EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2005, has selected five graduates for its annual outstanding alumni recognition program. The award winners will be honored at graduation ceremonies May 6 at Breslin Center.
Joining previous notables are the executive editor of the San Jose Mercury News; the president and CEO of D.O.C. Optics; forensic audio specialist for the FBI; an Emmy and Murrow award winning TV journalist; and a local media pioneer. They are:
Susan B. Goldberg
Susan Goldberg received a bachelor’s degree with honors in journalism in 1984. Currently, she is the executive editor and vice president of the San Jose Mercury News, where she oversees all aspects of news operations and a 350-person staff. Goldberg’s distinguished career in journalism began while an undergraduate at MSU when she interned at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and was hired shortly thereafter. She has worked at the Detroit Free Press and spent 10 years with the USA Today during its evolution into an award-winning national daily. She is engaged in local community outreach as a board member of the American Cancer Society and member of the Rotary Club.
Richard S. Golden
Richard Golden received a bachelor’s degree in advertising in 1969. He started his career in advertising sales at WABX-FM radio, where he became national sales manager. In 1977, he joined D.O.C. Optics Corp., the nation’s eighth largest optical chain, as director of advertising, and is now president and CEO.Golden is the creator of SEE — a revolutionary retail concept in vision — combining fashion with sensible prices. He is a highly visible spokesman, best known as a style-maker for his innovative “Sexy Specs” campaign. He is also the director of Gilda’s Club of Metropolitan Detroit and has been a guest speaker for the MSU Student Advertising Association.
Hirotaka Nakasone
Hirotaka Nakasone earned his master’s degree in audiology and speech sciences in 1979, followed by a Ph.D. in 1984. Currently, he is a forensic scientist and examiner of audio evidence for the FBI. In this capacity, he provides forensic examinations in voice comparison, speech/signal analysis, and audio enhancement. He has conducted a total of 1,200 forensic cases involving criminal, domestic, and international terrorism investigations. While at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, he designed the Computer Assisted Voice Identification System (CAVIS) that has been adopted by law enforcement and intelligence agencies throughout the world.
Richard H. Newberg
Richard Newberg received a master’s degree in television and radio in 1971.Currently, he is the senior correspondent for WIVB-TV in Buffalo, N.Y., and regional vice president for the New York Chapter of the National Television Academy. Newberg began his career as a television news troubleshooter, helping viewers solve problems that seemed insurmountable to them. His documentaries, which have won eight Emmy and three regional Murrow awards, focus on the human struggle for dignity and have included topics ranging from the haunting memories of Holocaust survivors to the challenges facing the mentally ill and developmentally disabled.
Clarence E. (Dusty) Rhodes
Clarence (Dusty) Rhodes received his bachelor’s degree in speech and theatre in 1950. He began working in Michigan radio as an announcer, news director, station manager and owner. He then formed a network of several Michigan FM stations – Mid-State Broadcasting – including WSWM, WGMZ, WABX and WQDC, and served as executive vice president. As vice president and member of the Panax Corp. Board of Directors, he oversaw the acquisition and operation of several radio and television stations and newspapers. He is well-known for his role as president of United Press International Television News, where he guided the company in news transmission to more than 120 clients in 70-plus nations. Now retired, Rhodes is known to Lansing-area residents as the former owner of Elysee Boulangerie, Dusty’s Cellar and Dusty’s Wine Bar and Pub.
Since its establishment in 1955, the college has graduated more than 30,000 students in five degree areas. It currently has more than 3,200 students including 26 masters and 92 doctoral students.
This year, the more than 860 graduates will hear another outstanding alumnus, Michael Budman, the founder and president of Roots, who will give the graduation address as part of a year-long series of 50th anniversary events.
Budman received a bachelor’s degree in advertising in 1968. He founded Roots in 1973 and has grown the Canadian business into a 200-store, five-country operation. His company is best known for outfitting U.S., Canadian and British teams in Roots gear for the Olympics — especially the U.S. team berets. In October 2003, he was the grand marshal of the MSU homecoming parade.
In addition to this year’s award winners, graduates have made a difference in a broad array of professions, including: Pete Gent, who played for the Dallas Cowboys and authored numerous books including "North Dallas 40"; Wanda Herndon, a journalism graduate who is senior vice president of Starbucks Coffee Co.; Kay Koplovitz a telecommunication major and the founder of the USA Network; and Dick Beals who was the voice of Speedy Alka Seltzer. Many previous winners will attend this year’s ceremony.
Acting Dean Chuck Salmon said this year’s inductees are especially representative of the 50th anniversary theme: “communication: the power to change.”
The outstanding alumni will be honored at a special dinner at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at the University Club of Michigan State University. Michael Budman will address college’s graduating seniors at 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, at the Breslin Center.
For information on prior award winners go to: http://cas.msu.edu/alumni/awards.html