EMU Today

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YPSILANTI  --  This month’s episode of EMU Today TV features a new Eastern Michigan University program – the Special Needs Planning and Policy Center; a feature story about the University’s award-winning choir; and, an interview with Men’s Basketball Coach Rob Murphy who has authored a compelling new book about his life growing up in Detroit and becoming a Division 1 coach.

The Special Needs Planning and Policy Center is designed to be a clearinghouse, coordinating unit, and an outreach center to service the planning and education needs of stakeholders who have family members with special needs. Part of the program’s distinctiveness is that it is co-hosted by the University’s College of Business and the College of Health and Human Services. You will hear from Center co-director Lewis Hershey, department head and professor of marketing in the University's College of Business. 

The Eastern Michigan University Choir celebrated the holiday season with Candlelight Concerts that took place at Pease Auditorium on campus and at Detroit’s Orchestra Hall. A special behind the scenes video provides an inside look at how the University’s Choir prepared for the performances.

The final segment of the episode features an interview with Eastern Michigan Men’s Basketball Coach Rob Murphy about his new book that discusses his upbringing in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Detroit. Murphy describes the path that led him to becoming a Division 1 basketball coach. 

“DEEP The Life of Rob Murphy” chronicles Murphy's remarkable career, which includes the obstacles and circumstances that led to his unforeseen path. Throughout the book, Murphy shares valuable life lessons that allowed him to defy the odds and become the basketball powerhouse that he is today. In telling his story with truth and confidence, he provides a surge of inspiration for all. "You can't control where you came from but you can decide where you're going," said Murphy. 

Deep is now available at www.robmurphyfoundation.org. Proceeds from DEEP help raise money for the Rob Murphy Foundation, which serves thousands of under-privileged youth in Detroit and Ypsilanti communities.

About EMU Today TV

Now in its third season, EMU Today TV features positive programs, events and initiatives at Eastern, and provides opportunities for viewers to learn more from University deans, faculty, students and administrators about activities at the University.

The student co-host for the program is Alexis Berent, a senior majoring in Electronic Media and Film Studies with a minor in Theatre Arts. Berent, from Canton, Mich., has been acting for 13 years in theatre, film, and commercial work. Mark S. Lee, host of CBS Radio’s Small Talk with Mark S. Lee, is the other co-host. Lee is an Eastern Michigan University alumnus, and part time lecturer of Marketing at Eastern. He is an entrepreneur, Crain's Detroit blogger and frequent contributor to various Detroit-area media outlets on business topics.

Jadan Shorts, a junior majoring in Journalism and a minor in Communications, is a field reporter to provide coverage of events occurring on campus. She is a spots reporter for the University’s student newspaper, the Eastern Echo, and a host of the E-TV production, “The Dish.” Shorts is from Ohio. 

Students in the Communication, Media and Theatre Arts program are actively involved in the production, gaining media and production experience they can include on their resumes and helping lead to careers once they graduate.

In addition to viewing on the University's YouTube channel, the program airs on the following days/times through the month on Xfinity On Demand, beginning Thursday, November 7:

• Thursdays @ 8:30 pm (Premier Day)
• Saturdays @ 8:00 am
• Sundays @ 10:30 am
• Tuesdays @ 9:30 am
• Wednesdays @ 4:00 pm

The program is directed by Keith Damron, associate professor of Electronic Media and Film Studies. During his career, Damon has worked as a production engineer and writer for E Entertainment Television, Universal Studios and Warner Brothers Animation. He has worked at Eastern since 2002.

Steve Martin, radio and TV engineer in the School of Communications, Media & Theatre Arts is chief engineer and responsible for set design.

Lewis Hershey, head of the department of marketing and professor of marketing in the University’s College of Business, and Walter Kraft, vice president for communications, are co-producers along with Lee, who originated the program concept.

New episodes of EMU Today will be produced monthly through March 2020 and available on Xfinity On Demand. Xfinity customers can access the program by the following: Using their remote press Xfinity>On Demand>XFINITY Services>Get Local. For non-Xfinity customers, all episodes also will be available on the Eastern Michigan University YouTube channel.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.