This site is for JMU alumni who studied journalism, broadcasting, or public relations or related areas at JMU, or who worked in these fields at JMU or after graduation. It is open to alums regardless of JMU major or current occupation.

Student Media:
. . . . . . . . . .WXJM,The Bluestone, The Breeze, Curio, Southmain, Madison 101
Donations to Journalism
When alums give to JMU they can specify their donations go to specific funds to support journalism, journalism scholarships, SMAD or The Breeze.

J News and Features

Coming Soon...

   
 
1981 to 1990
   
  1990
 
Name: Tom Bergeron
Year: 1990
JMU Activities: Limited writing for The Breeze
Current Job:
 Sports Editor, The Star-Ledger
Email:
tbergeron@starledger.com
Location:
New Jersey
Previous jobs:
Various positions at the Ledger.
Personal:

OK, I'll admit it: I switched to UVA after my sophomore year at Madison. Married, five kids.
Other:
Always looking for summer and one-year interns - but you better be able to do desk work.
  Posted: September 20, 2006
   
 
Name: Kristin (Fay) Elson
Year: 1990
JMU Activities: Curio: Managing Editor, Executive Editor; The Breeze: Production Manager, Layout/Design Editor, Lifestyles Editor
Current Job:
 Managing Editor, Benjamin Moore's Ensemble Magazine (contract)
Email:
kelson@westassoc1.com
Location:
Centreville, VA
Previous jobs:
Assistant Editor, SIGNAL Magazine; Director of Operations, West & Associates (marketing and graphic design firm)
Personal:

Returned to my roots in magazine writing and editing when my former employer (West & Associates) contracted me to manage Ensemble magazine, a quarterly pub going to interior designers and architects. Maintaining my "writing chops" AND being a stay-at-home mom ... it's the best of both worlds, gals!
Other:
Occasionally contract freelance writers for feature articles.
  Posted: October 8, 2006
   
 
Name: Terri (Hickman) Grunduski
Year: 1990
JMU Activities: The Breeze: staff writer 1986-87, JMU Today: Sports Reporter 1989-90, JMU Coaches Show production asst. 1990, IABC membre and board, JMU Dukettes
Current Job:
 Executive Director, Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation
Email:
tgrunduski@countonmefoundation.org
Location:
Atlanta, GA
Previous jobs:
Turner Broadcasting PR, Atlanta Thrashers Community Relations Manager, Atlanta Falcons Community Relations Manager
Personal:

After college, I moved to Atlanta with my family, and worked at Turner Broadcasting in Public Relations. When the new hockey team came to town, I decided to make a change--and moved over to work as Community Relations manager and Foundation Director for the Thrashers. Building a sports franchise from the ground up was an amazing experience. Then, was recruited to work for the Atlanta Falcons in CR, and worked with the team until last year, when I got married and started a family. I left the Falcons to work for head coach Jim Mora and his wife as the Executive Director of their family foundation. It's been a great fit with a new little one at home.
Other:
Occasionally contract freelance writers for feature articles.Our Foundation offers internships each semester, if interested, please submit a resume to tgrunduski@countonmefoundation.org
Information on our Foundation can be found at: www.countonmefoundation.org
  Posted: October 18, 2006
   
 
Name: Dale Harter
Year: 1990
JMU Activities: The Breeze: Police Reporter, Staff Writer, Summer Editor; Curio: Staff Writer, Asst. Features Editor, Editor
Current Job:
 College Archivist, Museum Curator, and Student Newspaper Advisor at Bridgewater College
Email:
dharter@bridgewater.edu
Location:
Bridgewater, VA
Previous jobs:
Librarian, Teacher and Coach, St. Margaret's School; Assistant Editor, Virginia Cavalade magazine; Archivist, Library of Virginia
Personal:

Back in the Valley and living the good life: wife, child, dog and a cat. Still know everyone in Rockingham County over the age of 70, as Wendelken used to say.
  Posted: September 6, 2006
   
 
Name: Lawrence Jackson
Year: 1990
JMU Activities: The Breeze Photo Editor
Current Job:
 Staff Photographer at the Associated Press Washington, D.C.
Email:
ljackson@ap.org
Location:
Washington, D.C.
Previous jobs:
The Virginian-Pilot
Personal:

www.jacksonimages.com
  Posted: September 12, 2006
   
 
Name: Valarie N. Jackson
Year: 1990
JMU Activities: WXJM: news director; The Breeze: staff writer; Curio: senior editor
Current Job:
 Senior associate editor, real-time news at Platts, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies
Email:
valkyriejmu@att.net
Location:
Takoma Park, Maryland
Previous jobs:
Editor at Business Publishers Inc., staff writer at The (Lynchburg) News & Advance
Personal:

Basically I wound up in trade publications after five years in the mainstream media. For nine years, I've been a real-time service (basically newswire) editor at Platts, concentrating on the oil, natural gas and electricity industries.
Also a member of The Writer's Bridge, which was started by one of my Lynchburg colleagues to serve as a gateway between freelancers and freelance opportunities.
Other:
http://home.att.net/~valkyriejmu
  Posted: October 31, 2006
   
