2008 Woodie Awards
Communication library dedicated to professor
By Amanda Smolinski
Senior Reporter
- Page 1 of 1
Dr. Hermanson died on July 30 as a result of a degenerative muscle disease called myasthenia gravis.
Since Hermanson requested that there be no flowers or funeral services in her memory, the department felt it would be fitting to dedicate the library instead.
"Dr. Hermanson would have felt it was appropriate, because the library was for students' use, and she was always so eager to help her students in any way possible," said Rita Schlect, a secretary of the department and friend of Hermanson's.
At the dedication ceremony, Hermanson's husband, Stephen Robinson, along with her colleagues and one of her graduate students shared fond memories of the professor. The ceremony was held in the lobby of the communications department, where Hermanson had gathered a collection of over 120 posters after Sept. 11th for students to see different newspapers' depictions of the day's the tragic events.
Hermanson was born in 1942 and raised in South Carolina. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of South Carolina and continued her education at the University of Minnesota, where she then received a doctorate.
In 1990, Hermanson joined the University of South Alabama, serving not only as a professor but also as coordinator of graduate studies and as a member of the USA Faculty Senate.
During her years at USA, Dr. Hermanson was instrumental in shaping the journalism program and is credited with designing the department's first computer lab. She also spent her time researching media law, ethics and history.
Dr. Gerald Wilson, chair and professor of communication, recalls Hermanson as very dedicated to her field of work.
"She was an absolutely excellent colleague and mentor for both graduate students and young faculty members," he said.
Wilson also stated that she was an outstanding scholar and a rare human being and that the department will truly miss her.
Dr. Don Wright, professor and colleague of Hermanson's said, "After her death, I have seen how sad many of our students are that she is no longer with us. To me, that sends a strong message that people care about the impact she made."
Hermanson is survived by her husband, a son, a daughter, seven grandchildren, and two sisters.
Memorials may be made to the general scholarship fund of the University of South Alabama or the University of South Carolina.