View photos from the dedication

Though the dedication of the new Neal Shine Media Center on April 18 became a tribute to Shine '52, who unexpectedly passed away on April 3, the event was a joyous celebration of Shine's life and contributions to the Varsity News.

Some of the Varsity News Alumni Committee members who attended the dedication ceremony: (from left) Dale Jablonski '65, Gerry Sabatini '75, Ron Thayer '62, Dick Kelley '55, Andy Acho '63, '67, Suzanne Rabideau '66, Matt Haran '93, Marty Habalewsky '75

The longtime Detroit Free Press publisher, editor and reporter served as Varsity News editor while a student at the University of Detroit. Years later, he became an adjunct communications professor at the University, and several years after that, he occasionally joined his son Dan in the classroom. Dan, too, taught as an adjunct at UDM in the 1990s. The elder Shine was also a devoted UDM supporter who emceed many alumni events with his well-loved grace and humor. He played a pivotal role most recently in joining fellow VN alumni to raise money for the new media center, which the center's planning committee determined early on should carry his name.

More than 125 Varsity News veterans gathered to honor Shine and give their blessings on the 90-year-old paper's new home, now located on the third floor of the Jane and Walter O. Briggs Building, which houses the College of Liberal Arts & Education. Current VN staff members were also present at the dedication, as were Shine's wife Phyllis and several of his children and grandchildren. At the close of the dedication, Dale Jablonski '65, asked the current VNers to raise their hands in an oath to preserve and carry on the legacy of the VN's forbears. He then turned to the former VNers and asked for their promise to continue to support the young journalists. A plaque now hangs on the wall that bears the names of those who contributed to the new center's creation. Jablonski noted that there are still spaces available on the plaque for future fund-raising recognition.

The VN's new home is becoming a reality thanks to Communication Studies Department efforts and a campaign spearheaded by devoted VN alumni. UDM graduates Dale Jablonski '65, Suzanne Rabideau '66, Andy Acho '63, and Ron Thayer '62 set a goal to raise $40,000 for the center. The campaign funds are intended to provide a first class journalism lab for the VN, and it is anticipated that this will help increase the size of the staff as well. College of Liberal Arts & Education Dean Charles Marske reports that the goal was exceeded the day of dedication. "We're moving into phase two," says Marske, which entails additional fund raising to support stipends for the students who work on the Varsity News.

According to Marske, "a working laboratory now replaces the old space." Updates include 12 new computers, software, fax machines and a large new layout area. Other facility improvements include a new ceiling, lighting, painting and electrical wiring. An office, archive and conference room has been relocated to accommodate the new VN space, and one wall was removed to open up the space for the newsroom. A door was cut into another wall to create a combination reception area and business office, directly connecting to the newsroom.

If you would like to make a donation to help fund scholarships for students, please contact Jennifer Dafoe, director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts & Education at 313-993-1429 or e-mail dafoejm@udmercy.edu.