College Campus Tour

It's back to the classroom, as "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" heads out to Indiana college campuses this fall!   The first stop was my alma mater, Ball State University.   What a special time we had in the David Letterman Building.   I met excited telecommunications, journalism and public relations students, who were wide-eyed and ready to step into an industry that is rapidly changing everyday.

To say that the students energized me is an understatement.  We talked about the power and the responsibility of our written words and broadcasts.   That's when I was able to share about the impact of the Carol Jenkins murder investigation and the passion that fueled me to pen "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf!"

I remembered being those students, dreaming about working in local news and telling powerful stories. I never dreamed though that I would be able to see something as dramatic as a 33-year old murder mystery solved, in part, because my station dared to dig a little deeper into the investigation.

It's been decades since I last sat in a classroom as a college student at Ball State.  But I can honestly say I learn something new every single day, as I continue to work at my craft, and take on the role as a published author.  My beginnings are humble, but now as I look back, I treasure a rich experience at a university that taught me above all things to climb over the obstacles.

I told the students about Dr. Darrell Wible.  My telecommunications law professor who used to drill me in class to see if I was prepared.  I didn't like it back then, but he's someone I will never forget. (He's also got a big fan in David Letterman!)  I appreciate Dr. Wible, because he wanted to draw out the best in me from the very beginning.  And now even in his 80's (I'm guessing)  he's still right there sending encouragement my way.   The other day I got a big box in the mail.  It was two of his published books.  In one of them "The Letterman Gang" he mentions receiving a letter of thanks from me after I landed my first job.   He had no idea I had already purchased a copy from the BSU library.   But it was the thought that counted, especially since he is recovering from a stroke.

Still he wrote:  "A book?  A real achievement.  Wonderful -- The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."

Thanks Dr. Wible.  Thanks Ball State University.  And thanks to the students who made the kick-off to my college book tour so special!!  Next...stay tuned.

Let's Talk!   The first book club to feature "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" was amazing!  A group of diverse women gathered in a Carmel, Indiana neighborhood.  They shared their insights into the 1968 murder mystery, that took the life of Carol Jenkins and nearly destroyed the life of a child witness, who was finally able to divulge the horrible secret.

We talked about the City of Martinsville, and the reputation that preceded the 1968 killing.  At least one of the book club members was from the Bloomington area.  Her comments added another layer of experience to the discussion.  She herself had lived through other public events that helped to shape the image of Martinsville.

Nearly everyone had an opinion about the killer, his schemes and the unfathomable accounts detailing his behavior.  I even had some new records to share that recently turned up by surprise.  All of it shedding light into the makeup of a man void of compassion.

And then there was the daughter, a young girl betrayed of her innocence.  Despite what she's been through, she's now able to forgive and speak well of some of the adults in her life that should have done more to protect her.

We talked for hours..   Each woman there representing something in her own right.  Mothers, wives, professionals,  and volunteers.  I'm so proud that we could gather and just simply talk.  I'm grateful for each one and most of all that we could unite in a couple of thoughts:

"No woman should lose her life because of racism" and "No child should ever be subjected to callous inhumane behavior."

The conversations must continue.