On Topic with Condoleezza Rice

Tonight, an overwhelming crowd of 2200 people filled the seats of Baylor University’s Waco Hall to hear former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice discuss her new book with Baylor President Ken Starr.  

Rice’s appearance was the second part of an ongoing series, “On Topic with President Ken Starr,” and her book No Higher Honor shaped the conversation between the two notable figures.

As the conversation began, Rice reflected on education in her segregated hometown of Birmingham, Ala.

“Faith and family came together in education in my family” Rice said, “because my folks always had me to believe that you might not be able to control your circumstances but you can control your response to your circumstances and your honor in dealing with prejudice and segregation was education.”

Rice continued with a short segment on her grandfather, John Wesley Rice Sr. As she explained his background and history in education she explained that the one of the main reasons why she went to college was because of her grandfather’s ambition and his value of education.

In response to segregation in the south and the value of education Rice said that,

“If you work hard and you’re twice as good [as non-blacks] then you can be president of the United States. I became secretary of state instead.”

As students, faculty, Waco residents and friends filed out of Waco Hall upon Rice’s exit, inspiration filled the air.

“What an incredible opportunity it was to listen to Condoleezza’s journey to and through Washington. No Higher Honor may have been the name of her book, but for me there was no higher honor than to listen to her incredible story.” Sophomore Business Major, Julie Mothershead commented.

Although Presidency, according to Rice, is not in her future, what an honor it was for the Baylor community to host such an esteemed speaker as Condoleezza Rice.

Diversity in the Media

I grew up in a very small liberal high school in St. Louis, Missouri. John Burroughs High School to be more specific. Burroughs was a school where diversity was encouraged and discrimination was outlawed. Clubs such as Gay Straight Alliance and Diversity Club were rampant around campus and if you didn't support these clubs, YOU were the outcast.

I remember specifically one day when we had a gay speaker come to our morning assembly to give a speech on discrimination. At the end of his talk, there were people handing out rainbow ribbons at the door and everyone was encouraged to pin them onto their shirts or blouses as a support mechanism for gay rights.

I chose not to take a ribbon and the responses I received were astounding. Just because I chose not to support gay rights did not mean that I looked down on those who chose to be gay. It also did not mean that I would have treated them any differently given the opportunity.

Media is diverse. So diverse in fact that we have an entire section in the AP style book dedicated to sexuality and gender.

For our AP style presentation we chose a different celebrity for each category.

Ellen Degeneres for 'lesbian':

Elton John for 'gay':

Thomas Beatie for 'transgender':

And Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez for 'boy' and 'woman'

Jay F. Hicks

Communicator, Connoisseur of Sports and Director of New Media at CBS affiliate KWTX-TV, Jay Hicks is a top dog in the world of new media.

When Hicks came to spoke, I was excited to learn about different ways to update my traditional resume and ended up creating an entirely new resume. An interactive one that is. I had no idea that it was so important to promote myself using digital media.

He shared ideas such as slideshow resumes, inforgraphics, and the importance of multiple internships.

Upon hearing he was from St. Louis, I was immediately indulged. Hicks went to school not far from where I grew up, in Town and Country and even shared that he was a Cardinal fan!!

Hicks is a man that any Journalism student can look up to. He is comfortable speaking in front of large groups, and knows everything about every topic that he discusses!

There were a couple things that I took away from his presentation. But the greatest piece of advice that I caught was when he said,

"Find out what your passion is. Set goals and figure out how to get there."

To me, this says 'nothing is impossible if you work hard enough to get there.'

Today is a great day to be involved in communications and someone that loves his job as much as Hicks, is such an encouragement to dream big of one day reaching his caliber.

Here is a link to Hicks' blog. Check it out! http://www.jayfhicks.com/blog/

Advancer (whole article)

Rebecca Malzahn

Advancer

Mia-Moody, JOU 2303

Baylor Homecoming: Always an Anticipated Weekend

Baylor University’s Homecoming events have been celebrated for over a century. Traditions of Baylor Homecoming range from Pigskin Review, bonfires, pep rallies, parades, and of course, Baylor football. On the first weekend of November, Baylor will bring all of these traditions to life once more.

Baylor's popular Pigskin Revue is an annual Homecoming tradition where the top winning acts from the previous spring's All University Sing, display their talents live in Waco Hall. These musical, Broadway-style acts are prepared and performed by campus organizations.  Each act is complete with costumes, elaborate backdrops and props, and complex choreography rehearsed on a daily basis, months in advance. Pigskin, in comparison to All University Sing, is not a competition and therefore the atmosphere is much more relaxed. There are four total performances: one on Thursday night (Nov. 3), two on Friday night (Nov. 4) and one on Saturday (Nov. 5).

Preceding the first Friday performance of Pigskin, Baylor’s Homecoming Extravaganza and bonfire will erupt in Fountain Mall.  Filled with carnival rides, food, motivational speeches, and cheers, Extravaganza is an event for the whole family. As dusk draws near, a bonfire, typically ornamented with the football teams’ rival mascot, will be lit.

