Not many people can say they’ve designed a costume for Kool-Aid Man, Tarzan’s gorilla friends and a flying fish for The Little Mermaid.

Brigham Young University student Stephen Tanner was a finalist in the Broadcast News category of the the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s 2012 Journalism Awards Program. In addition to Tanner’s recognition, the BYU broadcast journalism program ranked fifth overall in the nation, up from its sixth-place ranking in 2011.

Douglas McKinlay, a professor in the Communications Department, will give an address titled “The Approachable Master: Life's Critical Relationship” at the weekly Brigham Young University devotional Tuesday, June 19, at 11:05 p.m. in the de Jong Concert Hall. It will be broadcast live on KBYU-TV (Channel 11), BYUtv, KBYU-FM (89.1), BYU-Radio and at byutv.org, as well as on campus in the Joseph Smith Building auditorium and the Varsity Theater in the Wilkinson Student Center. For rebroadcast and reprint information, visit byutv.org or speeches.byu.edu. McKinlay graduated from BYU in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in mass communications. McKinlay moved to New York and found work in the advertising department at General Electric. While working there he also taught courses in mass communications at Schenectady Community College. After leaving General Electric, McKinlay became the executive vice president at Keiler Advertising, an agency bringing in $50 million a year in the late ‘70s. In 1980, McKinlay separated from Keiler and started McKinlay Advertising, which later became McKinlay and Partners. For the next 16 years he directed the company as it grew into a solid agency in the Connecticut market. As an associate teaching professor, he helped design a creative track in marketing communications. The track consists of seven courses, two of which had never been taught before at BYU. McKinlay teaches a class on writing for various media and a class designed to polish a portfolio. For more information, contact Douglas McKinlay at (801) 422-8030. Source: BYU News

First major study to examine Weir family's collective artistic production Marian Wardle, curator of American Art for the Brigham Young University Museum of Art, has received the W.E. Fischelis Award from the Victorian Society in America for her work as editor and co-author of the book, 'The Weir Family, 1820-1920: Expanding the Traditions of American Art.'

The Brigham Young University School of Music will present a guest performance by pianist Keith Kirchoff Tuesday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Madsen Recital Hall. The concert will feature works composed by BYU music professor Michael Hicks.

Season tickets on sale June 5 The Brigham Young University College of Fine Arts and Communications announces its 2012-2013 Performing Arts Series season, featuring professional musicians, dancers and theatre-makers from as far as India and the United Kingdom and as close as Salt Lake City.

The Brigham Young University School of Music presents the classic Gilbert and Sullivan opera 'The Mikado' Wednesday through Saturday, June 6-9, at 7:30 p.m. in the de Jong Concert Hall on the BYU campus.

Susan B. Walton, formerly an associate chair in the Department of Communications, has been appointed Vice President of Public Affairs at the University of North Dakota, effective on July 2, 2012. She will be the first person to occupy that newly-created position in the history of the university. Walton has taught public relations classes and other communications courses at the university for six years.

With a final performance 30,000 feet over South Africa, the Young Ambassadors concluded their tour of southern Africa. Over the course of 27 days, they traveled through three countries, giving performances, workshops, and firesides; visiting schools, orphanages, and nursing homes; and even finding time to see the local sights.

According to the Princeton Review, “A good professor can shape your success in a particular class–but a truly amazing professor can change your life forever.” They partnered with RateMyProfessors.com (the #1 professor rating site) and students across the country to find the professors who have made a lasting impact in the lives of their students. Rosalind Hall, associate professor from the School of Music, was rated as one of the top 300 professors in the nation! Many know Rosalind Hall as the conductor of Men’s Chorus and Concert Choir from their dynamic performances, from the playful to the ethereal. While it’s clear she draws out a high level of musicality, from where comes that extra notch that makes her stand out. Reviewers on RateMyProfessors.com give some clues. Writes one former student, “She knows her stuff, and knows everyone she teaches by name – all 300+ students.” Another writes, “Rehearsals are so productive and spiritual. She will never settle for anything but your best. You must work hard and give your all but the work is SO rewarding.” For an inside look at rehearsals, check out the YouTube video created by members of Concert Choir. The BYU Men’s Chorus also has a gallery of rehearsal photos that let everyone in on the national-level experience. For her dedication and excellence, it becomes clear why Rosalyn Hall is one of America’s top professors. Read about the Princeton Review’s list here and be sure to click on the link to the pdf that lists the 300 top professors. Learn more about Sister Hall on the Men's Chorus website.

While in Durban, the Young Ambassadors hosted a 'For the Strength of Youth' workshop where the group taught the principles from the pamphlet to 170 of the top honor students from seven high schools. The 2 ½ hour workshop was a wonderful experience and at the end of the workshop the group performed a few more numbers and also sang spiritual songs to the students. Directly after the workshop, the Young Ambassadors were also a part of the Church Public Affairs wheelchair exchange that was tied to the 8-million audience of Nkozi FM. It was a touching experience for all involved.

By Blair Howell