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College’s Alumni News Issue Goes E-only

For the first time ever, an issue of Alumni News is going electronic-only. The decision came after unforeseen delays were experienced in its production. “We regret that that current issue was delayed, but it includes wonderful content and we wanted to make it accessible as quickly as possible,” said Ron Yates, Dean of the College of Media. Instead of waiting another 4-6 weeks to arrive in mailboxes, the College opted to go e-only for the Summer/Fall 2008 issue. Click on the Alumni News masthead to download this issue.

“The College will be sending a postcard to notify all our alumni and friends by mail since we don’t have email addresses for everyone,” Yates added. The postcard notice will provide the online link for the issue and offer to provide a printout for those constituents who may not have online access. It will also encourage our alumni and friends to be sure we have their current email address by simply sending us a message to media@illinoisalumni.org

 

AD WEEK 2008 

The Department of Advertising celebrated the second annual Advertising Week at Illinois September 22 – 26.  The event is held in conjunction with the industry sponsored Advertising Week, held in New York City during the same week.  Students, faculty and alumni participated in daily events, hosted by the department. Dr. Jan Slater, head of the Department of Advertising said, “Advertising Week is an opportunity to discuss the industry issues and inspire the next generation of advertising professionals.  Since it would be impossible for us to take all of our students to New York City, we decided to create our own celebration.”
Opening night featured Dr. Jason Chambers, associate professor of advertising, discussing his new book “Madison Avenue and the Color Line: African Americans in the Advertising Industry” (University of Pennsylvania Press).  Chambers provided historical insights of African Americans in the industry and in advertisements. He discussed the turbulent decade of the racial revolution, and its pertinence to the issues facing the advertising industry today, and highlighted the important role diversity plays in advertising and advertisements.

Brand Illinois was the topic for day two.  Associate Chancellor of Public Affairs Robin Kaler (MS Jour) and Coordinator of Marketing and Information Bridget Jamieson (MS Adv), presented the case of how their office has been working to create an identity for the University of Illinois.  Students were shown how the university uses its web and print standards to deliver a consistent message to the multiple constituencies the University serves.
Student opportunities were highlighted on day three of Advertising Week.  The chairs of the Illinois American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition presented the case for this year’s client, the Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. The Department’s study abroad program was also showcased.  Students who participated in the Rome Experience last summer, presented their final project that demonstrated the learning opportunities their immersion in Italian culture provided.
Advertising Week concluded with an alumni panel discussing how to prepare for the job market.  Luke Limmani, Kristy Kruk, Kevin Passolt, and Emily Shepard, all of whom work for DDB Chicago, gave advice and suggestions for setting oneself apart from the rest and stressed the value of internships.

“Advertising Week provides a terrific opportunity for us,” said Dr. Slater.  “We’re delighted to be able to expose our students to topics and issues that extend beyond the classroom.  The attendance at these events tells me that students appreciate our efforts.”

 

Student Narrowly Escapes War Zone 

As a student in Dean Ron Yates’ International Reporting class, Terrell Starr had heard the stories of what it is like to work as a journalist in a war zone. This past summer Starr, who is working toward a master’s degree in journalism, learned first hand just what it is to be caught between two hostile forces when fighting erupted between Russia and the Republic of Georgia.

Starr, who worked as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Georgia from 2002 to 2005, was in the country to study the Georgian language. He had been in Georgia since May without any hint that hostilities would send him scurrying for cover and eventually to an evacuation point. But when fighting began between Georgian troops and South Ossetia guerillas in early August, followed by Georgia’s attempt to reclaim the breakaway region, the conflict soon escalated into a full-fledged war. Russia sent troops into South Ossetia to confront Georgian troops.

Starr, who was studying in the city of Tbilisi, which borders the Black Sea, was warned that the city was likely to be bombed by Russian planes. When the nearby city of Poti was attacked, Starr boarded a train to Tbilisi--part of an official American Embassy voluntary evacuation. He returned to the U.S. on August 11--still conflicted about his decision to leave. "I didn't want to leave…I felt like I didn't leave under my own terms," Starr said. He plans to return to Georgia next summer. In the meantime, he is working as a writer for the "Daily Illini" and as an intern at WCIA Channel 3 in Champaign.