The following morning, the largest homecoming parade in America will march through downtown Waco until it makes its way through the Baylor campus. The first Baylor Homecoming Parade began in 1909 but it wasn’t until 1945 that the parade became an annual event. Five years later, the floats began to take note of Baylor’s opponents for the football game and in 1960, every float carted a theme of fate for the opposing mascot. 

Kickoff will be on Saturday afternoon as Baylor fans fill the stands of Floyd Casey Stadium to cheer on their Bears to a victory. Baylor offensive lineman, Tim Smith, says that, “the Homecoming football game is something that I look forward to every year. Families and alumni all attend the game, and the stadium couldn’t have a more welcoming feel.” The starting kickoff time has not yet been determined.

            Baylor Homecoming is a tradition that will forever be a part of who Baylor is. The weekend of November 3 will be one of incredible school spirit.

Schedule of Events :

·      Extravaganza/Bonfire: Friday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m.

·      Pigskin Review: Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m., Friday Nov. 4 at 6:30 and 10:30 p.m., and Saturday Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.

·      Parade: Saturday, Nov. 3 at 8:30 a.m.

·      Football Game vs. Mizzou: Saturday, Nov. 3 time TBA

Baylor Homecoming Advancer

Ever since my older sister, Jessica, was a freshman in college at Baylor University, Baylor Homecoming has been a weekend that I look forward to. When I was in high school, I especially enjoyed skipping a Friday to fly down to Waco for the festivities. Jessica participated in multiple aspects of homecoming including Pigskin, the parade, and of course watching the football game.

Now that I am a student at Baylor, I have the opportunity to participate in the events, myself. Last year as a freshman, it was different to experience Homecoming as a student. Although I had attended  Homecoming for four consecutive years, this time, I could finally participate.

This year I was nominated for Homecoming Queen by my honors fraternity, Alpha Lambda Delta. I am especially excited for this since I will get to be IN the Homecoming parade IN a convertible.
I am also participating in Pigskin in Kappa Kappa Gamma's act "Little Red Riding Hood." I will dance in two songs and was also chosen to sing a solo "Mercy" with four other Kappas. This picture is from Pigskin 2010. Mary Bentley (KKG president) is on the far right.

The parade is also another one of my favorite parts of Homecoming. My family usually watches the floats on the Penland lawn right across the street from the Baylor Bookstore. This picture was taken while me and my family were standing in the rain...oblivious.

2.5 more weeks!!!!

Tommye Lou Davis Profile (full story)

Rebecca Malzahn

JOU 2303

Moody-Hall

Wonder Woman: No Task is Too Great for Tommye Lou Davis

Polished, poised and personable is too humble a way to describe the life and legacy of such a woman as Tommye Lou Davis. So often in today’s high-speed culture, it is hard to catch a breath from all the hustle and bustle. But from watching football games with her grandchildren to making new Baylor friends at an abroad constituency, Tommye Lou is a complete package.

Little Rock, Ark. native, Tommye Lou Davis, is the first to admit that she is incredibly blessed. In 1966 when Tommye Lou joined the Baylor network as a student, she had a dream of what student-faculty engagement could look like. Now, 45 years later, Tommye Lou is one of the greatest communicators Baylor University has ever known. She has not only shared her wisdom in the classroom, but guides and befriends thousands of Baylor students who remain a part of her life years after their departure.  Tommye Lou is a one-of-a kind woman and takes no credit for herself.

 “If I were to sum up my life, I would sum it up by saying I am uniquely blessed. I have a lot of interests and throughout my life’s journey, God has provided a pathway for me to use the gifts and talents that he has given me. My calling, what I love to do, is what I do every day.” 

A day in the life of Tommye Lou Davis is far from ordinary and even further from boring. The ten different components of the network that Tommye Lou is a part of, constantly require her to be on the balls of her feet, ready for anything to come her way.  Between Governmental Relations, the Sports Network, the Business Network, the Global Network, Women’s Council, Parent’s League, Young Grads, Future Alumni Network and Community Relations, her days at work are always very interesting. Critical things must take precedence and it is Tommye Lou’s job to ensure that the most important things are looked at first.

It is not hard to tell that Tommye Lou truly enjoys every aspect of not only her job, but her life. One of her favorite things to be involved in is her sorority that she sponsors, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Living the selfless life that Tommye Lou leads is no easy task. Often times a day for Tommye Lou involves skipping lunch, or staying late to finish a meeting. It takes a special kind of person to do what she does on a daily basis. Upon appointing Tommye Lou as vice president for constituent engagement, President Ken Starr had nothing but good things to say.

“We are fortunate to have as remarkably competent and extraordinarily talented an individual as Tommye Lou to step into this important position."

Tommye Lou focuses her entire career around the students of Baylor University. Students have always been Tommye Lou’s passion. From when she was a freshman in college; to the first day she taught in a classroom four years later; to when she was appointed by President Starr as associate dean of the Honors College, associate professor of classics and Master Teacher, and as vice president for constituent engagement on his executive council, students were Tommye Lou’s main focus.

