Butler CCOM Events

Butler CCOM events

Fall break? Wasn’t it Just Homecoming?

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:

From left: Alumni Association President and Trustee, Delia Askew-Harris ’99, Dan Cooreman ’76, and President Jim Danko at the 2025 Butler Alumni Awards presentation breakfast.

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. 

From left: President Jim Danko, Trey Meehan ‘14, and Alumni Association President and Trustee, Delia Askew-Harris ’99 at the 2025 Butler Alumni Awards presentation breakfast.

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.

Candid homecoming photo taken by Hannah Sipich ’26.

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.

CCOM Launches the 2025-2026 Academic Year

CCOM Launches the 2025-2026 Academic Year

“This is a new year. A new beginning.  And things will change.” – Taylor Swift

Last year our students served as ambassadors for Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour stop in Indianapolis, which is why I feel like she and I are now good friends. So much so, her line from above struck a chord as the new academic year began here at Butler. Things will surely change, and many of those changes are exciting! “What are they?,” you might ask—well, let me tell you.

Dean Joe Valenzano addressing the CCOM Class of 2029 on Academic Day.

1,246.  96.  26.  

No, that’s not an IP address. We have 1,246 new Butler first-year students this Fall—the third largest incoming class in school history. Of that group, we welcomed 96 to CCOM, and that number will surely grow over the coming weeks and months as students realize what they are missing out on. On top of that, our inaugural MS in Sports Management cohort consists of a robust 26 students. There is nothing like welcoming new students to campus at the start of the year.

Katie Coby, CCOM’s first professional advisor and student success coordinator.

New Faces in Fairbanks Center  

In addition to the new students, we also welcome some amazing new faculty and staff to CCOM. In the Pulliam School of Journalism and Creative Media we welcome Professor Kiersten Houser and Professor Peter Matsoukas, both of whom will be teaching our budding filmmakers. In the Department of Communication and Leadership, Professor Todd Logan now oversees our undergraduate online degree completer program, known as BSOL (Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership for students who have earned an associate’s degree). Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences welcomes Dr. Jenna Voss who will be building out the MA in Deaf Education program. Finally, the College added a new staff position, a Professional Advisor and Student Success Coordinator, Katie Coby, who will help our first and second year students navigate the start of their college careers.

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go”  

Pardon my channeling the late, great Dr. Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss), but we are off to so many places this year. In the fall, our Department of Communication and Leadership students will take part in our first industry immersive trek to Denver. In the spring, we will have similar trips to New York and Chicago. During Spring Break, Professor Bob Schultz (PBS) will run part deux of his Mediterranean Cruise class, and in the summer, Professor Cutler Armstrong will again accompany students on our Butler in LA program. This says nothing about our tremendous study abroad opportunities available in the spring.

Chris Rose, professional broadcaster and content creator, who will serve as the inaugural Sports Media Residency professional within CCOM.

And oh, the people we will see.  

This year CCOM will hold our inaugural Sports Media Residency with sportscaster extraordinaire, Chris Rose. He will spend a few days on campus to guest lecture in classes, hold workshops, and mentor students. This program will benefit numerous students in the College with hands-on professional training from one of the elite industry talents in the game.

The beginning of the year is always filled with hope, excitement and joy—and this year is no different. At this point, I shouldn’t be amazed at how many first-year students immediately sought out faculty and staff to learn how they could get involved right away. With everything we have going on, there is no doubt in my mind they will find a way. In fact, I bet they already have.  

There’s no magic quite like that found at the start of the academic year.

Dean Valenzano’s 2025 CCOM Top 10

Dean Valenzano’s 2025 CCOM Top 10

The academic year can be intense for faculty, staff and students, and so it’s reasonable that there is a lot of pent up energy and emotion this time of year.  Honestly, its what makes things like commencement, our annual Senior Dinner, and the start of summer so hopeful. But an event that has become something people look forward to in a way that surpasses even commencement is……my annual CCOM Top Ten List! 

Without further ado, let’s get started on what is a difficult-to-determine tip of the excellence iceberg from this year in CCOM!

#10 – THE FIRST-EVER CCOM CARNIVAL: From the Elixir de Beans to a “Kiss(ing)” Booth, this year’s Day of Giving celebration in Fairbanks had something fun for everyone. It also continued CCOM’s recent record of leading the way in giving totals and giving by faculty and staff among all of Butler’s colleges.

