I beg to differ with anyone who makes that statement. As part of my Integrated Marketing Communication Campaigns class, my group teamed up with Catholic Charities Wichita to create a campaign for their Angels for all Seasons keepsake collection.

Team members were responsible for creating a plan to promote the 11-piece collection, whose proceeds benefit Catholic Charities’ St. Anthony Family Shelter, a homeless shelter for families. As part of the project, the team utilized traditional public relations and marketing tactics, as well as newer methods. In addition to press releases, brochures and postcards, plans for the nonprofit’s Angels for all Seasons, Facebook and Twitter pages were also devised.

The decision to launch a new campaign for the keepsakes was made after the collection reached its 10-year milestone. For the 11th year, Catholic Charities wanted to rename the collection to give it a consistent look and feel.

This is where my campaigns group came in. In the past, the keepsakes have been marketed only as ornaments during the holiday season. One of our campaign objectives was to select a name that conveyed the versatility of each piece for yearround display. We met  to brainstorm ideas and decided on Angels for all Seasons.

The newest addition to the collection is the Angel of Serenity.

The designer in our group, Carissa, created a new logo to unify the collection and give the new name some pizzazz.

The best part? Helping a local nonprofit and getting useful, real-world portfolio pieces out of the deal.

Let me preface this by saying that I can be a complete news dork. My high school economics teacher  used to play John Stossel segments for the class to help explain money and government. So I was really excited when it was announced that John Stossel was giving a lecture at WSU.

The “20/20″ co-anchor spoke to a packed auditorium at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

Stossel’s visit concluded the first day of sessions for Communication Week 2009. This year represents a milestone for The Elliott School of Communication as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Professor Les Anderson presents Stossel with questions from the audience.

I volunteered to usher as part of my Comm 626: Integrated Marketing Communications Campaigns class, and was rewarded with great seats near the stage.

Stossel’s remarks were witty, relevant and entertaining. Several news outlets covered the event, including The Wichita Eagle and KAKE-TV. Catch him at his new gig with Fox News, where he will host a weekly show on Fox Business Network and appear regularly on Fox News Channel.

My first time climbing was with my sister who weighs in at 110 pounds, soaking wet. She’s an experienced climber who can maneuver a rock like Spider-Man swings through New York City. I tried to impress her by using all my manly muscles. Lets just say I made a fool of myself. I’ve only been climbing for four months, and I’ve noticed vast improvements with myself. Just saying, it’s difficult, but like anything else you can do it with a bit of sweat and blood.

First and foremost, SAFETY! WSU is holding belay certification classes Oct. 8 and Oct. 24, seen below. You must do it in order to safely team climb. It’s literally a matter of holding someone’s life in your hands. Make sure you have all of the equipment necessary. A harness, d-ring, rope, grigri or ATC and shoes are the essentials. Make sure you know how to use all of it!

The mental game. When you’re looking at a 40- to 80-foot wall with studs and screws sticking out of it, it’s a little intimidating. Telling yourself you can do it, and not worrying about what others think, is key. If it is too scary for you, which is totally fine, start on the bouldering wall. This will help you get used to the feel of the grips and maneuvering easily. When you begin to feel comfortable, get your bad self to the real deal–with a partner of course. Partners are great for encouragement and saving your life from a deathly free fall. Choose a route that will give you a little confidence. Routes are graded on toughness and are marked in an array of colors and numbered by skill level.

Anything in the low fives is a great choice. The key after picking a route is literally staring at it and figuring out just how in the world you’re going to accomplish it. Once you’re up there, ten feet looks pretty high. This is the next challenge. Mind games will get you–don’t fall into them. Stay focused on the task, playa. Said above, get comfortable, and don’t think about if someone is watching you. They are. After all, people are curious.

Once you get a few goes at it, sticking to the routes comes naturally. Hopefully you’ll try new things and take more risks. You’re going to become fatigued and feel like you might fall. This is great! You’re pushing yourself. Your partner, if paying attention, will break your fall. Losing your grip is both scary and exciting. You know you’re secure, but the thought of falling to your death, to me, reigns supreme. That’s the mental game folks–pushing yourself and overcoming your fears.

Physicality. Do you have the mustard? If you do, spread it on thick. Rock climbing does take a bit of muscle. However, if you think you’re going to be able to pull yourself up there using your massive biceps, laugh now. It’s in the legs, save your arms for sticky situation. You’ll know what I mean when you’re holding on by four fingertips, shaking like a leaf on a tree. Try counterbalancing your body. You can’t expect to climb overhanging walls with your body off balance. Foot work is a necessity. Placing you feet in the right spot will work wonders for you.  Like any other workout, you will notice your body taking on a new and improved form. This, however, only comes with dedication.

