TMU 10(1), January 15, 2013

Speakers wowed Peoria. Four juniors and seniors placed in the finals and brought UNO its first ever second place team finish at the prestigious “Hell Froze Over” national tournament in Peoria, Illinois Jan. 11-14. In poetry, Cole Evans claimed first place, Lauren Ackerman third, and Traelon Graham fourth Jan. 12. Evans also finished second in dramatic interpretation. Ackerman won the program of oral interpretation and sweeps, as well as the duo with Queeny Pimentel. Evans was fourth in sweeps. In the second day of the tournament, all three prose competitors – Ackerman, Pimentel and Graham – Jan. 13 advanced to finals.  UNO’s second place finish with just four competitors was topped only by George Mason, which had 26 competitors.

In an earlier warm-up for nationals, UNO claimed its fourth consecutive title in the most prized championship at the halfway point of the season in Kearney, Nebraska.  Seven of the top 15 schools competed at the December tournament. UNO competed with 11 students – half the number of larger schools – in 50 events. UNO Forensics again overcame the odds to claim the team first place award. You can follow team results on Twitter @unoforensics, as well as UNO Forensics on Facebook.

School praised for enthusiastic students and faculty. The UNO School of Communication’s accomplishments were recognized in its 6-year academic program review report released Jan. 11. “The team found a strong program being managed well, with students who are pleased with the education they are receiving and faculty who are productive and collegial,” the program review team said. “The unit is working through curriculum revision to keep pace with fast-moving changes in the communication industries.  We conclude the School of Communication is a tremendous asset to the university and has excellent potential to continue to serve students for many years to come.”

Academic excellence. Associate Professor Chris Allen served on the Middle East/Gulf Peer Review Committee that completed the merit review of Fulbright U.S. Scholar applications for the 2013-2014 year. “Please accept our sincere thanks to Dr. Allen for performing this valued service,” the Institute of International Education wrote.

Lecturer Jerilyn Kamm presented at a UNO workshop on “Survival Skills for the Harried Professor.” Instructor Kate Rempfer presented at a Center for Faculty Development workshop on “Presenting Your Research at Conferences.” For the second consecutive year, Director Jeremy Lipschultz was a panelist on the “Navigating the RPT Process” workshop.

Graduate workshops. Assistant professors Adam Tyma and Joy Chao will lead an upcoming  faculty roundtable discussion. Graduate Program Chair Barb Pickering organized a Jan. 14 program on graduate student theses and projects. Faculty members compared and contrasted the thesis and project options in the graduate program. They also reviewed deadlines for doing the work in completion of a Master of Arts degree at UNO. The School of Communication currently has about 85 students in the program, with 64 graduate students currently enrolled in course work.

Videos and photos.

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The Omaha News: Piccolo's Business  

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Professors Hugh Reilly and Karen Weber with   UNO PRSSA at PRSA Nebraska in December

Planning for the Omaha 10-10-10 conference follow-up began with a new logo

Omaha winter sunrises can be colorful

Calendar.
January

16 – High School Media Advisers’ Dinner, MBSC Chancellor’s Room, 6 p.m.
17 – Alumnus Leo Biga, Omaha Press Club, 5:30 p.m.
18 – Digital Measures Faculty Workshop, KH 543, 11 a.m.
20– UNO PRSSA Chapter Meeting, Buffalo Wild Wings, 76^th & Dodge, 3 p.m.

February

UNO Research and Creative Activity Fair, MBSC,  TBA

March

25 – High School Media Conference, MBSC Ballroom 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

April 

12-14 – PRSSA Regional Conference, Mammel Hall, TBA.

15-19 – Communication Week, TBA

May 

2 –  58th Annual Communication Awards Banquet, Thompson Alumni Center, 5-9 p.m.
3 –  Commencement Brunch, Thompson Alumni Center, 10 a.m.
4 –  CFAM Commencement, Thompson Alumni Center, 11 a.m.