Butler CCOM SLHS – CCOM Dean's Pawprints

Addition By Subtraction: A Tale of Surgery & Support

October 3, 2024 butlerccom

*Mark Twain as an example of—sans pipe—what CCOM Dean Joe Valenzano should have been doing at home after his surgery. (Photo: UniversalImagesGroup/Getty Images)*

Mark Twain said, “Tell me about a person’s family, friends, and community, and I will tell you what his opinions are.” In the coming words, I’m sharing a personal story of the last few months that will shed light on my opinions—at least, according to Twain.

In late May, during a routine scan, doctors found a lump the size of a lemon in my neck. Weeks later, after a follow-up scan, they determined the lump was on my thyroid. A few more weeks and a biopsy later, they thankfully determined it was likely benign. Whew! Except, did I mention it was big? My doctor said these things typically get larger and that it needed to go. After avoiding any surgeries my entire life the procedure was scheduled—“yay!” for new experiences! 😉

As the Fall semester got rolling I let the college community know that I would be out of commission for 1-2 weeks in late September to have the uninvited guest removed. That’s where my family, friends, and community showed their true colors.

First, my wife, Lauren, could not have been more supportive through the entire process and surgery. She insisted I rest—even when email tempted me and my inability to sit still beat in my head and body like the haunting aspects of Edgar Allan Poe’s “A Tell-Tale Heart.” I won the lottery when I met her, that’s for certain.

My mother-in-law, a retired pharmacist, helped me understand the surgery and the medications that might be necessary. She’s one of the smartest people I know, and I am so lucky to have her in my life—especially when she makes a play-dough model of the surgery I was about to undergo! She and my father-in-law have huge hearts, and spent the week of my surgery with us to help make sure the load was manageable. Even my son made sure I did not talk so I could heal faster.

My friends were just as amazing. The sheer number of texts and emails checking in and wishing me well was a meaningful reminder of the amazing nature of the people I’m fortunate to have in my life.

Then there’s the Butler community, especially CCOM.

Mere moments after I shared the news with CCOM faculty and staff, the support poured in. Dr. Eileen Taylor pulled me in her office and shared that I was on her prayer list. Another faculty member shared their history with thyroid surgery that helped give me a clear understanding of what I was being thrust into. Dr. Margaretha Geertsema-Sligh checked in frequently.

Knowing the dry humor but absolute passion of our Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) faculty, I didn’t know what was going to happen when Dr. Mary Gospel urged me into her office. There was no practical joke (this time) but she used a visual aid from her teaching tools to show me what was going to happen during and after the procedure. One of our newest faculty in SLHS, Dr. Rachel Arkenberg, a national expert on swallowing, took time to educate me on the issues with swallowing that can accompany the surgery and the importance of preventing infection—she even provided me with some specialized lozenges for a dry mouth.

*From left: SLHS faculty Dr. Tonya Bergeson, Dr. Rachel Arkenberg, Dr. Mary Gospel, and a CCOM student having fun at a “Dogs With the Dean” event in September 2024.*

My Dean’s Office team also stepped up—ensuring students, faculty, and staff were still fully supported in my absence. Additionally, they also made a pact to just ignore most of my impatient efforts to get into the mix—forcing me to rest when I was supposed to. There were other folks and other moments, but this showed me what true community is about, and how blessed I am to be surrounded by such caring people, including experts in the field from which I needed information.

I’d be remiss if I did not also mention the offers of support from terrific folks outside of CCOM as well. From Jill McKinney, Craig Caldwell, Stephanie Hinshaw and others offering to drop off food, to the indomitable Lisa Brooks who lent an ear and checked in on me repeatedly, I could not be part of a better team of people. This is what makes the Butler community so special.

So, Mr. Twain, these are my family, friends and community. My opinions? They are amazing, caring, thoughtful, supportive, and smart. I am so deeply grateful and fortunate that these are the people that help shape who I am—and who help shape our students and CCOM DNA every single day.

Thanks for reading and, for those who can make it, see you at Homecoming!

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences: SLHS Summer Spotlight

June 3, 2024 butlerccom

May represents graduation and the celebration of hard work by students and faculty within the world of higher education. May goes even further for our stellar Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) majors, and annually carries special messages and recognition into June.

Every year the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association (ASHA) celebrates their important work with National Speech Language Hearing Month in May, and continues the focus with Aphasia Awareness Month in June. This is a great opportunity to highlight the important contributions our SLHS students and faculty make to the Butler CCOM culture. What they accomplish also hits close to home for me.