Where can I go utilize all my newly acquired climbing knowledge? Here are three superb locations to get your climb on:

1. Wichita State University’s Heskett Center has a great facility to began climbing. They offer a bouldering wall and a 20-foot belay wall that is rather challenging. Also, if you are a member or student at WSU, you can rent all of the necessary equipment for free! This is awesome, because equipment can get pricey. Also, you’re on a college campus, playa. So show off those skills!

2. The YMCA has great facilities and locations are all around town. The newest YMCA is located in Andover, a short drive that’s definitely worth it. This facility offers a life-like climbing and bouldering wall. The climbing wall stands 40 feet tall, and is inviting climbers of all skill levels. Like WSU, the YMCA offers free equipment rental, membership needed.

3. Kansas Cliff Club. This place is legit. It’s a club that is open 24 hours, so you definitely need your own equipment here. Legit! Climbing wall heights vary from bouldering to 80 feet. Bring your stamina and definitely bring some extra guts. The back wall is close to a train track. Sometimes a train will come  trekking by when you’re climbing, and the wind starts kicking up  and the wall begins to shake, AWESOME!

If you love a challenge and trying new things, this is most definitely for you!

• Lunch at the RSC with friends!  Carve out time for yourself, your stomach and your friends and you must try the new Indian place!  My friend Anjana gave it her two thumbs-up, which was all the excuse I needed.  From Basmati rice and chicken Tandoori to naan and chicken Biryani with tangy yogurt sauce, every single thing they serve up hot and fresh is simply delectable.  I’m there twice a week … or more.  If you don’t love it, I will personally buy you some of your beloved Taco Bell with my own Shocker-dollars. Honestly!
• Periodicals!  Take advantage of these free newspapers like the New York Times, USA Today, and Wichita Eagle, which are sprinkled all over campus and plug into the world at large.  My only caveat is that I’ve started smelling like my grandmother (Potchouli and vanilla wafers) because I have done so many crosswords in the last month…
• Economic Book Club!  First tests are rolling around, you’re busy, your friends are busy and life has never felt more hectic.  But, there is no room for complacency.  Ask your favorite professor for a book recommendation and see if you can get others to join you.  The book club I’m involved in happens bimonthly and is truly the highlight of my week!  I have never been more intellectually stimulated!  Sure, it’s geeky, but you wouldn’t believe how much fun it is, how much you will learn, and the strength of the impression you will make on professors by taking out-of-class initiatives to learn more.
• MAROON 5 is coming to WSU!  I cannot wait until Adam Levine looks into my eyes and belts ‘She Will Be Loved’ to me … and only me!  Part of connecting is planning to connect and setting yourself up for success.  What could be better than an inexpensive concert you’ll remember forever?  Go buy tickets!
• Of course, I couldn’t wax poetically about community and connecting without mentioning our stellar student organizations.  I’m a member of Student Ambassador Society (SAS) and we had our annual picnic at the Beggs’ residence Tuesday evening.  Shockers are so blessed to be led by such a considerate, competent and charming couple.

Take care, stay cool, and ‘Only connect…’

Drew

So when the Ulrich Museum of Art offered to host one of our full-council meetings for Student Ambassador Society, I was as excited as Liberace in a sequin store. Why so much excitment? Well, the Ulrich is always at the top of my “places I hardly visit but always want to” list.

Instead of heading to our usual meeting place, the Marcus Welcome Center, the Ulrich closed down so we could browse their current exhibitions, Robots: A Cultural Icon in Contemporary Art and Snap: Andy Warhol Photographs, 1970-1987. Not a fan of Mr. Roboto or pop art? Check back in January when they switch up exhibits.

The VIP treatment didn’t stop there. They even fed us! Let’s face it, free food never fails when it comes to keeping poor college students happy.

The change of scenery was a welcome addition to a senior schedule that can get repetitive at times. I definitely hope the meeting at Ulrich is added to the long list of awesome SAS traditions, so that future ambassadors can enjoy!

First and foremost, please accept my sincerest thanks for setting me up with an internship that is nothing short of perfection. At Bothner and Bradley, every day presents me with the opportunity to learn something that is not only new and exciting, but will also help me build important career skills.

