EMU Today

YPSILANTI  --  The third episode of Eastern Michigan's EMU Today TV program features the University's #YouAreWelcomeHere international student campaign as well as an inside look at one of the University's newest academic programs, Fermentation Science, and its expanding connections with Michigan's craft beer industry. The 30-minute program also includes a segment about the College of Technology, its growth and expansion of engineering programs. 

You can watch the new episode on the University's YouTube channel.

"The #YouAreWelcomeHere campaign has been positively received on campus and in the community," said Walter Kraft, vice president for communications who was interviewed on the program. "Our effort is aimed at welcoming international students and scholars to Eastern by highlighting our supportive environment, diversity, beautiful campus, and high quality academic programs. The campaign has the added benefit of conveying the overall welcoming campus we offer for all students, whether international or from Metro Detroit, outstate Michigan or across the United States." 

The segment includes several of the videos that have been produced as part of the campaign, including one that highlights the welcoming Ypsilanti community, which was produced in a collaboration by Eastern's Division of Communications, the Washtenaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau (#YpsiReal), and the City of Ypsilanti. 

Eastern's campaign, which was launched in April 2017, features banners on light posts around campus, t-shirts, and several videos highlighting the positive environment at Eastern. It ties in with the national #YouAreWelcomeHere campaign, which was initiated at Temple University in Philadelphia and now includes more than 300 universities around the nation. 

The Fermentation Science program is one of Eastern's newest academic programs, providing an in-depth understanding and hands-on experience in the chemistry and science behind fermentation. The growth in fermentation-related industries, such as craft beer, wine, cheese, and other applications in fuels and medicine, contribute to making the program one of the most popular new programs at Eastern. Professor Cory Emal from the Chemistry Department, who leads the program along with Professor Gregg Wilmes, is the guest for the EMU Today TV segment. 

"Professors Emal and Wilmes have created a science-centric program that prepares students in many of these rapid-growing industries," said Kraft. "Additionally, their involvement in the development of a new craft brewing school in Midtown Detroit, in conjunction with a local brewery, is designed to bring more diverse communities into the brewing industry."  

EMU Today TV is available on Xfinity Video On Demand (VOD), on Eastern Michigan University’s YouTube channel, and it can be viewed in the Detroit region on Comcast/Xfinity, CN900, during the following times (EST):

Tue. 9:30 a.m.
Thu. 8:30 p.m.
Sat.  8:00 a.m.
Sun 10:30 a.m.

Co-hosts for the program are Sarah Poteracki, a junior double majoring in Electronic Media and Film Studies, and Entertainment Design and Technology; and, Mark S. Lee, host of CBS Radio’s Small Talk with Mark S. Lee. 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.

Dereka Bennett, a senior majoring in Media Studies and Journalism, is a field reporter to provide coverage of events occurring on campus.

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.

Professor Lewis Hershey, head of the department of marketing in the University's College of Business, and Kraft, are co-producers along with Lee, who originated the program concept.

New episodes of EMU Today will be produced monthly through March 2018.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 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; Health and Human Services; Technology, 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.