*Dr. Mary Gospel receiving the CCOM Faculty All-Star Award from Provost Brooke Barnett and CCOM Dean Joe Valenzano during halftime of men’s basketball game on Nov. 10, 2023.*

When I was growing up, my father published a magazine for children with special needs and the people who care for them. This allowed me to attend the Special Olympics and learn about various challenges people can face, including developmental delays that impact a child’s ability to speak. I also learned about the impact traumatic brain injuries can have on speech during my time helping out at his company. It’s one of the many reasons I am so humbled by, and proud of, the SLHS faculty and students in CCOM at Butler.

SLHS isn’t just a major—It is a heartfelt culture that expertly walks the line between developing professionals and making a tangible impact on the community, while also embracing fun and joy in their work. It’s easy to point to the fact they beat the national acceptance rate for their students into graduate programs by an astounding 50%, but how they do it is even more impressive. Their engagement goes beyond the classroom and our impactful clinics that allow undergraduate students valuable and rare hands-on opportunities.

*Members of the ASL Club during their 14th Annual Hands on Fire event on April 9, 2024 in the Reilly Room on the campus of Butler University.*

The SLHS program boasts not one or two, but FIVE different hands-on clinical experiences for our students—something no school I know of in the country does. These include multiple cutting-edge research opportunities with faculty and unmatched undergraduate clinical practicum experiential learning opportunities with our on-campus speech-language clinic, community preschool speech-language hearing screening events, the Butler Early Learning and Literacy (BELL) preschool program, and our Butler Aphasia Community. Visiting these experiences is powerful, as you witness the life-altering work our students do under the guidance of faculty mentors like Dr. Mary Gospel, Prof. Ann Bilodeau, and Dr. Suzanne Reading.

SLHS is also integrated into student groups on campus, providing leadership opportunities and exposure. There is Butler’s National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) chapter that provides a variety of social, academic, and professional support, as well as the American Sign-Language (ASL) Club. The ASL Club annually signs the National Anthem at a Butler men’s home basketball game and hosts the “Hands On Fire” signing event on campus, providing more community and experiential opportunities within this important course of study.

*SLHS and Butler CCOM were well represented by students and Prof. Ann Bilodeau at ISHA Legislative Day 2024 and even spent time with Indiana Senator Greg Taylor (left image).*

It’s not just about the great clinical and co-curricular experiences in SLHS either. In February, students provided free speech, language, and hearing screenings at the International School of Indiana. During this year’s kickoff event, our SLHS majors provided services to 55 students. Prof. Bilodeau, who was appointed by former Gov. Mike Pence and has served 12 years on the Indiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board, brought 30 Butler SLHS students to the Indiana Statehouse in February to participate in training on how bills are created and to discuss issues relevant to the profession, such as pending literacy bills at the state level. In fact, they also met Indiana Senator Greg Taylor who referred to Butler and our SLHS program as a crown jewel in his district. Not too shabby!

*Recently graduated seniors, (left to right) Mackenzie Beal, Sarah Mahnesmith, and Emily Bowyer at ISHA Legislative Day at the Indiana Statehouse on Feb. 12, 2024.*

The culture in SLHS is also remarkably inviting. This year they hosted two external speakers. Dean’s Advisory Board Member Amy McConkey Robbins talked with students about supporting language development and listening through music, and Dr. Irina Castellanos discussed cochlear implants and spoken language skills. In addition to intellectual engagement, SLHS knows how to have fun too. Whether it’s their ice cream social at the start of the year, their senior breakfast at the end of the year, their pumpkin decoration tradition at Halloween, or the fact one of their faculty taught a class in a dinosaur costume after a Day of Giving Challenge was met, SLHS brings joy with them wherever they go. I’ve also been the subject of a patient prank by Dr. Gospel. Shortly after I arrived at Butler, she snuck into my office and slipped a Justin Bieber book in with the rest of my small library—and it took me two months and a hint or two to actually find it! It didn’t take me long to realize that these are my people.

*SLHS students decorate pumpkins to look like their professors each Halloween.*

Although this time of year provides an intentional spotlight on the work of speech, language, and hearing sciences professionals, our CCOM SLHS faculty deliver their work with heart and joy day in and day out. They embody the connection between Butler and our community, and exemplify the sense of fun and heart that fills the halls of Fairbanks Center. Everyday they remind me of my father, his company, and the chance I had early in life to learn about the diversity of human experience and how special people give of themselves to help those who need it.

