Turning Heads and Turning Tables- The Story of Jake Miller, aka DJ Millz

Jake Miller on the field of Michigan Stadium documenting the emotion of The
Rock before they take center stage at the "Big House" for the "Back to the Big
House" film. 

Slippery Rock University has a very diverse student body, ranging from people of different race, from different countries, different talents and so much more. Sometimes we only see students on the surface of everything they truly have to offer, but when you dig deeper, you can discover fascinating and interesting stories.

I dug deeper into Slippery Rock University student and Director of Media Relations for University Program Board Jacob Miller. On the surface, Jacob Miller is a friendly, hard-working student just trying to make it past finals while having lunch at Weisenfluh. But when you see beyond that, you’ll notice that Jake Miller is the overtime working man, a student, a talent like none other in media design and at night—"your college's favorite DJ."

Jake Miller sets up still-photo shots for the UPB Meet & Greet at the Kid Ink/
Kalin&Myles concert at Slippery Rock University. 

Jacob Miller was born on July 3, 1994 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a teenager, Jake dreamed of being a pharmacist--that changed after he discovered another route. In the eighth grade, at age 13, Jake began “turning tables” or what most people refer to as “DJ-ing”. A combination of a passion for music and combining appealing beats gave Jake Miller another identity: DJ Millz. On February 12, 2009 Jake performed his first show at a King of Hearts dance at the Undercliff Fire Hall for North Catholic High School. After that performance, he knew it was what he wanted to pursuit as a career. Jake has now DJ-ed over 500 events ranging from small dances in the basements of churches all the way to main-stage appearances at the nation’s largest colleges. DJ Millz’ largest performance was at Ohio University on Halloween in 2011, performing for over 6,000 students. 

When Jake isn’t playing the part of DJ Millz, he is at Slippery Rock University producing some of the most impressive media material the university has ever seen. As the Director of Media Relations for Slippery Rock University Program Board, Jake has accumulated a multitude of skills in the art of media, ranging from photography, videography and graphic design. He started with UPB in June of 2014 under a paid position and has proved his worthiness from the work he has done. Whenever you see a video from a special event for students, Jacob Miller most likely produced it. He is the mind behind all the entertainment relayed to students across Slippery Rock University from University Program Board events.

(From left to right) Jake Miller, Mike Williams and Brandon Lombardo
at the "Big House" while filming their documentary on Slippery Rock's
football team "Back to the Big House". 

On December 10, 2014, Jake will be presenting a film he produced with the help of Mike Williams and Brandon Lombardo, about Slippery Rock’s football team playing at Michigan stadium (The Big House) against Mercyhurst. The film is called “Back to the Big House” and runs 55 minutes in length—all material shot by three people following the team’s every act leading up to the big day. “Back to the Big House” combines Coach Mihalik’s history as Slippery Rock’s head coach, previous appearances to Michigan stadium, and the events leading up to the game involving this year’s football team. This was not an assignment or something they were obligated to do, but was simply pursued from a vision. Jake, Mike and Brandon saw a story and decided to make it visible for all of Slippery Rock to see.

Jake Miller may be seen as the average student on the surface, but beneath it lies a student at Slippery Rock University with a vision and passion to pursuit what is important to him at an advanced level that is rare to come by. Combining his DJ-ing skills, his work for the University Program Board and his career as a student has put him on a road to success. He did not simply stop at the bare minimum, but combined his skills, work ethic and interests and turned them into something everyone can enjoy and partake in. Next time you see that flyer hanging in the hall advertising the next concert at the university, the next video posted to twitter recapping an event or are at a party and hear that music you enjoy, you’ll see the man behind it all—DJ Millz aka Jacob Miller.  

The Kid Ink/Kalin&Myles UPB flyer designed, printed and distributed by Director of Media Relations Jake Miller.

Jake Miller describes how he became a DJ and the ways in which he progresses and teaches himself how to be better at his skills.

Jake Miller describes his growing DJ-ing career and what it is like to experience performing for thousands of people.


Jake Miller explains his duties as the Director of Media Relations for UPB and how he became interested in digital media and emerging technology.

Jake Miller gives insight on the making of "Back to the Big House" and why himself, Mike Williams and Brand Lombardo decide to pursuit it.

Director of Concerts and Comedians for University Program Board Brandon Cannon describes his experiences working with Jake Miller and why he believes he is so good at what he does.

