The Communication Studies graduate program is on the rise — the number of 2004 applicants has more than tripled last year’s. In fact, the school awarded its 100th Ph.D. last semester to Angie Planisek during the Dec. 13 Commencement ceremony.

Dr. Rebecca Rubin, Planisek’s adviser, explained the significance of the ceremony.

“The ceremony shows the respect and credibility of the Ph.D. program in general, having produced 100 Ph.D.s in a 30-year period,” she said. “This means that 100 alumni are out there, in other colleges and universities, sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. This helps the reputation of the program and the university.” The reputation of the program and the university, Rubin said, are reasons for the school’s dramatic increase in graduate applicants.

Rubin said the presence and participation of Dr. Dominic Infante, the first recipient of a Ph.D. from the School of Communication Studies, helped make the ceremony even more meaningful. Infante was also on the school’s faculty for many years. Both Infante and Dean Jim Gaudino helped Rubin “hood” Planisek during the ceremony.

The hood on the robe (of a person earning a Ph.D.) carries a special meaning, symbolizing the mastery and discipline of learning and scholarship. Rubin said colors on the hood represent the student’s academic field and his or her alma mater.

President Carol A. Cartwright also honored Planisek during the commencement ceremony. After paying a tribute to the 100th Ph.D. recipient, the two had their picture taken together, along with Gaudino and Infante.

Planisek is currently teaching two sections of communication for teachers here at Kent State. In August, she will become a full-time faculty member at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. Planisek plans to continue her research in instructional communication in hopes that she will improve teachers’ communication skills, as well as the relationships they have with students.

--Sara Gustafson, Comm Studies ‘04
with Renee Freismuth, Public Relations.

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