Spring 2025 Mass Media Messenger

ALUMNI PROFILES:

FACULTY UPDATES: 20-25

Letter from the Editor Messenger Staff

Editor-in-Chief

Hannah Haslett

Copy Team

Morgan Albrecht

Ajah Banks

Jessica Wonderlich

Design Team

Hannah Andersen

Lilly Kobach

Axel Lassiter

Multimedia Team

Kenneth Chapman

Teondre Carter

Jaden Etienne

Faculty Advisor

Regina Cassell

Volume 36, Issue 1

The Mass Media Messenger is a departmental alumni magazine created by Washburn University students in MM403, Advanced Professional Media Writing.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the Spring 2025 issue of the Mass Media Messenger! While this is my second year at Washburn, I have junior standing.

I’m excited and reflective as I write this letter. This issue will be the final Messenger produced in the well-known Mass Media Lab, or as we call it, Henderson 7. For many of us in the department, it’s a place full of memories, hard work and creative collaboration. It’s hard to imagine how the planned renovations will transform the space where so many Washburn alumni have spent countless hours.

My classmates and I have worked hard to bring this issue to life, and we are proud to share it with you. Inside, you’ll find a variety of content, from updates on our mass media faculty, staff, student-athletes and alumni, to discussions on the role of AI and the ongoing conversations around banned books.

Outside of class, you’ll usually find me on the sidelines at Washburn sporting events, camera in hand, capturing the action for athletics. My favorite moment was the men’s basketball regional championship game. Other times, I’m behind the screen managing content for the Student Recreation and Wellness Center on Instagram, highlighting everything from intramural sports to wellness tips for fellow students.

Being part of this tight-knit department has been one of the best experiences of my college career. I’m grateful for the faculty who challenge and inspire us, and for the friends I’ve made along the way.

On behalf of the Messenger staff, thank you for your continued support. Without further ado, enjoy the Spring 2025 Mass Media Messenger!

Hannah Haslett

785-670-1836

massmedia@washburn.edu

dean.krueger@washburn.edu

kristen.grimmer@washburn.edu

maria.stover@washburn.edu

matthew.nyquist@washburn.edu

regina.cassell@washburn.edu

sam.finch@washburn.edu

Lydia Housh:

From business to broadcasting— revitalizing local radio

by Ajah Banks

For Lydia (Becker) Housh, stepping into the role of station manager at KDNS-FM and KZDY-FM wasn’t part of a carefully planned career trajectory—it was the result of years of experience in business, advertising and a deep-rooted connection to her community.

After earning her degree in mass media from Washburn University in 2006, Housh began her career at WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kansas, before transitioning into entrepreneurship.

“My dad was looking to add on another location for his car business, so he asked if I wanted to open up a car lot,” she said. “I don’t know anything about cars, but I like to sell things, and it just took off.”

What was meant to be a small operation of eight vehicles and no trades quickly expanded.

“We grew so fast. Before we knew it, we had around 30 vehicles and started taking trades,” Housh said. The business eventually expanded to 140 campers, 20 trailers, 30 vehicles and 20 employees. During this time, she worked closely with local radio stations, selling advertisements and building relationships within the community. These connections would eventually lead her back to the world of media.

After deciding to slow down, Housh and her husband, Blake Housh, closed their dealership at the end of 2024. They continued selling remaining inventory from their property in Glen Elder, Kansas, which also hosts a campground and apartments, The Lazy H. She had planned to take a remote job when radio unexpectedly landed in her path.

Housh’s transition to station manager wasn’t without its challenges. Before her arrival, the station had suffered from instability, with previous management eroding trust by selling fake advertisements. Housh felt the weight of restoring credibility, but the overwhelming support from the community reassured her.

“When people found out I was taking over, they told me

courtesy of Lydia Housh Lydia Housh found support as she started her new job at the local radio station in Dover, Kansas. Now, she’s bringing in fresh content.

things like, ‘I knew you could do it’ and ‘You are the perfect person for this job,’” Housh said. “That encouragement meant a lot, especially since I was stepping into something new.”

Now, she sees local radio as an essential pillar of smalltown life—something she hopes to revitalize with fresh content, updated advertisements and eventually, a new morning show. While sports coverage may take time to rebuild, Housh is determined to restore the station’s role as a hub for local news and entertainment.

For Housh, the most exciting part of managing the station is the creative freedom it offers. With an owner who is hands-off, she and her team can shape the station’s direction in ways that truly resonate with their audience.

“We have the freedom to make it our own,” Housh said. “That’s what makes it exciting—we get to bring something fresh to the table.”

Balancing the business side with creativity, however, requires strong people skills and a knack for customer service—especially when selling advertisements, a major part of keeping local radio stations alive. Her background in business and advertising has given her a unique perspective on how to connect with clients and community members in a meaningful way.

In a world where streaming services dominate, Housh believes local radio’s strength lies in offering community-centered content. She sees an opportunity to lean into hyper-local programming, giving residents a reason to tune in beyond just music. Some of the ideas she’s exploring with her husband include a morning show and an evening entertainment program.

“The most well-rounded experiences from other career paths will always help you,” she said. “Just getting out there and learning how to work with people is the best way to prepare yourself for any job.”

Lydia and Blake Housh expanded family-owned Becker Autos & Trailers before Lydia (Becker) Housh took to the airwaves.

Reflecting on her journey, Housh credits Washburn University’s mass media department for equipping her with unexpected yet crucial skills.

Her biggest goal for the station is to restore its reputation and increase listenership.

“The nearest local TV broadcasting station is two and a half hours away,” Housh said. “Bringing back local news, sports and entertainment will not only gain listeners but also attract advertisers looking to reach their audience.”

Although she’s only been in the role for a short time, Housh has already gained valuable insight into leadership and decision-making. She credits her ability to navigate challenges to positive thinking and strong communication.

“Having a positive outlook is everything. If you think negatively, you’ll create negative outcomes,” she said. “And for big decisions, I rely on talking things through with others. I’m naturally indecisive, so getting multiple perspectives helps me make the best choices.”

For those looking to break into the radio industry—or any career, for that matter—Housh emphasizes the value of real-world experience.

“I started out in business, but it was really boring, so I switched to mass media,” she said. “I learned so much—things I didn’t even realize would be useful. Learning InDesign has been huge because I still use it today for creating advertisements. Even knowing how to take a good picture can take you far.”

One of her biggest influences was Regina Cassell, senior lecturer in the mass media department, whom she worked closely with during her time at Washburn.

“She was my favorite teacher, and the whole mass media department was really great for me,” Housh said.

Cassell vividly remembers Housh’s drive and determination from their time working together.

“Lydia was one of the best advertising managers I ever had,” Cassell said. “She wasn’t deterred by anything and had a remarkable ability to plan and execute her ideas. She came into her interview with a detailed advertising strategy for Topeka already mapped out. That kind of initiative was rare, and she made a lasting impression.”

Now, with a wealth of business experience, strong community ties and a passion for keeping local media alive, Lydia Housh is ready to breathe new life into small-town radio—one broadcast at a time.

Photographer reflects on college journey, career growth Doug Brown:

by Hannah Haslett

Doug Brown, ‘91, jumped straight into the world of television right after college, and 33 years later, he’s still thriving at WIBW-TV as the station’s chief photographer. His journey was shaped by experience, networking and a hint of basketball -- all which led him to a career in news.

Brown’s role as chief photographer requires him to oversee daily operations, attend meetings and ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, a mix of administrative responsibilities and fieldwork.

Recently, Brown was tasked with preserving old videotapes to ensure their digitization for future use, something that allowed him to see the progress of the WIBW news station over the years.

“At the end of the day, I like to take an hour or so using a special machine to digitize old videotapes,” Brown said. “I’ve learned a lot of history.”

Despite the administrative side, Brown still appreciates the excitement of fieldwork. He had the privilege of covering a story about a Guam refueler plane and got a behindthe-scenes look, an experience he said he won’t forget.

In 2020, he covered the Super Bowl, and he has covered the Final Four college basketball games throughout his career.

Brown’s journey began at Washburn, where he pursued a degree in mass media. Though his passion for the field developed early, he initially started with entry-level positions and spent time learning the ropes by hanging out at WIBW with his brother, Don Brown, who worked there. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for what would become a career.

During Doug Brown’s senior year, he enrolled in a video production class that would solidify his path. The class, led by an inspiring professor and Hollywood producer, Tim Schlattmann, taught him how to handle video equipment in

real-world situations. It was in this class that Brown gained a deep understanding of fieldwork. He later used these skills extensively in his job at WIBW.

While in college, Brown also spent a couple of years playing on the men’s basketball team. He said this experience gave him connections and friends, many he’s kept up with throughout the years.

Brown found it challenging to get out of his comfort zone when doing interviews for class assignments.

“The biggest thing is that I’m a shy person, and for this job, it’s a necessity to be outgoing,” Brown said.

His assignments pushed him out of his comfort zone and forced him to engage with people he wouldn’t usually talk to, a skill that he doesn’t think he will ever truly master.

Looking back, Brown said he wishes he had focused more on his writing skills. He started as a producer, handling news stories and writing scripts, and admits he struggled with writing during his entry role.

Brown has done his best to pass down what he’s learned over the years to new journalists who also get their start at WIBW.

In her first year at WIBW, Aja Carter took on the role of a reporter and weekend producer, balancing multiple tasks at once. But it was Brown who played a pivotal role in shaping her career.

“He’s kind and always ready to help,” Carter said.

Carter went to Brown for guidance when conducting interviews and tips and tricks for editing.

Reflecting on her first time doing a story on her own, Carter remembers Brown being there to guide her and ease her nerves.

“He knows everybody,” Carter said. “I looked to him for inspiration because I wanted to make connections with people like he has.”

photo courtesy of Doug Brown

For those looking to break into the field, Brown offers some key advice.

“Take every writing class you can and start networking early,” Brown said. “The more people you meet, the better.”

His network of connections, some built more than 30 years ago, has played a pivotal role in his success, from job offers to valuable feedback.

As for the challenges that come with the fast-paced news industry, Brown recalled the pressure of tight deadlines. In college, working on a weekly show was challenging, but the real test came in the newsroom, where a story might need to be shot and edited in just a few hours.

Brown said that the rise of social media and an ever-increasingly instant news cycle has drastically changed the industry. WIBW employees have adapted to new equipment and procedures to get information out as fast as possible to

Doug Brown brings 33 years of expertise behind the camera, capturing stories that impact viewers at WIBW. His experience ranges from covering the Super Bowl to preserving history by digitizing old videotapes.

social media, specifically Facebook.

“It’s not just 5 and 6 o’clock news anymore,” Brown said. “We have social media and websites to manage, too.”

Through hands-on experience, networking and a willingness to learn, Brown has built a career that continues to thrive in the ever-changing media. His story is a valuable reminder that growth and success in any field require both persistence and the ability to embrace new challenges.

Brown is also married to WIBW news director Melissa Brunner. Brown’s staff biography says, “We share our home with our zoo of cats and dogs, and proudly brag about our nieces and nephews.”

Alumna uses creative skillset

by Jessica Wonderlich

Christina Noland, ’23, a designer and client partner at Compass Marketing & Advertising Partners, goes about her day in organized chaos – it’s never the same day twice.

“My work generally encompasses acting as part of a marketing team for all of our clients. We don’t just do odds and ends projects,” Noland said. “We do planning, we manage their socials, we manage their emails going out, and also design their emails going out. We help set up events. We help plan for events.”

Every client that Noland works with is different, so she needs to remain flexible for every job. Anything related to public relations is applicable, even having to act as a project manager at times. Part of Noland’s job is to figure out what her clients want and need.

“The more you sit down with the client and listen to their feedback, the more you kind of intuitively know what they’re saying without them saying it because they’re not marketing people,” Noland said.

Jennifer Goetz, the chief marketing officer at Compass, recalls working with Noland to rebrand the Prevention and Resiliency Services located in Topeka, an organization that provides families with early intervention and prevention strategies against substance abuse in youth. PARS wanted a new logo that kept the message of the original one for the brand.

“Christina had done a good job of reading the room and could see that they didn’t love their current logo, but they were afraid of getting too far away from it,” Goetz said. “That can also create dissonance within the community if it’s such a drastic change that now they don’t recognize you anymore.”

“She set them on a path that [PARS] could get reinvigorated about what their brand identity is doing when it goes out to the public,” Goetz said. “It’s been extremely well received.”

Noland is now the current point person for PARS and helps build other marketing materials for them.

photo courtesy of Christina Noland Christina Noland’s fast-paced job never sees the same day twice, and she works hard to give clients what they want.

During her time at Washburn University, Noland worked as the editor-in-chief of the Sapphire Yearbook and the Indigo Magazine. She was also a production designer in Advanced Film Production taught by Matthew Nyquist, an associate professor of mass media at Washburn University.

“She had never taken a film class–to my knowledge–and she came in and she was a production designer,” said Nyquist. “She did one of the best jobs I’ve seen for a student doing production design work -she just went above and beyond.”

Noland values knowledge and will teach herself how to do something new when she sets her mind to it. She taught herself how to be a production designer and photographer.

“The only reason I am where I am is because I push myself to learn new things, and it’s uncomfortable and chaotic sometimes – It’s just new, and the

experience can be exciting and scary all at the same time,” Noland said. “But I wouldn’t be where I am if I wasn’t willing to learn.”

A passion for games, including Dungeons and Dragons, a popular role-playing tabletop game, has helped Noland develop skills that she uses for her work at Compass.

The game master in D&D, who controls the story, must learn leadership, planning, scheduling and creativity to run a game well.