Thankful As We Move Forward

November 21, 2023 butlerccom

Descriptions of Thanksgiving can offer many Hallmark-esque ways to define it—too often trite and fleeting. When I say Thanksgiving for me brings grace and gratitude to the forefront, I mean it on a deeply personal level.

Two years ago, my younger brother, Michael, lost his fight with addiction on Thanksgiving eve. For the rest of my life I will never forget how I spent that holiday. Nor will I forget how from the seeds of grief we can experience and truly treasure the fruits of that grace and gratitude. Through my brother’s struggles and the heartbreaking nature of learning of his passing, my reflections on Thanksgiving help ground me in appreciation for the time we have with each other and the things we can accomplish and experience with the time we are given.

Like favorite plates at the family table during the holidays, here I’m going to share individual items that I’m able to reflect upon and cherish as I give thanks for the love, opportunities, and ever-expanding communities in my life.

I am grateful to be in Indianapolis with my family. The first six months of my time at Butler were spent becoming closely acquainted with I-70. I commuted between where my family was still living and the new community I had joined. Spending so much time driving each week, and the warm welcome I’d receive upon returning to Indianapolis, made me deeply appreciate the warm nature of everyone at Butler. It helped make the time when my wonderful family could join me here so much more special and I appreciate the sacrifices they made for me and my new opportunity.

I am grateful to work at a mission-oriented institution that clearly knows who it is and who it wants to be. Making a high-quality education like that which we provide at Butler available to, and accessible for, more people is a mission and a purpose that resonates deep within my core. Activating and energizing the Butler community behind this mission is critically important—and with Butler’s New Two-Year College, in association with the non-profit Come to Believe, I have seen first hand we put our money and resources where our mission is.

Dr. Mary Gospel (center) is applauded by CCOM Dean Joe Valenzano (left), Provost Brooke Barnett (right), and fans during the first half of the Butler men’s basketball game vs. Southeast Missouri State at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Fri., Nov. 10, 2023. (Photo courtesy of zjbphotography.com)

I am grateful for my colleagues in the College of Communication. Their patience and grace as we learn about each other and explore ways to elevate the college has helped me feel at home in Fairbanks. Their dedication to our students inspires me every day, just as it inspires those learners. Their willingness to serve their communities as well as participate meaningfully in shared governance motivates me to work hard for them. Most of all, I am thankful to them for their energy and enthusiasm, evidenced in large and small ways everyday. I was humbled to celebrate one of them—the very special Dr. Mary Gospel—recently at midcourt during the first half of a men’s basketball game as our CCOM Faculty All-Star.

I am grateful to be at a place with such amazing students. From Abby Kom, who recently recorded a TedX presentation while also taking home hardware at every speech and debate competition around, to Kody Leach, whose ability to tackle opponents on the Bulldog football team is only exceeded by his tackling of his coursework in CCOM, to Ethan Polak who conducted a social media takeover during his summer broadcast internship with the Chicago Cubs, to Gabbi Hart who speaks so eloquently from her heart every chance she gets, especially about her desire to be a speech pathologist. That is such a small sample of so many other talented, hardworking individuals. I have no doubt these students will change the world.

I am grateful for working alongside my fellow deans, who have accepted and supported me from the jump. Like all of the senior leaders at Butler, they are a creative, innovative, mission-oriented, student-centered, and faculty-supportive group who all believe in what we do at Butler. Being around individuals like this is not a given. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and work with them towards our common goals. I am thankful everyday for the fact we do not see ourselves as leading separate silos on campus, but as a team seeking to elevate Butler for all.

Matt Schumaker ‘14 (left), Mark Minner ‘12 (center), and Brendan King ‘17 (right) all visited campus and volunteered their time to discuss with sports media students the intricacies and secrets to their success in sports announcing.

I am grateful for alumni that continue to be invested in our students. There is Corey McPherrin ‘77 who returns every month to work with students one-on-one. In Sports Media Matt Schumaker ‘14, Mark Minner ‘12, and Brendan King ‘17 have visited campus to run evening broadcasting workshops this fall. Our alumni continue to help the next generation of Bulldogs prepare for their careers with real-world anecdotes and samples from these leaders who are out there already living their dreams. It doesn’t stop there though. Kayla Long ‘19, just last week, saw we were running a canned food drive for the Butler Food Pantry and showed up with grocery bags full of cans to further the effort! Then there is Steve Key ‘77 who helped bring the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame to Butler this past semester. These committed Butler community members continue to impress me with their engagement and desire to help their fellow Bulldogs.

