Communication Week features C.S. Lewis lecture, faculty tributes

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
March 7, 2014

A tribute to faculty mentors as well as a lecture on C.S. Lewis by Oxford University scholar Michael Ward will highlight the 26th Annual Communication Week conference at Texas State University March 24-28.

Ward will deliver his lecture, "The Narnia Codes," about C.S. Lewis' hidden communication codes 12:30-1:50 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, in room 157 of Centennial Hall.

More than 50 alumni of the Department of Communication Studies are expected to return to campus for the conference, honoring communication studies faculty who have served as leaders and mentors to student over the last several decades. A record number of communication studies alumni will present lectures, seminars, and workshops throughout the week.

"For over a quarter of a century, we have been bringing distinguished speakers and authors to campus for Communication Week," said Melinda Villagran, incoming chair of the Department of Communication Studies. "This year we are proud to feature our own amazing alumni, who overwhelmingly agreed to participate in this weeklong tribute to a group of very special professors."

Other highlights of the week include a pair of tribute panels for two communication studies professors who are both completing their 40th year on the faculty at Texas State. On Monday, March 24, Lee Williams will be honored by alumni and students at 5 p.m., and Phil Salem will be honored in a panel beginning at 7:40 p.m. Both events will be held in Centennial Hall Room GO1.

Classroom presentations throughout the week will feature communication studies alumni and advisory board members, who will share their experiences and offer career advice to current students. Additionally, guest lectures will be presented by M.A. program alumni on faculty at institutions such as Emerson University, University of Colorado, Western Oregon University, California Polytechnic Institute, DePaul University, Marquette University and the University of Texas-San Antonio.

Communication Week will culminate with two events at the Texas State University Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 27. The annual Communication Studies Convocation Ceremony will be held in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall at 3:30 p.m., and will include a keynote address by Regents Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Studies Steven A. Beebe. Also at convocation, alumni will pay tribute to Richard Cheatham, former dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. At 5:30 p.m., Timothy Mottet, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, will preside over an event paying tribute to the leadership of Beebe, who this summer will be concluding 28 years of service as department chair.

"It is a special joy to host an event dedicated to honoring our faculty and alumni and share their achievements with the Texas State and San Marcos communities," said Villagran.

All Communication Week events are open to the public. For a complete listing of all Communication Week lectures and events, visit www.txstcommweek2014.wordpress.com, or contact Melinda Villagran at (512) 245-2165.