“All of those skill sets are absolutely something I use in my day-to-day life,” Noland said. “You will present better, have client meetings better and be able to connect to people better.”

As Noland uses these skills to build her strengths while working at Compass, she is eagerly waiting for the day to incorporate and create a game specifically targeted for a client.

Alumnus directs documentary

by Kenneth Chapman

While many mass media students dream of becoming directors and making films, Washburn alumnus Balin Schnieder, ‘21, has already turned that dream into reality.

It all began in a French cinema class, where his passion for film first took root and began to grow.

Schnieder also added that he did several contemporary French cinema studies as well. This would set him up on the path to mass media.

“The French were constantly innovating and still are,” Schnieder said. Eventually, Schnieder would find himself in the class of Sam Finch, mass media lecturer, and their relationship would start from there.

“As a student he was a leader in the classroom. He was just always helping other students—he came in ahead of the curve with more experience,” Finch said.

Schnieder’s work was always top tier in Finch’s class.

“In cinematography, [Schnieder] did this music video short film, and it was a really good example of his skills as a visual storyteller because there was no dialogue and it was all just to music,” Finch said. “He was just one of those students who would turn in really good work, and he applied himself.”

After graduating, Schnieder moved out to Los Angeles in 2021. Around this time, his directorial debut, “Out of Time: The Material Issue Story,” was released. The movie is a documentary about Material Issue, a Chicago-based pop band.

“I knew the band; I had their CD,” Schnieder said. “I felt like the story was compelling, and I was kind of shocked that it hadn’t been told.”

However the process began for Schnieder, long before graduation.

“I just started it thinking it would be like an eight-minute YouTube thing,” Schnieder said.

The documentary turned out to be an hour and six minutes long.

“What was so impressive is that he started working on the documentary when he was a sophomore,” Finch said. “He was working so hard on that thing, he phoned in a couple projects for my class.”

Despite this, Schnieder always ended up doing well in his classes.

Schnieder would go to Finch to receive criticism and advice for the movie. He was open-minded and listened to other perspectives.

“I had to remind him this is the Material Issue story, not just the Jim Ellison story. ‘You’re telling the band’s story,’” Finch said.

Schnieder reflected on the project and was very critical of himself. Certain shots he thought were ugly, and he was constantly learning while he worked on the film. He compared his experience and process to the subject of his film, “Material Issue.”

“I think it’s very similar to how Material Issue was, which was this young band, freshmen in college and they definitely had tufts and creative differences,” Schnieder said.

Moving on into the future, Schnieder has founded Arvonia Films.

did not wait to begin his career. He started making his documentary during his sophomore year at Washburn.

“It’s the company I run, and we’re kind of in the process of making it a nonprofit, which is such a rigorous and long process,” Schnieder said. “We have a great board, and I think there are some really big leaders in the industry, some from a documentary background, some from a development background and some from social impact background.”

For what the future holds for Schnieder, he is not completely sure, but Finch has high expectations for Schnieder.

“He’s got multiple projects on the go. He is great at making connections,” Finch said. “He is very likable, and I think that was his greatest asset. He talks to people in a way that they can connect with. Nobody’s perfect, but he’s matured a lot, and I think the future holds great things for him as a filmmaker—as a young filmmaker, a storyteller.”

Alumni Class Notes

by Morgan Albrecht

*Note: Entries with an astrick have photos included.

*Allie Broockerd, ’18, joined the engineering firm, Terracon, in Olathe, Kansas, as a digital and content strategist in the spring of 2025. She currently resides in Spring Hill, Kansas, with her husband, Blake, and children Benjamin, 4, and Alice, 1.

Mikki Burcher, ’10, has continued her position as a fundraising specialist and mental health first-aid instructor at Valeo Behavioral Health Care in Topeka, Kansas. She is a certified instructor for mental health first aid, first aid, CPR, AED and QPR, a suicide prevention method.

Alexis Chicalas, ’21, started her own digital marketing agency, Nude Digital, a year ago. She also walked in New York Fashion Week and was accepted into ForbesBLK. She currently resides in Kansas City with her husband, Luke, and their child Braxton, 3.

Tricia (White) Connors, ’08, has continued in her position as chief of staff for Security Distributors, LLC, in Topeka, where she has worked for five years. She currently resides in Lawrence.

Sarah Farlee, ’08, is in her 10th year as a communcations manager for FreeState Electric Company in Topeka. She has earned accreditation in Public Relations (APR), which is administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB). The UAB, formed in 1998, develops policies, conducts research, reviews appeals and grants APR’s. She serves on the Touchstone Energy Brand Strategy Committee. She resides in Lawrence.

Rachel (Whitten) Harden, ’10, started a position as the vice president of marketing for National Taxpayers Union in Washington, D.C., in September 2024. She currently resides in Topeka.

*Leah Jamison, ’22, took a position as the assistant director of social media for Washburn University this past year. She currently resides in Topeka.

*Abby LaFever, ’23, has been freelancing in Lawrence since graduation. She has been accepted into the master of science program in digital and integrated marketing communications at the University of Kansas and will start in June 2025.

Johanna (Greer) McDaniel, ’15, has been in her position as the director of development for the School of Law with the Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation for a year. She currently resides in Topeka.

*Larissa Morgan, ’23, started as a program specialist for the Kansas Department of Labor in Topeka during August 2024. She plans to get married in September 2025 and currently lives in Topeka with her fiancé, Aaron Goforth, son David Nichols and daughter Callie Knittle.

Daphne Phillips Reynolds, ’12, started as a talent acquisition manager at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, in August 2024. She currently resides in Leavenworth, Kansas.

*Logan Schmidt, ’22, was promoted in August 2024 to the director of sales for Washburn Athletics. He was a part of the crew that helped put on the 2025 NCAA DII Men’s Regional Basketball Tournament at Washburn.

*Josh Wallentine, ’16, started a new position in December 2024 as a campaign development manager for Kansas Student Visionaries of the Year at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He currently resides in Wichita, Kansas, with his wife and two daughters, ages 5 and 2.

*Ernie W. Webb III, ’98, has continued his role as the director of strategic enrollment management marketing and communications for Washburn University. He published his first book “Goodbye, Butterfly: Murder, Faith and Forgiveness in a Small Kansas Town,” which was an Amazon bestseller.

*Delainey Williams, ’21, started as a communications coordinator for the Kansas Board of Regents in Topeka in October 2024 after working for the state of Kansas for nearly three years. In January 2025, she and her husband, Jeff Williams, ’24, welcomed a second son, Oliver Williams, to their family.

Ernie W. Webb III at a book signing for the release of his book, “Goodbye, Butterfly: Murder, Faith and Forgiveness in a Small Kansas Town.”

Logan Schmidt holds the Washburn men’s basketball 2025 NCAA DII Regional Championship trophy.

Larissa Morgan with her fiancé Aaron Goforth.

Broockerd family,

her

coworkers

the

AI raises concerns over design creativity

by Lilly Kobach

Artificial Intelligence is infiltrating creative industries. Debates among creatives question whether AI is enhancing design or diluting human creativity.

Artists and mass media educators share mixed feelings on the role of AI in the creative process, acknowledging both its efficiency and its potential drawbacks.

Michael Hager, an associate professor of art at Washburn, as well as an accomplished artist specializing in woodcut printmaking, compared the evolution of AI-generated art to past skepticism around the invention of photography and digital media. He argued that initial fears may subside as the technology matures.

As AI-generated artwork becomes more sophisticated,

Hager worries it will be indistinguishable from human-created art.

“I’m afraid there will be some work that is so good you can’t tell the difference,” Hager said. “This would devalue the traditional art that creators worked hard to produce.”

Hager explained that distinguishing fine art is becoming increasingly complex. He said AI challenges the traditional definition of creativity.

“It’s going to get muddied, harder, more chaotic,” Hager said.

While AI is complicating the definition of art, it is something that will take time to determine the scope of its impact. However, he also suggested that AI’s rise might increase demand for human-made art. Hager offered advice for navigating AI in the arts.

“It is so new and so pervasive.ww My advice is don’t ignore it. Use it sparingly. Ask lots of questions,” Hager said.

Hager advised anyone looking into using AI to experiment with it and to make sure to do their own research. The copyright laws are still blurry on AI’s use, so make sure to cite it as a tool.

we’re going to lose our jobs, and robots are gonna become human. But that’s not the real fear. What we should be afraid of is that humans are going to become robotic, and they’re losing their God-given gifts and abilities,” Schlesener said.

Schlesener noted that AI has practical applications in the workplace, but it doesn’t replace human creativity.

“[AI] can be my secretary. It can remind me of the things I need to do, and it can schedule a list. It can do all that, but I’m not using it as a source of inspiration or creativity,” Schlesener said.

“Your degree in mass media is a comprehensive education beyond just Photoshop and InDesign. It’s about learning how to communicate effectively,” -Maria Stover

Maria Stover, assistant dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and a mass media professor, emphasized the necessity of addressing AI in education.

“It’s not optional anymore. We have to prepare our students for this reality,” Stover said.

AI is already influencing mass media programs, but Stover stressed the importance of building foundational skills.

“Mass media majors absolutely need to know how to edit and write in order to even assess whether AI-generated content is worth using,” Stover said.

One advantage of AI is its ability to streamline research, reducing tasks that once took years to hours. Few in the industry object to this efficiency, but the broader implications on job security remain a topic of debate.

Ryan Schlesener, creative account manager at Advisors Excel, discussed how the company has recently developed its own AI program to be used internally and by its advisors, reflecting the growing role of AI in the professional world.

Schlesener also expressed concerns that AI could diminish human creativity.

“I always hear people saying that the fear with AI is that

Dean Kruger, a mass media lecturer, animator and illustrator, expressed his skepticism about AI’s role in the art world.

“If I’m being completely honest, I don’t really like it. It diminishes people’s understanding of how hard it is to [create art],” Kruger said.

Kruger also noted that AI’s saturation in the art world could have some positive and unexpected effects.

“In a weird way, it makes styles that are different than AI really pop,” Kruger said.

When discussing AI’s role in animation, Kruger noted that AI’s influence has led to a declining appreciation for human imperfections.

“People caring less about the human touch might be the tipping point ... The older I get, the more I miss seeing the mistakes in animation,” Kruger said.

The 2025 Super Bowl advertisements for OpenAI and Meta have already showcased AI’s role in creative industries, sparking discussions about its future.

As mass media continues to evolve, some jobs may disappear while new roles emerge, just as the role of social media manager was new 20 years ago.

“Your degree in mass media is a comprehensive education beyond just Photoshop and InDesign. It’s about learning how to communicate effectively,” Stover said.

Despite the changes AI is bringing, mass media faculty insist that human skills and creativity will remain irreplaceable.

“Knowing how to effectively use AI doesn’t replace essential skills; it enhances them,” Stover said. “Higher-level connections and creativity—that’s where the human touch is.”

Book bans limit access

by Ajah Banks

In an era when information is readily available, books remain at the center of cultural and political debates. During the 2023-24 school year, PEN America recorded 10,046 instances of book bans.

According to PEN America, book bans vary by school district and are often driven by state laws. In Iowa, for example, bans are tied to state legislation, Iowa’s SF 496, requires instructional materials to be “age appropriate.” However, the law’s definition of that term excludes content featuring mature themes. It also includes provisions like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, limiting discussions of LGBTQ+ identities in schools.

Franki Ostrom, an instructional librarian at Washburn University, shared her perspective on book bans and their effects on access to information.

“I don’t like book bans because they limit people’s access to information, and information should be freely available,” Ostrom said. “As Americans, we have a right to information—that’s part of the First Amendment. Book bans are usually an overreaction to social issues that aren’t actually a problem.”

information age, being able to have access to information is critical to making decisions, is critical to voting, is critical to understanding where an individual fits within the community. And so, I think that libraries serve an important role to individuals and to communities, by providing people with access to that information that will make them happy, healthy and whole.”

Regarding book challenges, Bird said that while formal challenges have not occurred during his tenure, informal concerns have been raised.

“...being able to have access to information is critical to making decisions, is critical to voting, is critical to understanding where an individual fits within the community.”

Ostrom said that many books being challenged are often targeted due to personal discomfort rather than their intended audience or content. Sometimes what people think should be a complete book ban, should actually look more like an age restriction.

“The most targeted book right now is called ‘Gender Queer,’ and it’s not a book for children,” Ostrom said. “But because it’s a graphic novel, people assume it is.”

Sean C. Bird, senior associate dean at Washburn University, also weighed in on the role of libraries in providing access to information.

“I believe that libraries are culturally where communities store our information,” Bird said. “We live in an information age. We live in a democracy. And in both of those kinds of communities, democratic communities that are in the

-Sean Bird

“So, book challenges typically come in two forms,” Bird said. “One is a formal challenge. And we do have a process in place and a form that a person can fill out when they are uncomfortable with a title and would like to challenge it. And we have not had any of those in the time that I’ve been the associate or senior associate dean. We have had people come to the library desk and make an informal challenge or a declaration of concern about a particular title, and we take those seriously as well. We ask the person if they would be interested in filling out a form and issuing a formal challenge, because we want them to know that is available to them, and up till now, to the best of my knowledge, no one has taken us up on that.”

Bird also explained how the process works by which libraries determine which books to include in their collections, emphasizing the different functions of school, public, special and academic libraries.

“Each of those kinds of libraries has different parameters for determining what materials to bring in, and most of those are dependent upon the population of people who use them. Public libraries have an obligation to provide material that reflects all the segments of the community that library is a part of. But academic libraries work in coordination with faculty, staff and students, closely engaging with faculty to ensure that materials support educational goals,” Bird said.

to sensitive information

The cover of “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” a graphic memoir by Maia Kobabe about the author’s journey of self-discovery and coming out. The book, released in 2019, faced challenges and pushback years later.

