1.  This morning, at an oral thesis defense before my committee of three, I completed my master's degree in Communicating Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

The defense was like my entire graduate career at UWS: rigorous, enlightening, intellectually stimulating and thoroughly enjoyable. It was also bittersweet, because it heralds the close of my student career.

 I love UWS, and I love the Comm Arts program. Over a span of many years (I'm a "non-traditional" student, which means old, and most of my career has been print journalism), I have attended Macalester College in St. Paul, the University of Minnesota in Mpls., and the University of Minnesota at Duluth. So I'm in a position to compare institutions. There is a sense of open-mindedness at UWS - of free inquiry and tolerance for new ideas and perspectives, unimpeded by academic politics - that I didn't find at the other schools. As though the fresh air that blows in from Lake Superior flows freely through the buildings and past the lovely campus trees, and right into the minds of students and teachers. I wanted a graduate program near home (I live in Duluth), and expected that UWS's would be adequate; I didn't anticipate the excellence I found.

The Comm Arts department itself comprises a diverse and lively group of extraordinarily talented people who are both demanding and supportive of students. Their overarching characteristic is a love of and dedication to learning, in the best Renaissance tradition. They have helped enlarge my vision and introduced me to new perspectives, for which I am grateful.

Susan Stanich, M.A. (May 2009)

2.  University of Wisconsin-Superior is a wonderful school to be at. If you ever wanted a school to attend that people would recognize on a national level then UWS may not be the right place for you. But, if you want a school to attend where classes are generally small, the professors actually know you by name; surrounded by an exquisite scenery of the twin ports area, the UW-Superior is perfect.  I had a wonderful experience at UWS and have been looking for ways totry to come back in a professional capacity.  Upon leaving UWS, I bounced around Minneapolis, MN and Milwaukee, WI before going overseas to teach English for a year in Hwa Seong City, South Korea. Which to give you an idea of where it's located, I was about an hour south of Seoul, Korea. When I came back to the U.S, I worked in Chicago for close to a year before finally coming to Orlando, FL where currently I am working for Three Stars, Inc in a Human Resources capacity.

John Yates (Former Undergraduate Student)

3.  "Obtaining my M.A. through the department of Communicating Arts at UWS was one of the best decisions I've made.  As a working mom, commuter student I was able to create a customized class schedule that minimized my drive time and maximized my robust, engaging study of communication phenomena.  The staff was amazing: well-educated, vibrant, empathetic yet firm.  I felt I was stretched intellectually and academically while being encouraged the whole way.  I strongly recommend this program to anyone who's dreamed of returning to graduate school in a communication field.  As a recent graduate, I'm mourning the loss of weekly conversations with my instructors and peers but celebrating the wonderful relationships, life changing experiences, and the accomplishments of obtaining this degree!"

Miriam Kero, M.A. (May 2009)

4.  Major in communicating Arts was the best on-the-go decision I made as a sophomore in my student career. It allowed me to approach first my teachers in a different, more efficient manner, than my parents and friends and last but not least my future employers.   During my interview, I did not realize nor think about what was happening or what I was doing, behaving or reacting. All I was worried about was making a good impression on who is my employer today, which I must have since I am employed today in this economy. It was the relentless practice, and coaching that I had learn view, review in different forms and ways. Classes such as group communication and interpersonal communication allowed me to be ready to apply communication at all times, and has become part of my DNA, and makes me ready for any situation.
It was one of the best decisions I made as a student.
 
Kevin Bayiha, Class of 2009


5.  I just wanted to let you know I was offered my dream job in Eau Claire and I start September 1, 2010!  I will be working for the American Cancer Society in Youth Initiatives focusing mainly on Coaches vs. Cancer.  I will have the responsibility of contacting high school coaches and asking for their support via fundraising for our local Relay For Life events in surrounding counties.  An important aspect of the position is not only communication but also building and maintaining relationships, something I learned during my time as a Speech Communication student!  I am truly honored to have been a part of such a wonderful department at UW-Superior and feel completely prepared for the duties this job entails because of the lessons I learned in and out of the classroom.  Thank you for your encouragement and support!

-Jamie Lynn Nelson

Communicating Arts Major - Speech Communication Concentration
Class of 2010