Spring 1967:
Department Faculty Doubles in Size Following Expo ’67
For the first few years, four faculty – Fr. O’Brien, Dr. John Buell, Ross Dolinsky and Don Clark – formed the core teaching and technical staff of Communication Arts. After Montreal’s Expo ’67 wrapped up, however, Fr. O’Brien capitalized on the general interest in new media to recruit some of the Expo’s celebrated artists. Charles Gagnon, the renowned artist and filmmaker for Expo 67’s Christian Pavilion, became a professor and the Department’s artist-in-residence. Dr. Miroslav Malik, who was executive director for the Czech pavilion at Expo, joined the Department, initially as a visiting professor. That same year, the Department also welcomed its first female faculty member, Dr. Gail Valaskakis, as well as film scholar Fr. Marc Gervais.
Sources: Seaton, Beth. “Communication Studies began twenty years ago,” 25 April 1985. Pg. 8. Letter, Patrick G. Malone, S.J., President, Loyola College to Gail Valaskakis, 16 May 1967. P-125 – Gail Valaskakis Fonds, CUA.