"Lone Survivor" Marcus Luttrell at Slippery Rock University

Dodge for Paws raises $500 for Butler County Humane Society

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. (Nov. 8, 2014) 1 p.m.-- Rock PRoductions, Slippery Rock University's student-run public relations firm, hosted its annual Dodge for Paws event Saturday at the ARC

Teams for Dodge for Paws participate in raising money for the BCHS.

to raise money for the Butler County Humane Society.

Dodge for Paws is a dodge ball tournament that gives Slippery Rock students the opportunity to participate in a competitive activity while raising money for and awareness of a local organization benefiting a shelter for stray cats and dogs.

Dodge for Paws also serves as an opportunity for undergraduate Rock PRoductions members to engage in real life PR tasks that include publication design work and distribution, promoting through social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter and coordinating with local businesses and organizations to gain support.

"Dodge for Paws has been going on for a couple years and we use this event to benefit local humane societies," Rock PRoductions President Kyle Dempster said.

Rock PRoductions President Kyle Dempster speaks on behalf of the Dodge for Paws event hosted to raise money for the Butler County Humane Society.

Eleven teams signed up for the Dodge for Paws event and participated in a double elimination tournament. The winners were awarded t-shirts and a pizza party.

Through donations from local businesses and fees the teams paid, Rock PRoductions raised $500 to donate to the Butler County Humane Society this year.

Rock PRoductions committee members present a $500 check to Executive Director Michele Allen of the Butler County Human Society.

The Butler County Humane Society is a non-profit organization that cares for nearly 2,000 homeless dogs and cats each year. The BCHS gives people the opportunity to adopt a cat or dog from their shelter and give them a home outside of a cage.

Executive Director Michele Allen speaks about the mission and goals of the Butler County Humane Society.

"Our mission here at the Butler County Humane Society is to provide a safe haven for the animals on their journey home," Executive Director Michele Allen of the BCHS said.

The BCHS provides opportunities for volunteering and donations. Through their marketing group, the organization also offers the organizing of collection drives for offices, churches or groups and friends.

The organization has been serving Butler County for over 100 years and is a no-kill shelter that allows all animals to live within the shelter until an appropriate home is found for them.

Additional services the BCHS offers through their organization are rabies clinics, spay and neuter services and micro-chipping.

  

UPB Presents: THE HAUNTED HOUSE

University Program Board puts together various events for the students to enjoy at Slippery Rock University. On Oct. 24, 2014, they hosted "THE HAUNTED HOUSE", which was free for all students to come out and enjoy a night of scares. Refreshments were offered to all students after exiting the haunted house, and over 300 students came to enjoy the festivities.

SRU Pitcher Anton Constantino's College Baseball Journey

SRU Pitcher's Journey on Dipity.

University Program Board Announces Kid Ink ft. Kalin and Myles for Fall Concert

Slippery Rock University Homecoming Parade 2014

The Physical Education Department, an on campus fraternity, and a fire truck from the Slippery Rock Fire Department stroll through the downtown streets of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania during Homecoming 2014.

Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Kappa Psi and Dance Express promote their student organizations to the public of Slippery Rock during Homecoming 2014.

A circus actor blowing fire, a military bus, and the University Program Board float stroll through the streets of downtown Slippery Rock during Homecoming 2014. 

University Program Board's Director of Media Relations Jake Miller, Junior, 20, discusses how important the Slippery Rock University Homecoming parade is to the town of Slippery Rock.

University Program Board's Director of Media Relations Jake Miller, Junior, 20, comments on the stepping stone Slippery Rock University has made with its 125 years of existence.

UPB brings in Jimmy Tatro to entertain the students of Slippery Rock University

Should Physician-Assisted Suicide be Legal?

The controversial issue of physician-assisted suicide, also referred to as Euthanasia, has been discussed and debated for a long period of time. The big question many professionals and public groups have is whether it should be legal or not. An article published by LiveScience points out that professionals are divided in their opinion of whether it should be legal or not.

The fact that many are divided in there opinion infers that there are strong viewpoints from both sides of the argument. Weighing the pros and cons of physician-assisted suicide can help understand the topic better.

Many scholars have done research on the topic and results vary, however a scholarly article posted in The New England Journal of Medicine presents results that show less than 20 percent of physicians in Massachusetts prefer a ban of the practice. Many want it legalized or to have no law at all according to the article.

