By Brittany McDanel
The corridor of Bacon Hall remains quiet, until one walks past Room 225, where a fiery debate takes place among students on the issue of, “What is the best balance between freedom and security?”
The class is called COM 450, Media and Society, and is taught for one of the last times by Dr. Rik Whitaker, professor in the communication department at Buffalo State College, will be retiring this May.
Freedom and security is one of the most interesting topics to debate, Dr. Whitaker said.
“I am a very strong believer in the First Amendment,” he said. “I am not concerned with the answers as much as I am with the questions.”
And Dr. Whitaker has taken the time to influence his students about its importance as well as other issues. One of his goals is to get students to think about issues that occur in everyday life, and how they will be affected by them. He tries to pass on values to students he found important in his career, and in life.
“Curiosity is something I can’t teach. Read, study, think. Don’t except things at face value. Become an educated person,” he said.
After a 39-year career, Dr. Whitaker’s impact will carry on through students and colleagues just like the old adage he uses time and time again, “My guy with a can of beer, my gal with a cup of coffee”.
Brook D’Angelo, a current student in Dr. Whitaker’s COM 450 class, hasn’t had him before, but realizes how much she values his teaching skills.
“This class is for intelligent people,” she said. “Those who don’t participate show their immaturity. This class stimulates your mind.”
Dr. Whitaker came to Buffalo State in 1984, but has traveled extensively teaching communication. His resume includes:
The road to teaching
Dr. Whitaker’s career wasn’t only about teaching. He has worked for multiple newspapers and television stations throughout the United States since 1969. He also began his career with joining the Navy, spending time as a public affairs lieutenant aboard the USS Nassau.
With so much experience, Dr. Whitaker brought a lot to Buffalo State, and hopes his career will influence students to accomplish their goals as well. One of the things he is most proud of and considers his biggest accomplishments is teaching and impacting students.
“I have had thousands of people who have been influenced by me in some way,” he said. “Hopefully I have contributed to their success both professionally and in life.”
Colleague’s comments
Dr. Whitaker has done just that. John Karlis, an adjunct professor in the communication department, was a student of Dr. Whitaker’s in the fall of 1996, and now teaches along side him.
“One thing that impressed me was the vast amount of experience and ability to take current events and incorporate them into lessons,” Karlis said. “He taught the first media writing class [I took], and without that I would have never pursued a career in communication or come back to teach at my alma mater.”
That is one instance of how Dr. Whitaker’s job has proved successful. He hopes his students get something from him that cannot be taught, but learned through classes.
“It’s not just about how to write a summary lede and getting names right,” Whitaker said. “So much of life is happening to be in the right place at the right time.”
Ron Smith, chairman of the Department of Communication, was hired by Dr. Whitaker, who was chairman from 1984 to 1993.
“Dr. Whitaker has consistently been a voice for professionalism, especially among the students. And a consistent voice for challenging students,” Smith said. “We know that to participate in the media, we have to stay involved with current issues. [Dr. Whitaker] is reminding them of the harsh realities of the business.”
Challenging students
How does Dr. Whitaker do that? Ask any student who has endured a semester with Dr. Whitaker, and they will tell you. His current events quiz isn’t the easiest, nor is having to prepare for a presentation and a paper full of more research than the instructor is aware of. Chris Burger, a senior, has had Dr. Whitaker three times now, and is currently also in his COM 450 class.
“He has extremely broad topics and expects you to find what he is looking for,” he said.
“He is doing what hopefully all faculty members would be doing,” Smith said. “We’re not one of the easier departments on campus. We are proud of that.”
Dr. Whitaker responds; “I try not to be too harsh on these young people because I remember I had quite a journey. They haven’t figured it all out, and that is college.” The department is honoring Dr. Whitaker by asking him to be this year’s key note Speaker for Senior Awards. His plans for retirement are continuing to run his bed and breakfast business that was started in 1990, and continuing to write, but for different purposes. He has written for publications such as:
That is just to name a few. He also co-authored a text that students at Buffalo State currently use called “Media Writing: Print, Broadcast and Public Relations.” The third edition will be available soon.
“I want to finish up pulling together personal memoirs, so that my great-grandchildren know who I was,” Whitaker said.
Certainly, the communication department will never forget.
Contact Brittany McDanel @ mcdabr77@buffalostate.edu
Contact Dr. Rik Whitaker @ drwhitaker@hotmail.com
On behalf of the students and faculty of the Communication Department at Buffalo State College, I would like to wish Dr. Whitaker a very fulfilling retirement, and say Thank You for your contribution to our lives.
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