This year a number of our faculty members participated in the National Communication Association’s 108th Annual Convention: Honoring PLACE: People, Liberation, Advocacy, Community, and Environment. This year’s convention took place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Below we have listed the SoC faculty members and their participation in the convention.
Corey Anton:
Role: Presenter – A Roundtable Discussion of Surfing the Anthropocene: Digital Affect and the Big Tension
Valerie Peterson:
Role: Presenter – A Roundtable Discussion of Surfing the Anthropocene: Digital Affect and the Big Tension
Richard D. Besel:
Role: Chair and Respondent – Mediating Environmental Communication
Carl Brown:
Role: Presenter – Communication Centers Section Business Meeting
Role: Chair – Communication Centers Section Paper Session
Dr. Carl Brown Top-Ranked Panel Award
Anthony Spencer
Role: Presenter – COVID-19 and Government Trust: A Spiral of Silence Analysis in South America
Role: Presenter – Pandemic migration: The role of media to and from Latin America
Photo of Dr. Anthony Spencer (right) and Dr. Paola Albarrán from Telemundo Television (left)
Adrienne Wallace
Role: Presenter – Media Mastery: Redefining Media Literacy in the Digital Age
Role: Presenter – SPARK A ‘Diversity First’ IDEA: An Approach to Equitable PR Campaigns
Role: Presenter – Mitigating Harm: To PLACE PR Ethics at the Center of AI and IoT Strategy
NCA 106th Annual Convention: Communication at the Crossroads
Many of our Grand Valley School of Communication faculty will be participating in The National Communication Association (NCA) 106th Annual Convention: Communication at the Crossroads event.
This year’s convention will be an entirely virtual event and free. Synchronous sessions will occur on the same dates as initially scheduled, November 19-22, with some virtual meetings held on the days surrounding these dates.
Below we have listed all of the GVSU faculty members participating in this year’s NCA Annual Convention. If your membership is current through December 1, 2020, you are an NCA Life Member, NCA Retired Member, or you wish to register as a non-member, click here to register.
Patrick Anderson
Grand Valley State University, Visiting Professor in the Department of Philosophy
Scheduled Appearances
Ancient Rhetoric at the Crossroads: Afrocentric Approaches and the Canon
Thu, 11/19: 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Role: Presenter
Author Meets Critics Panel: Zoetropes and the Politics of Humanhood
Thu, 11/19: 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Role: Presenter
On Moderate and Radical Government Whistleblowing: Edward Snowden and Julian Assange as Theorists of Whistleblowing Ethics
Fri, 11/20: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Role: Author
Corey Anton
Grand Valley State University, Professor of Communications
Scheduled Appearances
Soul and Spirituality at the Crossroads: Jesus as Apology
Thu, 11/19: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Role: Author
Robotic Media Environments
Fri, 11/20: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Role: Respondent
Non-Being in Language Structure, Content and Context
Sat, 11/21: 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Role: Author
Non-Being, Possibilities, Morality, and Death Acceptance
Sun, 11/22: 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Role: Author
Richard D. Besel
Grand Valley State University, Professor and Director of School of Communications
Scheduled Appearances
PC10: At the Crossroads: The Future of Master’s Education
Wed, 11/18: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Role: Presenter
Public Health, the Environment, and the Body
Thu, 11/19: 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Role: Chair
Carl J. Brown
Grand Valley State University, Assistant Professor of Communication
Scheduled Appearances
Communication Centers Section Business Meeting
Tue, 11/10: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Role: Co-Presenter
Legislative Assembly I
Wed, 11/18: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Role: Presenter
Making a Difference in an Evolving Center: Best Practices for Engaging and Collaborating with Students
Fri, 11/20: 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Role: Chair
Legislative Assembly II
Sat, 11/21: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Role: Presenter
Anthony Spencer
Grand Valley State University, Assistant Professor of Communication
Scheduled Appearances
A multi-national validity analysis of the Argumentativeness Measure
Thu, 11/19: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Role: Co-Author
Melba Vélez Ortiz