 
Name: Betsy Overkamp-Smith
Year: 1990
JMU Activities: The Breeze: editorial editor, asst. editorial editor, writer
Current Job:
 Community & Public Relations Officer, York County School Division
Email:
bsmith@ycsd.york.va.us
Location:
Williamsburg, Va.
Previous jobs:
Editor & Assistant Editor, The Bowhook, Charleston, SC; Bureau Chief, The Inter-Mountain, Buckhannon, W.Va.; Reporter, The Lexington News-Gazette, Lexington, Va.
Personal:

Yup – went to the dark side! Loved working for newspapers, but needed better hours and more flexibility after my son was born. Thought PR would do it – wrong! Who knew the hours could be just as crazy? Like what I do, though, and my JMU and work experiences definitely prepared me for the challenges of doing PR for a public school system.
Married to Stephen Smith (VMI) and proud mama bear of Matt (11) and Riley (7).
Other:
Alas, there isn't any cash for a paid internship program, but I could give someone a quality, hands-on UNPAID experience.
  Posted: February 15, 2007
   
 
Name: Stephen Rountree
Year: 1990
JMU Activities: The Breeze: Design director, Asst. Features Ed., Asst. Editorial Ed., Cartoonist; Curio: Writer, Designer
Current Job:
 Graphics Director, U.S. News & World Report
Email:
srountree@gmail.com
Location:
Richmond, VA
Previous jobs:
Graphic artist at Orange County (Calif.) Register, Richmond Times Dispatch, U.S. News & World Report
Personal:

JMU was great. The Breeze was invaluable; an amazing program. I'm always happy to talk with JMU students interested in journalism and graphics.
At U.S. News we hire graphics interns for summer internships and possibly other times. Feel free to contact me.
Other:
Work has appeared in Popular Science, Smithsonian, WIRED, and other publications.
www.rountreegraphics.com
  Posted: October 8, 2006
   
 
Name: Heather (Dawson) Tierney
Year: 1990
JMU Activities: Breeze managing editor, news editor
Current Job:
 Slot editor, The Virginian-Pilot (part time)
Email:
read.something@verizon.net
Location:
Norfolk VA
Previous jobs:
Copy editor, The Virginian-Pilot; copy editor; The News & Advance (Lynchburg VA)
Personal:

I'm working part time at The Pilot right now because my *main* job title is "Mom." Tim and I have a 3-year-old daughter, Laura, whom we adopted from China in 2003. We plan to start the process to adopt a baby sister sometime next year. I also have a blog (part of a test of Pilotonline.com's new blogging tool) on life as the mom of a internationally adopted child (hint: It's not that different ...!).
Our adoption story: http://www.LauraTierney.com
Other:
For those pursuing internships: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE apply to The Pilot! We get lots of interns from Northwestern and Missouri, but I'd like to see more "homegrown" interns.
  Posted: October 8, 2006
  1989
 
Name: Cathy (Carey) Gainor
Year: 1989
JMU Activities: The Breeze: managing editor, assistant sports editor. Curio: Co-editor, articles editor.
Current Job:
 Business Editor, The Washington Times.
Email:
cgainor@washingtontimes.com
Location:
Washington, D.C.
Previous jobs:
Associate editor, the Baltimore Business Journal; News editor, Fairfax and Reston Connection newspapers; Editor, The Montgomery County Sentinel
Personal:

My JMU experience was fantastic and gave me a solid foundataion for getting out into the working world. Make the most of the real-world experience working at The Breeze and Curio give you, and line up internships as early in your college career as possible.

I'm back in Silver Spring, Md., where I grew up. But what better place to be a journalist than in the nation's capital?
Other:
The Washington Times has a paid internship program every summer in which you get tons of experience as long as you're willing to work and learn. Sections here use unpaid interns throughout the year.
  Posted: November 13, 2006
   
 
Name: Garrett Fuller
Year: 1989
JMU Activities: WQPO, WKCY disc jockey.
Current Job:
 Software Engineer – Chief Instructor Aikido Suimei, Frazer, PA
Email:
garrettfuller@yahoo.com
Location:
Phoenixville, PA
Previous jobs:
Radio disc jockey 10 years VA/NC/DC
Other:
bluegrassjam.org; aikidosuimei.com; theAikiCenter.com
  Posted: June 5, 2007
   
 
Name: Martin Romjue
Year: 1989
JMU Activities: The Breeze editor, news editor, reporter
Current Job:
 business editor, Daily Breeze
Email:
Martin.Romjue@dailybreeze.com
Location:
Torrance, CA (suburban L.A.)
Previous jobs:
reporter: business, police/crime, local government
Personal:

I've worked steadily in newspapers since 1990 -- far beyond my expectations. Gypsy journalism life has taken me from Virginia to Florida to California. Finally settled down by the beach and got married.
My humble advice: Learn as many online/Net skills as you can. Write a blog. Read lots of books. Watch news channels. Then turn off the TV.
Other: We offer internships with stingy stipends but solid experience. You may shamelessly network with me.
  Posted: September 18, 2006
  1988
 
Name: Sonny Dearth
Year: 1988
JMU Activities: Breeze (four years), occasional sports information, tennis team.
Current Job:
 Copy editor/writer, mostly in sports, for the Daily Press and dailypress.com.
Email:
sdearth@yahoo.com, sdearth@dailypress.com
Location:
Newport News, VA
Personal:

I've got some very fond memories of Harrisonburg. I occasionally do color commentary on Newport News Public Schools TV and radio football broadcasts (such as Michael Vick, Allen Iverson and Ronald Curry in high school), still play lots of tennis and am a volunteer assistant coach at Christopher Newport University.
Other: Good links include dailypress.com,
sportsjournalists.com
  Posted: October 17, 2006
   
 
Name: Michelle Hite
Year: 1988
JMU Activities: Curio writer & copy editor; The Breeze: writer & section editor
Current Job:
 assistant editor of "Madison," the JMU magazine, and assistant editor of "EFI," the Virginia Metallica Club magazine
Email:
martinmh@jmu.edu
Location:
Craigsville, VA
Previous jobs:
associate director of communications, Mary Baldwin College (edited the college magazine, newspaper and employee newsletter
Personal:

I've also done freelance writing on the side since graduation and have appeared in Kerrang, RollingStone, Circus and So What! magazines, and various local/regional newspapers and newsletters.

