Jeffrey Becker is the department chair of Entertainment and Media Law Practice Group.Check out this press release:

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Launches

Entertainment and Media Law Practice Group

CHICAGO — December 3, 2013 — Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces the formation of its

Entertainment and Media Law Practice Group.

While firm attorneys have provided legal services in the film, television, music, theatre, digital

media and Internet industries for many years, the new practice group formalizes those efforts. Their

experience includes representation in the licensing and distribution of content, acquiring and

clearing rights, music publishing, film and television development, and sponsorship and

merchandising deals, among others. Attorneys also serve as counsel on complex entertainment-
related litigation involving copyright and trademark infringement, royalty disputes, breach of

contract, defamation and First Amendment claims, advertising injury, and rights of publicity and

According to Chair Jeffrey S. Becker, “Whether guiding promising new artists through the

formation of their first business entity, consulting independent filmmakers on the production of

their newest project, or litigating complex business disputes on behalf of clients in courtrooms

nationwide, we ensure that our clients’ legal needs are cared for, leaving them to focus on what they

do best—create.”

Brian Rawlins ’01 and alumni Van Miller ’04 (aka “IronVan”), Matthew Melick ’03 and Gena (Rawlins) Melick ’05 completed the 2013 Ironman Louisville competition, held on Aug. 24 in Louisville, Ky.  Competitors swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles and ran a marathon. See the results.

Alison Sweeney ’01 was featured in a CreatureCast.org video podcast discussing camouflage iridescence in squid.

“I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in European history at Northern Illinois University, where I have been awarded a Dissertation Completion Fellowship for the 2013-2014 academic year.  I was recently appointed as a Graduate Scholar-in-Residence at The Newberry Library, Chicago’s privately-endowed research library for the humanities and social sciences.”

Scott Moreau  is currently touring as Johnny Cash in the Tony Award-winning musical, Million Dollar Quartet.  Scott also recorded a Johnny Cash tribute album at Sun Studio this past March.  There are links for it on his website, www.scottmoreau.com.

On July 17, over 2,500 alumni and friends made gifts to IWU totaling over $450,000. Unless otherwise specified by donors, all the money raised went to student scholarships and financial aid.  The “All in for Wesleyan” challenge began when Illinois Wesleyan Trustee John Horton ’82 and his wife, Joann, offered a gift of $100,000 if alumni and friends could raise $50,000 in one day.  When that challenge was met, several more challenges followed — and each was fulfilled.  Howard ’60 and Sharon ’60 Fricke offered a $10,000 gift if 600 donors participated.  Ed ’62 and Lin Phelps then offered $25,000 for 1,000 total donors.  Korey ’00 and Heidi Coon offered a $15,000 challenge for 1,200 donors.  Dr. Mike Sombeck ’83 offered $25,000 if we could reach 1,500.  Finally, at the end of the day, Dr. Randy ’73 & Jodie Reed offered $25,000 and Ed ’62 & Lin Phelps added $10,000 more to match every new gift, dollar for dollar…up to a total of $35,000 in gifts before midnight.

It was an exciting day to be a Titan.  The challenge became about so much more than numbers and dollars and donors.  It provided our alumni and friends with a chance to share their pride and explain how much IWU means to them.  If you weren’t following these conversations on social media, you can click here to read them now.  THANK YOU to all of our loyal alumni and friends who made July 17 an incredible day for our school and our students.