Grand Valley State University, Assistant Professor of Communication
Scheduled Appearances
Ancient Rhetoric at the Crossroads: Afrocentric Approaches and the Canon
Thu, 11/19: 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Role: Presenter
The Harpist of Maat: Notes on the Communicative Sacredness of Sound
Thu, 11/19: 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Role: Author
SC14: Disability Pedagogy at the Crossroads: Classroom and Online Learning Activities for Teaching About Disability
Fri, 11/20: 2:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Role: Presenter
Learning Activities for Critical Thinking and Reflection on Communication Ethics
Sat, 11/21: 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Role: Chair
Adrienne A. Wallace
Grand Valley State University, Assistant Professor of Advertising and Public Relations
Scheduled Appearances
07. Forging Ahead: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion the Driving Force Behind Communication Education
Thu, 11/19: 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Role: Co-Author
Crossroads in Pedagogy: Applications and Implications of Artificial Intelligence in the Communication Classroom
Thu, 11/19: 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Role: Presenter
Peter Zhang
Grand Valley State University, Professor of Communications
The definition of diversity is broad. PRSSA embraces all individuals, regardless of background, culture, education, major, age, disability, gender, and sexual orientation. PRSSA recognizes the importance of different experiences, perspectives, and voices in making a viable Society that aids the profession. Initiatives like the Dr. F.H. Teahan Chapter Diversity Award encourages Chapters to seek diversity among its leaders and members through programming and other chapter activities.
GVPRSSA won the award for its commitment to supporting diverse communities. This includes race and gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, and ability. In 2017-2018 President Bri Olson kicked off a diversity, equity, and inclusion Chapter initiative that began with primary research about chapter members and culminated with a Teach-In program with adviser Dr. Adrienne Wallace and student member Trevor Bryan, called Intentional Inclusion: How to Improve Your Student Organization’s Efforts for Inclusion in an effort to use intentional and strategic efforts to improve membership and forge partnerships with other organizations to improve member diversity, inclusion, and equity experiences.
Since those initial efforts, GVPRSSA leadership has built on and annually reviewed their effort to improve membership outcomes in all areas of diversity where GVPRSSA may fall short and partners with external organizations to offer a more robust experience to and for members. In the 2019-2020 school year, the GVPRSSA chapter and student-run firm, GrandPR, lobbied to win host-duties for CreateAthon, a national nonprofit that coordinates marathon-style campaign events for national firms, and won partnership status. They then took steps to support nonprofit organizations with marginalized populations with free integrated communications campaigns, as well as organized fundraisers and volunteer opportunities for the membership.
GVPRSSA also attends and promotes diversity and equity workshops on campus while partnering with local organizations like HQ Runaway and Homeless Youth Drop-in Center, Kids’ Food Basket, and the Ronald McDonald House. For the second year in a row, GVPRSSA committed to an ongoing partnership and fundraiser for Be A Rose, a local nonprofit that works to provide feminine hygiene products to women in need.
“The field of public relations is predominantly white and predominantly female, just like our university. It would be unfair and unjust to continue nurturing the status quo,” said Dr. Adrienne Wallace, Assistant Professor Advertising and Public Relations, GVPRSSA Adviser. “To improve representation in the United States PR industry, we need to make changes at the student-level to equip and improve student professional outcomes related to inclusion and equity. If we continue this trajectory, the pay and equity gaps will continue to widen to the detriment of our profession. Not to mention, we are all better when diversity and inclusion efforts are embraced. I’m not only talking about this idea of “checking the box” but rather really understanding and celebrating what each other has to bring to the table. Anything less than this is unacceptable. We have a long way to go in our student group – but results don’t come overnight. I’m proud of this group for being self-aware and recognizing our shortcomings, to right those wrongs.”
