12” x 12” black granite tile in your honor, withyour name, major, and year of graduation and permanently mount the tile onthe wall on the first floor of the Mass Communications Building.Please visit our Web site www.mcom.ttu.edu and assist us in honoringDr. Harp and Ms. Wright. You should have already received the brochurepictured at left announcing this initiative. Your contribution will make adifference in the quality of education we provide our students. You also canjoin the College of Mass Communications, Texas Tech University, Facebookpage to share your memories of Ms. Wright and Dr. Harp. We would like tocomplete this project by Sept. 1, 2009.Dean Jerry C. Hudson