I also founded, wrote, edited and distributed The Craigsville Spirit, a monthly local subscription journal from 1996 to 2001. I served on the Craigsville Town Council from 1992 to 2002 and served as vice mayor for one year.

Alums!!! Send me your great story ideas and submissions for your alumni magazine, "Madison!"
Other: I offer 4 to 5 internship opportunities per semester to JMU students who are SMAD, English or TSC majors. And, I love to publish JMU alumni freelancers in "Madison" magazine! Call me already! (540) 568 - 7520
  Posted: September 6, 2006
   
 
Name: Kyle Ritchie
Year: 1988
JMU Activities: Sports Information Office/coaches shows, Video Network/"JMU Today", WMRA, Alpha Epsilon Rho, Ski Club
Current Job:
 Director of Entertainment & PantherVision, Carolina Panthers
Email:
kyle.ritchie@panthers.nfl.com
Location:
Charlotte, NC
Previous jobs:
Video Editor/Producer/Director, Baltimore Orioles; Scoreboard Operations Manager, Joe Robbie Stadium/Miami Dolphins/Florida Marlins
Personal:

Married Lisa Hoffman (Florida State) in 1994. Have three sons (born in 1996, 1998 & 2003). In current job since 1996. Responsible for pregame shows; halftime shows; sponsorship fulfillment; programming of video screens, message boards, music, P.A. announcements, etc.
Other: Official team web site: www.panthers.com
  Posted: October 20, 2006
   
 
Name: Rob Washburn
Year: 1988
JMU Activities: Editor of The Breeze (1987-88), Sports Editor (1986-87), Staff Writer (1985-86); Curio Staff Writer (1988)
Current Job:
 Assistant Commissioner/Communications for the Colonial Athletic Association
Email:
rwashburn@caasports.com
Location:
Richmond, VA
Previous jobs:
Asst. Commissioner for the Ohio Valley Conference (1993-2001), Sports Information Director at Bridgewater College (1988-1993)
Personal:

Crossed over enemy lines from the world of journalism to PR, but have enjoyed being involved in collegiate athletics while continuing to work with the media. The writing, editing and desktop publishing experience that I gained with The Breeze along with the ability to work under deadline pressure has been invaluable in my professional career.
Other: The CAA offers a media relations internship for graduates that runs from August 1-June 1 each year. Not much money and a lot of hours, but great experience for those interested in sports information.
  Posted: September 18, 2006
   
 
Name: Mike Wilson
Year: 1988
JMU Activities: The Breeze: writer, assistant new editor, managing editor (87-88); Curio: writer
Current Job:
 Senior Program Director, Northern Forest Center
Email:
mwilson@northernforest.org
Location:
Bethel, Maine
Previous jobs:
Canvass Director, Maine People's Alliance; Researcer/Writer, Maine People's Resource Center; Outreach Director, Northern Forest Alliance
Personal:

I concluded not long after graduating from JMU that it was more fun to make the news than write it. Still, the writing and editing experience I gained at the Breeze and Curio has proven invaluable to a career in activism and social change. It's all about communication.
In 2002 I received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to create a mobile museum about the forest-based culture and heritage of the Northern Forest region of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. It's built into an 18-wheeler. So, now I have my commercial driver's license and I tour the exhibit around the Northeast with my wife and 3-year-old son.
Other: Check out Ways of the Woods and learn more about the Northern Forest Center at www.northernforest.org
  Posted: June 5, 2007
   
 
Name: Amy (Porter) Zacaroli
Year: 1988
JMU Activities: The Breeze, ass't news editor, reporter. Curio, Assistant Editor
Current Job:
 Director, 25:40
Email:
amyzac@cox.net
Location:
Fairfax Station, VA
Previous jobs:
Reporter, Daily Environment Report, Bureau of National Affairs, Washington, D.C.; reporter, The Bethesda Gazette.
Personal:

Working on The Breeze and Curio was the most valuable foundation for my 12-year journalism career. The classes were great, but I never would have been considered for jobs the first 5 years out of school without that hands-on experience.
Now I have taken a path that is completely out of journalism. My advice to students is to be ready to follow where your heart takes you, no matter what.
Other: My husband and I started a non-profit, called 25:40, that helps AIDS oprhans in South Africa. We love volunteers, donations, and anyone inspired to go with us. www.2540.org
  Posted: March 1, 2007
  1987
 