Ostrom also addressed broader concerns about censorship.

“I don’t think we could ever have a hard line for censorship and still protect freedom of speech,” Ostrom said.

“Unfortunately, that includes allowing people to say really awful things.”

She referenced Nadine Strossen’s book “Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship” as a resource for understanding the legal and ethical aspects of censorship.

“[Strossen] explained how we combat hate speech with more speech, and I believe in that method—we push back against harmful rhetoric by speaking the truth,” Ostrom said.

Charlize Easter, a senior mass media major with a double minor in communications and Spanish, presented on book bans at the 2025 Apeiron.

“The rise of book bans in schools and libraries is a complex and concerning issue,” Easter said. “Book bans have surged in recent years, with a significant increase in challenges and removals of books from educational institutions. This trend is being driven by parental concerns about the content their children are exposed to, particularly regarding themes of race, LGBTQ+ identity, and sexual assault.”

Easter said she believes banning books limits diverse perspectives, especially from marginalized communities. She emphasized the broader implications of book bans on

democracy and free speech, a problem because freedom of speech is necessary in democratic societies.

“By limiting access to certain books, we prevent students from exploring important social, historical, and cultural topics,” Easter said. “This not only infringes on the authors’ rights to express their ideas but also on the readers’ rights to receive information and form their own opinions. This practice erodes critical thinking and open dialogue, essential elements in fostering a well-rounded and informed citizenry.”

Easter also questioned the effectiveness of banning books as a solution.

“Do I think banning books is an effective way to address concerns about sensitive or controversial topics? My answer is a firm no,” Easter said. “It’s crucial to address these issues openly and honestly. If you don’t want your kids learning about racism, LGBTQ+ identities, or other important social topics, that’s your prerogative as a parent. However, prohibiting other people’s children from accessing this information is an entirely different matter.”

Easter also reflected on her own experiences with banned books.

“I’ve read ‘The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,’ ‘The Color Purple,’ and John Green’s ‘Looking for Alaska.’ These books have no reason to be banned. They provide valuable perspectives, encourage critical thinking, and promote understanding. Censoring such works only limits our ability to engage with diverse experiences and learn from them,” said Easter.

Easter concluded with a final thought on the broader impact of censorship.

“Silencing certain voices and perspectives not only limits our understanding of diverse experiences, but also reinforces systemic inequalities,” said Easter. “If we want to continue living in a democratic society, it is essential to uphold the right to access diverse viewpoints and foster an environment where all voices can be heard and respected.”

As book bans continue to be a divisive issue, the debate raises critical questions about censorship, education and democracy. While some believe book restrictions protect young readers, others argue they limit access to valuable perspectives and suppress free expression. As libraries, educators and communities navigate these challenges, the fight over books ultimately becomes a broader struggle over knowledge, inclusion and the fundamental right to information.

BOOK BANS BOOK BANS BOOK BANS BOOK BANS BOOK BANS

PEN America counted school book bans in the 2023-2024 school year and found more than 10,000 book bans affecting more than 4,000 unique titles, with about 45% of the bans occurring in Florida and 36% in Iowa.

“Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult Challenges gender norms and addresses the impact of school shootings. The most challenged book of 2023-24.

“Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher Addresses themes of suicide, substance use and mature content for its intended age group.

“Crank” by Ellen Hopkins Contains drug use, strong language and mature themes.

“Identical” by Ellen Hopkins Addresses sexual abuse and mature themes.

“Looking for Alaska” by John Green Contains LGBTQIA+ themes and mature content.

“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini Includes depictions of sexual violence, strong language and controversial portrayals of Islam.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky Includes themes of sexual violence, LGBTQIA+ representation, drug use, profanity and mature content.

“Sold” by Patricia McCormick Contains mature content and discussions of sexual violence.

“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood Contains mature content, strong language and themes of feminism and extremism.

“Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen Includes depictions of animal cruelty, mature content and violence.

Mass Media Faculty Updates

Professor hits pause to focus on writing

by Hannah Andersen

Each day brings mass media senior lecturer, Regina Cassell, one step closer to a well-earned break.

From August to December 2025, she will take an extended period of leave. During her sabbatical, she hopes to make significant progress toward a project aimed at helping students succeed.

Cassell joined Washburn University in 2000 as a publication specialist for the Washburn Alumni Association, and began teaching in 2003. As director of Student Media and a faculty member, she balances administrative work, teaching and grading.

“It’s just a lot—there are things that I would like to get to do, but because of all this stuff, I never have the time,” said Cassell.

A sabbatical allows a faculty member to keep their regular pay and benefits for one semester, fall or spring, without teaching classes or filling administrative roles. For Cassell, this opportunity provides a chance to write a comprehensive manual for Washburn’s mass media students.

This work would serve as a valuable resource for mass media students across multiple classes and at different skill levels.

“I kind of want a go-to guide for some of the basics,” Cassell said. “Like if you’ve never written a cutline, here it is, bam. You know, the basics.”

Cassell envisions the manual as a practical and wide-ranging resource for students across different courses and skill levels. It will also feature information about the department’s structure, resource locations and sample work. The manual will be available for students to use as a free, open resource.

She explained that she would love to spend three or four days as a fly on the wall within local media organizations to gather real-world information to help students prepare for their futures. The idea is to combine this information with knowledge gained from in-depth interviews with professionals, and write spotlights and feature profiles for the manual.

Cassell said. “I would kind of like to do some study on the best practices for helping students gain reading skills while they’re in college.”

Although this leave of absence is bittersweet, Cassell is excited about her upcoming sabbatical.

She also expressed concern about the level of literacy among average Americans, and how she would like to address this issue in her own students.

“I know a lot of students struggle with reading,”

“I love seeing and working with students,” Cassell said. “I’m going to miss my students.”

While Cassell is away, Kristen Grimmer, associate professor and chair of mass media, will fill her shoes in Student Media.

Over the years, Grimmer has worked with Cassell and Student Media, so she has a good understanding of the student organization. This summer—to prepare for the fall—she will attend a Student Media conference in Minnesota alongside Cassell and the incoming Student Media executive team.

“I’m really excited about what she’s doing,” Grimmer said. “She’s going to get some real, practical information that we can use. We’re always working on updating the gaps in our curriculum.”

Grimmer expressed great interest in Cassell’s plan for participant observation. She believes that through this project, Cassell will get a sense of where the media industry is, and where it is going.

Maria Stover, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of mass media, is another big supporter of Cassell and her project.

“When there was the opportunity for Regina to apply for a sabbatical, I was very excited for her,” Stover said. “She’s very deserving.”

Stover has taken two sabbaticals herself. The first was in 2012 to generate a publication titled “Women in Politics and Media: Perspectives from Nations in Transition,” and the second was in 2022. She dedicated her second sabbatical to

further research and presentation on the topic.

“Each time you find what we call this gap in literature, you just have an opportunity,” Stover said.

Cassell has seen the opportunity, and she plans to seize it. Although she will work hard during her sabbatical, she

plans to use this time to take a much-needed break.

“I’m really looking at this as an opportunity to reset, recharge, and maybe just put some of my thoughts in order,” Cassell said.

Short film, ‘Gravedigger’ explores dreams

by Jessica Wonderlich

Dreams can become an escape from the struggles of daily life, but what happens when someone can’t escape a dream? Sam Finch, lecturer of mass media, delves into that dilemma in his short film “Gravedigger.”

Collaborating with former student John Burns, this five-minute short film depicts someone struggling to wake up from a dream.

“A man is urged to dig a grave [inside the dream], but he tries to break out of a fever dream,” said Finch.

What started out as meeting up for coffee, later turned into a collaboration between Finch and Burns. While helping Burns with a future script, the two began talking about how they wanted to create a short project together. With Burns’ background in cinematography and photography, he wanted to create something through visuals.

“[Burns] wanted to show off a new camera lens that he just got for the projects that he works on for his company. I proposed, ‘hey, let’s do something short, creative [and] visually driven,’” Finch said. “We started talking about dream--or bad dreams--we’ve had, and how that would be a neat idea. So, it started from experiences with sleep paralysis…we wanted to explore that idea of someone experiencing sleep paralysis, and he’s telling himself to wake up. He’s trying to break out of this dream, knowing that what he is experiencing isn’t reality--he’s stuck in a dream.”

The production took about five months to complete. Shooting for the film took two days, but the post-production was nearly three months. Finch wrote and directed the short film, while Burns did the cinematography; he shot and edited the film, and they were both co-producers. The two came to realize, however, that they needed an addition to this team of collaborators.

“We weren’t happy with the cuts because visually it was great. But because neither John nor I have a background in sound design, you realize that a lot of this [film] was not just visually driven, but it was driven by sound. And we needed somebody with experience to do the sound design,” said Finch.

After finding someone to do the sound design, it took another month for the sound design to become completed.

Finch recently showed “Gravedigger” to the Washburn Filmmaker’s Association. The WFA comprises of mostly film and video students in the mass media department, and Finch is the faculty adviser for this organization. The students in the WFA create two to four projects a semester, and Finch aimed to show how collaborations can create extraordinary things.

Sam Finch

“[The WFA members] are working on various projects. The objective of the group is to collaborate with each other on various video projects,” Finch said. “I showed [“Gravedigger”] to them to show that your instructors, your professors, do these things too. That we are practicing what we preach. We don’t just teach these things, but we also do them. I wanted to show them what our work looks like. I’m always open to collaborating with students--time permitting.”

While the “Gravedigger” may still have a few minor changes to be made and polished up, Finch and Burns plan to submit their film to short-film festivals.

“We’re just waiting until the final cut till we start submitting, cause film festivals, there are hundreds, if not thousands, happening year-round,” said Finch. “Once we’re happy with the final cut, we will start submitting. We are happy with where it is now. It’s just there’s always little things that could be done, and it’s because we both have busy schedules that sometimes, you have to put off making those adjustments.”

Burns and Finch already have plans to collaborate again on another short film, which will be more dialogue driven compared to “Gravedigger.”

First-year chair leads department through 10-year program review

by Teondre Carter

As Washburn morphs into its future self amid an unending list of changes, assistant professor Kristen Grimmer, ’10, became the official chair of the mass media department about a year ago.

Staring down a 10-year program review, onboarding a new faculty member and overseeing a departmental exit from Henderson Learning and Resources Center, Grimmer did what she always does. She rolled up her sleeves and got busy scheduling meetings and making lists to keep everyone in mass media on track.

“Getting to be the chair has been the most fun and exciting experience I’ve had since I came to Washburn as a faculty member in 2016. I love mass media, and I get to work every day with amazing and talented colleagues and incredible students who trust me in the classroom with their future dreams and goals. Every day brings a new challenge but I love what I do, even when it’s hard, because I know I am making the world a better place by helping these people.”

Members of the community might have seen Grimmer at PT’s Coffee Shop with her earbuds in and laptop open as she carved out time to work on the biggest projects facing mass media.

“It’s been a very busy year,” Grimmer said. “As chair, I want to do a good job for the faculty; I want them to be happy in their teaching. So sometimes that means that I put extra time into helping them with some of their classes or their projects, or seeing how I can support them.

Chairs have additional responsibilities of faculty management, attending weekly meetings, submitting reports on many different topics, recruitment, retention, advising and this is on top of teaching two courses each semester.

Kristen Grimmer

department. She is not afraid to tackle any type of projects, even ones that are challenging.”

Despite the added projects during her first year as chair, Grimmer still maintained her own scholarship and looked for ways to increase options for students.

“I spend a lot of time meeting with people in the community to help create opportunities for our students to do internships or have other good experiences,” said Grimmer.

Her MM 432 course, Advanced Advertising and Public

Thankfully, Grimmer did not have to take over without any experience. She had spent two previous semesters -- fall of 2021 and spring of 2024 -- as acting chair of the mass media department before applying for the formal position. Her longtime mentor and former faculty Professor Maria Stover guided Grimmer through many phases of job, but neither Stover nor Grimmer had ever led the department through the program review.

“I’ve always seen tremendous talent and excellence in Dr. Grimmer,” said Stover. “You can see it in all of her interactions. She is very dedicated to the needs of the 22

Aika Kajhara poses with mass media Chair Kristen Grimmer in the Bradbury Thompson Center before the spring/summer commencement ceremony. The ceremony was in White Concert Hall because of renovations to Lee Arena, and graduates processed across the street.

Relations Strategies class partnered with LiveWell Shawnee County, which culminated in students presenting their work to the client. Grimmer met with students outside of class to give them advice and tips as they practiced their presentations.

Outside of class, Grimmer presented at the Topeka Sales and Marketing Executives organization and later took three students and a faculty member to the annual SME Live event.

While Grimmer has been busy supporting students and faculty, she is also grateful for the support she has received from others.

“Our CAS dean, Kelly Erby, has done a lot to support me. She and I meet every month to talk about issues or things that need to be fixed. And she’s been very, very supportive. So I will say, even though it’s been a learning curve, I have had good people all around me, and they’ve more than willing to give me extra time or additional support as I learn what is expected of me.”

As Stover continues to follow Grimmer’s career, she said Grimmer’s kindness, vision, tenacity and intellect will take her far.

“I cannot want to see where she leads the mass media department in the future,” said Stover.

Lecturer brings artistry to the classroom

by Kenneth Chapman

Stepping into something new can be daunting—but for Dean Krueger, joining Washburn’s mass media department was more than a fresh start—it was an opportunity to blend his passion for animation and illustration with his teaching.

