April 2019
Colleagues:

March was a busy time for us, culminating in another successful Communication Week March 25-29. We tried something a little different for the annual college reception that kicks off the week and headed to the Zenner House, an event space right off campus. Our theme this year was “Moving the World Forward,” focusing on the college’s international work—both across the globe and right here in Athens. We hosted over 80 guests and heard from two very special members of the Scripps community during the brief program.

Zamzam Jama is a doctoral candidate in health communication. Zamzam conducted research on the narratives of refugees in the Sudan as an intern with the United Nations. She shared with us what she’s learned about the value of listening to the stories that underserved communities tell.

Megan Westervelt is a conservation photojournalist and VisCom alumna who has traveled extensively, especially in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Megan also empowers others to tell their own stories—by putting a camera in their hands.  

As we gathered to hear these amazing people talk, in the unique setting of the Zenner House living room, I was struck by the resonance of Zamzam and Megan’s stories. Their passion and decency are emblematic of the Scripps college and I am very proud to have them represent us in the world.

We ended the evening with the annual presentation of college awards. Josh Antonuccio received the faculty service award for his incredible work connecting MDIA students to the music industry. Paula Linscott received the Employee of the Year award for her tireless dedication to the students she advises. Our two outstanding student employees of the year were Rachel Cherry from WOUB and Tessa Polen from Communication Studies.

Finally, I was delighted to induct Claudia Hale into the Dean’s Leadership Circle. As I shared at the reception, Claudia is a shining example of servant leadership for me and for many of us. Coming out of retirement, she stepped into the role of director for the School of Communication Studies, accepting additional projects with her customary grace and skill. 

Continuing with the theme of our international presence, I want to mention the terrific experiences our students had over spring break. Two groups traveled internationally—journalism students to Hong Kong and the annual Strategic Communication for Startups trip to Barcelona. And it’s not technically international, but I know the OU Civil Ride trip, tracing the path of freedom riders through the American South, broadened our students’ sense of the world.

Heading into April, we have some exciting end-of-year events to look forward to. I hope your academic year comes to a satisfying close.

Scott
The Ohio University Student Expo takes place in April every year, showcasing the research and creative activity of hundreds of talented students. The Scripps College of Communication is always well-represented, and this year features another stellar group with students from nearly every school as well as the Communication & Development program participating. Their projects cover a huge range of subjects and approaches-- immersive audio for horror films, the ethics of news coverage, a walkable VR puzzle, the challenges of sustainable technology for entrepreneurs, creating visual art through human motion, news coverage of maternal health in Ghana, the role of religious leaders in conflict transformation in Colombia, viral marketing in the video game industry, non-profit crowdfunding in Honduras, and so much more. I hope you’ll be able to spend some time at the Convocation Center on April 11, and celebrate the work being done across the college and the University. And a big “thank you” to the faculty and staff who mentored these students, as well as those who will be participating in judging the expo entries!

If you know of a mid-career faculty colleague whose research or creative activity has garnered national or international prominence, please consider nominating them for Ohio University’s Presidential Research Scholars awards program. Application areas rotate every year; for FY 2019-20, applications will be solicited for Arts & Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Physical Sciences and Engineering.

  • Upcoming OHIO graduate studies, research & creative activity events and deadlines
  • Key graduate student degree completion deadlines for spring semester
  • Calls for submissions and deadlines
March has been a busy month with our continued yield efforts during OHIO Up Close events and Future Student Receptions in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.
 
Experience Scripps Day (ESD) on Saturday, March 23, had 68 prospective students in attendance along with their families. Students explored the WOUB Center for Public Media, the GRID Lab, Media Arts & Studies facilities, Journalism student organizations, VisCom gallery, VisCom studio space, viewed MDIA student work, study away programs, ESPN3, ITS Labs and the Internet of Things, a Communication Studies classroom simulation, internship opportunities and much more. Families also had an opportunity to hear from the dean, undergraduate admissions, faculty, and to watch a 360-degree video while wearing our VR goggles. ESD was a hit with the students and families. Thank you to all of our faculty, staff, and students for helping us make this event so special.
 
March was also a big scholarship month, especially for the Don Perris Endowed Scholarship.
 
There was an increase in Scripps student applications from all five schools for the Don Perris Endowed Scholarship-Internship Fund this year. We will award 14 $4,000 Scholarships in 2019, allowing these students from our five schools to pursue some amazing summer internships with Hungry Man Productions, Pure Foods LLC, Cincinnati Bell, Homeside Financial, Endeavor/The Miss Universe Organization, Intelliwave Broadband, the New Orleans Times and the Walt Disney Company.
 
Academic advising is also in full swing, which means the Harris Student Support Center will be extending our hours from 5-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday the week of April 1   for “walk-in” academic advising. Please direct any of your students to the Harris Student Support Center if they have continued questions after advising week. Also, please keep in mind that Friday, March 29, was the last day to withdraw from an individual course.
Godfrey Ogallo
Technology Manager
Godfrey is an alumnus of the J.W. McClure School of Information and Telecommunication Systems at Ohio University. He completed a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from the Patton College of Education. Godfrey is not only a technical expert in IT related matters but also a scholar in the field. He has a wealth of experience in the IT sector both abroad and in the United States. As a scholar, he has carried out research that applied wireless sensors to monitor the quality of water remotely. His doctoral research focused on how IoT can enhance data-driven decision-making in higher education. He enjoys exploring emerging technologies and how these can be harnessed to improve teaching and learning. He equally enjoys engaging in sports, particularly golf.