In fall 2013, new and returning broadcast students were among the first in Appalachian State University's new 18,000 square-foot George G. Beasley Media Complex, which houses broadcast studios, classrooms, labs and offices for faculty members. A generous gift from Appalachian alumnus George G. Beasley of Naples, Fla., along with state funds and other private donations, have made the media complex a reality.
Transcript
Beasley Media Complex
(opening video of new Beasley Media Complex on Rivers Street, music bedding)
Dan "Vallie" Hill, Practitioner in Residence, Department of Communication: I've been in the business for over 40 years and as long as I've been in the business I've heard of George Beasley's name. He's one of the pioneers of the industry. His generation are pioneers in the industry and set the tone and groundwork for what the industry became, and obviously over a period of time George became one of the giants of the industry.
Hill: I love the type of man George Beasley is. He's modest, he's professional, he's thorough, he's goal-oriented, he's determined, he carries himself like a true professional, and I think he's an inspiration to a lot of people. I have an admiration for him. I enjoy spending time with him.
Hill: This is a very impressive building, an impressive facility and I think it's one of the most beautiful buildings on campus. We're standing on the radio floor now and on the radio floor we have the main on-air studio, which is very impressive. We have a duplicate studio right next to that studio that we're calling a teaching studio. And we also have on this floor and the next floor the audio and video labs, and we've more than doubled the number of labs we have so it's going to be great for the students to be able to work here. So, it's really a beautiful facility, and of course the TV facilities, so it's a very impressive facility and it will be great for the students.
Emmy Welsh, electronic media/broadcasting major, Class of 2015: That's the only thing I've been hearing about for a month now, is just 'Oh my gosh, the Beasley building, oh my gosh, have you seen it, have you looked inside?' This, I'm grinning only because I'm so excited. I see a lot of fun happening in this room because I know that everyone is so eager. I feel lucky to be the first one in here right now, actually.
Patrick Sidlovsky, electronic media/broadcasting major, Class of 2016: I was just like a kid in a candy store, you know, just exploring as much as I could and just thinking what these empty rooms are going to be like in the fall. I can't wait to see what kind of surprises I'll find there.
Alex Gulledge, electronic media/broadcasting major, Class of 2015: It's just going to be a great building. It's going to be home for the communication department and that's the thing I'm looking forward to most. We're all ecstatic for that and for lack of a better, more adequate term, we are pumped.
Glenn Dion '11, photo/video assistant, Appalachian State University: These new students are really lucky to have this brand new building to create and to develop into what they want it to be. The school can provide the building, but it's really the students that are going to create what's inside it and what comes out of it.
Lauren Brigman, electronic media/broadcasting major, Class of 2013: The current students as well as the alumni are really excited about the building. As an upcoming alumna of Appalachian, I want to give back and I want to come back and visit for this ribbon cutting. And so, I'm happy to say I'm a graduate of Appalachian, because I feel like we already have a solid program but having a better facility, better equipment, things like this, will definitely put us one step ahead.
Gulledge: You do it right, you make sure it's on time and you make sure that you do the best you job you can. I think the communication department really likes to pride themselves so that we have really great students and we have a great group of professors and different teachers that will help you become a great broadcaster or great radio personality.
Brigman: I'm very thankful for George Beasley and the other alumni of Appalachian who care so much about the program that they are putting their faith in the upcoming generations to, you know, really carry on that legacy that they've already established and carry that through the broadcasting industry. I was honored when I heard that I was a recipient of the George Beasley Scholarship, actually two years in a row, so if he were here today, if I was able to see him face to face today I'd just say 'thank you' because he's just done so much and I hope to one day live up to that same standard through broadcasting.
Hill: George, I'd just want to take the time to say to you thanks, I appreciate all you do, all you've done, all you continue to do. Your legacy is going to be a very impressive legacy, not only for what you've done in the industry already but what you're doing for the future of the industry working with these young people.
Dion: As an alumnus who will never be in a classroom in this building or work in this building, I just want to say thank you because you've added so much value to my degree.
Gulledge: Someone says George Beasley, I immediately think of this building. And, I think of someone who put a lot of effort into making this building possible and someone that really believes in the department enough to put their name on a building. I think that's pretty special. So when I think George Beasley, I think of someone who is a great man. Thank you for giving us somewhere to call home. Thank you for giving us somewhere to flourish.
Welsh: You have given me my future in this career. This is exactly what the com department needed. It's going to help better the careers of so many future students and give us background and just bridge the gap between college and career—in such a way that it's unexplainable. So, thank you so much for bettering my life.
Graphic: Appalachian State University logo, with Facebook, Twitter and YouTube icons
(music fades)
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About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations. Learn more at https://communication.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
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