More than 40 people attended today's dedication of the Stauffer Multimedia Newsroom in honor of Stanley and Madeline Stauffer, whose generosity made the newsroom possible. Representatives of several news organizations, J-School faculty and staff, and KU administrators were here. But where were the guests of honor? The reception was scheduled for noon; it was nearly 12:30 and the only Stauffer in attendance was Louise, who had just this morning been reminded that the event was taking place. She was here almost as an afterthought, to see her grandparents.
The guests who were here included several J-School professors: aside from Dean Ann Brill, Dick Nelson, and Rick Musser, the emcee, there were James Gentry, Linda Davis, Peggy Kuhr, Susanne Shaw, Chuck Marsh, Malcolm Gibson, Carol Holstead, Sharon Bass, Patty Noland, Barbara Barnett, Doug Ward, and Bob Basow. Other KU personages in attendance included Vice Provost Don Steeples, James Mechler of the Endowment Association, and Lynn Bretz, director of University Relations.
The newsroom was abuzz with casual conversation and media interviews -- media people interviewing media people about the media. Channel 13, the Capital-Journal, the Journal-World, and the campus media all had representatives in attendance. It was a collegial, insider's atmosphere.
At the same time the business of the newsroom continued. KUJH writers and producers, along with 694 students like myself, had to maintain our focus as much as possible while surrounded by visitors. Producer Marc Ricketts had only a few hours to put a broadcast together, as he does every Friday afternoon. He remained bravely at his post as the room filled, knowing he was on display. I was trying frantically get ahold of Sgt. Ward at the police department so I could fill out the police log; yet once Dean Brill's presentation started, I was crossing my fingers that he would not call back until it was over. Fortunately he complied. Brandi Mathiesen and Natalie Flanzer, also of the 694 class, went about their usual duties, helping 415 students upload their stories to the web.
Dean Brill finally decided to begin the presentation without the Stauffers, letting Louise act as representative of the family. She spoke, then gave the floor to Prof. Musser, who presented Louise with a framed drawing of the newsroom, and a card for the Stauffers signed by all the students who work in the newsroom. Louise accepted the gifts on her grandparents' behalf. And then, the signal came from the hallway--the guests of honor were here.
Ultimately, the fact that we had to wait for the Stauffers only enhanced the drama of the occasion. They made a grand entrance, greeted by a rousing ovation from all the guests and students.
Mr. Stauffer himself was gracious but concise. "This is the new media," he said, and that said it all.
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