Department Archives
Survey Shows Graduates' Satisfaction with Department
The 2004 Alumni Survey of Communication graduates shows a high level of satisfaction with the college and the Communication Department. Of the 30 percent of graduates responding to the survey, 82% are employed, and 77% obtained their job within the first month of graduation. Most graduates (66%) cite faculty referrals as being helpful in obtaining their job; 70% also cite internships, and 94% cite professional networking. Most students (77%) say their education prepared them well for their career. Meanwhile, 4% are attending graduate school, and 56% anticipate attending in the future.
The 2002-04 alumni survey, administered throughout SUNY, reveals that Buffalo State Communication graduates are satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of instruction (78%). As for the level of the college and department contribution to a student's development, alumni cite contributions to their writing ability (100%), speaking skills (93%), general communication skills (89%), as well as appreciation of ethnic/cultural diversity (93%), self-understanding and self-discipline (93%), acquiring information and analytical skills (100%), acquiring career skills (83%), acquiring knowledge/skills for lifelong intellectual growth (89%), using computer technology (89%), developing leadership skills (84%), understanding political/social issues (82%), and understanding citizenship rights/responsibilities (74%). (Fall 2004)
Professor Named 'Best Activist' by Artvoice
Mike Niman, assistant professor of journalism, was named a "Best Activist" in Buffalo. Here's what the paper said:
Buffalo is a city that needs change, and more often than not, change has to start at the bottom. Luckily, there is a large crop of activists out there, ushering in the winds of change through music, art, protest, writing, volunteer work and political jockeying. Three of Buffalo's favorite activists are Kevin Gaughan, Ani DiFranco and Artvoice's own Michael Niman.
Gaughan is the area's foremost activist for regionalism. He has organized several conferences and panels to talk about and consider the pros and cons of combining all of Erie county's municipalities under a centralized, regional government. He also published a book on the topic - At First Light. Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records not only brings progressive music such as her song "Subdivision," but also promises economic growth in her hometown. Niman's weekly column in Artvoice, "Getting a Grip," is his way of calling for change in local and national government and media. A professor at Buff State, Dr. Niman also appears in ColdType. (Fall 2004)
Journalism Grad Receives 'Distinguished Alumnus' Award
Marcia Mulé (Journalism 1981) was a keynote speaker for the College's 2004 commencement ceremonies for master's graduates. An award-winning producer/directory of documentary and entertainment-style television programs, she also received the Distinguished Alumnus award. Marcia (pronounced mar-SEE-uh) was a three-year editor of The Record when she was an undergrad. She served as associate producer for WGRZ's PM Magazine, Buffalo and later earned two Emmy awards for her work at CBS affiliates WHDH in Boston and WFSB in Hartford, Conn. She also received several journalism awards for investigative documentaries on topics such as family violence and illiteracy.
Since 1997, Marcia has been co-owner and executive producer of the award-winning production firm Picture This Television, which produces series and specials for cable networks, PBS and worldwide syndication. She received two Emmy awards for the PBS series "TV 411." She also received an Emmy nomination for the 10th anniversary season of the PBS gay and lesbian newsmagazine series "In the Life." More recently, Marcia has served as executive producer for "Celebrity Poker Showdown" for Bravo; "Mardi Gras, The World's Greatest Party" for the Travel Channel; and "Weddings of a Lifetime" for Lifetime Television. (Spring 2004)