Finally, I am grateful for the challenges this year presented to me. Whether personal or professional, it was these challenges that continued to make me into a better version of myself. Things worth doing are often not done easily, and the value in the doing comes not just in the outcome, but through the process. The challenges of this past year are no different, and I am thankful for them and the people that helped me along the way.

As I reflect on Thanksgiving this year, and recall the tragedy of my brother’s passing two years ago, I remind myself that everyday is a gift and another opportunity to do good. The time we have each day is not promised, and as I continue to be thankful for the time I had with my brother, I am grateful for the time I get to do things I enjoy with terrific people whom I care about in the service of a greater good. I suppose the thing I am most thankful for is the time I have each day, and the ability to choose to spend it in pursuit of the good with my fellow Bulldogs.

I wish all of you a very happy, healthy, and joyful holiday with your loved ones. May you spend this time in ways that make you feel fulfilled and warm.

Thank you for reading and Happy Thanksgiving, Bulldog Nation!

A Wealth of Experience

September 12, 2023 butlerccom

Writer William Arthur Ward once observed, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

I have experienced inspirational guides at every level of my learning. Mr. Frank DeVito, whose encouragement and care in high school showed me education was more than just books and lectures. My undergraduate and graduate school professors included Dr. Sandra Berkowitz, Dr. Lyombe Eko, Dr. George Raymond, Dr. Michael Speigler, and Dr. Joe Cammarano. They taught different disciplines, but each inspired and mentored me in ways I’m still realizing. These higher ed heroes taught me information—but the most important lessons they shared with me were the experiences that helped shape their lives as critical thinkers and contributors to our overall society.

Every educational institution I have attended or worked at has those special individuals. I’m certain most of you have also connected with incredible professors and administrators who remain guides for life as much as they are teachers. In my time at Butler University, I’ve recognized there are so many individuals who fit these criteria across a variety of fields and colleges on our campus. Call me biased, but I think our current team of instructors in CCOM, from various levels of education, professional accomplishment, and life experience, are as good as you’ll find anywhere. And it only gets better as I get to introduce (alphabetically) the four newest full-time faculty members, who join the Class of 2027 in embarking on a new adventure in the Fairbanks Center of Communications.

Mr. Ryan Gautreaux (Communication and Critical Media): Ryan will teach a variety of courses, including Media Literacy, and Sports and Culture. It’s important to note that while Ryan is teaching here at Butler, he also is working to finish his doctoral dissertation at Georgia State University. Ryan loves teaching and knows without it he would have trouble finishing his dissertation. He is excited to be here at Butler to work with our tremendous students and setting a great example as he finishes his own program via a long distance approach.

Mr. Matthew Herbertz (Eugene S. Pulliam School of Journalism and Creative Media): Matthew is a filmmaker originally from Indianapolis but spent several years teaching in Florida before coming to Butler. In addition to teaching in the Creative Media and Entertainment major, Matt also will be the new advisor for Indy Blue Video*, and he has started enacting new ideas for that student organization (the * is there because Matt and his students will spearhead a new name and brand for the organization this semester). He is passionate about teaching, but also about showing students how to operate in a creative environment.

Mr. Bob Schultz (Strategic Communication): Bob joins the Department of Strategic Communication after a long and illustrious career at Downtown Indy, Inc., and serving as a tremendous adjunct and resource for Butler students for almost thirty years. I learned very quickly that there is no one in Indianapolis who either does not know and love Bob, or whom Bob does not know. Given he is not new to campus, he hasn’t missed a beat with his classes, bringing in guest speakers galore, mentoring students 1:1, and even arranging for one class to do a bike tour of, wait for it…….Downtown Indy! I joined them (in a golf cart) and it was quite the experience.

Ms. Mandy Thurston (Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences): Mandy is as professional, energetic and passionate as they come. She has taught part-time for Butler in the past so she knows and loves our CCOM Bulldogs. Mandy is a speech pathologist by trade, a teacher by heart, and a fun and enjoyable person (and sports fan) all the time. I am excited about the expertise she brings, but more so her experiences which will teach our SLHS students even more.

Butler faculty have always been engaged teachers, who remember their students and whose students remember them long after graduation. I see evidence no matter where I am on campus and with every alum I meet. I know that Matt, Mandy, Ryan, and Bob will add to that community and reputation because they fit the mold of Butler and our CCOM teachers—selfless stewards of our future generational leaders.

We have welcomed great new teachers to join our current amazing faculty and we know they’ll all inspire our students.