Why should it be legal? Before taking this into account, we must be aware that each situation dealing with assisted suicide is a unique case and has its own circumstances. The statistics and articles presented are only from averages and taken from society as a whole.

The people and professionals who say the practice should be legal usually use the "ending suffering" line. Many patients who must go through physician-assisted suicide are dealing with painful illnesses and side effects that many question if they are worth suffering for. This is absolutely an idea that must be taken into consideration when dealing with this issue.

Other professionals and people in favor of assisted suicide agree on some of these other underlying issues:

• Right to Life- People can choose the way they want to live their life and when they wish to die as long as it does not interfere with another's well-being. 
• Abortion is legal- If people can stop the creation of a child then it is hypocritical to say we can not choose to be lethally injected by a medicinal practice.
• Terminal illness- Someone has an incurable disease that will kill them eventually anyway.
• Burdens on caregivers- Some people who are taking care of a patient who has severe illness or disease do not have the financial stability to support them nor the time to give to them to prolong a process that may be not worth prolonging.

Why should it be illegal? Like I stated before, the facts provided in this blog are purely collective and do not pertain to any one situation. These are not my opinions, but are the opinions that have been researched by professionals of those with a strong opinion on the topics. 

Many say the practice should be illegal because they stand by the ethics of the issue. They say it is simply wrong to help someone kill themselves. Research also shows that many of the patients facing this situation have mental disabilities, so the people against the practice will argue that they are not capable of making rational decisions.

Other professionals and people who are not in favor of assisted suicide agree on some of these other underlying issues:

• Religion- We don't have the right to choose who lives or dies; that is up to God.
• Depression Among Patients- People claim that many patients who want assisted suicide have a depression that may not be diagnosed.
• Prejudice towards disabilities- People simply do not like people with disabilities and claim that physician-assisted suicide may be the cause of internal emotions people have towards others.   

Home Opener

Some Background 

My name is Ryan Hreczkosiej and I am a Public Relations major here at Slippery Rock University. I am graduating in December of 2015. I have a knack for writing in the realm of sports and news and love digital design using Adobe Creative Suite programs. I enjoy interacting with people on both personal levels and professional, and work well with groups with similar interests as well as differentiated interests. My goal is to be an account executive or public relations specialist for a professional sports team as well as start my own clothing business. Everyday I try to be better than I was yesterday and each step I take, I make sure it takes me to a place I want to be in the future. I fail plenty of times but at the end of the day I know that every mountain has it's valley, and the only way to grow emotionally, physically and mentally is by stepping out of your comfort zone and learning each and every day how to be better at what you desire most.

A lowering sunset on the bay of Downtown Disney in Orlando, FL

Beyond my passion for assembling words, I enjoy photography. Every picture tells a story and photography is just another way to tell mine. Not only can I tell my story through photography, but also give insight on someone else's, and use the images produced to make a more vibrant picture of someone, something or some place. Pictures give us an outlook on the world through a particular perspective, and can open someone's mind to new ideas that can change things forever. They inspire, promote and do so many things to help create positive mindsets throughout the world. When they say a picture is "worth a thousand words", they weren't lying. That is exactly what I try to do with each and every photo I take.

Why I'm Here

I am interested in the New Media Journalism class because as stated earlier, I love to write. Beyond that, media journalism is a rising phenomena in the world we live in today. It is exceptionally important in the field of communications, specifically PR. I have been using social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter for nearly six years. It is amazing seeing the progression of both from when I started using them to where they are now. Witnessing these results clearly indicates how important they are becoming to not only understand, but to use in an effective way.

Useful Media Outlets

NBC News is a traditional media outlet that has evolved into one of the United States' primary sources of any important news or information. The company has been involved with news and sports broadcast television networking as well as radio networking before anyone knew the internet would ever exist, and ever since has been a popular choice for the biggest stages. Major sporting events, political events, and so much more have been presented to the United States through NBC for decades. As a huge sports fan, NBC never fails when broadcasting a big game. When I need information for recent news and big stories, NBC is always my destination. 

Buzzfeed is a new-media outlet that has been a growing phenomena as of late. Buzzfeed works as an online news site for big stories around the world, mostly relating to pop culture and what the younger generations are interested in. Much of the material posted is targeted towards teenagers and younger adults. Buzzfeed also provides insight to current events, both domestic and international, and can be a great "on-the-run" source of information.