Editor's Note: The conversation with Coach Gregg Marshall and Gary Bender, originally scheduled for Oct. 15, has been moved to 12:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 22 in Hubbard Hall, Room 211

Anticipation is growing for communication students as Wichita State University’s Elliott School of Communication (ESC) gears up for Communication Week, Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 15-18. This year the school will also celebrate its 25th anniversary during the annual event.

Comm Week takes place immediately after fall break, and hosts a variety of activities for communication students to grow their skills, knowledge and opportunities in multiple communication fields.

"Comm Week focuses on two of the Elliott School’s greatest assets – the practical, experience-based learning opportunities that set students apart in the marketplace, and our outstanding people and relationships,” said ESC director Matthew Cecil. “You can connect with peers and alumni, learn more about the history of the Elliott School and have some fun.”

Featured activities this year include creative contests and networking opportunities, a birthday party, alumni socials, philanthropic events and a question-and-answer session with Shocker basketball coach Gregg Marshall and WSU communication alum Gary Bender, a national sports broadcaster and ESC guest lecturer.

Creative contests are a first-time event for Comm Week, and will allow students to use the skills they learn in Elliott School classes to create a marketing campaign for a local nonprofit or to compete in a feature storytelling contest. The schedule for Comm Week 2014 includes:

• Tuesday, Oct. 7. Kickoff meeting for campaigns contest.
• Wednesday, Oct. 15. Production day for storytelling. 5 p.m. deadline for campaigns entries; storytelling packages are due at 9 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 16, 9-11 a.m. Speed networking in Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom. ESC students can connect with recent grads and learn how to land their first job.
• Thursday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Elliott School’s 25th birthday party in Elliott Hall, first floor. Enjoy free birthday treats, see the winning contest entries, purchase ESC merchandise and more. Get your picture taken with Wu.
• Thursday, Oct. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Party for contest participants and alumni with free bowling, video games, pool and snacks in Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes (RSC basement).
• Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Empty Bowls Chili Cook-off in Henrion Hall. View and purchase handmade bowls, sample chili from local restaurants and donors, and help raise money for the Kansas Food Bank in honor of Hunger Awareness Month.
• Monday, Oct. 22, 12:30-1:45 p.m. -- A conversation with Coach Gregg Marshall and Gary Bender (originally scheduled for Oct. 15).