Recruiting a diverse membership is always at the front of mind with GVPRSSA leadership. Following the Black Lives Matter social justice events of this past summer, the chapter committed to an initiative to ensure that their programming was 100 percent representative of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Additionally, they have secured virtual agency tours that feature BIPOC-led agencies. From this commitment, Vice President of Programming Samantha Stoddard and faculty adviser Dr. Adrienne Wallace created the Pacesetter Award-winning national initiative called PRSSA REIMAGINED. This programming collaborative in partnership with seven other PRSSA Chapters (Kennesaw State University, American University, West Texas A&M University, University of Memphis, University of Arizona, Samford University, and Fresno State University) ensures that national programming focused on inclusion is available to all PRSSA chapters during the COVID era where securing speakers virtually can benefit many chapters at the same time. Each program has netted around 100 students and faculty advisers from various PRSSA chapters across the United States.
Caption: PRSSA REIMAGINED: Kennesaw State hosts a panel on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (above). Guests and Facebook event image (below).
GVPRSSA accomplished other items, such as taking on the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Grand Rapids as a pro-bono client of GrandPR. They are also the Firm of Record for the 5th Anniversary of the National Millennial Gen Z group and have consistently continued their efforts to partner with ethnically diverse organizations on campus like the Latino and Asian Student Unions.
“As a chapter, we know that we have more to work on and room to grow in terms of diversity, and we’re not stopping our efforts as a result of winning an award,” Allison Canter, GVPRSSA President. “We are looking to instate a Diversity and Inclusion chair onto our PRSSA Eboard next semester and are currently improving our Chapter Diversity Initiative as we put concrete measures into place. We feel it is essential to do the work first.”
The GVPRSSA plans to continue its 100 percent BIPOC programming and agency initiative in the future and will continue to assure the success, comfort, and safety of diverse communities on our campus and in their community.
The PRSSA chapter at Grand Valley is a national award-winning chapter that aims to move the needle each and every year. Some of their recent accomplishments include:
The National Gold Key Award recognizes outstanding Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) members for their high-level academic achievement and leadership in the organization. It is widely known as the highest level of individual honor by PRSSA. GVSU is home to GVPRSSA, a chapter of the national organization, PRSSA.
Delaney Mackenzie, former president of GVPRSSA, and Emily Gagnon, former CEO of GrandPR, the student-led nationally affiliated integrated communications firm – a program of GVPRSSA, led their chapter to be recognized locally and nationally throughout their term. During their tenure, GVPRSSA received three Teahan Awards, three student life awards, and two pacesetter awards for exceptional projects. Additionally, the chapter was named a Star Chapter for the eighth consecutive year under their leadership.
“Delaney is a collaboration genius, juggling not only multiple projects but multiple roles in projects, not just as a leader but also as a follower,” assistant professor of advertising and public relations in the School of Communications and GVPRSSA adviser, Dr. Adrienne Wallace, said. “This signals to me a maturation beyond most in her age-group. It’s tough to be the leader of a successful group and then turn around to be the follower in another capacity, but at any rate, she shines.”
Along with the awards and honors MacKenzie received, she surpassed the requirements to be honored with the National Gold Key during her time as a student at GVSU. MacKenzie served as President of GVPRSSA and was also part of the Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC), which secured 4th place nationally at GVSU. She maintained an active relationship with GVPRSSA’s parent chapter, West Michigan Public Relations Society of America (WMPRSA), served on the executive board of GrandPR, and maintained two internships, all while working a part-time job to fund her college expenses.
“This is beyond humbling,” MacKenzie said, “I must, of course, credit the Grand Valley State University PRSSA chapter, Advertising and Public Relations program and my outstanding advisor, and friend, Dr. Adrienne Wallace. Without whom I wouldn’t have been able to attain the levels of success I did.”
Gagnon displayed her commitment to GVPRSSA early on in her undergraduate career by becoming a member of Grand Valley State University’s student-run public relations firm, GrandPR, as a sophomore. By her senior year, she was elected CEO of GrandPR, where she managed the twelve-client roster and the day-to-day activities of 33 student associates. During her involvement in GVPRSSA, Gagnon worked at numerous internships, most notably Experience Grand Rapids and Steelcase. She simultaneously served as an Election Inspector for Georgetown Township for five years fulfilling all roles, including Chairperson. She was the Marketing Coordinator for TEDxGVSU, where she managed the social media platforms and connected the greater TED community intimately with GVSU and like MacKenzie, was part of the Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC).
