Fall break? Wasn’t it Just Homecoming?

Somehow, fall break is nearly upon us, meaning the active schedules of Family Weekend and Homecoming are in the not-too-distant review mirror (and I hope you enjoy the embedded recap video done by Butler’s University Marketing Team). Both of these annual events are fun and well-attended every year, but it meant a little more this September with Boldly Butler being unveiled to the entire Butler footprint (pawprint?) of friends, partners, and supporters (more on that below).  

One of the pillars of the new Boldly Butler university strategy is “Building a Dynamic Campus and Community.” The College of Communication (CCOM) is excited to help amplify and extend this goal, but for us, like many of our partners and friends across campus, this is already part of our DNA. 

CCOM faculty, students, staff, and our engaged alumni lead and promote in these areas, and here are just a few recent examples of how:

THE BUTLER ALUMNI AWARDS 

Each fall I look forward to The Butler Alumni Awards, celebrated during Homecoming weekend. The 2025 event once again shone the spotlight on deserving and impactful members of our small but powerful CCOM-munity.

Dan Cooreman ’76 was presented the Butler Medal, the university’s highest honor. He is the current chair of the CCOM Dean’s Advisory Board, a former editor of The New York Times and Atlanta Journal Constitution, and, perhaps most importantly, former Editor-in-Chief of the Butler Collegian. 

Dan’s continued dedication to his alma mater, however, is not what stole the show—it was his acceptance speech. His characteristic humility and charm were ever present, but his purpose-driven inspiration to the leaders of tomorrow stressed the importance of the facts, news, and education today. 

Trey Meehan ‘14, a graduate of our strategic communication program, received the Joseph Irwin Sweeney Alumni Service Award, which recognizes recent graduates who demonstrate a significant commitment of outstanding service to the university, especially as it pertains to the university’s mission of education and cultural enrichment. 

Since his days as an undergraduate student, Trey is someone whose hand is always up to volunteer, and out to help others. One of his mentors, Dr. Rose Campbell, captured this in her comments on Trey’s video tribute—he is someone who is always there to help, and cares deeply about others. He is a testament to “The Butler Way,” and the community we create on-campus and across the globe. 

BOLDLY BUTLER

As previously mentioned, Homecoming 2025 included the launch of Boldly Butler—the university’s new strategy and comprehensive campaign. Butler leaders and alumni from around the country converged for a day-long event that articulated not just the desire, but the need, to forge a creative and transformational path for Butler in the coming years.

The plan is built upon three pillars: Transformational Learning Experiences; the aforementioned Building a Dynamic Campus and Community; and ensuring a Thriving Butler. Campaigns and strategies for universities are not just some effort to grab attention, but they are opportunities to galvanize energy and support around specific aims that elevate the student and university experience—to learn more about a campaign, listen to my latest podcast with Jonathan Purvis, Butler’s VP for Marketing and Advancement. 

Imagine the possibilities of elevating Butler’s already strong hands-on experiences we provide students, envision a national reputation in health, sports, and student growth, and see the possibility of making these ideas a reality.

In CCOM we have begun our own effort at identifying ways we can take what we do and elevate our story, our students’ stories, and our ability to tell the stories of others through our own strategic plan. The process is a lot of work, but faculty and staff are already well underway, and we will share more on how we will help push the bold future for Butler in our college soon.

AN (SLHS) EARLY WIN

It’s not a coincidence—it’s karma—that as Dan Cooreman was speaking (receiving his alumni award) I received a text from CCOM faculty member, Dr. Jenna Voss, who recently joined our department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) to help build our MA in Deaf Education program. 

The exciting news was that her application for a $1.25 million dollar grant from the Office of Special Education Programs in the Department of Education was approved! I imagine her screams of joy could be heard in Chicago. These funds will help pay for development and then (hopefully) scholarships for students in the program once it makes its way through the curriculum approval process.

This is a huge early win for CCOM within the Boldly Butler framework. We are proud of Dr. Voss, and excited to build this new program to help create deaf educators within Indiana and beyond.

A PERSONAL STORY OF BUTLER COMMUNITY

I grew up as a devout Philadelphia Phillies baseball fan. Living just outside of New York City, with no cell phones and dial-up internet (insert screech here) only just beginning, this meant I could not find out the score of my team’s games whenever I wanted. I could watch the Yankees or Mets on TV, but not my Phightin’ Phils. With streaming sports games not yet invented, I turned to the radio. On evenings when reception was decent, I listened to Phillies games through a static-filled audio signal. When reception wasn’t good, I relied on waiting every 20 minutes to get a score update on WFAN radio in New York. Little did I know then, this experience would come full-circle at Butler.

During the summer, our esteemed alum Corey McPherrin ‘77, told me about a Butler alum, involved with the St. John’s Red Storm basketball program, who was interested in meeting me. I happily asked him to set it up. 

On the Thursday prior to Homecoming we met. The alum, John Minko, the voice of the St. John’s Red Storm basketball program was the same voice I listened to as a youth to get Phillies score updates on WFAN! 

Adding some additional 6-degrees-of-Kevin Bacon randomness, John shared that he graduated high school with my uncle. We even called my uncle and chatted a bit as I showed John around the amazing facilities in Fairbanks.

It’s funny how small our world is, and the communities each of us are a part of—sometimes without even realizing it.

Rest assured, and you’re all welcome to join in our efforts, that CCOM as a group and as talented individuals with a variety of interests and expertise, will do our part in amplifying Boldly Butler.