In his first year, he’s already leaving a creative imprint on his students and the department.

Krueger came to Washburn with two years of prior teaching experience as a graduate assistant at Northern Illinois University, where he was mostly teaching 2D animation courses.

“I was not sure how much of my position would be lecturing compared to in-studio work time and assistance,” Krueger said.

One of the first things he had to do was craft his courses.

“I have it so that I’m introducing new topics throughout the semester, and that it’s not front loaded in the first few months with all lecture and then there’s none after that,” Krueger said, “I think you kind of lose people if it’s one way

or the other.”

Kruger’s expertise brings something new to mass media.

“Dean’s skills and knowledge of digital media, animation and sound production fill in some needed curriculum gaps,” said Kristen Grimmer, mass media chair. “The best thing to me is that he really cares about teaching and our students.”

His transition did not come without its issues, as helping every student who needs help in a small window of class time can be a challenge.

“I realized that if I print out step-by-step instructions, even if they won’t make sense to anybody until I come by and help them, it gives them something to at least focus on and kind of prep themselves before I can come by and help them. So, that’s been the biggest challenge,” Krueger said.

Student Carissa Roberts took Advanced Professional Media Applications with Krueger and recalls what it was like to get help from Krueger on projects.

“Sometimes he would focus on one or two students, but he would make sure to do his best to get to everyone and we could always find time out of class to get help from him” said Roberts, who described Kruger’s teaching style as hands-on and helpful.

“I definitely felt supported by my fellow professors in the department, and the overall impression of the student body is a great one,” said Krueger.

As Krueger continues his time at Washburn, he is excited about the creativity and passion his students bring to the classroom.

“Students come the most alive when they’re sharing different opinions related to creativity and expression because that is so personal to different people. For example, we had a really good discussion about the new Washburn Ichabod logo, and that was probably one of my favorite classes just talking about logo redesigns,” Krueger said.

Washburn’s campus hits the big screen

by Axel Lassiter

Matthew Nyquist, associate professor of mass media, and his wife, Tara Nyquist, have taken an adventurous path while producing their film “Eyes Open,” a film in progress based on their true love story.

Tara Nyquist has picked up a newfound passion throughout the production process.

“She was involved in every step of the way,” said Nyquist. Their combined passion to share their story has brought together a group of 14 individuals who are working alongside the couple and using their experience and connection to the story to give the viewers a heartwarming experience on the screen.

“Seeing something from the beginning and living into the authenticity of the vision is what excites me about filmmaking,” said Christian Watkins, a producer on the film.

A scene in the film will bring Washburn University supporters a nostalgic feel when the campus hits the big screen.

“Washburn’s got a great campus. It’s beautiful; It’s good looking, and we are happy to shoot here,” said Nyquist.

During the casting process, Nyquist made a clear point that he was looking for a positive team who was willing to grow together.

“I have a ‘no jerk policy,’ there’s no jerks allowed,” said Nyquist. “If someone proves themselves to be a jerk, they probably won’t be around very long.”

The team building role excited Nyquist with the goal of watching his group continue to expand their skill sets even when opportunities weren’t necessarily in their original plans.

“He’s always willing to hear ideas and brainstorm with you and try things, even if they’re not always in his wheelhouse. If he thinks that there’s merit to it, he will not shut you down—he will work with you to make it for what he is going after,” said Jess Seidel, a producer on the film.

The decision to cast former Washburn students in the mass media department was a no brainer for Nyquist.

“I believe in empowering; I’d much rather someone try something, and then if they make a mistake, they learn from it,” said Nyquist.

The joy is shown to be mutually shared between him and his cast during the production process.

“[Nyquist] has so many skills that he is insanely, remarkably good at,” said Seidel. “What I respect a lot is that he is very good at putting together teams and finding people to fill the roles that are not just talented, invested and passionate, but also just wonderful human

beings.”

The production team is thrilled to bring the couple’s story to life through their shared value of authentic storytelling, and the Nyquists continue to grow their love for one another through the process.

“When you’re working on a movie, it’s kind of all you’re talking about,” said Nyquist. “We go on these long walks around the neighborhood, and we just kind of talk things out and then figure things out.”

Nyquist encourages aspiring filmmakers to dream big.

“If you truly believe in yourself, you can do it,” said Nyquist. “No one believed in ‘Star Wars’, no one believed in ‘Jaws’, no one believed in any of those movies or anything, so you just you have to push through it.”

Updates on the film can be viewed at the Nyquist’s website, eyesopenfilm.com. Supporters can have live updates on the behind-the-scenes of the production on their social media platforms as well.

Tara and Matt Nyquist started dating during their sophomore year of high school in Linsborg, Kansas. The movie “Eyes Open,” shares their journey back to each other.

Professor brings expertise and experience to CAS dean’s office

by Axel Lassiter

Maria Stover began her first official year as assistant dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Washburn after serving as an interim during 2023-24.

After Washburn named Kelly Erby to the dean’s position, Stover stepped into the assistant role with a clear vision for supporting students and faculty.

Stover joins a team of three deans, bringing with her over 20 years of experience at Washburn University. Full of joy and passion for working with students and faculty, she has positioned herself to guide students to the finish line.

“My primary identity has always been that of a teacher because that’s what has always resonated with me, and that’s what I’ve really done for over 20 years now, and it brings me a lot of joy,” said Stover.

With new responsibilities, Stover’s top priority remains with the students and how she can help guide them toward success through their time at Washburn.

“I think she’s very, very good about always trying to do the right thing, like the morally right thing, the ethically right thing and doing it in a way that helps the other person,” said Kristen Grimmer, associate professor and chair of mass media.

One of Stover’s new responsibilities is to coordinate relationships with faculty within different departments. She sees the new opportunity as an exciting challenge to develop her skills and make an impact on the development of professionals.

Stover enjoys being an administrator and working to make the college even stronger.

“I enjoy tackling challenges,” said Stover. “To me they are like a puzzle, and I see a lot of joy in spending time to think through it, and of course, creating a solution to it because it’s very rewarding.”

The new position brought an opportunity for Stover to showcase what she loves most -- working with people.

Maria Stover

and other ways that we can benefit for Washburn University as a whole,” said Horacek.

Through the variety of faculty Stover has had the opportunity to work with, she has not left behind the memories made and the lessons learned leading up to her transition into the dean’s office. Assistant deans continue to teach two courses during the fall and spring semesters, so Stover will stay connected with the mass media department.

“I’ve always enjoyed the mass media faculty and everything that they have done for me as a colleague, as a person and as a leader,” Stover said. “I love my mass media people because they have been amazing in my transition.”

As she continues to balance the responsibilities between professor and assistant dean, she is an inspiration to her colleagues.

“She’s very good about being like, ‘Okay, wait, let’s really think about the problem and give it a little bit of time to settle before we address it,’” Grimmer said. “The older I get, the more I realize that is the kind of leader I want to be.”

Stover also expressed thankfulness for her new team of deans and the opportunity they have given her to expand her thinking and problem-solving skills.

“I get to really interface with people from the other 17 departments and I find this absolutely exhilarating,” said Stover.

During Stover’s seven years as the mass media chair, she worked closely alongside Tracy Horacek, the office coordinator for the department.

“She’s very much a visionary and is always looking into the future to see how mass media can grow as a department,

“They are the people who make me think harder, think deeper and work harder, assuring I try my best, so shoutout to all my colleagues,” said Stover.

During her almost 22 years at Washburn, Stover has achieved much. She has written a book, presented her research all over the world, taken students on international trips, served on committees across the university and has always been willing to go the extra mile when called upon.

Majors gain experience in WU Athletics

by Hannah Haslett

Having real-world experience before graduating is crucial in every mass media student’s journey, and some find that experience working with Washburn Athletics.

Gene Cassell, assistant athletic

director for communications, shared advice for students.

“Any experience that you have that can separate you from someone else is important,” Cassell said. “If you go into sports and have an internship in sports, it’ll put you ahead of someone who doesn’t.”

photo courtesy of Bailey Collar Bailey Collar began as an athletic communications intern in the fall of 2024. She credits her mass media education, particularly in time management and Adobe skills, for helping her balance work and academics.

For students aiming to break into the sports industry, Cassell highlights the vital role of internships and explains why experience is beneficial in understanding the job and the environment.

Working in sports often means covering events on weekends and holidays. Working long days and weekends is part of the routine for Cassell.

“It gives you a taste of the position you’re interested in and a feel for the office,” Cassell said. “Working in sports isn’t your average 8 a.m.-5 p.m. job.”

Ben Doole, senior mass media major, has been involved in sports for four years, starting his journey on the sidelines with a camera at football games.

Over time, his dedication and passion led him to his current role as the assistant director of player personnel and recruiting for Washburn University football, even though he’s still a full time student.

“Without mass media, I would have never gotten the job. I leveraged studying mass media and having different skills to break into the football program,” Doole said.

Balancing a demanding academic schedule, Doole relies on the support of his professors to help manage his workload effectively.

“I’ve been blessed with having great professors who’ve really helped me maintain that balance,” Doole said.

In his current role, Doole is also taking on the challenge of boosting fan attendance at football games. He is leading an initiative to fill the stands, starting with a campaign called “Pack Yager.”

Reflecting on his journey, Doole believes that his experience in mass media has taught him valuable lessons.

“Mass media has shown me that the world will keep moving with or without you. It’s your job to keep up,” Doole said.

Beginning in fall 2024, Bailey Collar got her foot in the door with athletics. She pursued an athletic communications intern position. She said one of the most rewarding aspects of her role has been seeing her own growth firsthand.

“The most rewarding part has been seeing my progress from my first photo gallery to the last,” Collar said.

Collar’s favorite Washburn sports team to cover has been the men’s

“Without mass media, I would have never gotten the job. I leveraged studying mass media and having different skills to break into the football program.”

-Ben Doole

basketball team, especially during its historic 2024-2025 season.

Balancing the responsibilities of working in sports while managing academics is not always easy.

“Time management is a big part,” Collar said. “You have to know when to advocate for yourself.”

Mass media has been a big part in helping Collar thrive in her role within Athletics.

“A lot of mass media skills have

photo courtesy of Ashley Heavner Ashley Heavner strengthened her videography skills with an internship. She does so while balancing work, athletics and coursework.

directly transferred to my internship, especially with Adobe skills, camera use and how to make things visually appealing,” Collar said.

One of the most important skills Collar has developed through her mass media education is the ability to stay calm under pressure.

“Being a contemporary journalism student, I have learned to adapt to deadlines and not to panic,” Collar said. “There are other ways around things when life throws you a curve ball.”

Similarly, working in athletics has only deepened Ashley Heavner’s passion for sports. Heavner began her journey with the Washburn men’s basketball team in fall 2024 as a social media intern.

“It’s helped me discover what I’m passionate about,” Heavner said. “I’ve grown a lot of my skills in media, and I’ve grown more in love with sports.”

The position has presented unexpected challenges, particularly with videography. Before working in athletics, Heavner had little experience in this area. However, her background in mass media has equipped her to tackle these challenges with confidence.

“Mass media has helped me with my challenges with videography,” Heavner said. “Professors are always willing to help, and having access to the comput-

photo courtesy of Ben Doole Mass media senior, Ben Doole, is juggling 21 credit hours while working with the Washburn football team. He’s taken on the “Pack Yager” project, aiming to increase attendance at football games this season.

er labs is very helpful.”

Balancing work and academic responsibilities are a common challenge for college students, but Heavner has found a rhythm.

Heavner and Collar both juggle multiple priorities in their busy lives, including being active members of the women’s track team, fitting in practices, early morning workouts and track meets into their demanding schedules.

“The games are pretty consistent, so I just make sure to get my school done beforehand,” Heavner said.

Real-world experience plays a vital role in shaping the success of students in the mass media field. The skills students develop through their academic journey are directly applicable to professional environments and for these students, jumping in with Athletics is just the beginning.

Athletes pursue academic endeavors in mass media

by Teondre Carter

Junior mass media student Joshua Grant is a student athlete from Atlanta, Georgia, who decided to continue his football career and education at Washburn.

“With football being my first love at an early age, I learned I also had a hidden love for music,” Grant said.

As he got older his love for football and music grew, which made Grant decide to start making music. Since then, he has been making a name for himself on and off the field with his football and music career.

“Graduating from Washburn would open a lot of doors for me as an athlete and a rapper due to all the success the academic programs have,” Grant said.

Grant has also made a significant impact on the Washburn football team. His exceptional athletics on the field set him apart from others, and helped him see more playing time faster.

Grant wasn’t just working hard on the field—he was also promoting his music, building new connections doing shows, and developing a new fanbase compared to what he had in Atlanta.

Now Grant is going into his senior year, and he plans to perfect his editing and advertising skills to continue to

Junior Joshua Grant pursues his passion for music while playing football for the Ichabods.

promote his music.

Freshman Isaiah Edwards is another athlete from St. Louis, Missouri. He decided to come to Washburn because of its reputable academics and athletics.

Coming from a private school, Edwards takes education seriously. With the success of Washburn’s mass media program, it made committing to Washburn a plus for him.

He chose mass media because of the wide range of jobs

photo courtesy of Isaiah Edwards Freshman Isaiah Edwards balanced education and athletics laying the foundation for a successful first year. He plans to focus on networking opportunities in the coming years.

and where it could lead him. With his love for football, Edwards wants learn how to be a sports analyst for football, preferably, but he is open to doing any other sport as well.

Edwards said he’s feeling hopeful about the new football coaching staff.

“I think the new coaching change brought a new culture, and is leading us in a good direction. [There’s] more accountability, discipline and the team will give [their] 100% for this new staff,” Edwards said.

