Speakers Cont.

Richard Hewer
Hewer, an associate professor at Ferris, teaches Computer Information Systems and Introduction to Micro-Systems Software for the College of Business. In addition, he is the Co-Chairperson for the Political Engagement project, a program designed to enhance student political engagement through individual courses. Hewer earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, and his Master of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.

Chad Livengood
Livengood is a state government and politics reporter for The Detroit News. He graduated from Central Michigan University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science, journalism, political science and broadcasting. Currently he is the Capital Reporter and covers Governor Rick Snyders administration and the Legislature in the Lansing Bureau.

Glen Okonoski
An alumnus of Ferris State University, Okonoski is now the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Media and Television Production. Okonoski worked for over 12 years as producer at WOTV located in Battle Creek, MI. He has produced over 60 episodes of the award-winning Cooking with Angus Campbell television series.

October 24, 2012 Rankin Center

Factor
Politics & The Press
BROADCAST

INFORMATION

WRITING STORIES

REPORTING

PRESS

hank you for attending The Second Annual FREE Journalism Day brought to you by Ferris State University, Political Engagement Project, Big Rapids Pioneer and the Ferris State Torch, presenting speakers from the field, providing interactive workshops for students and promoting the Ferris State University Journalism and Technical Communication program.

JOURNALISM

COMMUNICATION

FACTS

POLITICS

Schedule and Speakers

8:15 a.m.
Dome Room Dome Room
Registration & Check-in

Bill Bitzinger
Bitzinger is Ferris State Universitys photographer. He has been an employee of Ferris since 1992 and has been a professional photographer since 1986. As the Ferris photographer, Bitzinger shoots sometimes more than a hundred photos on a single assignment. According to Bitzinger, his job is to put a face on the unique university experience.

8:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 1-2:30 p.m.
Dome Room

Welcome & Introductions

Dave Clark
Clark is the Editor-in-Chief of the Big Rapids community newspaper, the Pioneer. Clark graduated from Central Michigan University and also attended Delta College. He has worked for other Michigan newspapers such as the Huron Daily Tribune and Adrian, Michigans The Daily Telegram.

Workshop 1 Workshop 2
Lunch & Campus Tours

Steve Fox
Fox works as an advisor for Ferris campus newspaper, the Ferris State Torch, and is an assistant professor in Journalism and English. He has a Bachelors degree in Journalism with a minor in history from Central Michigan University, and a Masters degree in Communications from Grand Valley State University.

Politics & The Press Panel Discussion

Workshop 1 Choices:
Getting a Paper StartedPioneer Staff (Centennial 252) Photo JournalismBill Blitzinger (Territorial 155) Video JournalismGlen Okonoski (Founders 238) Social MediaKelsey Schnell (Dome Room)

Richard Griffin
Griffin teaches American Government, Public Administration, International Organization, and Social Science Research. He is especially interested in the politics of the Rio Grande Valley, as well as politics and the media. He is the program coordinator for the Public Administration Program.

Workshop 2 Choices:
Interviewing a Big ShotDave Clark (Centennial 252) Photo JournalismBill Bitzinger (Territorial 155) Video JournalismGlen Okonoski (Founders 238) Where You Can Go with JournalismKelsey Schnell (Dome Room) Sports Feature WritingSteve Fox (Mecosta 239)

Kelsey Schnell
Schnell, a Ferris Alumnus, is the Public Relations and Marketing Officer for Mackinac State Historic Parks. In 2009-10, Kelsey worked as the Editor-in-Chief of the Ferris State Torch. He also interned in 2008 for the current Vice President, Joe Biden.