By Kristie Schiefer
Assistant News Editor
Russell J. Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication associate professor and Pulitzer Prize winner John Hanchette retired last year, leaving his position to be filled.
The new faculty member will teach in the broadcast curriculum, particularly in broadcast seminar and in the remote broadcast facility, according to Pauline Hoffmann, dean of Russell J. Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
“We are using John’s position to hire a faculty member in broadcast. This is a growing curriculum for us, and we realized we needed to add to it,” Hoffmann said.
A candidate will be at St. Bonaventure next week for the position and will also have a chance to add to the curriculum, according to Hoffmann.
“I would like to have filled it yesterday, but it is a harder process than we expected. We want to make sure we find the right candidate,” Hoffmann said.
To the students and faculty that knew John Hanchette well, he left a lasting impact.
“One student mentioned that you take Dr. Wilkins’ class to learn how to write like a journalist; you take Professor Hanchette’s class to learn how to live like one,” Hoffmann said.
Hoffmann noted Hanchette is currently living happily in North Carolina, but he will be back for the Hellinger Awards in a few weeks.
“I would say we are all thrilled that he decided to retire because he should take some time to enjoy his life aside from SBU, but we miss him terribly. In fact, we are honoring him with our Alumnus of the Year award at the Hellinger event in a few weeks,” Hoffmann said.
Hoffmann also reflected on what Hanchette meant to her.
“When I first started working here, John intimidated me. He is a Pulitzer Prize winner. He would certainly think I’m not worthy of conversation or friendship. I was completely wrong. He is one of the most honest, sincere, kind people I’ve met. He is also ridiculously down to Earth. He loves his colleagues here in JMC and at SBU and loves the students. He is a great asset and we miss him.”
schiefkm10@bonaventure.edu