Going into his second semester, Edwards said he’s been loving his time at Washburn. He also wishes to do more networking these next couple of years.

Another new face in mass media is sophomore Maddie McGee, a softball transfer from North Dakota State University who decided to transfer to Washburn because of the success of the softball team.

McGee chose to pursue her love for the media, too, and she made this decision because she was involved in the broadcast program in high school.

“Softball initially brought me to Washburn, but I have grown to love the school throughout this school year, McGee said. “The people and the school are great, too.”

So far, McGee’s loved her time at Washburn as a student minoring in mass media and plans to enhance her broadcasting skills to soon become a sideline reporter for a college team’s social media.

courtesy of

Sophomore Maddie McGee transferred from North Dakota State University to play softball at Washburn. She is minoring in mass media.

International students find friendships overseas

by Kenneth Chapman

Mass media is a vast plane of opportunity. That opportunity extends to students around the world.

This rings especially true for two students, Koki Innami and Ryoya Matsumoto, who are both mass media majors.

Innami and Matsumoto both grew up in Tokyo, Japan, however they did not meet there. Both students met through a program for Japanese students who want to study abroad. This program is through a company named the Sakae Institute of Study Abroad, and is useful for students looking for college opportunities in the United States.

“It was a month [long] program. We did a bunch of stuff, studying English, and some activities like going to the baseball game and going to do stuff like that. So, through that program, I met Koki, and we became friends,” said Matsumoto.

The process wasn’t always smooth sailing for Innami. He specifically noted the language barrier.

“I couldn’t speak English fluently. My roommates were speaking so fast, so I couldn’t understand everything. So, I started watching YouTube and then just copied what they were saying, doing, how they were saying things. We call that shadowing. And then that made it just a little bit more comfortable,” said Innami.

Another hurdle Innami faced was a culture change when it came to greetings.

“In Japan, we don’t have greetings. So, people are always saying, ‘What’s up?’, ‘How you been?’, ‘How are you?’ But the Japanese don’t say that. So, I was confused,” said Innami.

Originally, neither Innami nor Matsumoto were going to pursue mass media at Washburn. They were going to be business and computer science majors, respectively, but later changed their minds. Innami described media such as

Instagram and TikTok as the things he was interested in. The social media aspect now is his focus going forward.

One of their favorite things about mass media is the video-making they’ve both done. Creating videos and editing them are the most fun experiences for Innami. Matsumoto said that he enjoyed the blogging assignments a lot as well.

Outside of mass media and other classes, both students find time for some fun. They’ve become well-versed with Topeka and its surrounding area. Innami takes his new dog for daily walks, while Matsumoto enjoys basketball with friends.

When thinking about the future, Innami and Matsumoto have different plans.

“I’m trying to make a plan [for] working here in the U.S., but I haven’t decided yet. I hope to work here,” Innami said.

Matsumoto is not sure of his final plans.

“I’m going to work here for a year or maybe a couple of years. But for the future, maybe I’ll go back to Japan,” Matsumoto said.

Wherever their future lands them, Innami and Matsumoto will most certainly always be friends, and their passion and appreciation for mass media will never be extinguished.

Washburn Filmmakers Association update

by Axel Olin-Flores

The Washburn University Filmmakers Association offers an open space for students of all fields to explore content creation.

With clear direction from Sam Finch, mass media lecturer and WFA’s faculty adviser, the members aim to expand the creative experiences for students who are passionate about visual storytelling and media production.

The association’s recent project showcased a creative time-lapse project focused on visual storytelling. The hands-on project provided a valuable experience and created a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process for all members of WFA, regardless of their experience level.

“In our first meeting, I stood at the front of the room, and I said, ‘What do you guys want to do?’ ‘What is it that you want to accomplish in WFA?’ And then we just brainstormed together,” said Finch.

One of the top priorities of the association is inclusiveness. All students are welcome to join meetings and events.

“You don’t have to be a film and video student or even a mass media student, just have even a sliver of interest in content creation,” said Finch. “It doesn’t really matter what we do as long as students are interested and willing to work

Sam Finch

WFA members Ivan Brandt and Michael Kalas act in a short comedy noir film, called “Substantial Evidence.”

together and put these projects together.”

The welcoming and collaborative environment has created a strong sense of belonging to its members.

“We have a really strong group; everyone who is here is creative and [they] just do stuff that inspires them,” said Skyler Smith, the outgoing president of the association.

This supportive environment encourages risk-taking and allows students to develop their skills and confidence.

“I like to tell students that no matter what it is, you should go into it with an open mind and a positive attitude,” said Finch. “You want it to turn out as effective and impactful as it can possibly be.”

Washburn Student Media finishes well

by Jaden Etienne

Student Media capped off the semester on a high note— celebrating major awards, powering through staff training and selecting a new wave of leadership for the fall.

Regina Cassell, director of Student Media, took six students to Emporia State University for a mini boot camp in April, and six more students headed to Wichita the following weekend for the Kansas Collegiate Media conference, where several students brought home more than 30 awards for the organization. Students participated in workshops, mingled with journalists from other schools and brainstormed ideas for the future.

Associate Professor and Chair Kristen Grimmer will take the reins of Student Media during fall 2025 when Cassell is on sabbatical. The transition brings a new phase of student leadership to the program, including four mass media majors: Eden Conrad, Ayva Darmento, Lexi Hittle and Sean Alen Little. Student Media congratulates outgoing leaders and mass media graduates Morgan Albrecht and Miles Moore.

Cassell

Jayesh Shrestha, Eden Conrad, Jayme Thompson, Genoveva Byuylova, Morgan Albrecht and Jaema Borderlon attended the 2025 Kansas Collegiate Media spring conference in Wichita, Kansas. Washburn Student Media brought home more than 30 awards from the conference.

photo courtesy of Sam Van Leeuwen Acting chair

John Hunter was interviewed by Greg Stefaniak, incoming mass media chair, during the “NotSo-late-Night Show” at the departmental banquet in April 1994.

From the ground up: Mass media origins

by Hannah Andersen

For more than 30 years, the mass media department has been home to many students who aim to master the practice of media.

However, the department has not always looked the way we know it today. In its infancy, it was still intertwined with the communication studies department.

While serving as the chair of the combined art and theatre departments in the fall of 1991, former Washburn faculty member, John Hunter, was asked to take on a hefty project: diverging the mass media program from the communication studies program. Contrary to the current information listed online, Hunter was never a professor of communication studies.

“In the late ‘80s, mass media was starting to come on full tilt,” Hunter said. “Applications, marketing, journalism, radio, television programs—they were developing all over the country.”

At Washburn, the threshold of the communication studies department, which was based on speech at its core, was not broad enough for these new advancements and developments. While similar in nature, mass media was growing to be an entirely separate entity from communication studies.

“From out of speech, they started moving into mass media, and so faculty were hired, and classes were implemented,” Hunter said. “But the two departments, I mean the idea of all of that under one department, just didn’t work.”

Hunter had experience with a similar scenario, as he was serving as the chair of the art and theatre department at the time. While the departments were connected, they functioned separately.

“It was like there was an art department, there was a theatre department, and there was John who administrated both of them,” Hunter said. “What the administration saw was that there was a working model already in place.”

For these reasons, Hunter said he was asked to consider chairing communication studies and evaluating the programs and faculty to assess “whether or not the timing was right” to consider a separation of the two.

“For one semester, I literally had an office in the communication studies department, called all their meetings, met with all their faculty, studied their curriculum and classes and met with all the faculty to get their input as to what was going on,” Hunter said. “I determined, even before the end of that semester, that it would be better for both programs to separate.”

The situation was apparent: Hunter’s report to university President Hugh Thompson revealed that a split between the departments was necessary.

“They didn’t understand the language anymore. The people who wanted to teach a speech class didn’t understand the idea of a computer lab for mass media and journalism moving to the

As the mass media department was growing, it needed a home. It was decided that the department would be housed in the Henderson Learning Resources Center. Hunter went to work with Art Johnson, who was head of the physical plant at the time. Together, they created a plan for the future of mass media in Henderson.

“Within a month, and again, because the administration wanted this to happen, they were into construction,” Hunter said. “We had offices by that summer, I mean, boom, all of the sudden, brand-new offices, fully equipped, all of the tables, chairs, desks, basically everything they needed.”

“Did things change over the years? Of course, they did,” Hunter said. “Stefaniak replaced me, and Thimios Zaharopoulos came in there -- he did a great job. And those people all had degrees in the field and offered tremendously more regarding the field of mass media.”

After a nationwide search, Zaharopoulos was brought to Washburn in 1997 to serve as the chair of the department. That July, the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences instructed him to fix numerous weaknesses identified in a departmental review.

“What she told me was: ‘You’ve got to fix this within the next year or two,’” Zaharopoulos said. “‘Otherwise, we’re going to close the department.’”

electronic age,” Hunter said.

To his surprise, Hunter was asked to put together what is now the mass media department. Over the next three years, he worked alongside mass media faculty members who helped the department rapidly take shape.

“The mass media department did a fantastic job. I didn’t claim to understand all their areas, but I used the same approach as I used running the art and theatre: you’re the faculty, you’re the experts,” Hunter said. “You tell me what your major needs to be, and I will administrate getting it established for you.”

None of this work could have been done alone, Hunter acknowledged.

“I had a really good track record of administrative operations and organizational structures, and so we all had our pieces of the pie,” Hunter said. “But together, we made a hell of a pie in the

Hunter recalled making the plans for construction, finding an area in the hallway and using a tape measure to gather measurements. He earned a master of fine arts in set and lighting design from Florida State University. Applying his skills from a design background, he set out to design the layout for the mass media offices in the building.

In the end, the collaboration between the faculty, students, administration and Hunter’s previous experiences pulled everything together.

Hunter committed to three years as the acting chair of the mass media department before passing the torch to Greg Stefaniak in July 1994, according to the Mass Media Messenger issue published that same year. The same issue revealed that 1993 was the first year that students began declaring mass media as a major. The first two graduates who were declared mass media majors graduated in 1994.

The task was daunting for Zaharopoulos and his faculty, he recalls. As he looked at the weaknesses, however, he realized that there was nothing too challenging to overcome. After six to eight months of regularly meeting with faculty to address these issues, they were all resolved.

“Everything was accepted, and there was a good working relationship with the faculty,” Zaharopoulos said. “We were really shell-shocked by the history and previous experiences. That’s why I think the dean wanted an outsider who wasn’t part of that upheaval and could have a more objective point of view.”

These changes were applauded by the dean, who later called the department a “hallmark program.”

In the present, things are continuing to develop for the mass media department. Henderson Learning Resources Center is set to be renovated and renamed Advisors Excel Hall after closing the building for a planned 18 months in May 2025.

Thanks to Hunter, Zaharopoulos and those who pioneered the mass media department years ago, it is continuing to grow and thrive.

KTWU & Mass Media

Station partners with aspiring media creators

by Lilly Kobach

KTWU Public Television stands out as a valuable partner in providing real-world experiences for students.

Offering internships in various departments, including production, marketing, promotions and development/fundraising, KTWU is a great on-campus destination for students looking to dive into the dynamic world of broadcasting.

James B. Kelly, producer and interim production manager at KTWU, said interns work on diverse projects, including ongoing series, special programs and advertising.

While assisting in filming, editing and promotions, interns have the chance to hone their skills while contributing to KTWU’s mission of producing high-quality, local programming.

“We encourage interns to get handson experience and be creative,” Kelly said. “They have the freedom to explore their interests and learn through trial and error, which is how the best skills are developed.”

For Jaycie Regnier, a senior mass media student, her internship at KTWU turned into a transformative experience that expanded her skill set and ignited an unexpected passion for graphic design.

What began as a summer internship has lasted almost a year with Regnier working part-time in the marketing and promotions department. She works closely with Shelia Summers, the marketing and promotions director, learning the ins and outs of designing

promotional materials and managing KTWU’s branding.

“I didn’t think I’d like graphic design, but now it’s a big part of what I do,” Regnier said. “I’ve had the opportunity to create flyers, edit style guides and work on promotional materials for KTWU’s events. Shelia has been a great mentor, teaching me valuable skills and giving me the creative freedom to explore new things.”

Regnier’s entered the internship with some basic knowledge of Adobe products and design, but her experience at KTWU helped her discover a new professional interest. Now, she’s freelancing for her parents’ business, primarily focusing on design work.

Both Kelly and Regnier emphasize that internships are crucial for students to gain the real-world skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.

the station’s commitment to creative freedom.

“The more you know about the hardware and the creative process, the more opportunities you’ll have,” Kelly said.

Interns are not just assistants at KTWU, they’re collaborators on projects that matter to the station and its audience.

“KTWU is a great place for students who are eager to learn and willing to get involved in all aspects of media production,” Kelly said. “Our team is here to help them grow, make mistakes, and discover what they’re truly passionate about.”

“You learn a lot in school, but once you’re in the field, that’s when the real learning happens.”

- James B. Kelly

“You learn a lot in school, but once you’re in the field, that’s when the real learning happens,” Kelly said. “Making mistakes is an essential part of growth in this industry.”

Regnier agrees, noting that her internship gave her a preview of what life after graduation might look like.

“Internships teach you things you like and things you don’t like. It’s the first step toward figuring out what you want to do with your career,” she said.

Interns at KTWU also benefit from

Faculty find temporary home in KTWU

by Morgan Albrecht

The mass media department is just one of many that will be displaced while Advisors Excel Hall is under construction.