Instead of fetching coffee, I draft press releases for actual clients. Instead of sitting at a desk all day, I get to attend conferences to help promote client endeavors. Instead of working at a fast food chain, I gain valuable job experience, college credit and a paycheck!

One of my favorite coop tasks this summer was helping promote goPLAYkansas at the 5th Annual Working Well Conference. Started by the Visioneering Wichita Recreation Alliance as a way to showcase outdoor activities in the area, the site highlights parks, trails and outdoor activities right here in Sedgwick county. People can even search for specific outdoor goings-on in their area thanks to the creative Web genius of Wichita-based agency Howerton + White.

My job for the day was to assist H + W Account Coordinator Kristin, pictured above, in selling shirts to conference attendees. Because the site is nonprofit, the shirts are a colorful and clever way to help add funding.

Overall, my summer coop experience has been a good one. The best part? Being asked to continue my internship for the fall and spring semesters!

Once again, thank you for your hand in my success as a collegian. Best wishes to you continue to help students select useful internship experiences.

Sincerely,

Quinn

Pros

• Diversity is off the charts.  In my favorite class there were 14 people with 13 countries represented.  I easily learned as much from my peers as from my professors.
• Berlin rocks!  This city is dynamic, fast-paced and always changing.  I could also put this in the ‘cons’ list, because all of this fun can be quite distracting.
• This semester I took an economics course taught by a former Marxist and attended a few seminars given by a prominent Marxian scholar.  Such topics, and many others, are simply not available at WSU.  I may not come back home waving a banner and carrying a little red book everywhere, but I’m thankful to have studied and considered different points of view without simply dismissing them as unworthy of serious thought.  To me, this was perhaps the most beneficial academic aspect of my time abroad.
• Physical and mental removal from my ‘former life,’ allowed me to thoroughly consider and better prioritize my life.  Don’t go on Study Abroad to solve your problems – it’s not therapy!  But, at the same time, don’t be surprised if you learn your problems didn’t even exist in the first place.  Life abroad is a roller coaster of emotions and I have successfully avoided motion sickness, enjoying the ride with my hands in the air at all times.

Cons

• Classes are typically four hours a day and awkwardly placed such that working part time in addition to attending university is almost impossible.
• I don’t speak German.  It’s more difficult to make friends with the natives than with exchange students.
• Everyday life is more difficult in so many ways, including buying groceries, commuting and visiting the doctor.  Doing simple tasks in a foreign country can consume days and leave one exhausted.
• The flexibility of scheduling, assignments, professors and literally every aspect is easier at WSU.  We are so lucky!
• HWR doesn’t have an awesome mascot like Wu.  Where’s the school spirit, HWR?!

Of course my life here cannot be reduced to a simple pro and con list … all I can say is these seven incredible months will forever remain in my heart, mind and fondest memories.  I cannot recommend studying abroad enough!  I’m a convert and don’t be surprised if I’m passing out unsolicited International Student Exchange Program and National Student Exchange pamphlets on campus in just a few short weeks.  That being said, I’m looking forward to returning to the familiar comforts of WSU and sharing a coffee with friends by the Rhatigan Student Center fireplace!

Liebe Grüße,

Drew

It didn’t work out so well.  

Lots of things popped up including family and unforseeable work obligations. So, instead of lounging on a beach in Hawaii drinking something I can’t pronounce out of a coconut, I am sitting at my desk at Associated Advertising, answering lovingly nagging phone calls from my mother, painting my living room, spackling the basement and writing blog posts.

Which is great! Because I’ve discovered something just as good as a real vacation on a sunny beach in Hawaii surrounded by attractive natives.   That’s a lie, but still … As always, my Grandmother’s Redbook has the solution to my problems: Mental Vacation!   So if you, like me, find yourself stuck doing what I like to call the same-ols, take a mental vacation.  And while you’re at it, take off early tonight, put your feet up and ignore that phone call from your mother.  

This time, I chose the West Coast. I actually didn’t choose the location. I promised Julie, my good friend and ex-neighbor, that I would help her move there. Typically I would use the newly invented airplane, but my neighbor, me and my neighbor’s bulldog, Bella, piled into the Durango with U-Haul in tow.

The beautiful Bella.

After leaving Wichita, we discovered that western Kansas is not very much fun at all. In fact, I won’t even tell you about it. Skip to Denver.

Denver is a great place, a big city with lots to offer. We were gonna stay the night there, but our friend lives in Vail, so we went there and stayed for free. SCORE! This changed the whole trip. We were going to drive through Montana to Washington. Instead we went through Colorado, Utah, Idaho, East Oregon and Washington.