#9 – MORE AND MORE STUDENT AWARDS: Our students continue to bring home the hardware. The Butler Collegian received Division II Newspaper of the Year for the second straight year from the Collegiate Press Association, as well as numerous other awards for stories and photos. Not to be outdone, our Speech and Debate Team also continued to win tournaments and once again placed at least one student at Nationals.

#8 – BLUE ROLL(ING): The student film production team, BlueRoll Media, took the campus by storm this year under the leadership of Dr. Eric Hahn, doing projects for the College of Liberal Arts, Indiana Sports Corps and more!

#7 – JUST TREKKING ALONG: In addition to another year of successful CCOM treks to Chicago and New York this spring, we also sent 17 students to the Music City, Nashville, TN, in the Fall under the watchful eye of Cutler Armstrong. This new trek served students from Strategic Communication and Music Industry Studies, among other majors.

#6 – A SWIFT EXPERIENCE: 70 students helped bring the North American leg of the historic Taylor Swift Eras Tour to a close here in Indianapolis back in November. This pop-up immersive industry experience saw our students helping thousands of visitors experience some Hoosier Hospitality through a class experience led by Professor Bob Schultz, whom the students affectionately call P.B.S. It was also great to see Butler with 70 students against……13 for a much larger institutional neighbor of ours. 😊

#5 – CCOM GOES CRUISIN’ WITH PBS: Professor Bob Schultz was back at it again in the Spring semester with CCOM’s very first Study Abroad Cruise. 23 students accompanied him on an MSC cruise of the Western Mediterranean, with stops in France, Italy, and Tunisia where students not only learned about hospitality in a variety of different settings, but organized tourism itineraries for each port they visited.

#4 – A NEW MASTER’S DEGREE: This Spring we announced the launch of a new graduate program, in collaboration with the Lacy School of Business and the Department of Athletics—an MS in Sports Management. This unique program builds on the strengths of Indianapolis (aka Sports Town, USA) and our faculty.  It also is the first program at Butler where alumni receive a 20% discount on tuition—talk about a commitment to lifelong learning!

Image from MA in Deaf Education page for Fontbonne University.

#3 – MASTER’S DEGREE PART DEUX:  CCOM also received initial approval to build another new Master’s degree, an MA in Deaf Education, modeled after the founding program at Fontbonne University which is closing this summer.  More details are coming on this program as it is built, but it will be a graduate offering in our amazing SLHS Department when all is said and done.  The best part? Fontbonne alumni, the deaf education community, and Butler friends and alumni all contributed to make this happen in just a seven week period.

#2 – FAIRBANK’S FANTASTIC FACULTY:  Recently, I wrote about four faculty who received promotions this year, but that’s just a small sampling of the amazing work our faculty accomplished this academic year.  In fact, to call out individual faculty, or list all the achievements, would not be possible without much more space than we have.  It’s important to note, though, that in addition to their research, teaching, committee work, and curricular innovations, they also are responsible for being dedicated advisors to our roughly 500 students.

Family and friends of Bill Ney joined students, faculty, and staff in April to share stories about Mr. Ney and celebrate this anonymous gift.

#1 – AN HONOR LIKE NO OTHER:  This year saw the largest gift in CCOM’s history, in honor of a faculty member—William “Bill” Ney—who had such a monumental impact on Butler and CCOM as the founder of what is now the Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Department. This gift will establish the William Ney Endowed Professorship in SLHS, while also creating an endowed scholarship for students in that field. This is also the very first endowed professorship in CCOM’s 15 years at Butler. Bill Ney’s legacy will never be forgotten, and will always be cherished by faculty and students alike.

There is much more we could celebrate, like the 80 for 80 campaign, our redesign of Butler Bound into a Game Show, or student scholarship on display throughout both semesters, which made this list so hard to create. But don’t just take my word for it. Listen to four of our students—including two May graduates—share their thoughts about CCOM and their Bulldog experience (listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify).

It’s yet another year where CCOM has shown why it is the best college of communication around! I am so proud and humbled to be a part of this community and cannot wait to see what 2025-2026 brings—in the meantime, let’s celebrate our seniors on their graduation. It’s well earned.