The original plan was for mass media faculty offices to be moved into an old laundry room in the basement of Kuehne Hall. However, Valerie VanDerSluis, general manager of KTWU, took action to offer a better solution.

“When I had heard what they were potentially looking into doing for their office areas, it just kind of reinvigorated us to really look at our spaces again … see if we could utilize [them and offer] assistance,” VanDerSluis said.

VanDerSluis is confident the mass media faculty will fit in well during the two years they will be present.

“We’re excited to have them here,” VanDerSluis said. “The mass media department is a good friend of KTWU’s, and we value their expertise. We value the students at Washburn University, so we look forward to being able to host them here, as well as their students.”

But KTWU isn’t the only one excited about the move. Kristen Grimmer, mass media department chair, also shared VanDerSluis’ feelings about the relocation.

“‘I’m really happy about getting to talk to more of the people over there, because I know Shelia pretty well,

KTWU is located across the street from Henderson Learning and Resources Center, which will be renamed Advisors Excel Hall after the renovations.

and I, of course, know Val and Lyle, but … it’s an easier way to collaborate and chat with them and just see how we can get our students interested in doing some things for KTWU,” Grimmer said.

One challenge that this move presents involves space. KTWU only has two areas for mass media faculty and staff to share, meaning there will be an administrative office and two shared spaces for the four faculty members and office coordinator, Tracy Horacek.

The spatial issue presents a problem for students when they want to meet individually with their professors.

“It definitely worries me that I won’t have that direct access to my professors when I might need them right away for something, and it’s definitely causing a little bit of anxiety,” said Jaema Borderlon, a junior mass media major.

To combat these problems, mass media faculty have come up with creative ways to still stay connected with students and give them the indi-

vidual time they need in a space they are familiar with. Grimmer said some of these solutions include walking students through the process of finding the new offices in KTWU, moving office hours and meetings to classroom spaces students already are comfortable with, and hosting advising sessions in the Mac Lab to have a better system for students to enroll in classes.

“I think [these methods] will be helpful, instead of trying to navigate a new building. Being in a building I already know and being able to see my professors in a setting that I’m familiar with, would be great” Borderlon said.

As the school year comes to a close and the mass media faculty pack up their old offices, the anticipation of meeting new people, making new connections and eventually moving into a newly renovated building in just 18 months continues to build for all those in mass media.

In this Issue

• Word from the Faculty Adviser

• Welcome from our newsletter editors

• Guest speakers

• Inside MM classrooms

• 2025 Mass Media Outstanding Students

• WIFI wrap-up

• Internships

• Student Poll: Whose career would you like to take over? Mass Media Graduate Coverage

• Student Kudos

From the faculty adviser:

Alumni and Friends,

It has been an incredibly busy spring/summer/ fall conversion.

In addition to completing our extensive departmental academic review and moving our department and individual offices out of Henderson Learning and Resource Center, my husband I decided it was a great time to sell our big house and move into something a bit more manageable. And, the timing was OK because I’m on sabbatical this fall.

What I did not realize is that being physically exhausted from all of the work involved in getting your house ready to sell, packing and moving was also going to zap my ability to sit and concentrate on the final little edits for the “Spring” 2025 Mass Media Messenger.

We had also planned to release a May, June and July newsletter, which became one larger “SUMMER 2025 Newsletter.”

You will find teasers for the stories in this newsletter, but the full versions will be located at the end of the Spring 2025 Messenger.

The stories are great, but the page designs after page 35 are not fancy.

Take your time catching up with all things Mass Media as the next Messenger will be coming Spring 2026 with a new faculty mentor at the helm.

My sincere apologies to my class for the delay in publication.

Regina Cassell

Newsletter team leaders share their thoughts

Hi Washburn alumni and friends,

My name is Jaden Etienne, and I am currently a junior studying mass media focusing on advertising and public relations.

One of the stories that I want to share with you today is about my attendance at my first Washburn basketball game. For me, this game meant a lot because I was a freshman and had never attended college sports game. As you can imagine, my anticipation was through the roof.

While watching sports on TV, I was intrigued by the overall atmosphere of the games with fans cheering their team on, hearing the shouts, and imagining the rumble of the arena from supporters stomping their feet.

The Washburn basketball game did not fall short in this regard and may have even surpassed my expectation. It was a lot of fun this year following the team as they made it to the Elite 8.

Go Bods!

Welcome, I’m Kenneth Chapman!

As a mass media major, my classes have allowed me to showcase my creativity and skills in new, exciting ways. The most significant and useful example of that is my experience through my MM-321 class.

The different skills I learned in that class broadened my scope and solidified my position as a mass media major.

Learning a new design program like InDesign was extremely tough. Once I overcame those challenges, I felt more confident. There was a wide range of different assignments and paths that you could follow.

I owe it to that class that I can use Adobe InDesign and Photoshop as well as I can now. Without that class, my skills would be less sharp and polished.

I’m excited to discover what’s next.

Welcome! I’m Teondre Carter

As a student athlete, I have always dreamed of working my way into the sports industry, and the Washburn mass media program has helped me take those steps to make that dream come true.

Through several of my upper level classes, I was able to learn the skills and creativity that goes into this field, as well as working in groups to get things done. Those classes helped me perfect my technical, communication and research skills.

Now that I’ve accomplished those things and feel comfortable, I’m excited to see what the future brings and what path it’ll lead me down.

Without those classes and professors teaching them, I wouldn’t be where I am as a student and newcomer to adulthood.

Guest speakers continue to share knowledge with students

by Lilly Kobach

From hands-on advice to career-building connections, guest speakers bring knowledge that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. This year, students in various classes had the opportunity to hear from professionals who shared their experiences and expertise.

Miles Moore, a senior in mass media, reflected on a guest speaker who stood out in his MM499 Career Development & Digital Portfolio class taught by Maria Stover, professor of mass media and assistant dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

Zach Stevens, ‘23, is an industry professional at Advisors Excel actively working his way up the career ladder. He shared a realistic and engaging perspective on the challenges and rewards of navigating the media industry.

"I really liked how Zach’s presentation was about understanding the career journey," Moore said. "He’s in the trenches and gave us an idea of what to expect as we start our own careers."

Moore found particular value in Stevens' insights about internships, noting how Stevens reframed the idea that internships are only for students. Instead, Stevens emphasized how they can be leveraged to gain real-world experience, even post-graduation.

Beyond career advice, Stevens also introduced students to the impact of artificial intelligence in the industry, sharing key ideas from a book he had read.

"I use some of those basic concepts he taught to help me speed up my workflow on projects," Moore said.

Guest speakers also offer students the chance to connect with professionals and expand their networks. Moore took the opportunity to reach out to Stevens on LinkedIn after his presentation. This move has since resulted in valuable discussions on AI ethics and practical career advice.

Mass media senior Taylor Bockover said hearing real-life experiences helps her connect her classroom learning to her future career.

“As a senior getting ready to start my career, hearing how they got where they are helps me figure out my own path,” said Bockover. “Guest speakers give advice you can’t always find online or in a lecture.”

Professors also see the significant value in invit-

Alumnus Mark Feuerborn visited MM499, taught by Professor Maria Stover, during the spring 2025 semester. He shared his career story and gave students valuable insights.

ing guest speakers into their classrooms. Kristen Grimmer, mass media associate professor and chair, has consistently incorporated guest speakers into her MM432 Advanced Advertising & PR Strategies class.

This year, she welcomed Alyssa Warner and Josh Wilder from Mother Earth Magazine, part of Ogden Publications.

"Bringing in guest speakers is a great way to connect students with people who are actually working in the industry," Grimmer said. "It gives them a chance to ask questions not only about the field but also about practical things, like negotiating a salary or understanding benefits."

Grimmer also emphasized the benefits of fostering connections between students and professionals, especially in the tight-knit media industry. She said the mass media faculty prioritize staying in touch with alumni.

"It’s important for students to meet people who are well-connected in the industry," said Grimmer. "Following them on LinkedIn and staying in touch can open doors for future opportunities."

The intentional integration of guest speakers into mass media courses is a strategy that enhances students' learning experiences and prepares them for the challenges ahead.

Would you like to take center stage and become a guest speaker?

STEP 1: Email MM Chair Kristen Grimmer, kristen.grimmer@washburn. edu.

STEP 2: Attach an updated resume and list two or three ideas for lectures you think would benefit our students.

STEP 3: Be mindful of the academic calendar as you await a response.

In and out of the mass media classroom

by Hannah Anderson

Every semester, students in mass media work diligently to grow their skills with the help of their faculty mentors. This spring has been filled with hard work, which has led to the progression of many outstanding class projects across the department.

MM432 Advanced Advertising & PR Strategies – Advertising Campaigns for LiveWell Shawnee County

Under the guidance of Kristen Grimmer, associate professor and chair of mass media, the students in MM 432 worked to complete a public information campaign strategy for LiveWell Shawnee County, a community health and wellness coalition. Through this project, the students gained real-world experience with an external client.

The class was split into two groups, aiming to bring public awareness to two separate issues: STIs in African American & Hispanic young adults in Shawnee County, as well as maternal and infant mortality rates in the same demographic in Shawnee County.

The project began with primary research in the form using focus groups, which students recruited participants for and facilitated. The class compiled the research into a plansbook, which lays out the research findings and gives a detailed plan for how to reach these target audiences through digital and traditional media tactics.

The class presented the public information campaigns to the client in hopes of setting a plan in action to address these issues and improve public health in Shawnee County.

MM414 Advanced Film Production – “Last Order” film, directed by Andrew Mosher

The students in Associate Professor Matthew Nyquist’s MM 414 collaborated to film and produce a psychological action thriller titled “Last Order.” Andrew Mosher, a mass media senior, directed the film, which showcased the students’ hands-on creative and technical skills in a professional film environment.

Mosher wrote the script for the film and pitched it to the class. His creative vision was selected, and he was chosen to become the director. The crew consisted of 10 students, including Miles Moore and Meredith Bernhard, who serve as the film’s producers. In addition, Nyquist served as the

Students from MM416 gather in the parking lot of the United Way of Kaw Valley on the day of their client presentations. Those pictured include Taylor Bockover, Hannah Andersen, Teondre Carter, Axel Olin-Flores, Miles Moore and Lillian Kobach.

executive producer.

Mosher and Moore took turns explaining that the film’s plot involves Jack Kinnet, a former military operative who is haunted by a past mistake.

“It’s about a man who is trying to get free and have a life that he can call his own,” Moore said. “However, his past prevents him from having that life. His former boss, Victor Armand, is always holding control over Jack. We are showing Jack getting out of that control and performing his last order.”

Moore said that one of the biggest struggles of the project was obtaining funding.

“We actually have one of the largest budgets the class has ever had,” Moore said. “But that took a lot of fighting and a lot of different meetings, and a lot of trying to get it figured out with various organizations, donors, etc.”

The project is currently in post-production and Mosher said that the class is in the process of adding sound effects, color, and music.

“We’ve put quite a bit of work into it,” Mosher said. “We’re excited to see where it goes.”

photos courtesy of Matthew Nyquist

Students from the spring MM414 class created a short film, Last Order,” which was written and directed by senior Andrew Mosher.

Student producers Miles Moore and Meredith Bernhard worked hard and sat in several meetings to give the film a generous budget compared to previous years.

Faculty name outstanding students

by Hannah Haslett

Morgan Albrecht (Student Media)

For Morgan Albrecht, one of the most memorable moments came from the Student Media Summer Mega Workshop held in Minneapolis in July 2024.

“It was super fun,” Albrecht said. “I got to know the people I would be working with and make relationships.”

Her dream project aligns with her passion for sports media. She wants to create a profile or feature on a professional team like the Royals or the Chiefs. “I want to show that sports are greater than the player. There’s more to sports than just the game.”

In Summer of 2025, she will be interning with the St. Joe Mustangs. Morgan’s career goals are focused on continuing in the sports media field. Her advice to new students?

“Get involved with as many things as you can that relate to the field you want to be in. It gives you a leg up and prepares you for your future.”

Jeremy Ford (Contemporary Journalism)

Jeremy Ford’s academic highlight came from a special topics course: Corporate Video, taught by Matthew Nyquist, associate mass media professor. “We did a crash course on film production and worked on real-world videos for Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka,” Ford said. The class traveled to Minden, Nebraska, and Lyons, Kansas. “It was my favorite class I’ve ever taken,” Ford said.

Fords dream job is to be a basketball broadcaster. After graduation, he plans to return home to work in youth ministry, managing social media and marketing while supporting young people in their faith journeys.

He encourages new students to be bold: “Don’t be scared of jumping into something you don’t know how to do. This field is about learning on the fly and being uncomfortable while actively working on a project.”

Skyler Smith (Film and Video)

For Skyler Smith, nothing compared to working on set for the department’s Advanced Film Production.

“It was amazing to be a part of something like that. I met and learned from so many aspiring filmmakers.”

As a devoted Star Wars fan, Smiths ultimate dream is to work on a production in that universe. “I would give anything and everything to work on a Star Wars project.” While his long-term goals may lead to California and Hollywood, Smith believes in honing his craft locally until the right

opportunity comes.

His advice to peers? “Don’t get discouraged if you feel you didn’t do something perfectly. If you make something and you’re happy with it — that’s your perfect.”

Charlize Easter (Advertising & Public Relations)

Charlize Easter’s favorite memory in mass media revolves around the WIFI Film Festival, which she helped organize. “It’s an amazing opportunity for independent filmmakers to connect and share their work. WIFI is something really special to me,” she said.

Her dream project is launching a marketing campaign for her favorite author, Leigh Bardugo. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue to work at Advisors Excel in the creative services department.

