Public Communication Student and Faculty Work

"Because the treatment of Jack Johnson was so shameful in our history, his case is beyond controversy, except perhaps in the eyes of the most contentious bigots," said Leonard Steinhorn, professor of public communication, in a Los Angeles Times story about Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight boxing champion who was convicted of crossing state lines with a prostitute, and current campaign to get him a presidential pardon. After seeing Steinhorn quoted in that article, producers at ABC News contacted him for an interview. "He was a black man who didn't play by the white rules and he also was involved with white women. All of those were no-no’s to White America in those days," he told ABC. The segment was broadcast on more than 25 ABC local affiliate stations and also was posted to ABCnews.com

Companies Sponsor Public Communication Awards
The 16 winners of the 2009 public communication awards walked away with  more than an accolade.  Eight sponsoring companies and two AU sponsors each gave $100 to distribute to every senior and graduate student who won an award. Read more & check out the winning projects

AU's PRSSA Chapter Hosts Conference

The American University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosted their fourth annual Regional Conference, The PR Spin Cycle, on Friday, February 29 and March 1 on the campus of American University in Washington D.C. Find AU PRSSA on facebook

Nisbet Gives Lecture at NIH Conference

Matt Nisbet lectured about "Communicating Evolution" at a conference sponsored by the NIH and the National Academies on Apr. 13. Read more about the lecture series and watch video of lecture. Nisbet also recently gave a talk at an EU-sponsored workshop to discuss science communication in Italy.

Student Interviews Prof For German Podcast

In her piece New Style of Campaigning for the German podcast PR on Air, PC grad student Nina Keim interviewed Prof Matt Nisbet on the new era of political campaigning and the opportunities to integrate opinion leaders. Listen to podcast in English (intro in German).

Grad Student Published Essay on NPR

Graduate student Millicent Hunter's piece "Freedom Through Pain" from her writing course with Darrel Hayes was published on the NPR "This I believe" essay section.

DC's Mayor acknowledges student work

DC's Mayor Adrian Fenty commended Gemma Puglisi's class in a letter for their work for DC BOOKS to PRISON.

Students Provide Live Analysis of Presidential Debate on FOX 5

Prof. Lenny Steinhorn and three students from his War Room course provided live analysis of the Oct. 2 vice presidential debate via a Fox 5 online chat. The students also provided live analysis of the first presidential debate as an extension of Campaign U, a Fox 5/AU project tracking the class throughout the semester. Watch video of the class or visit the class Facebook page.

BBC Interviews Communication Students

Three students in Dotty Lynch’s Polls, Politics and the Youth Vote course were interviewed about the class by a BBC reporter for Good Morning Scotland. The course was first offered in Fall 2008 and students worked closely with Gallup and USA Today on the AU Poll of Young Voters.

Stack Reveals the Human Side of Death Penalty

Richard Stack's book Dead Wrong: Violence, Vengeance and the Victims of Capital Punishment reveals the human side of the death penalty and comes face-to-face with current issues involving capital punishment. More faculty books.

Professor Provides Analysis of Palin Resignation for Fox-5 News

Professor Lenny Steinhorn appeared on WTTG-Fox 5 news in an on-air interview to discuss Sarah Palin’s decision to resign as Governor of Alaska. “I think there was a very rational reason for why she wasn’t going to stick around,” said Steinhorn. “ For us in politics and media, she’s the gift that keeps on giving.”