MANSFIELD, PA— The Mansfield University Department of Communication hosted its annual Com Day on April 17.
The department welcomed students, faculty, staff, and alumni to come together for a fun-filled day. Com Day consisted of guest speakers, activities, and an awards ceremony where the department handed out over $5,000 in student scholarships, and awards.
The guest speakers at this year’s Com Day were four Department alumni; Carrie Hillman ’08, the associate director of Communications and External Relations at the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF), James Shappell ’04, the chief of the Information Security Division and Deputy to the assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), Frank Acomb ’06, host of WENY’s “Frankly Speaking” and operations manager for Sound Communication, and Renata Stiehl ’04, news director and anchor for WENY-TV (Elmira, NY).
“The alumni talked about their paths after graduation, offered advice and inspired an audience of 50 current students,” Department Chair Sue Young said. “The speakers received no compensation for their time, took off of work and traveled at their own expense. It was a privilege to have our students participate in this event.”
Several scholarships were awarded including the Academic Honors Awards. The recipients were four students who had the highest GPA within their respective class. Freshman Katie Lipski, sophomore Sarah Haley, junior Emilee Andrews and senior Anthony Renz were this year’s recipients.
The Dr. A. Vernon Lapps Broadcasting Scholarship, funded by Stu Weiss ’80, owner of Studio City in Los Angeles, was awarded to Greg Eibach. This scholarship is dedicated to rewarding students who dedicate their talents to media’s emerging technologies, and position themselves to join the growing network of MU graduates gainfully employed at the nation’s most successful media entities.
The Michael Leiboff Memorial Scholarship was created by the family of Mike Leiboff, Professor Emeritus. He served the Department of Communication from 1968-1999. This year’s recipient is Cody Getz.
The Arlyne M. Garrity Scholarship was presented to Austin Dragovich and Brittany Blair. Garrity was a positive and dynamic force who brought life to MU. Recipients must be a positive energy force that will carry on the Garrity tradition by being involved in the department and spreading positivity across campus. This year the two recipients were
The Northern Appalachian Storytelling Festival Scholarship was developed by three retired Professors who ran the Storytelling Festival at Mansfield University for 20 years. This year’s winner, Karyn Anselmo, wrote a touching fictional piece about a powerful young woman who must deal with being abandoned by her mother.
The Outstanding Communication Major Award went to Tyanna Roberts, a student that has worked tirelessly for the department and the university. She was active in launching MU60, designing meet the staff pieces, being talent in an Into the Northern Tier piece, and offering assistance for COM Day and other events. She has been featured in university commercials as well.
Also recognized at Com Day were the staff, faculty, and students of MU60. MU60 is a weekly 60-second video blast targeted toward alums. The individuals involved in creating this production were all recognized for their hard work and dedication.
Professor Lee Wright, senior member of the department, was celebrated as a retiring member. He was the department chair for 12 years. The faculty of the department took turns sharing some memories and saying a few words about Dr. Wright.
Professor Emeritus Howard Travis began Com Day in 1997 as a way to connect professional alumni with the students of the Department of Communication.
“The business world makes much more sense to undergraduates when they are exposed to the comments of former students that are employed,” Young said. “The Department of Communication possesses a solid track record of employment so it was a logical decision to ask alumni to return to campus and bring their expertise to students and faculty. The Mansfield University Department of Communication has welcomed many of their alumni over the years and Com Day remains one of the most treasured events for their Com Family.”
To learn more about the Department of Communication, go to communication.mansfield.edu