To those just stepping into mass media, she offers heartfelt advice: “Don’t be afraid to talk to anyone or share your thoughts. Someone right next to you might be feeling the same way.”

Miles Moore (Service to MM)

Miles Moore has had a hand in many different initiatives, but his proudest achievement is restructuring the podcast space for Student Media. He has created a more accessible and creative environment for peers to produce their own content.

He dreams of leading a marketing campaign for a Sonic video game and ultimately wants to become a marketing or project manager. His advice is simple: “Try everything once. You might like it on accident — and it’ll be fun if you do.”

(top) Faculty, staff and outstanding students meet for dinner at Spin pizza. Mass media faculty annually select students for this honor. (bottom) Lecturer Dean Krueger created sketches for each student.

by Ajah Banks

The 2025 WIFI Film Festival returned to Topeka April 12-13, bringing together filmmakers, students and community members for a weekend of film screenings and conversations.

Film were screened at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library and in Henderson Room 7 at Washburn.

The festival focuses on celebrating film production in Kansas and the broader Midwest. It also serves as a handson learning opportunity for students, tying into the university’s mission to support civic engagement and creative development.

For Skyler Smith, video production lead and a senior mass media major, a standout moment from the festival was when Washburn alumni returned to watch the premiere of their film “The Getaway” from last year’s MM 414 Advanced Film Production class.

“I was a part of this film,” Smith said. “And I could not

be happier with how it turned out. We had to wait an entire year for festival season before we could watch it together with the public. Seeing everyone’s smiling faces during the screening and their emotions afterwards was priceless.”

Charlize Easter, lead event manager and a senior mass media major, said that screening films is still the best way to include filmmakers and encourage them to participate in the festival.

“This year, we had more quality showings than any other year,” Easter said. “We also believe that the films are still the biggest draw for the filmmakers, both locally and globally, to both participate and to feel included.”

The 2025 WIFI Film Festival once again highlighted the creativity and collaboration of Washburn students, alumni and the local film community.

2025 festival film breakdown:

- Film submissions overall: 89

- Countries represented in film submissions: 14

- Films submitted from Kansas: 18

- Films from Kansas selected for screening: 9

- Films accepted for screening overall: 30

- Films selected as nominees for awards: 21

- Films selected as award winners: 11

List of the 2025 award winners-

For Narrative Films:

- Best Costume Design: “In the Window Display”

- Best Production Design: “Edge of Oblivion”

- Best Sound Design: “I herself”

- Best Cinematography: “Donor”

- Best Editing: “Happy Pals”

- Best Directing: “Donor”

For documentary films:

- Best Cinematography: “Echoes of Silk and Tides and Ethnic Introspection”

- Best Editing: “Echoes of Silk and Tides and Ethnic Introspection”

- Best Directing: “The Iceland Cycling Expedition: A Rigorous Journey to End Myoma”

Other categories:

- Best Kansas High School or Middle School Film: “Bleach Boy”

- Golden Ichabod Award: “The Getaway”

- Best Actress Performance: “Donor”

- Best Actor Performance: “Smoothie”

- Special Achievement and Social Progress Award: “The Iceland Cycling Expedition:

- A Rigorous Journey to End Myoma”

- Excellence in Title Design: “Edge of Oblivion”

- Best Animated Short: “Tomas Tulip”

- Golden Bow Tie Award: “Donor”

Internships continue to pave the way

by Morgan Albrecht

Of the many career readiness opportunities the mass media department offers, only one is required: an internship. These internships typically last for a semester or take place during the summer and require a minimum of 124 hours. Many mass media students apply for internships that supplement their concentration or focus on an area closely related to it.

“The value of internships to the students is tremendous. We know that we teach our students valuable skills in class, but there are certain experiences that we cannot emulate in a class environment,” said Professor Maria Stover.

Stover, who is also an assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said mass media faculty place a lot of emphasis on professionalism, professional behaviors and acquiring professional skills. Stover says a professional internship environment is the best place to hone those skills.

Jami Morain pursued an internship with Cumulus Media as a production assistant, mainly because of her interest in music journalism. She says her responsibilities included making commercials, working with both the marketing and sales departments.

Morain found her internship with the help of a friend and fellow WU alumna, Joelle Conway. She was drawn to the position by her interest in music journalism.

“I was having a really hard time finding internships and told Joelle ‘I need help,’ and she asked me, ‘What do you like?’ And I said radio would be really cool, but I don’t like TV and then she contacted Ethan.”

Morain has DJ’d, sold ads, recorded commercials and learned all things radio production while working for Cumulus. All things that pair well with the skills learned in mass media courses.

“Jami did quite a bit for us. She did what we call dubbing, so we put in commercials or weekend programming that plays all pre-recorded for the weekend into our system, that way it runs properly. She did quite a bit of that. She did a lot of PSA writing and production. She went to events for us and helped table at events and give away prizes.

courtesy of Jami Morain Jami Morain, ’24,works at her desk during her internship at Cumulus Media.

And then also, she did get to do some on-air stuff with this as well,” said Ethan Jackson, production director and assistant program director for Cumulus Topeka.

Jackson noted Morain blended in seamlessly with the work Cumulus does and added a valuable work ethic to the team that will serve her well in a possible broadcasting career.

“She was happy to be there and eager to learn, which I think in this industry is really important when it comes to people starting a new job because if you don’t want to be there it can be kind of grueling,” Jackson said. “She was always happy to learn something new, [which made her] fit in great with the environment here.

He also noted Morain’s positive mindset was key in helping her achieve quality work and said anyone looking for a role in radio should follow suit.

Morain believes her position gave her experience that many students don’t get. With hopes of working in the music journalism field, Morain knows the knowledge she gained will be invaluable in the future.

She worked alongside supportive professionals who gave Morain an opportunity to learn anything they thought could help her reach her future goals of working in music journalism.

“They were very helpful and goal-orientated, and they did anything they could to help me,” she said.

Morain encourages mass media students to branch out whenever possible and say “yes” often to experience many things to better their future careers.

“Don’t just do a throwaway internship, Morain said. “Find an internship that is actually going to give you information and that you will find valuable.”

Question: If you could swap places with any professional and take over their career, who would it be?

by Jaden Etienne

Eden Conrad, sophomore

“Vitus ‘V’ Spehar”

Spehar is a journalist and podcaster best known for the “UndertheDeskNews” TikTok account.

Carissa Roberts, sophomore

“John Williams”

Williams is an awardwinning composer and conductor who has scored over 100 films.

Miles Moore, senior “Tom Kalinske”

Kalinske is a businessman who was CEO of major brands before his retirement.

Rio Royaya, junior “Hayao Miyazaki”

Miyazaki is a Japanese animator, filmmaker, manga artist and co-founder of Studio Ghibli.

Jeremy Ford, senior “Charles Barkley”

Barkely is a former NBA player turned sports analyst.

David Craft, sophomore “Christopher Nolen”

Nolen is a British-American filmmaker known for his blockbuster hits.

Trent Bruckner, senior “Matthew Nyquist”

Nyquist is a Washburn associate mass media professor with professional filmmaking experience.

Jillian Drummond, sophomore “Steven Spielberg”

Spielberg is an American director, producer and writer.

Spring & summer candidates for graduation

Spring 2025

Morgan Albrecht

Taylor Bockover

Bailey Collar

Benjamin Doole

Charlize Easter

Joshua Grimmer

Aika Kajihara

Lillian Kobach

Kayla Locke

Trevor McCollum

Rebekah McIntosh

Miles Moore

Miriam Paredes

Jaycie Regnier

Taylor Romanchek

Olivia Watson

AQ &Summer 2025

Andrew Mosher

Gwynna Purdy

Skyler Smith

Mar’Shay’Veion Watts

with our graduates

Editor’s Note: All mass media graduates were invited to answer a few questions for this feature and submit a photo. Some elected not to participate.

Morgan Albrecht

Magna Cum Laude

Key Takeaways: Don’t be afraid to try something new or something you aren’t super comfortable with and make connections with people because you never know when they’ll come in handy later in life.

Future Plans: I am mainly interested in the sports media field. I currently have an internship lined up with the St. Joseph Mustangs to do digital media work for the team this summer.

Closing Comments: I am so grateful that Regina encouraged me to join Student Media. I’ve enjoyed working for the organization so much. I’ve learned so many valuable skills and built friendships that will last a lifetime as a result of my time with Student Media.

Taylor Bockover

Key Takeaways: I’ve learned to be confident in presenting in front of others, which I wasn’t when I first came here.

Future Plans: Any marketing, digital marketing, or social media coordinator position.

Closing Comments: Mass media was the best decision for me!

Bailey Collar

Magna Cum Laude

Key Takeaways: Some of my key takeaways are the impact of digital media in the workforce and the importance of good storytelling.

Future Plans: I have a job lined up as a marketing coordinator at Winco Fireworks. I will be continuing the Collar family business.

Closing Comments: Washburn is the most amazing community and the mass media department is no exception. I have immensely valued my time here.

Benjamin Doole

Key Takeaways: Keeping your head down and getting the work done is the best way to succeed!

Future Plans: I want to be a NFL Scout. I have a position with the Philadelphia Eagles this July.

Closing Comments: Four years flew by extremely fast!

Charlize Easter

Mass Media Honors

University Honors

Summa Cum Laude Sibberson

Finalist

Future Plans: I’m working at Advisors Excel as an Account Coordinator for the creative services department.

Closing Comments: I have loved my time at Washburn, and I will definitely miss all the MM faculty!

Aika Kajhara Cum Laude

Key Takeaways: One of my biggest takeaways from the mass media department is how powerful storytelling can be. I learned how to express ideas through video, film and social media. I also gained experience with cameras, editing and working in teams!

Future Plans: As I look toward the future, I’m most interested in jobs in the post-production field — especially editing, sound design and other behindthe-scenes work in film and video. I really enjoy shaping a story through sound and visuals before it all comes together on screen. I don’t have a job lined up yet, but I’m actively looking for opportunities where I can keep learning and growing in this field.

Closing Comments: As an international student, my time at Washburn was truly meaningful. Everything was unfamiliar at first, but the support from professors, friends,

and the international community helped me grow. I learned so much — not just about media, but also about myself. Washburn gave me the space to grow, make mistakes and connect with people from all over the world. I’ll always be grateful for this experience!

Lilly Kobach

Summa Cum Laude

Key Takeaways: I really appreciate how tight and supportive everyone in the mass media department is. Everyone has such different talents and goals, but people all work together and grow their strengths. Especially with so many group projects, I’ve really gained an appreciation for the creative process and having different perspectives all working on one common goal.

Future Plans: I am hoping to become a creative director or continue freelancing full-time. I currently have a media content internship at Advisors Excel and a few freelance jobs, so I will see where I go from there.

Closing Comments: It’s been an amazing college experience thanks to professors who genuinely care about your success. They are intentional and involved with each student’s unique experiences.

Kayla Locke Cum Laude

Key Takeaways: I’ve enjoyed learning so much about all different aspects of the media field. From graphic design, public relations, advertising, writing, and film/video, I feel as though I’ve gotten experience with everything there is to do. By being a mass media major, I’ve found a passion for graphic design that has given me so many opportunities (designing for the WIFI Film Festival this year, two internships, freelance opportunities). I couldn’t be more thankful for the guidance and support of my professors who have encouraged me.

Future Plans: I’m most interested in pursuing graphic design positions, but I have an interest in anything in the PR/ advertising field. I’ve had internships with WU Athletics doing photography and graphic design as well as at

Advisors Excel as a graphic design production artist. I just accepted a position in creative services at Altitude Sports and Entertainment in Denver, Colorado.

Closing Comments: I’ve grown into the person my younger self would be proud of!

Trevor McCollum

Key Takeaways: I really enjoyed how the professors were engaged with the students. Many of my classes were small and it felt like a small community inside the department.

Future Plans: I am going to be a strength and conditioning coach next year.

Closing Comments: Everyone was so welcoming and helpful throughout my time there.

Rebekah McIntosh

Mass Media Honors

Sibberson Finalist

Summa Cum Laude

Key Takeaways: Outside of all the accomplishments and skills mass media has helped me learn, I would say it has taught me the value of teamwork and always valuing other people’s input. I really enjoyed the classes where I could work as a team with others. We bonded as a team and I will cherish those memories forever.

Future Plans: I do not have a job lined up. I am taking a break this summer to work as summer staff for Camp Barnabas (a summer camp for individuals with disabilities) one last time before heading into the next season of life. I will be a photographer for them for one half of the summer and cabin staff the second half. After the summer, I will begin job hunting and taking a trip to Europe for 10 days as well. I am looking for a marketing job, preferably for an organization that helps people with disabilities.

Closing Comments: I am

forever grateful for the professors who instilled confidence in me, the classmates who made it a fun time, and for the student organizations that gave me community. It was truly an incredible experience, and I will really miss all the people.

Miles Moore Cum Laude

Key Takeaways: Through the Mass Media Department, I really was able to grow into someone who is able to fill a lot of different roles and work on skills that have made me a well-rounded mass media professional.

Future Plans: In the future, my goal is to be an account executive or a marketing manager within the video game or toy industry.

Closing Comments: I’ve learned a lot, not just from positive experiences, but also from times when things didn’t work out or completely backfired. Those challenges pushed me to rise above and discover new ways to solve problems. Ultimately, the most valuable lesson I’ve gained in the Mass Media

Department isn’t about collecting advertising data or video editing—it’s about learning how to problem-solve. That skill has prepared me to tackle any situation.

Andrew Mosher Magna Cum Laude

Key Takeaways: Get involved with as much as possible; don’t do the bare minimum. The hands-on experience is limitless.