Gagnon’s former advisor, Dr. Wallace, shared, “Emily exemplifies what it means to blend academic achievement and leadership efficacy while making significant contributions to the campus, her community, PRSSA, PRSA and beyond. Emily’s commitment to her work, drive for success, and natural leadership ability makes for a bright future not only personally, but for the communications community at large.”
Both Gagnon and MacKenzie continue their involvement in the West Michigan PRSA chapter, which serves the professional communications community. MacKenzie, currently a Communications Associate for 8THIRTYFOUR, says she is thankful to receive this honor alongside her colleague Emily. Currently, a Digital Marketing Specialist at LEAD Marketing Agency, Gagnon, is “excited to stay connected as an alum and be a resource for future GVSU Ad & PR students.”
CCIJ brings together investigative journalists, photographers, data scientists, and students to work on investigations on key international issues. The group provides mentoring and opportunity to local journalists who do not have access to global networks. Kelly Lowenstein states the mission of CCIJ is to enhance global accountability by laying bare the problems and identifying possible solutions to them. They also have the highest respect for existing national and international investigative networks such as the International Consortium for Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
“We have received planning and program support from Open Society Foundations (OSF), and have also received program grants from Open Society’s Southern African division, the Fund for Investigative Journalism, Money Trail, Solutions Journalism Network and 1forAll,” Kelly Lowenstein said.
In an increasingly visually-oriented world, CCIJ seeks to reach the public by working with some of the world’s top photographers and visual documentarians to tell stories of people affected by the abuses they expose. The team generates impact by producing high-quality investigative work and sharing data that shapes global discourse and policy on the globe’s most critical challenges. They work diligently to increase the number of people engaged in this vital work by producing content with an emphasis on solutions, not just on exposing problems.
“The journalistic drumbeat of dire predictions can be counter-productive without a countering of hope,” Kelly Lowenstein said. “Where possible, we locate and support stories that talk about solutions to the problems. We highlight and seek widespread dissemination of these stories.”
In October of last year, Kelly Lowenstein and the other CCIJ members launched “H2O Fail,” a comprehensive investigation of the degree to which the global community fails to provide healthy drinking water, a United Nations-declared right, for close to 1 billion people around the world. While global in scope, the project’s initial stages are focused on Southern Africa and the United States, where our team has the most substantial presence.
“Within water issues, we look to break new ground by writing about the financial actions both of major water corporations like Suez and Veolia as well as of “water hogs,” those companies like soft drink giant Coca Cola and beer corporations that use a tremendous amount of water in the production of their goods” Kelly Lowenstein said.
The group concludes the failure results from relentless corporate profit-seeking and water consumption, toothless governmental oversight and enforcement, and insufficient reporting of solutions to the global water crisis. It leads to devastating, often fatal, consequences for thousands and thousands of vulnerable people.
The project H2OFail builds on the “Gaming the Lottery project”, a groundbreaking investigation of the international lottery industry. That project, which continues, involved more than 60 people from a dozen countries working in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.
With the interest and encouragement of OSF, who approached CCIJ after their presentation at the 2017 Global Investigative Journalism Conference in South Africa, the group began to think about continuing and expanding what they had started with the Lottery Project. OSF’s belief that there was room in the landscape for another global journalism entity—one with fewer restrictions and cast a wider net has proved prescient. This is how the Water Resource Project—H2o Fail—began.
CCIJ members and editors Adi Eyal and Raymond Joseph will be speaking about their works as part of the Big Data Ignite conference at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 8. Anyone is welcomed to join.
CCIJ is a separate entity from GVSU, meaning they only work with GVSU graduates. If you are graduating soon and would like to learn more about getting involved, you can contact Kelly Lowenstein at JK.LOWENSTEIN@CCIJ.IO.
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