Name: Paul Bergeron
Year: 1987
JMU Activities: The Breeze, sports staff reporter
Current Job:
 Director of Communications, National Apartment Association; sports reporter, The Washington Post
Email:
paul@naahq.org
Location:
Alexandria, VA
Previous jobs:
writer and managing editor for Employee Relocation Council, a Washington, DC-based association; Sports Editor, The Journal Newspapers (now called The Examiner), based in suburban Northern Virginia
Personal:

I cover high school sports for the Washington Post.
Working for a daily newspaper is hard work, fun and exciting. Working for an association generally pays more and the hours are far superior.
Other: The monthly association magazine I currently work for does pay for freelance reporting and photography. While we have a steady and reliable group of freelance feature writers, we are always looking to add. We pay fairly well. We are particularly interested in reporters outside of Washington, D.C., who can cover events for us, such as apartment industry-based seminars.
We have a strong need for photographers who can shoot apartment communities or people. We are willing to pay for such photography.
  Posted: September 11, 2006
   
 
Name: Chris Dupuy
Year: 1987
JMU Activities: The Breeze -- marginal contributor, Curio two years, Daily News-Record Sports
Current Job:
 National Sales Manager, Managing Director -- Merrill Lynch
Email:
cdupuy@myway.com
Location:
Rumson, NJ
Previous jobs:
Merrill Lynch for 21 years
Personal:

Merrill Lynch is always interested in adding qualified Financial Advisors, and I am interested in finding JMU grads that are suited for that role. Feel free to email me with questions/qualifications and I'll do my best to offer an honest initial assessment of chances that an opportunity would exist.
  Posted: September 18, 2006
   
 
Name: Chrys Peterson
Year: 1987
JMU Activities: Bluestone editor, "Profiles" tv show producer/host
Current Job:
 5, 6 & 11 PM anchor WTOL TV
Email:
cpeterson@wtol.com
Location:
Toledo, Ohio
Previous jobs:
Morning anchor, noon producer/anchor WNEP TV; 6 & 11 anchor/producer WHSV TV; weather anchor, WHSV TV
Personal:

I'm convinced the key to success in television is being willing to move around to take a job ... especially an entry level job in a small market. Remember it's short-term sacrifice for long-term gain. Work hard and get your experience and land your dream job when you've made all your mistakes in the smaller places.
Internships are especially important. Any practical experience you can get and any tape you can present for resume purposes is important.
  Posted: September 21, 2006
  1986
 
Name: Andrea (Cope) Butler
Year: 1986
JMU Activities: The Breeze Asst. Features Editor & Columnist
Current Job:
 Communications Director, VCU Massey Cancer Center
Email:
andrea_butler@comcast.net
Location:
Richmond, VA
Previous jobs:
PR Director, US Airways; Vice Pres. of PR, Priceline.com; PR Director, National. Aquarium in Baltimore
Personal:

I remember Flip De Luca's editing exercises: "Take this 20-word sentence and make it into 10." Looking back, it was like practicing scales on the piano and was invaluable in starting my career with a decent set of skills.
I sometimes dream of working in a newsroom – somehow I fell on the PR side of the fence – but my career has been quite interesting. If any feature writers want to do a job swap for a week, drop me a line.
I'm becoming a bit of a hypochondriac working for a cancer research and treatment center, but am quite convinced there will be cures in our lifetime. If you or a loved one is diagnosed w/cancer, please get a second opinion before starting treatment. (Sorry to be preachy – I've just seen too many heartaches that could have been avoided.)
I'm married to Jack Butler (he's in finance at Media General) and have two terrific daughters who were born in 1990 and 1994.
Other: I'm not sure about internships here at VCU; my guess is that VCU students would take priority over JMU students. Am happy to entertain any inquiries.
  Posted: October 18, 2006
   
 
Name: Tina (Beaumont) Clay
Year: 1986
JMU Activities: The Breeze, Curio
Current Job:
 High School journalism teacher
Email:
tbclay1964@yahoo.com
Location:
Fort Worth, Texas
Previous jobs:
Writer, copy editor, mac-monkey for Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Newport News (Va.) Daily Press, Harrisonburg Daily News-Record.
Personal:

Remember that poster/brochure titled something like, "What can you do with a degree in Communications?" The answer is, you'll never know until you get there.
After getting (somewhat intentionally) Mommy-Tracked at the Star-Telegram, I started substitute teaching. Next thing I knew, I had a full-time sub job teaching English at the neighborhood high school ... Suddenly I'm getting teacher-certified ... Had my JMU contacts kill off the j-teacher, so now I have custody of the newspaper and yearbook staffs and journalism classes.Who'd have thunk it?
Other: My sports editor hubby & I have two kids and two cats.
I'd love to hear from some of you guys!
  Posted: September 28, 2006
   
 
Name: Eric Gorton
Year: 1986
JMU Activities: Staff Writer, The Breeze; writer, Curio
Current Job:
 News Writer, JMU Office of Media Relations
Email:
gortonej@jmu.edu
Location:
Harrisonburg, VA
Previous jobs:
daily newspaper reporter, editor; webmaster; pr assistant
Other: My personal Web site: http://people.jmu.edu/gortonej/
My poorly maintained blog: http://jmu86er.blogspot.com/
  Posted: September 6, 2006
   