Future Plans: Videographer and video editor.

Closing Comments: I came to Washburn looking to become a photographer and came out being an award-winning filmmaker.

Miriam Paredes

Key Takeaways: During my time with the mass media department at Washburn University, I got to be a part of the WIFI Film Festival, which is always a great time. I enjoyed learning all there is to the films you get to see on the screen and learning how to use design applications like InDesign -- something I had never worked with before. It definitely challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and grow my skills.

Future Plans: I’ve always been interested in pursuing jobs in the entertainment field, whether that’s in film, music or even both. Right now, I don’t have a job lined up, but I’m excited to start exploring opportunities.

Closing Comments: My time at Washburn has been full of growth and learning. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the ways I’ve been able to challenge myself both personally and professionally.

Jaycie Regnier

Key Takeaways: I think it’s super important for mass media students to get involved outside of class. I would have never discovered I liked reporting if I did not join Student Media, and it gave me the hands-on experience that I needed. The professors really want you to embrace this program and succeed in it. These skills really do matter in your classes and in your career. Some skills I believed I would never have to use, but I have used almost every skill in my job, even in the first six months.

Future Plans: I am interested in pursuing a career in journalism as a writer/reporter. I enjoy the marketing side of mass media as well and currently run marketing and social media accounts for a physical therapy business. I am still in the job searching process, but until I find a new opportunity, I will continue to do marketing, advertising and graphic design for the business I currently have.

Closing Comments: Washburn is an amazing school, and I am grateful that I chose to come back home and complete my degree at Washburn. The professors are very invested in their students and that aspect is super important to getting students to graduation. I have learned so many valuable skills and have grown so much as a person in the last few years.

Taylor Romanchek Mass Media Honors

Summa Cum Laude

Key Takeaways: Never be afraid to use your creativity and always be willing to learn!

Future Plans: After graduation I am headed to graduate school, but then I would like to work in some sort of travel marketing. I have really enjoyed the social media aspect of mass media and would like to continue building my skills in that realm.

Closing Comments: My time at Washburn has been an absolute adventure that I wouldn’t trade for the world. The staff is always there to support students and pushing us to grow into the best version of ourselves. I will miss my time at Washburn but am looking forward to the future!

Skyler Smith

Mass Media Honors

Magna Cum Laude

Key Takeaways: The people; both the professors and students. Our major requires collaboration and a drive to continue learning. The great people I have met on this journey understand this, and they will always help one another to reach the next goal.

Future Plans: I am interested in jobs that allow me to be creative. If it is not an environment that urges creativity, it is not right for me. As of right now, I have another internship with Peraton Inc. this summer and after that, only time will tell.

Closing Comments: It flew by so quickly. I feel like, in a way, I just started my degree. But I will always remember and value the professors and peers that guided me most throughout my time here.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS

Senior earns cash for her idea

Rebekah McIntosh

advertising / public relations

by Jaden Etienne

Mass media senior Rebecca McIntosh placed second in the Brenneman School of Business’s annual Community Innovation Challenge with her nonprofit idea “EmpowerEd,” a venture focused on expanding job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“It’s a nonprofit organization that provides job training and job placement opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” McIntosh said. “I chose that because I am really passionate about helping individuals with disabilities and just empowering them.”

The inspiration for her pitch started at age 13 when McIntosh began volunteering at Camp Barnabas, a summer program for individuals with disabilities.

“I just learned so much more from the campers with disabilities there than I ever could’ve taught them,” McIntosh said. “They just taught me what it means to be joyful in life and not to be defined by my circumstances.”

McIntosh said that many individuals with disabilities face a lack of opportunities after high school, which motivated her to develop a solution.

“On average, after high school, people with disabilities spend about 20 years in a day program and then an additional 20 years in a group home,” McIntosh said. “I just feel like that’s not a very great quality of life, and they can do so much more.”

The Community Innovation Challenge spans three rounds of competition for participants. Students first submit a written plan, which is judged and those not making the cut are eliminated. Then there are two elimination rounds of verbal pitches, followed by a final round, which includes a

photo by Kristen Grimmer Rebekah McIntosh and her partner won second place at the Washburn Community Innovation Challenge Finals in April. Associate Professor and Chair Kristen Grimmer attended the event.

PowerPoint and live Q&A from a panel of judges. McIntosh said each phase challenged her in different ways.

“I honestly would say the first round was the hardest because I just did a lot of research for that,” McIntosh said. “The other rounds were pretty easy because I already had all the information—I just had to format it differently.”

Though public speaking comes naturally to her, McIntosh said there were still nerves leading up to the final.

“Right before going on, I was pretty nervous,” McIntosh said. “But we practiced so much, the practice definitely helps take the nerves away.”

But McIntosh said it wasn’t the presentation itself that worried her the most, it was the judges’ follow-up questions.

“I was more worried about not being prepared for the questions than the actual presentation,” McIntosh said. “They asked more specifics about the program and if we had any potential partners lined up already.” She came prepared.

McIntosh said she and her teammate had met with the president of the Capper Foundation, an organization that offers support services for individuals with disabilities.

“The president told us that if we were actually going to start up as a business, Capper would actually provide funding and office space,” McIntosh said. “So we were kind of prepared for that question.”

For McIntosh, the best part of the experience was seeing that others believed in her mission just as much as she did.

“People came up to me afterward and were like, here’s my

card, let me support you, reach out to me,” McIntosh said.

“Some I didn’t even know, special ed teachers and the like, just a lot of people who also care about the cause.”

As a senior, McIntosh also shared advice for students, especially those in mass media and communications.

“For any students: get involved on campus and student organizations—just whatever you can,” McIntosh said. “For mass media students, just give your all. Professors are going to provide opportunities for you that you didn’t even know were a possibility.”

Journalist reflects on connection

Albrecht contemporary journalism

by Charlize Easter Morgan

Morgan Albrecht’s journey through mass media has been a story of growth, discovery, and transformation. When she entered college, she faced the challenge of being away from a familiar social network.

“Starting college was intimidating at first," Albrecht said. "I didn’t know anyone, but it pushed me to step out of my shell and build connections I wouldn’t have made otherwise.”

The seeds of Albrecht’s passion for writing were sown in high school, where a dedicated teacher, Terry Anderson, inspired her.

“My high school English teacher truly changed my life,” Albrecht says. “He sparked a passion for storytelling that carried me through all these years.”

This passion guided Albrecht’s choice to pick mass media, because of its strong journalism program where she not only refined her writing skills but also expanded her expertise in areas such as film, video production and public relations preparing her for the multifaceted world of media.

One of Albrecht’s fondest college memories comes from the TV studio production class (MM 311) with Sam Finch, a lecturer in mass media. The course challenged her to step in front of the camera and create imaginative projects, from game shows to YouTube-style videos.

“That class was a turning point for me,” Albrecht said. “It was the first time I felt truly comfortable on camera, and the projects were so much fun; they taught me so

Morgan Albrecht spent her senior year managing sports and copy editing for Student Media while she contemplated goals for life after graduation.

much about creativity and collaboration.”

Mentorship has also played a crucial role in Albrecht’s journey. Regina Cassell, a senior lecturer and the director of Student Media, provided steady guidance as Albrecht delved into working for Student Media.

“Regina taught me to always seize opportunities and stay passionate,” Albrecht said. “Student Media was intense, but I thrive under pressure. The deadlines, the quick decision-making—it’s all part of the excitement of being in this field.”

Albrecht’s adaptability was put to the test during a summer internship with the Kansas Department of Commerce, where she delved into marketing and communications.

Working on branding guides and video scripts, she gained valuable skills but reaffirmed her love for journalism’s creative storytelling.

“The internship was eye-opening,” Albrecht said. “I learned so much about marketing, but it also made me realize that storytelling is where my heart truly lies.”

As Albrecht prepares for her next chapter, she remains aware of the changing landscape of mass media. The rise of AI in the industry presents both opportunities and challenges.

“AI can do a lot, but it can’t replicate the heart and soul of a good story,” Albrecht said. “That’s what makes human connection so important in this field.”

Grad brings drone skills to job market

Andrew Mosher

film and video

by Charlize Easter

Andrew Mosher’s academic journey in mass media has felt extraordinary to him as he focused on film and video while minoring in sociology.

He is now set to take flight in a dynamic post-graduation career as a freelance drone pilot. With his photography and videography skills, Mosher said he is ready to capture the world from a bird’s-eye view.

Guided by his mentor, Sam Finch, a lecturer in mass media, Mosher said he thrived in editing classes and interview-based coursework, which he found particularly enjoyable.

One of the most memorable experiences for Mosher during college was learning the importance of collaborative teamwork. He said that this invaluable lesson, emphasizing the integration of diverse perspectives, profoundly shaped his approach to filmmaking. His active membership in the Washburn Filmmaker Association fostered a community of collaborative creativity.

Mosher said that networking has been another key aspect in his time at Washburn and he has built a robust network of contacts using social media and alumni connections.

Mosher’s documentary project, “Iron Warriors,” focused on Muay Thai in Kansas and served equally as a promotional video and an inspirational piece showcasing a gym’s community. Mosher said this project helped him learn how to blend storytelling with visual impact.

“My commitment to learning is what inspires me to keep

Need a cutline here, please.

starting new projects and finding impactful ways to tell stories through film,” Mosher said.

Mosher said that his unique blend of creativity, leadership and optimism is what has positioned him to find his first job. Mosher’s intention to make a lasting impact on the local industry by capturing the world from new heights through his drone piloting skills.

Storytelling pulls focus from biology

Skyler

Smith

film and video

by Charlize Easter

Skyler Smith is a mass media senior focusing on film and video and minoring in game design. Smith said his college career at Washburn was shaped by unforgettable experiences, especially those from the MM 414 Advanced Film Production course with Matthew Nyquist, associate professor in mass media.

“414 was where I learned how collaboration works on set,” Smith said. “By the end of the semester, our class produced ‘The Getaway,’ and it was incredible to know I was a part of this.”

Smith’s passion for filmmaking also shone through with his involvement in the Washburn Filmmaker Association. Smith said he started out as vice president and in his senior year, served as president. Smith said he has cultivated a vibrant community where creativity thrives because the WFA is a dynamic hub for producing thought-provoking short films, with exciting scripts and projects on the horizon.

Smith said his favorite courses, MM 50 Film Editing and Theory, and MM 303 Video Game Storytelling, fueled his passion and honed his skills.

Reflecting on his college life, Smith said he didn’t start out knowing that mass media was what he wanted to do. He had an unexpected shift from biology to media and gaming, inspired by the captivating world of storytelling because of a memorable class taught by Tony Silvestri, professor of history and a music lyricist, who helped Smith identify that what he truly wanted to study was mass media.

Smith’s academic path wasn’t without challenges, but his unwavering passion and peer support carried him through. Social interactions played a key role in overcoming academic hurdles. Smith said he is proud that he used his time in mass media wisely, learning new and diverse skills, like mastering a new editing technique involving timeline copying and stitching tools to achieve perfect match cuts.

After graduation, Smith said he intends to maintain strong ties with the film community through social media platforms and job networking sites.

Student Kudos

Scholarship winners

“My time at Washburn started off kind of rough but the more involved I became the more I started to love it here! This fall I am the marketing manager at Student Media, a peer educator and a leader in Christian Challenge. What I love most about the mass media program at Washburn is that there’s so many opportunities available because we get to learn about all three mass media concentrations.

-- Lexie Hittle

My time at Washburn has been a lot of fun. I enjoy all of the campus events and playing on the volleyball team. I started off as a business major and later switched to mass media. I enjoy the mass media classes that are project based. I believe that it’s helping me prepare for real life scenarios that than just taking a test of memorized facts.

-- Taylor Rottinghaus

photo courtesy of Regina Cassell Scholarship winners gathered after a short reception on the Memorial Union lawn. (first row from left) Hannah Haslett, Lexi Hittle; second row, Brighton Bivens*, Taylor Rottinghaus, Jaema Borderlon*, Kendell Brungardt, Malik Arafat, back row, Genoveva Byuylekova, Ashley Heavner, Kellan Huebner*, Eli McDaniel and Jeremy Ford. Scholarship recipients who were unavailable for the photo include Calyn Conner, Syd Conner, Celena Gordon, Tiana Smith, Elena Toenjes and incoming freshmen Thomas Hardy and Nora Krehbiel.

*These students earned a dean’s scholarship from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Other note-worthy achievements

Film accolades

“Bucket List BBQ: A Look Inside” was nominated for an Emmy award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Lecturer Sam Finch was the faculty adviser; Ivan Brandt was director and Humphry Del Castillo was the camera operator.

Graduate recognition

Graduates Charlize Easter and Rebekah McIntosh were finalists for the Sibberson Award.

Charlize Easter, Rebekah McIntosh, Taylor Romanchek and Skyler Smith graduated with mass media honors.

Major receives WU student worker award

Each spring Washburn asks the campus to nominate worthy student employees for the Student Employee of the Year Awards.

Tiana Smith is the winner in the leadership category for 2025. She is a senior peer educator, the Washburn Leadership Challenge Event Fellow for the Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, a lead summer Student Orientation Counselor and a senator in WSGA.

Daniel Little’s PSA called “Recycle” won first place in the 60 Second or Less Commercial category in the 2025 Kansas Association of Broadcasters contest.

Aika Kajihara, Amy Joris and Gabby Van Sickle created “Save the Planet,” which earned an honorable mention.

“Tiana is passionate about helping students transition successfully to college, helping them grow, connecting them to resources and making them feel like they are valued members of the Washburn community,” said Steve Hageman, director, First Year Experience.