Butler Bound(less Opportunity)

Butler Bound(less Opportunity)

Proud parents utilizing a photo booth area in Fairbanks during the Butler Bound open house.

Butler and CCOM just wrapped of another successful Day of Giving—thanks to many of you who are reading this. In Fairbanks Center we made an event within the event as engaged members of our college put in some extra effort, and wonderful creativity, to celebrate our students and inspire a generous mood. I’ll likely touch on the CCOM Carnival at Day of Giving in a coming post, but the future is now for younger students readying for their jump to higher ed.

High school seniors across the country are entering the peak of college decision season—likely somewhere between the most stressful and simultaneously exciting moments in their lives. They’ll work with their parents, guardians, guidance counselors, and others to choose where to spend the next four years immersed in the investment of their future and their evolution as friends, citizens, and leaders. Their burgeoning horizon offers positivity and life lessons during the formative years of college—evolving or learning about the passions and interests that will help define who they are. 

As the room was filling, shortly before the official Butler Bound program kicked-off.

In February the College of Communication hosted nearly 70 high school seniors who have been accepted to Butler University this fall with intent to major in one of our excellent programs. This event, more commonly referred to as “Butler Bound,” provides high school students a chance to learn more about us, meet potential future classmates, and imagine themselves in Midtown Indy as Bulldogs. Our CCOM specific program typically includes an informative session on our majors, internship program, and study abroad opportunities. Authentic stories are shared through a variety of voices as a panel of current students and another with alumni from our majors define how “The Butler Way,” set them up for success, fulfillment, and happiness. These tried and true elements remain terrific, but we are always thinking about how to innovate and improve, so this year we made a few tweaks.

The information sessions and the panels planted their foundational roots in our narrative, but we also wanted to have some fun—it’s in the CCOM DNA. One of our very own interns, junior Blake Richmond ’26, spearheaded a unique twist on the recruitment event by designing an interactive game show to perk everyone up after lunch. Corey McPherrin ‘77, alumnus and former nightly news anchor in Chicago, played the role of host—and boy did he have a good time with that task!

Scenes from the trivia segment (left) and cup stacking challenge (right).

Visiting students were offered the opportunity to opt-in to being a contestant (remember, as noted above, this could already be a stressful time, and we recognize that) that put their names into a random drawing—think The Price is Right, and McPherrin indeed told each of the 10 to “come on down, you’re the next contestant on the inaugural CCOM-petition!”

Both teams were anchored by a faculty captain, Prof. Mary Gospel of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences orProf. Amanda Stevenson-Holmes. Their competitive spirit brought energy and fun as they welcomed their new teammates to the stage.

Segment one was a trivia competition (think Family Feud one-to-one, head-to-head) produced from information they learned throughout the day’s programming. Segment two offered a two-part physical challenge. Team Mary vs. Team Amanda, with five brave prospective students on each side, in the cup-stacking AND the Marshmallow Challenge, simultaneously.  

Team Amanda working feverishly on their Marshmallow Challenge structure.

If you’re not familiar with the Marshmallow Challenge, participants work together in a timed-situation to see who can get one full-sized marshmallow to a higher structural point using only marshmallows and dry spaghetti. Suffice it to say, folks had a lot of fun, numerous laughs, and truly got a feel for what we are about in CCOM and at Butler. It was teamwork, creativity, focus, support from faculty, “infotainment,” and a memorable visit. The best part was this all happened thanks to the ingenuity of one of our own students!

Bringing the day to a close—or at least some parting words before faculty and current students shone during a low-pressure open house in our beloved Fairbanks Center—I shared with the prospective students my thoughts on how to navigate the difficult task of choosing a college. I told them whenever they visit a school they are considering to elevate their future, take 10 minutes at the end of the day, before they leave campus, find a quiet place away from their parents, and briefly shut their eyes. If they can see themselves at that school, thriving, smiling, and enjoying it, then that’s where they should go.

From left: Ross Hollebon, marketing and recruitment manager for CCOM, Blake Richmond ’26, and Corey McPherrin ’77.

On the front of Dugan Hall there is a banner that reads “We are changing what it means to be a university.” In CCOM, we are changing what it means to consider what university you want to attend, too.

