Have you ever had a story you just had to tell? Do you always know what words to say in front of a crowd? Is the camera always in your hand looking for the best shot? Do you desire to use your words to share a story and give voices to those who don’t have one?
The Division of Communication and Theatre at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is where you can do just that! It’s where you learn to give voice to the stories around you— stories that are told with professionalism, integrity and human connection. That’s why our motto is Voice for the Voiceless.
Origins of the Motto
Over a decade ago, a group of faculty met with the academic dean to find a common identity for the Division. “We took a break and found quiet places to pray, reflect on Scripture and seek God’s guidance,” said Dr. Scott Turcott, associate vice president for campaign operations and professor of communication.
After the group convened, Voice for the Voiceless emerged. “This brought a unifying element to the conversation and helped us move forward with developing the foundation for building what is now the IWU Division of Communication and Theatre,” Turcott explained.
Voice for the Voiceless comes from Proverbs 31:1-9. Verses 8 and 9 read, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (NIV).
The motto is focused on others and fits in with the second greatest commandment found in Matthew 22. The goal is to create servant leadership in IWU students.
“As a division, we’re interested in telling stories, and we’re more interested in telling the stories of others, rather than our own,” Division Chair and Professor Dr. Greg Fiebig explained.
How does this affect us?
The hope is that the motto shows prospective students that communication and theatre can be a missional outlet. “I think that students who come here can connect with the motto on some level. This is in the center of who we are and what we do as Christians,” said Fiebig.
This motto is not only important to the professors of the division, but it’s also important to the students.
“The Voice for the Voiceless motto is one of my favorite things about the Division of Communication and Theatre,” strategic communication student Hannah Valadez said. “I love that the professors encourage us to try and give others a voice through our careers, and that they intertwine that into our education. As a strategic communication student, I’ve been taught to use my voice in everyday life and to help others use theirs. I’m grateful for that.”
Check out what other IWU students in the Division had to say!
“Humans are storytellers, but not everyone has the opportunity or resources to be able to tell their story,” media communication student Nic Kursonis said. “Being in communication is a responsibility to tell those stories that won’t or can’t be told by the people who live them.”
Theatre student Gloria Billinglsy said, “For me, Voice for the Voiceless means using the talents and skills you have to empower someone to speak for themselves. Giving voice as a theatre artist gives a purpose for our productions. This story belongs to someone: Tell it.”
“I believe that Voice for the Voiceless is about equipping students to see the world from a communicative perspective and empowering them to hear and share the stories of those who are not heard,” said human communication student Kyle Heinzman.