“To me that’s why we’re here. If you totally divorce yourself from students, then what are you doing for the Baylor campus? If you’re not in touch with student life, then you’re really out of touch with the campus.”

She has touched the lives of hundreds including Kappa president, Mary Bentley.

“If I could be half the woman that Tommye Lou is when I am her age, I will be happy. It is such a blessing to know someone like her.”

Tommye Lou is a positive role model to all. Her contagious smile seems to be endless even in times of adversity. What a wonder woman she is.

Tommye Lou Davis

Distinguished, accomplished, and beautiful inside and out, are just a few reasons why I chose to interview Tommye Lou Davis for my profile story. I have known Tommye Lou since I rushed Kappa Kappa Gamma in January of 2011. Ever since that day, she is a woman that I will always have a very high respect for.

Tommye Lou has been apart of the Baylor community for 35 years. She has taught, she has mentored, and most importantly, Tommye Lou has befriended thousands of Baylor students, including myself. 

Tommy Lou's accomplishments:

1. Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor in 1966 and a Master of Science degree in 1972. 

2. Designated Master Teacher and associate professor in 1993. 

3. Designated Chief of Staff to President Robert B. Sloan Jr. 

4. Served on both the board of directors for the Baylor Alumni Association, and has chaired the Faculty Athletics Council 

5. Chairs the George W. Bush Museum planning committee

6. Faculty adviser for Kappa Kappa Gamma since 1988

7. Received Outstanding Advisor on Campus in 1996 and again in 2010

8. Faculty advisor for Alpha Chi Honor Society

9. Named Outstanding Professor by the Baylor Women's League for 2001-02

10. Presented with the Mortar Board Circle of Achievement Award in fall 2002 in recognition of her outstanding teaching and service to students

11. Chosen to be 1994 recipient of Baylor's Moon Mullins Award for meritorious service to students

12. In October 2010, President Ken Starr appointed Tommye Lou to his executive council as vice president for constituent engagements

13. Sustaining advisor of the Junior Leagues, serving as its president from 1982-83

14. Vice President of the Waco Mammoth Site Foundation Board

15. Serves on the steering committee for Waco's Community Visioning Committee. 

16. Past and present involvement includes: Waco Music Theatre board, Waco Sympohony Council, the Lyric Opera, Keep Waco Beautiful Commission, Waco Art Center Associates, American Philological Association, the Classics Association of Middle West and South, the Texas Classical Association and the Historic Waco Foundation. 

Tommye Lou is a most prominent role model to not only hundreds of Kappas, but thousands of Baylor students. Mary Bentley, current President of Kappa Kappa Gamma said, 

“If I could be half the woman that Tommye Lou is when I am her age, I will be happy. It is such a blessing to know someone like her.” 

 The legacy that she continues to build will forever be a part of the Baylor community, the Kappa community, and the lives of the innumerable students that her gentle spirit and hard work have touched.

 “If I were to sum up my life, I would sum it up by saying I am uniquely blessed. I have a lot of interests and throughout my life’s journey, God has provided a pathway for me to use the gifts and talents that he has given me. My calling, what I love to do, is what I do every day.”  -Tommye Lou Davis  

To view full profile story, click here:
http://rebeccamalzahn.blogspot.com/2011/10/tommye-lou-davis-profile-full-story.html

Celebrity Obituary

i have never blogged in my life so i hope this goes according to plan. recently in my JOU 2303 class at Baylor University, as an assignment we were to write an obituary on a celebrity who hadn't died yet. at the time, the project seemed weird to me, but as i began, i quickly got the hang of it.


i began in the typical "obituary" format as i introduced my dead celebrity, Justin Bieber. NO, he is not really dead! again, this is JUST a project. anyway, i introduced him as a "Canadian pop/R&B singer, songwriter and actor." (this quote was taken from my paper)


as i began thinking of different ways to kill him off, i read in a biography online that he enjoyed playing hockey as a kid. i thought, "perfect!" he fell through ice while playing with a couple of friends.
"The cause of death, according to local authorities, was hypothermia. After Bieber fell through a sheet of ice on a nearby frozen lake, he was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5:57 p.m."
again, for everyone who is reading this, Justin Bieber is still alive and did not really die of hypothermia. :) i still think it's weird to write an obituary for someone who is still alive.


i wanted to include some quotes to help the flow of the obituary and to add a personal touch from his family, and manager, scooter braun. i went on to talk about Bieber's accomplishments and how loved he was (is) by his family and friends.
"Bieber truly was a sensation. In 2010 at the American Music Awards, Bieber was named Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist, T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist, and Favorite Pop/Rock Album for “My World 2.0.” Bieber’s many accomplishments will forever remain a part of music history and his dreams will live on in the hearts of his parents, Patricia and Jeremy."
at the end of any obituary is information about funeral services and other ways to send condolences. however, the deceased being Justin Bieber, i chose to insert fairly broad information giving cities as opposed to towns and a denomination as opposed to a specific church: "Funeral Services will be held in London, Ont. at 9 a.m. this Saturday morning at a Baptist church."


i am a huge fan of Justin Bieber and i hope all that read, find this article humorous and take no offense.