CMU journalism department upgrades

The Central Michigan University’s journalism program received
a major upgrade over the summer after a monetary donation from
Jeff Caponigro, CMU Board of Trustees chairman.

While students were away for the summer, Moore Hall’s Room 424
was transformed from an ordinary classroom into a high tech
computer lab.

“It helps raise the capability and stature of the journalism
department and, more importantly, helps prepare CMU students
to make a smoother transition into the workplace and to
successfully launch their careers,” Jeff Caponigro told
reporters in an e-mail.

With CMU being a fourth tier school (the lowest rung
possible), the journalism department received an upgrade which
will allow it to stand out and give more credibility to the
department.

"It's a really cool lab to have. It's so much nicer than the previous lab,
the computers are faster and it's a nicer expereince," said Matt Valinski,
junior from Grand Rapids.

The lab has brand new Macintosh computers along the perimeter.
Each computer comes equipped with a wireless keyboard and
wireless mouse.

Outside of the classroom, students can now stop and view one
of the four high definition televisions that were installed in
the hall.

The room also now features technology such as camcorders,
digital cameras and recording equipment.

The lab brings CMU into the future of journalism as the
department looks to add new programs and majors in the future.

“The journalism of today has to be able to undertake
multimedia production,” said Maria Marron, chairperson for the
journalism department.

While students seemed to enjoy the new look of the lab, it was
obvious improvements were still needed.  In recent weeks, the
lab has received decorative upgrades in the form of a fake
tree in the corner and pictures along the top of the wall.

Students also frequently complained that there was no clock in
the room.  However, a digital clock featuring the time of day
in Tokyo, New York City, and Palo Alto, Calif.