 
Name: Alison (Colby) Lucian
Year: 1986
JMU Activities: The Breeze: features editor, Curio: editor
Current Job:
 Features editor, The Fresno Bee
Email:
alucian@comcast.net
Location:
Fresno, CA
Previous jobs:
Assistant Metro editor, The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville, FL; copy editor, The Orlando Sentinel, Orlando, FL; copy editor, Daily Press, Newport News, VA; reporter, The Winchester Star, Winchester, VA
Other: The best advice I can give people just graduating is this: Don't be afraid to start at a small publication. Doing so will give you the chance to learn every aspect of the newspaper industry and to grow your skills so that you eventually can move into any position you want.
  Posted: November 7, 2006
   
 
Name: Mark R. Miller
Year: 1986
JMU Activities: The Breeze: news editor; Curio: writer
Current Job:
 VP of Communications, The Case Foundation
Email:
MarkRMiller@starpower.net
Location:
Washington, DC
Previous jobs:
White House communications (for President Clinton), Weber Shandwick, Corporation for National Service, National Governors Association, music reporter for the Washington Post
Personal:

When young people ask me what they should major in, I tell them that matters a lot less than what they can DO, what skills they develop. While I loved my English and journalism courses at JMU, what prepared me for my career was my hands-on experience with the Breeze, as well as the internships it led to.
Other: As part of my job, I'm the managing editor of our website, which we're using to open the doors of philanthropy to everyone. If you have ideas we can include, let me know. www.casefoundation.org
  Posted: February 27, 2007
   
 
Name: Gwen (Fariss) Newman
Year: 1986
JMU Activities: The Breeze; editor, managing editor, news editor, writer. Curio; writer
Current Job:
 Publications Manager, Institute of Human Virology
Email:
newmang@umbi.umd.edu, gwen@milestonespr.com
Location:
Baltimore, MD work and Shrewsbury, PA home
Previous jobs:
Reporter at The Tampa Tribune and The Richmond News Leader. PR posts at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Chesterfield County; media relations at Maryland Science Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center; director of public affairs at the Institute of Human Virology
Personal:

Married with a beautiful 10-year-old. Believe it or not, a marathoner. Recently left a great job – but a grueling commute – to go it on my own. Employer extended offer of a part-time post working from home. Loved the opportunity and am going completely on my own end of year.
Other: My experience at The Breeze more than prepared me not just for reporting but the world of publications, website development and media relations. Have had the opportunity to work directly with world-renowned scientist Dr. Robert Gallo and met countless interesting people – who isn't – with each and every interview.
Best advice: Internships open doors. Do what you love and love what you do.
  Posted: October 27, 2006
   
 
Name: Stephen A. Schwab
Year: 1986
JMU Activities: Breeze Ad Designer and First MAC Desktop Publishing Evangelist
Current Job:
 SVP & Chief Academic Officer - Briarwood College, CT
Email:
schwabs@briarwood.edu
Location:
Lake City, Florida & Southington, Connecticut
Previous jobs:
President, South University; Dean Academic Affairs - Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale; JMU Faculty member
Personal:

It was fun taking the Breeze from Linotype to Desktop Publishing in 1986 as a student.
It was even more fun taking the Breeze from print to web in 1995 as a faculty member.
Keep up the great work, folks.
Other: From MAC to MS to MAC again...
  Posted: September 12, 2006
  1985
 
Name: Lisa Clarke
Year: 1985
JMU Activities: Curio; one feature article in The Breeze, submitted under pressure; JMU News intern
Current Job:
 Speech-Language Pathologist, TALK, L.C.
Email:
laclarkee@verizon.net
Location:
Richmond, VA
Previous jobs:
Information Director, School of Fine Arts and Communication, JMU (and staff writer for JMU News), 1986 (first job and most impressive title); Sales Executive, B2 Communications, Inc.; Adminitrative Assistant, McKinsey & Company, Inc.; grad school/career change to SLP, practicing since 1995 in PA, MD, NM, and VA.
Personal:

Continue to share my love of JMU with anyone who will listen. Was not terribly active in student journalism – only a bit in jr/sr years – but have great memories of reading The Breeze and Curio, and admired the talented contributors of those days. What I learned about writing at JMU has served me well in every job (and career) since. Still have my blue spiral AP Stylebook, no plans to give it up. Special thanks to Dr. Dave and Janet Wendelken for encouraging me to write.
Other: No media opp's here, but am certainly available to helping those interested in communication disorders or special education.
  Posted: April 3, 2007
   
 
Name: Bill Goodykoontz
Year: 1985
JMU Activities: The Breeze: news editor
Current Job:
 Culture editor/reporter for The Arizona Republic
Email:
billgoody@gmail.com
Location:
Phoenix, AZ
Previous jobs:
Various jobs at The Arizona Republic and Winston-Salem Journal including columnist and TV critic.
Personal:

Always interested in JMU info out here in Arizona. It's hard to come by....
Other: www.goodyblog.azcentral.com
  Posted: August 29, 2006 Updated: March 2, 2007
   
 
Name: Elaine Toth Hinsdale
Year: 1985
JMU Activities: IABC, The Breeze
Current Job:
 Corporate Communications Director, Lockheed Martin
Email:
elaine.t.hinsdale@lmco.com
Location:
Orlando, Florida
Previous jobs:
TV/Radio Reporter (Armed Forces Network-Europe), PR Director (Consumer Electronics Assoc.), The Washington Post (Adv/Mktg. Dept)
Personal:

