From the Director
Sharing a Great School & Profession
W
elcome to the first edition of SMAD About You. As the title says, this publication is for and about you: the alumni,
students and faculty of James Madison University’s School of Media Arts and Design. This includes those of you who graduated
before the SMAD designation was adopted in 1994-95.
The purpose of this magazine is to strengthen the connection
among all of us who share the experience and pride of being part of
this highly successful program.
In these pages you’ll find examples of the many ways your
accomplishments continue to build our reputation for excellence
across the media spectrum. These include students who earned
top awards in major film competitions; alumni who are successful
screenwriters and network reporters; recent grads off to a fast start in
video, Web publishing, and filmmaking in New York, L.A. and D.C.;
and faculty who distinguish themselves in the classroom and in their
respective fields.
You’ll also read about graduates whose media skills have led to
rich experiences: filming a documentary in some of the most rugged
terrain in the country; leading marketing efforts for a world-famous
museum; and even flying a jet over the Alps.
The common theme among all the SMAD family members por-
Professor Steve Anderson, SMAD director trayed here is that they are doing what they love and having fun.
photo: Henry Thornhill
e took a lighter apprW oach to this publication than some alumni
magazines because we are not involved in a dry, statistics-driven
profession. Whether we’re writing a comedy or covering hard news, we all use our imaginations and creativity to engage the
minds and emotions of our audience. That’s the constant challenge and the “fun” for all of us.
If you would like to help our students join us in this rewarding career, you’ll find information here about how you can con-
tribute to SMAD.
You’ll also find a list of online sites where you can stay current with SMAD happenings, connect with former classmates,
update us on your job and family situation, and make new professional contacts.
Many SMAD graduates are already using these resources as we continue to expand our network of communications pro -
fessionals. We’d like to know what you’re up to as well.
Please keep in touch.
SMADAbout You staff
Caroline Blanzaco Rebecca Leggett Lauren O’Brien Amy Schlinger
Writer Design Editor Articles Editor Design Editor
Contact Us
Writer Writer Writer
Tony Bootz
James Madison University
Articles Editor Mallory Micetich Jackie Quattrocchi Kim Seese
School of Media Arts & Design
Writer Writer Writer Web Editor
Harrison Hall, Room 0276
Writer
MSC 2104
Jaclyn Cole Jill Moore Kirsten Robinson
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Writer Articles Editor Writer Henry Thornhill
Photographer Writer Photographer
Phone: (540) 568-7007
Leila Saadeh
Fax: (540) 568-7026
Meg Ebersole Jaclyn Novak Photographer Advisors
smad.jmu.edu
Articles Editor Design Editor Writer Dietrich Maune
Writer Writer Ken Terrell
1 The School of Media Arts and Design
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