Fall 2012
Department News
Native Voices documentaries air on UWTV
In its Sunday series, Voices of the First Peoples, UWTV showcases films created by American Indian filmmakers, many of them produced through the Native Voices program at the University of Washington, as well as other award-winning PBS films. The films explore themes of identity, survival, racism and exploitation, children, history, community, and activism, opening a window into First People’s issues, culture and history. The series is hosted by Daniel Hart, co-director of Native Voices Master of Communication, and Charlotte Cote. It airs on UWTV Sundays at 7 p.m.
Remembering Merrill Samuelson: Pioneer of Mass Communication program
Those who knew Merrill Samuelson, Director of the former School of Communications from 1963-1968, recall him as someone unlikely to draw attention, or start conflict. They remember their colleague as a thoughtful, hard-working individual with a quiet influence in shaping the department during his time as director. On Oct. 4, Samuelson passed away at age 94. “I certainly missed him as a friend and a colleague,” former colleague Keith Stamm said. “He was just a marvelously warm and cooperative person. So helpful and easy to work with.” Samuelson came from a newspaper family. Born in Nebraska, he attended college in Iowa with intent to pursue a career in journalism. As a young adult, he worked with his father who operated a newspaper in Goldfield, Iowa. Read more.
Living Voters Guide wins best state app
The Living Voters Guide, a collaboration between the University of Washington and Seattle CityClub, clinched top honors — $20,000 — for best state app. The app lets voters break down local ballot measures into helpful pros and cons, making it easier for everyone to figure out where they stand. The contest was part of the Evergreen Apps Challenge. Developers from around the state submitted creations that use local government data. The Living Voters Guide is the product of collaboration among the National Science Foundation, Alan Borning and Travis Kriplean in UW Computer Science, and Lance Bennett in UW Communication and Political Science, along with the help of graduate students, and Seattle CityClub. Read more.
Grant allows Joseph to partner with Northwest African American Museum
Associate Professor Ralina Joseph received a Certificate in Public Scholarship (CPS) course development grant from the Simpson Center for the Humanities this year, to explore the possibilities for further project-based collaboration between her Black Cultural Studies classes and the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM). The Certificate in Public Scholarship is piloting course development grants to promote opportunities for its graduate fellows and faculty to collaborate with each other and with partner organizations. The Certificate currently enrolls 26 graduate students and draws on an advising network of 40 faculty across the humanities, social sciences, and professional schools. Read more.
Stuteville begins new column for Times
The Department’s own Sarah Stuteville, lecturer and co-founder of the Common Language Project and the SeattleGlobalist.com blog, has begun writing a weekly column for The Seattle Times which will appear every Friday. Her column explores Seattle’s international connections. In her first entry she writes, “In this column, I plan to cover everything from the political views of Syrian expatriates to the growing popularity of French patisseries, the Seattle cricket scene (yes, we have one) to the impact of racial profiling on immigrant communities, mom ‘n’ pop-size nonprofits that send aid to every corner of the globe and the local impact of the global economic downturn.” Read more.
‘The Table of Truth’ records meaningful conversation among MCDM program
The Master of Communication in Digital Media (MCDM) program is using a large table suspended from the ceiling with built in cameras and voice-activated microphones to empower individuals to gather for intimate conversations, the most recent topic being mortality, end of life, and how we want to die. “Table Talk,” which explores the idea of dinner conversations in a largely digital age, is the latest installation of an ongoing series of Storefront projects in the large open spaces below the Olson Kundig offices in Pioneer Square. Read more.
NWGMA chooses UW senior to receive annual scholarship
UW journalism senior Pete Treperinas has been selected to receive the first Northwest Golf Media Association (NWGMA) Scholarship, which will be given annually. The 21-year-old formally received the $2,500 award at the NWGMA banquet on October 8 at Broadmoor Golf Club. A graduate of Shorewood High School, Treperinas aspires to become a sports journalist.
