School of Communications
Grand Valley professor inducted into prestigious public relations organization
The Public Relations Society of America recently inducted new members into its prestigious College of Fellows, one of which was a Grand Valley faculty member. Along with 10 other professionals, Tim Penning, professor of advertising and public relations, was inducted into the organization during a special ceremony on October 6 at the PRSA International Conference in Austin, Texas.
Oct 15, 2018
Alumni to share Laker Effect stories, professional experiences during multiple presentations
A mathematician who works for Disney and the investigative reporter who broke the Larry Nassar sex abuse story will be among 10 alumni from Grand Valley's College of Liberal Arts of Sciences who will return to campus to speak about their professional experiences. The CLAS Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence will participate in presentations, lectures, Q&A sessions and meet-and-greet opportunities on the Allendale Campus October 1-5.
Sep 28, 2018
Big Data Month event to focus on understanding the FOIA process
The Freedom of Information Act has been used as a way for the general public to encourage transparency from governments, corporations and organizations. An upcoming event on September 27 will explore the mechanics of writing and submitting a FOIA request. FOIA-Fest is one of this year's Big Data Month events occurring at Grand Valley throughout the month of September.
Sep 20, 2018
Lecture to explore technology's impact on Generation Z
Social media and other contemporary technologies have impacted societies around the world, most notably in the arenas of politics, religion, race relations and journalism. An upcoming presentation will explore how Generation Z is impacted by these technological changes. Edward Tywoniak, professor of communication and media studies and director of the W.M. Keck Digital Studies Lab at Saint Mary's College of California, will present "Fighting the Politics of Illusion" during this year's James W. Carey Memorial Lecture on Septe
Sep 19, 2018
Big Data Month events to focus on FOIAs, health care, climate change and more
The benefits of data analysis in areas such as journalism, climate change, health care and even analyzing ancient Greek texts, will be examined during multiple Big Data Month events at Grand Valley throughout September.
Aug 31, 2018
GrandPR creates communications campaigns for local nonprofits during 24-hour event
More than 30 students recently participated in a 24-hour marathon event to develop communications campaigns for five West Michigan nonprofit organizations that will ultimately help them make an impact in the local community and beyond. Staff members from GrandPR, Grand Valleyýs student-run public relations firm, developed these campaigns during the CreateAthon, held from March 23-24. GrandPR was one of only five student-run firms nationally affiliated with the Public Relations Society of America selected to host a CreateAtho
Mar 28, 2018
Alumna reporter who broke Nassar sex abuse story speaks about investigation during campus event
Marisa Kwiatkowski, '05, was one of three IndyStar reporters who broke the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse story that led to the conviction of sports physician Larry Nassar. More than 250 individuals have come forward with allegations of abuse against Nassar since the investigation began. Kwiatkowski shared anecdotes and insights about the investigation during the inaugural Robert Mayberry Comm-Unity Series event on March 26.
Mar 27, 2018
Reporter who broke Nassar sex abuse story to speak at GVSU
Larry Nassar will spend the rest of his life in prison, serving sentences for the sexual abuse of more than 160 young women and possession of child pornography, but the long road to justice started with serious investigative reporting by Marisa Kwiatkowski and her colleagues from the Indianapolis Star.
Mar 20, 2018
Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster receives surprise diploma during special presentation
John Records Landecker can look back on a storied career as a radio broadcaster, entertaining millions of listeners around the U.S. and Canada for more than 50 years. In honor of his career, Landecker was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2017, but that wasn't the only "class" he joined last year - he also became a member of the Laker Class of 2017. He just didn't know it until this month. Landecker visited the Allendale Campus February 8 to discuss his career and autobiography, but what he didn't know was tha
Feb 9, 2018
Alumna spreads Laker Effect around the world by ice skating for Disney on Ice
Shanda DeWitt, '11, has been traveling around the world skating alongside 42 other professionals with Disney on Ice since 2016. Her travels have taken her to many areas of the world, including Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Canada and across the U.S. DeWitt currently portrays Elsa from Disney's "Frozen" and said she enjoys spreading her Laker Effect through creating a fun and positive experience for fans of all ages.
Jan 16, 2018