Connectivity Via Strategic Communication

Connectivity Via Strategic Communication

Prof. Bob Schultz
Prof. Bob Schultz, host of the strategic communication agencies gathering.

January 2025 is almost in the books and the College of Communication has sprinted out of the gates with a new semester of inspiration, education, and growth through classes and experiences for our students. But even before the first faculty member stood in front of a new collection of learners, CCOM was connecting with another important audience of partners.

On the Thursday evening before the first week of Spring ‘24/’25 classes, Prof. Bob Schultz, lecturer within Strategic Communication and CCOM’s internship director, gathered more than a dozen representatives from advertising, public relations, and strategic communication agencies from in and around Indianapolis for an evening of thought leadership and discussion. 

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Welcome, Butler CCOM Class of 2028

Welcome, Butler CCOM Class of 2028

The CCOM Class of 2028 on Academic Day (Monday, Aug. 26, 2024).

New York City in the summer would get HOT. My father said his favorite way to cool down was running through open fire hydrants. The start of a new academic year always reminds me of this as the university welcomes new students to Bulldog Nation. I mean, they are drinking from the proverbial fire hydrant or hose.  

“New-ness” is everywhere in this next stage of their adventures. There are so many opportunities to pursue, and endless choices about joining this activity or that club. But orientation and “Welcome Week” are honestly a joyful time of the academic year for returning students and faculty alike, and especially for the incoming Class of 2028.

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Dean Valenzano’s 2024 CCOM Top 10

Dean Valenzano’s 2024 CCOM Top 10

From popular music to the top sports plays of any given day or season, Top 10 lists are synonymous with excellence. I witnessed accolades worthy of applause during my first full school year at Butler University as Dean of the College of Communication. There was a whirlwind of excitement, accomplishment, partnership, growing pains, and most importantly learning experiences and enhanced relationships for students, faculty, alumni, staff, and the entire Butler community.

These 10 highlights from the 2023-2024 school year are not in any order of significance but are impactful in my eyes. I’d love to hear about your favorite memories and experiences that didn’t make my list (I know there will be some that I curse myself about not including) but here we go. So imagine your favorite voice actor, as you see the transition frame with a huge one and zero on it. I’ve got the voice of Amy Dichter ‘98 in my head starting us off with an energetic and powerful, “NUMBER 10!” vocalization.

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A Taylor, a Rose, and a Bridge

A Taylor, a Rose, and a Bridge

Stories feed our imagination. A compelling narrative, masterful worldbuilding, and a well-written hero (or villain) stick with readers and viewers—for a lifetime in some instances. I have been fortunate enough to live the culminating on-campus chapters of three award-winning protagonists during the past year and a half as part of CCOM. My time here allows only short story versions of what this impactful trio has developed, nurtured, and shared through their nearly 100 years of combined service to Butler University.

This is a true story about a Taylor, a Rose and a Bridge. They have earned their beautiful and inspiring academic sunsets after so many selfless seconds, minutes, hours, days, and years of preparing Bulldogs to have their own bright, fulfilling futures.

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‘Dawgs experience BIG EAST in the Big Apple

‘Dawgs experience BIG EAST in the Big Apple

What do a former dairy processing plant, The Drew Barrymore Show, and Butler basketball legend Shelvin Mack have in common? You’re about to find out as it relates to 12 current sports media majors embarking on New York City during our recent spring break trip.

Gary Beaulieu, senior director of Butler’s Career and Professional Success (CaPS) office, joined me in hosting the dozen CCOM students as part of a co-sponsored experiential learning opportunity provided by a partnership between our offices. 

The City that Never Sleeps welcomed us to where the Big East Conference and Butler alumni intersect during the opening days of the men’s basketball tournament. The festivities tipped-off on Wednesday afternoon and served as an invaluable whirlwind of activity and opportunity for our students. 

A pre-game gathering of approximately 75 alumni and friends at Mustang Harry’s, on Manhattan’s West Side, allowed current students to interact with former students, and current professionals, in the Tri-State area. Then it was time to head next door to Madison Square Garden to watch the Bulldogs Big East tournament game. The result on the court wasn’t what we hoped for but it was still a great experience, especially as some of our students had never been in “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” But the most-impactful slam dunks, in my opinion, occurred the next day.

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