School of Communications celebrates 40 years, longtime faculty member

October 15, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 4)
Article by Lauren Wayburn

Alex Nesteranko behind podium at the Alumni House

Keith Donovan speaks from a podium; people seated at tables at the Alumni House

Grand Valley’s School of Communications celebrated its 40th anniversary October 10 at the Alumni House.

The milestone event not only marked four decades of communications education at the university but also paid tribute to Alexander Nesterenko, professor and former director of the School of Communications, whose impact on the department and its students has been felt for over 40 years.

Alum Tina Dee spoke about how Nesterenko’s outstanding instruction, academic advising and lifelong mentorship allowed her to grow as a college student and excel in her professional development.

“The School of Communications is exceptional, and Alex is a very special educator. Not all educators take the time to notice and nurture potential," Dee said. "I was in my late 20s and a junior, and it was the first time in my life that I felt seen by an educator. And it truly made all the difference in the world.”

The event launched the Dr. Alex Nesterenko Graduate Student Endowment Fund, a new scholarship designed to support future graduate students in communications. The goal is to raise $50,000 in an endowed fund to provide ongoing financial assistance for needs like conferences, travel and professional development to students pursuing a master's degree in communication at GVSU.

Richard Besel, professor and director, emphasized the importance of this fund. “Dr. Nesterenko’s dedication has been instrumental in shaping the School of Communications. His legacy will continue through this endowment, empowering the next generation of communication professionals,” he said

The evening’s program included speeches by alumni who spanned all four decades of the school’s history. Keith Donovan, CEO of Airfoil in Detroit and a 1997 graduate, delivered the keynote address.

Donovan spoke passionately about the “next 40 years” of the evolving nature of communications, specifically the impact of artificial intelligence, hyper-personalization of content, and an increased emphasis on brand authenticity.

– Lauren Wayburn, is a student and member of GrandPR; Adrienne Wallace, associate professor of advertising and public relations, contributed to this article