Who knew that some 20+ years later, I would be teaching my staff the basics of AP Style, news editing and photo journalism? Just goes to show you that you never know where and when you'll recall fondly those classes in Anthony Seeger.
Other: President, JMU Alumni Association (2005-2007)
  Posted: October 31, 2006
   
 
Name: Stephen Jaffe
Year: 1985
JMU Activities: The Breeze: photo editor; Curio: photo editor
Current Job:
 International Monetary Fund/ Photo Unit Team Leader
Email:
sjaffe@imf.org
Location:
Washington, DC
Previous jobs:
AFP, Reuters, Newsweek
Personal:

Recently took over the photo department at the International Monetary Fund. Previously covering the White House, major news and sporting events for fifteen years.I have traveled to six continents and over 100 countries photographing news and sports. My work can be seen at www.stephenjaffe.com
Other: Feel free to drop me a line. I will be happy to help any JMU students.
  Posted: October 3, 2006
   
 
Name: Ian Katz
Year: 1985
JMU Activities: Editor, The Breeze (1983-84); Copy chief, Curio
Current Job:
 Reporter, Washington bureau, Bloomberg News
Email:
ianmkatz@yahoo.com
Location:
Washington, DC
Previous jobs:
Too many: Business columnist/writer, South Florida Sun-Sentinel; South America bureau chief, Business Week magazine; VP of content, Patagon.com (now-defunct financial news website); General Manager, WorldCity Inc. (small publishing company in Miami specializing in international trade/business); Argentina correspondent, The Associated Press; Reporter and foreign desk copy editor, The Miami Herald; copy editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Personal:

In August 2007 I moved back to the Washington, D.C., area, where I hadn't lived since my JMU days. Before to moving to Bloomberg News' Washington bureau, where I'm a finance reporter, I was a business columnist and writer for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. I spent May and June of 2006 on assignment in the Sun-Sentinel's Cuba bureau. In 2000 I returned to the U.S. after 10 years working as a foreign correspondent in Argentina and Brazil, the last half of that in Sao Paulo as South America bureau chief for Business Week. I then got sucked into the dot-com craze, working as a VP for one on Miami Beach that closed its doors after a couple of years. I am married with two children, a boy born in 1996 and a girl born in 1999.

The JMU journalism/Breeze experience was very valuable for me and put me in a strong position for searching for jobs when I graduated.
  Posted: October 29, 2006 Updated: December 14, 2007.
   
 
Name: Scott Tolley
Year: 1985
JMU Activities: The Breeze: sports editor, Curio: managing editor
Current Job:
 Director of Communications for Jack Nicklaus & the Nicklaus Companies
Email:
scott.tolley@nicklaus.com
Location:
North Palm Beach, Fla.
Previous jobs:
Sports writer The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post; sports writer Lynchburg (Va.) News & Daily Advance
Personal:

If I ever had doubts as to what doors a communications/journalism degree can open beyond the obvious, my current job erased those. My writing background led the greatest name in golf to invite me in 1997 to work for him as his publicist. In addition to handling all Nicklaus' media/PR and his writing, I support the marketing & communications efforts of hundreds of golf course design clients worldwide. Also, every quarter, I get to return to my roots as editor-in-chief of a NICKLAUS-branded luxury lifestyle magazine.
Other: We rarely have internship opportunities, but I would encourage students to seek out any journalism internship they can. As much as I loved my education at JMU, the hands-on experience I gained on The Breeze, Curio and during summer internships was invaluable!
  Posted: September 12, 2006
  1984
 
Name: Bill Dyer
Year: 1984
JMU Activities: Journalism major, Sports Information student assistant
Current Job:
 Assistant SID, Virginia Tech
Email:
wdyer@vt.edu
Location:
Blacksburg, Va.
Previous jobs:
Assistant SID at Hampden-Sydney, Villanova, Syracuse. SID at Appalachian State.
Personal:

Entering my seventh season as men's basketball SID at Virginia Tech. Long hours and low pay, just like the rest of you. Very seldom get to get back to JMU, but when I do...Hey, where did this new campus come from?
Other: We have internships!!! Post-graduates are encouraged to apply. Hint, volunteer in the Sports Information Office and learn all the computer programs. We hire three a year. Pay is not great, but what is?
  Posted: November 1, 2006
   
 
Name: Daniel Finnegan
Year: 1984
JMU Activities: The Breeze: managing editor, sports editor, sports writer
Current Job:
 Deputy Managing Editor for visuals, systems and business news, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Email:
dfinnegan@timesdispatch.com
Location:
Richmond, VA
Previous jobs:
Times-Dispatch: assistant sports editor, sports copy editor; Charlottesville Daily Progress: assistant sports editor, sports writer
Personal:

When not attending meetings, checking e-mail or fretting over the newsroom budget, I spend all of my free time playing with my wife, Carolyn, and our 11-month-old son Jack and our 11-year-old black lab Shorty. Occasionally, I find time to indulge myself with a round of golf.
Other: The Times-Dispatch has a great internship program that several JMU students have taken advantage of. We hire 10 interns each summer; the deadline to apply is Dec. 20. Contact me or John Dillon (jdillon@timesdispatch.com). We're also always willing to talk to talented writers, photojournalists, designers, editors and multimedia specialists.
  Posted: September 5, 2006
   
 
Name: Hank Ebert
Year: 1984
JMU Activities: The Breeze: photographer, Curio: photographer, SID: photographer
Current Job:
 REALTOR, Long and Foster
Email:
Hank.ebert@verizon.net
Location:
Salem, VA
Previous jobs:
Photogapher, Editor, Producer WDBJ-TV (Roanoke)
Personal:

After 21 years at WDBJ Television in Roanoke, VA I decided it was time to try something different. In May 2005, I left the station to become a REALTOR for Long and Foster in the Roanoke region. I gained invaluable experience while at JMU. I so much enjoyed shooting JMU sports, working on the Breeze and the late nights producing Curio. Indeed it was the best of times.
Other: WDBJ-TV has numerous internship opportunities available throughout the year. WDBJ has the most modern equipment (read, the best toys) in the market. For more information, see the web site at www.wdbj7.com. My internship led directly to me being hired there.
  Posted: September 21, 2006
   
 
Name: Yo Nagaya
Year: 1984
JMU Activities: The Breeze photo editor, Curio photo editor, The Bluestone photographer, Crysalis staff
Current Job:
 Freelance photographer / YO PHOTO WORKS INTERNATIONAL
Email:
yophoto@d1.dion.ne.jp
Location:
Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Previous jobs:
AFP, sports photo agency, advertising agency
Personal:

Greetings from the Orient, the land of rising sun. Olympic Games photographer since 1988 and for the past few Olympic Games, I have been shooting for the IOC archive. It's good to know that my Olympic photos are kept in a safe place even long after I'm gone. Sports photography has taken me to couple dozens countries. Although it's tough sometimes, I'm loving every moment of it.
Other: Aspiring photographers, if you want serious critique on your photos, go see Frank Marshman.
  Posted: September 7, 2006
   
 
Name: Suzanne Turk Napper
Year: 1984
JMU Activities: Photographer, Bluestone. Darkroom Tech (Fairy) The Breeze
Current Job:
 Business Director, The Wilson Quarterly
Email:
suzanne.napper@wilsoncenter.org
Location:
Washington DC
Previous jobs:
Smithsonian and Wilson Center
Personal:

Moved to the "the dark side"..the biz side of the periodical biz ages ago. Where is Ming? Doug? If you know, do tell. Married another JMUer and produced favorite photography subject about 10 years ago. Cheers.
Other: The Wilson Quarterly does offer paid internships...check the website... www.wilsonquarterly.com
  Posted: September 27, 2006
   
 
Name: Ross Richardson
Year: 1984
JMU Activities: The Breeze: Editorial Editor, Curio: Managing Editor, WMRA: Staff Reporter
Current Job:
 Director of Marketing Communications – Jamestown 2007
Email:
ross.richardson@jyf.virginia.gov
Location:
Richmond (residence) and Williamsburg (office)
Previous jobs:
Director of Corporate Communications (the late great retailer Best Products Co.), Communications consultant (self employed)
Personal:

Currently running advertising and PR operations for program commemorating the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. Have also worked for myself and done the corporate thing (ran media and investor relations functions).
I live in Richmond with my wife Tracy and our two boys, 9 and 6.
Other: We have paid internships – the spring 2007 job will be an oustanding resume building opportunity and a lot of fun (yes, the Queen is coming).
  Posted: December 5, 2006
   
 
Name: Charles (Chuck) Taylor
Year: 1984
JMU Activities: Features editor, The Breeze 83-84; editor, Curio 1984
Current Job:
 Senior Editor/Features Billboard magazine; AC Format Editor for sister Radio & Records
Email:
NYstrele@yahoo.com
Location:
New York, NY
Previous jobs:
Radio World, Washington Business Journal, The News & Daily Advance (Lynchburg, Va.)
Personal:

Greetings: I remember the day before I graduated from JMU in 1984, sitting in Wendelken's office, where he told me that after reading my first published story as a sophomore in The Breeze, he didn't see a lot of potential in me as a writer! Remembering that long-winded piece—on a brand new trend known as vintage clothing shops—he had a point.
My education at JMU has proved time and time again to be more valuable than I ever imagined at the time. Not only did I learn theory and the rules of AP Style, but I had practical, critical, real-world training that gave me such an advantage when it came time to try my hand at being a working journalist. After all, you can't fake being a writer: Either you can deliver—storytelling that is fair, accurate, thorough and in the right order—or you can't.
I interned before senior year at my hometown newspaper at The News & Daily Advance in Lynchburg, Va., and held the roles as features editor of The Breeze and editor of Curio in 1983-84. As features ed, i had a column called "Closer Look," which at first seemed to be as popular as soggy bread—until my editor in chief suggested that I write about something I felt passionately about, whether it had to do with campus life or not. So I spouted off about not understanding why the Beatles were such a big deal and continued to endure in popularity. Boom! It stirred such campuswide loathing that my column became an instant hit and a must-read. Good times! My favorite column ever: I wrote about walking across campus and the bizarre feeling of shutting out the world with this new-fangled gadget called a Walkman. As in cassettes... Now, of course, I ride every day on the subway in New York with my iPod and it is the most ubiquitous presence next to the daily newspaper.
I've been at Billboard for 12 years, starting as Radio Editor and working my way up as a columnist (no, never found it prudent to diss the Beatles again), senior writer, senior editor/talent and single reviews editor. I now share double duty with our sister radio publication, Radio & Records, as senior editor/features and AC format columnist. Billboard was always my dream job and it has delivered. I have covered everything from a day with Celine Dion to the entire youth pop boom to technology, legislation, the ever-(d)evolving music business, Whoopi Goldberg's radio show and more than 300 artists.
I also do a good bit of freelance writing liner notes and artist bios for record labels.
Previously, I worked in D.C. at Radio World, a radio tech trade, and put in time at the Washington Business Journal.
The greatest lesson I ever learned at JMU is that readers never have an obligation to read your words, no matter how relevant you think the topic is. So while informing them is key, entertaining them is every bit as important. It's something I keep in mind every time I hit the keys, to this day. Cheers!
  Posted: October 28, 2006
  1983
 