Let me tell you about Julie. She’s has the most extroverted, bubbly personality. You can’t walk by her and expect not to hear a HI! She’s got a great smile. However, she is the most gullible and most nervous person I know. I once stuck an orange on the bush between our duplexes, and told her it grew overnight. It still had the sticker on it, gawd! She’s also a nervous wreck. Imagine coasting down mountains, with a U-Haul trailer behind you, a bulldog, it’s snowing in June, and this girl, who is so nervous, she tries to grab your arm while you’re just trying to make it one more mile.

We made it to Vail. We made it to Provo, Salt Lake, Boise and Seattle. The sights I saw were like dreams in your deepest sleep.

Sunset, Boise Idaho

Wind farm, Idaho

Boise, Idaho. I’ll never go there again. First let me say, I am super superstitious. We ordered Chinese, I got a fortune cookie with no fortune in it. Trippy, right?! I swear, my trip changed after that. When I got to Seattle, my good friend who has lived there for eight months, the friend Julie is moving in with, broke bad news to me. Use imagination here.

Luckily for me, I have family outside of San Francisco. A beautiful place that I recommend to everyone. My sister and her boyfriend live in Berkeley. Berkeley was famous in the ’60s for the radical protests against the Vietnam war. They live in a sweet cottage nestled between two other historic hippie communes, with victory gardens and flowers blossoming freely. I rode my bike around the Berkeley campus and saw the protest grounds. You could feel the history. At least I could. The new crowd there seems to have let bygones, well, be gone. I went rock climbing, my new hobby. After three days, I was off to Las Vegas for a bachelor party.

Vegas. Hmmmmm. They don’t call it Sin City for nothin’. I had never been before. Evidently I did it right. That means spending a lot of money and not caring about anything else. Like I said, we did it right. Vegas has more to offer than gambling, clubs and booze. Night crawling. We went hiking in the Valley of Fire. A surreal, low desert scene about one hour outside of Vegas.

Valley of Fire

The Valley of Fire was so cool, we decided to do one more hike, Mount Charleston. It was something like 10,000-foot elevation where we started. We were feeling courageous when we made the decision to hike a total of six miles. We made it about a mile and a half up the mountain, but had climbed around 1,300 feet. Quite the accomplishment, considering all the variables.

Me vs. Mount Charleston

So, the past two weeks have been quite the experience. I have learned so much about myself, met people, seen things I have never seen. The full spectrum. I highly recommend traveling. Any time you get a chance, give yourself the opportunity and do it.

Like I said, Kansas is a good place to start and it always feels good to come home. As far as fortunes, and fortune cookies, it will be a while before I eat Chinese, but, through my experiences, fortunes are always building, as long as you are willing to grow yourself.

Peace, WSU!

Europe is so incredibly dangerous for me, as I can be as bourgeois-pretentious as I want without anyone blinking twice.  However, I fear some of my acquired tastes might appear a smite too highfalutin in the Middle-Western states.  Prithee, before you guillotine my head right into a basket, let’s consider some typical European customs I engage in, occasionally …

Jet-setting: I have traveled to Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Palermo, Milan, Prague, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Leipzig in the last four months.  Yet, I feel like I’m always in my Schloss and should really get out more.

Writing utensils: German pupils have long been required to write with a Kugelschreiber.  So when expressing my grandiloque with my Lamy Safari fountain pen and a rainbow assortment of inks, I’m just trying to impress my profs.  Cross my Herz.

Automobile selection: Apparently only BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Porsche and Volkswagen are allowed on the roads here.

Portraiture:  All great Europeans (or Europeans-at-heart, as the case may be) need to record themselves for posterity.  I’m really not one to break tradition.

Languages: I speak English, French and German daily.  Yet, that’s not impressive to anyone here.

Bio-products: Whether at the neighborhood Markt or my local Ullrich, choosing only environmentally friendly food is one’s moral duty, crisis be damned!

Unemployment: Berlin has evolved outside of – and indeed beyond – the corporate sphere.  We Berliners coddle ourselves and rarely lift a finger to do work of any kind.  “Hedonism is progress.”  Or at least that’s what my massage therapist tells me.

These behaviours behaviors are normal in Europa and integration is the name of my game.  Please, I beg of you, prepare yourselves to accept my new-fangled, hoity-toity ways with open arms and maybe, just maybe, I’ll let you have your Kuchen – and eat it too!

Ostentatiously yours,

Baron D. Alexandre Tedloque III