Homecoming at JMU brings back alumni who are excited to see what has changed at the university since they graduated. For the past three years, alumnus Ron Burke (’85), Comcast Sports Net Philadelphia sports broadcaster, does just that. Last Friday, Burke didn’t only visit JMU for homecoming, but he also spoke to SCOM and sport communication minor students. I had the chance to meet him with 12 other students.
The Changing of the Guard: Part II
By: Karen Kim
As Dr. Mazzarella finishes her term as director of the SCOM, Dr. Eric Fife will begin his term as director on July 1. Dr. Fife has been a professor in the SCOM since Fall 2001. He is a JMU alumnus (’90) with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and English. I had a chance to meet him and ask a few questions before the Spring 2014 semester was over.
The Changing of the Guard: Part 1
by: Colby Boone
This semester marks the end of Dr. Mazzarella’s term as director of the SCOM department. As her last few weeks wrap up, she graciously agreed to meet with me for an interview. My journey to the SCOM main office was a good experience as usual and it must be great to work for Dr. Mazzarella because everyone in the office is always smiling. Our meeting only lasted about 15 minutes, but during that time we had some good laughs and she shared some insightful information with me.
SCOM Students Facilitate Community Forum on Access to Health
On Wednesday, April 2, students in Dr. Lori Britt’s course on Facilitating Community Engagement facilitated a public forum in Rose Library.
Read more SCOM Students Facilitate Community Forum on Access to Health
Be Involved with SCOM: A Two-Part Series on the Department’s Student Organizations
Part 1: IABC and PRSSA
The following snapshots of the IABC and PRSSA are the result of short interviews with the hardworking presidents of these organizations. Kerry and Ryan both strive to do what is best for their respective organizations and would love to follow up with anyone that is interested in joining.
Their contact information has been included below so feel free to shoot them an email for more information.
Kerry Mclendon: (IABC)
Email: mclendkg@dukes.jmu.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kerry-mclendon/7b/714/b6
Ryan Thomas: (PRSSA)
Email: thomasrj@dukes.jmu.edu
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanthomas425
International Association of Buisness Communicators (IABC)
What’s it all about?
Read more Be Involved with SCOM: A Two-Part Series on the Department’s Student Organizations
Aftermath of an successful Alumni Day!
Harrison hall was filled with energy on Friday, April 11 with students, alumni and faculty enjoying an eventful day for the ‘Springboard Into the Future’ Alumni event. 
Debate Team’s Successful Year Summary
The JMU Debate Team recently completed another successful year. The team finished the year ranked 9th in both the National Debate Tournament’s and the Cross Examination Debate Association’s National rankings. This is the 5th consecutive year that the team has finished in the top ten.
(Debate Team)
SCOM Conference and SCOM Alumni Day, Here We Come!!
There are two upcoming events this week to kick-off the eventful month of April!
36th Annual SCOM Conference
JMU SCOM will hold it’s 36th Annual conference from April 7th- 9th.
(click imagee for Facebook event page)
KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
“Takin’ It to the Streets:” Promoting Social Justice through Communication Activiism Scholarship by Dr. Lawrence Frey will kick off the Conference. It will take place in Highlands Festival Conference Center at 7-8pm.
Here is a brief schedule of the conferences:
Monday (7th)
Pre-Conference Workshop 3:30-4:30pm @ Harrison 1290
Conference Start 7-8:15pm @Highlands, Festival Conference Center
Tuesday (8th)
Paper Session 1:Social Movements and Cultural Change 9:30 – 10:45am @ Transitions,Warren
Paper Session 2: Communicate Criticism and Popular Culture 11-12:15pm @ Transitions, Warren
Paper Session 3: Independent Research Projects 12:30-1:45pm @ Transitions, Warren
Paper Session 4: Communication and College Life 2-3pm @ Transitions, Warren
Information Session: Graduate Degree in Communication and Advocacy 3:30-4:30pm @ Transitions, Warren
Wednesday (9th)
Paper Session 5: Mediated Communication and Identities 9:05-9:55am @ Transitions, Warren
Paper Session 6: Presidential and Public Rhetoric 10:10-11am @ Transitions, Warren
Paper Session 7 : Honors Theses 11:15-12pm @ Transitions, Warren
Since there are multiple sessions, find ones that fit your schedule and attend. You will be able to find out interesting information as well as supporting your classmates.
For the full program you can find it at our Facebook event page.
SCOM Alumni Day
The day is finally here! This Friday will be the ‘Springboard Into the Future’ Alumni event!
(click image for Facebook event page)
Five Alumni Panel Presentations in Harrison 0102:
– Panel 1: (9:05-9:55) Entering into the Fast Paced World of For-Profit Organization’s: What to Expect!
– Panel 2: (10:10-11:00) “I graduated with a degree in Communication Studies… Now what?!”
– Panel 3: (11:15-12:05) Branding and Planning the Career of Your Dreams
– Panel 4: (12:20-1:10) Networking Like an All Star: The Ins and Outs of Building Professional Relationships
– Panel 5: (1:25-2:15) Inside the World of Public Relations: From the Day to Day to the Big Picture
Student-Alumni Lunch in Harrison 1290 from 11:30-2pm
Afterwards come out to the Alumni Awards Picnic in the courtyard behind Harrison and Ashby at 3pm!!
Enjoy a sunny Friday mingling with your classmates, faculty members and alumni! This will be a great opportunity to network as well as get to know others in SCOM!
We will be updating our Facebook and Twitter page during these events so please stay tuned through these outlets as well!
Please let us know if you have any news to share with us. You can contact Dr. Isaac Woo (woocw@jmu.edu), Karen Kim (kim2yj@dukes.jmu.edu) or Colby Boone (booneck@dukes.jmu.edu) for a blog story idea.f
Quick safety tips before leaving for spring break!
Before everyone heads off for break, here are some safety tips to consider!
As students usually leave their lovely homes for a whole week, there are some factors to consider before leaving it completely vacant.
Read more Quick safety tips before leaving for spring break!
Get to meet Dr. Carlos Alemán
Dr. Carlos Alemán is an associate professor at the School of Communication Studies, and one of only eight professors in the university with an appointment as a JMU Professor in Residence (PIR) http://www.jmu.edu/pir/about.html. The PIR program is sponsored by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President at JMU in order to promote educational attainment and college aspirations of Virginia high school students.
Through his PIR appointment at Thomas Harrison Middle School, Dr. Alemán is able to develop and support outreach programs and activities that focus on student populations that have historically lacked opportunities for attending colleges. Once day, while stopping for a cup of coffee, he met a local high school teacher and a community organizer who were just getting started with a brand new outreach organization called the Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (in short: SV-SLI). Three months later, Dr. Alemán was invited to the SV-SLI Board of Directors, and began serving as the SV-SLI University Coordinator of Mentoring and Academic Programs.