#7: Jim Shoots And Edits Video, Too!
With the assistance and guidance of Sid MacLeod, La Salle's video production expert, Jim created a memory video for his
oldest daughter's eighth grade graduating class. He previewed a 14-minute version for the graduates and their parents
at a Spaghetti Dinner celebration on May 31, 2006, and Jim and Sid completed a final half-hour version for the graduates to
enjoy on their graduation day (June 14). Jim spent a full school day with the students videotaping them in their gowns and
recording their thoughts on graduating. He also interviewed teachers and the principal for inclusion in the final cut. He
combined this footage with lots of still photos and some other live-action video supplied by the students and their parents.
#6: Jim Condenses 50 Years Into 5000 Words
When St. John of the Cross Parish contracted with Olan Mills to produce a Parish Directory, the directory's editor asked
Jim to write the history of the parish. During the first half of 2005, Jim researched, compiled, edited and re-edited many
of the highlights of the founding and fostering of Roslyn's Catholic community. Packed with information, Jim strived for an
easy-to-read, year-by-year accounting of St. John's "Milestones, Memories and Miscellanies."
#5: Jim Writes And Designs An Invitation For A Party 75 Years In The Making
Using pictures, graphics and witty text, Jim designed an invitation for his dad's surprise birthday party on April 17,
2004. Party-goers appreciated the inventive invite and also enjoyed Jim Jr.'s "toast" for Jim Sr., which involved lyrics Jim
wrote and sang to the tune of "Daddy's Little Girl." But that's another story in itself.
#4: Jim Produces Brochure For Parish Grade School
The Principal of St. John of the Cross School in Roslyn wanted a brochure to help with the school's 2004-2005 student
registration drive in March 2004. Jim responded with a trifold design centered around the theme "Experience." His copywriting
progressed from "Proud Of Our Past" to "Thriving In Today's World" to "Building Our Future." Jim attended St. John's School
from 1967-1975, and his three oldest children entered the 7th, 4th and 2nd grades there in September 2004.
#3: Jim Wins La Salle Charter Celebration Quiz Prize And Shares The Wealth
As part of its annual Charter Celebration, La Salle University sponsored a "Lasallian Heritage Quiz" on its Web site.
Jim was one of four quiz-takers who answered all 25 questions correctly. In a subsequent drawing on Thursday, March 18, 2004,
Jim won the second-place prize of $200. He promptly donated half his winnings to the Communication Department's Brother Gerry
Scholarship Fund.
#2: Jim Judges National Radio News Contest
Jim served as a judge for the 2003 StateNets News Awards competition. He scored the "Best Documentary" and "Best Series"
categories of entries submitted by state radio networks across the country. The awards were handed out in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,
in early December 2003.
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#1: Jim Helps Parish Publicize Jubilee
St. John of the Cross Parish in Roslyn, Pennsylvania, celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2003, and Pastor
Rev. Msgr. Thomas Duane called on Jim to help "spread the Good News" about St. John's Golden Jubilee. Jim researched, wrote,
and distributed press releases to local, regional and archdiocesan media outlets. Follow-up coverage included a reporter's
story with accompanying photos in the Philadelphia Inquirer's "Neighbors" section on Sunday, February 9, 2003; and
a front-page color photo with reprinted press release in the October 2003 edition of Roslyn/Abington Life.
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| #7 |
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| The 13 students in the Class of 2006 at St. John of the Cross School pose with their teachers. |
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| Here are the three outside panels of the trifold brochure. |
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| Click above to learn more about the Brother Gerry Scholarship Fund. |
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| Jim created this logo to accompany his press releases |
Jim completed his 33rd semester as an adjunct professor in La Salle's Communication Department
on December 20, 2006. The Fall 2006 term was Jim's 24th consecutive semester (a 12-year span!) teaching Spring
and Fall (15-week) courses for the department.
During his 33 semesters, Jim did not cancel a single class meeting with his students, although
he did not attend two classes – one during his honeymoon in November 1990 and a second one after the birth of his second
child in February 1995. Jim invited a guest speaker to cover the two classes he missed during his 17-year teaching career
at La Salle.
Jim began teaching Radio (now Audio) Production in Olney Hall (Room 99) in January 1989.
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