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Interim COFAC Dean Kicks Off Second Podcast Highlighting Alumni Accomplishments

September 27, 2021

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University College of Fine Arts and Communication Interim Dean William "Buzz" Hoon has launched his second podcast, this time highlighting alumni of the college.

"The 'Necks Chapter" begins airing Monday, Sept. 27 on COFAC's YouTube channel. The first interview will be with 1999 School of Music graduate D.J. Alstadt, director of bands at Naperville Central High School, in Naperville, IL. Episodes with alumni from the college will be released every two weeks following the premiere.

Hoon began his first podcast, "Alumni Chats," in January to highlight Broadcasting and Journalism program alumni, and has logged 36 podcasts in that series so far.

"The response from listeners and viewers of 'Alumni Chats' has been terrific and inspired me to start this series to focus on other COFAC programs," said Hoon. "We plan to tell the stories, and celebrate the successes of our alumni, while providing inspiration and connections for our current students. Our alumni are proud of their education, and thankful for the faculty and opportunities they had to grow while attending WIU."

Other alumni scheduled to appear on the new podcast include:

• Caitlin Egan - 2012 bachelor's degree and 2014 master's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Speech Language Pathologist, UChicago Medicine, Chicago, IL

• Neville Crenshaw – 2018 master's degree in Museum Studies, Manager/Special Exhibitions and Featured Experiences/Guest Services, Saint Louis Science Center, St. Louis, MO

• Melody Betts – 2009 MFA in Theatre and Dance, actress, singer, songwriter, writer and director, Chicago, IL

• Tyanna Buie – 2006 bachelor's degree in Art, Assistant Professor/Section Chair Printmaking, College of Creative Studies, Detroit, MI

• Michael Gerrish - 1997 bachelor's degree in Communication and 1999 master's degree in Public Communication and Broadcasting, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, Wellmark Bluecross Blueshield of KS, Lawrence, KS

To view "The 'Necks Chapter" podcasts, visit the COFAC YouTube page wiu.edu/cofac/necks_chapter /index.php. Audio versions of the podcasts are available on Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Tune In and Amazon Music.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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