The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University is set to honor six industry leaders at the upcoming 49th Murrow Symposium. Among this year's Hall of Achievement awardees are Bruce Amundson, Paul Casey, Marty Dickinson, Scott Hallock, Roberta Kelly, and Bill Swartz. The symposium, which is scheduled for April 1-2, 2025, stands as an annual event celebrating individuals who have made significant strides in communication, media, and public service. In particular, the Hall of Achievement shines a light on Murrow College graduates who have gone on to make substantial contributions in their fields.
Amundson, known widely for his role in the telecommunications and forest products industries, has nearly four decades of experience under his belt. His track record includes transforming a local Bellevue newspaper into a modern daily publication and continuing to give back to his alma mater through his work on the WSU Foundation and Murrow College advisory boards. Casey, on the other hand, who is the CEO of his own firm, Casey Communications Inc., has managed to not only found a successful business but also participate in large-scale projects such as the Downtown Seattle Tunnel. According to WSU's news release, Casey is also a WSU graduate who has written extensively on self-employment and served on the Murrow Professional Advisory Board.
Marketing executive Marty Dickinson has made her mark within the Spokane business and civil sectors, holding high-ranking positions at Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU), Umpqua Bank, and the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce. Her dedication to urban development and marketing initiatives has not gone unnoticed, with a career expanding over 27 years. Additionally, television producer Scott Hallock, a name synonymous with popular programming like Syfy's Scare Tactics and NBC's Howie Do It, brings his wealth of experience in broadcasting and entertainment media to the Hall of Achievement's esteemed roster. His efforts have not only resulted in national recognition but have also helped to elevate the reputation of Murrow College's broadcasting program.
Roberta Kelly, a professor emerita who served WSU for nearly five decades, has significantly contributed to the academic and instructional landscape of Murrow College. Her work emphasized science writing, reporting, and writing coordination, enriching the lives and careers of countless students throughout her tenure. Similarly, Swartz's reputable voice has been broadcasting through Seattle's airwaves since the 1980s, covering sports with a deep passion and expertise. His diligent work on Washington Huskies football and KOMO's Thursday Night Dawg House has garnered him recognition, including two Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards.
Those looking forward to the Celebration of Excellence & Hall of Achievement Presentation can mark their calendars for April 1, at 4 p.m., where the event will take place in the CUB Senior Ballroom on the WSU Pullman campus. The symposium promises not only to honor these distinguished individuals but also to offer workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for attendees. More details and registration information are available on the Murrow Symposium website.