Name: Jill (Howard) Church
Year: 1983
JMU Activities: Breeze managing editor, editorial editor, news reporter; Curio writer
Current Job:
 Communications Director, Animals and Society Institute; freelance writer
Email:
jill@animalsandsociety.org
Location:
Atlanta, GA
Previous jobs:
AAA travel writer, PETA publications coordinator, Quaker school communications director
Personal:

I interviewed Paul McCartney. I can die happy.
Other: I work for a nonprofit animal rights public policy institute and freelance on the side. I'm not in a position to hire anyone, but I'm available for writing and copyediting.
  Posted: September 6, 2006
   
 
Name: Steve Church
Year: 1983
JMU Activities: Curio - Editor; Breeze - News Reporter
Current Job:
 Senior Director - Global Business Communications - Georgia-Pacific Corp.
Email:
stevechurch@bellsouth.net
Location:
Atlanta, GA
Previous jobs:
Public Affairs Manager, ICI PLC; Marketing Communications Manager, Greenhorne & O'Mara; Asst. Director - Communications, American Consulting Engineers Council
Personal:

I married Jill Howard. I can die happy.

We have two wonderful, intelligent, independent-thinking children (all thanks to their mom): Adam (13) and Leah (10), along with our dog Rufus (18 - yup, you read that right), and cats Heather (13) and Benjamin (2).
Other: Georgia-Pacific does have internships available in our PR group. Really like to have j-school students; our intern this summer was a Dutch journalism student.
  Posted: September 19, 2006
   
 
Name: Jim Denery
Year: 1983
JMU Activities: The Breeze: feature editor; Curio: business manager; another title that was pretty good but I'm a little fuzzy on it
Current Job:
 Copy desk chief, News & Record, Greensboro, N.C.
Email:
denery58@hotmail.com
Location:
Greensboro, N.C.
Previous jobs:
News editor, The Courier, Benton, Ark.; Managing editor, The Messenger; Troy, Ala.; Staff writer, Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, Va.; Staff writer, The Intelligencer, Doylestown, Pa.; Staff writer, copy editor, assistant city editor, The Progress, Charlottesville, Va.; Acting managing editor, city editor, The Herald-Zeitung, New Braunfels, Texas; Copy chief, online editor, night metro editor, The Express-News, San Antonio, Texas.
Personal:

I'd love to hear from all of you.
Other: I did write a humor column for Patagon.com, a Web site that Ian Katz was running.
  Posted: September 12, 2006
   
 
Name: Lisa Jennings
Year: 1983
JMU Activities: The Breeze, news editor, columnist
Current Job:
 Southern California Bureau Chief, Nation's Restaurant News
Email:
LJennings@nrn.com
Location:
Los Angeles
Previous jobs:
Reporter, food editor, The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn.; assistant editor, Education Week, Washington; Washington Business Journal; United Press International.
Personal:

Married with two boys, ages 11 and 6. My husband is a policy analyst by day, but his real job is screenwriting. (My advice to students writing that screenplay on the side: Stop now, chuck it out the window, don't look back.)
I'm basically a business reporter covering the foodservice industry on the West Coast. That means everything from Jack in the Box to Spago. Occasionally I must suffer through multi-course meals made by top chefs with free-flowing wine I could never afford. But someone has to do it. The upside: I have a home office, so I can be home when my kids get back from school. The downside: Have to travel.
I still have the red plastic mailbox from the Troy Messenger Jim Denery gave me years ago. I'd love to hear from the old gang.
Other: Nation's Restaurant News is a national news weekly, based in New York, with bureaus across the U.S. Our company, Lebhar-Friedman, owns a bunch of other business-to-business publications. They use interns in the New York office, but the publisher has a relationship with another J school in Chicago...
  Posted: October 30, 2006
   
 
Name: Chris Kouba
Year: 1983
JMU Activities: The Breeze, editor, editorial editor and delivery driver
Current Job:
 Director of Content and Strategic Development, Virginian-Pilot Interactive Media
Email:
chris.kouba@pilotonline.com
Location:
Norfolk, Virginia
Previous jobs:
Been developing online products since 1994, had a variety of Pilot newsroom jobs 1983-94: copy editor, layout editor, business magazine editor, features editor
Personal:

Life is good in suburbia-by-the-sea: Dottie and I have 3 daughters, ages 11, 8 and 8 (yes, twins). And a dog. And a cat.
Other: Remember those occasionally (!) sleepless but always exhilerating nights putting out The Breeze? You can still re-create that experience by developing Internet sites. Our breaking-news site PilotOnline.com and community portal HamptonRoads.com continue to grow and evolve, and I'm especially proud of our newest offering: HamptonRoads.tv, and all-video site offering a fresh alternative to local TV. As best we can tell, it was the first "local video portal" in the nation when it launched in 2005