So, the last two weeks have been a bit rough. One of my very favorite professors/mentors/friends passed away after a week-long struggle with the H1N1 flu virus. As devastating as this was for many people, there was an incredible light in the situation. This light was visible thanks to Facebook. Everyone who knew Delynne Peay knew that she had influenced thousands of people the world over. However, I, personally, had no idea what that meant... until the day after her passing. Facebook was flooded with an innumerable amount of posts about this incredible woman. The emotions expressed about Delynne were palpable. I felt as if the entire world was a little darker that day, and at the same time, there was an immense feeling of celebration for her life. Anyway, I could go on and on about what an amazing woman Delynne was, but I want to take this somewhere else. There were so many people using Facebook, blogs, and other internet media to express their feelings about Delynne that that the local news stations became curious. They asked the Dance department faculty if they could come see what was such a big deal, and it just so happened that we had already planned a giant gathering of current students and alumni to celebrate and honor Delynne that night. The news stations were so intrigued that they decided to pop in and cover the event. Delynne's story, as well as a small display of the effect she had on the world, was televised because of the incredible use of social media. This was a great example to me of how media can be used to inspire, educate, uplift, comfort, and connect others. 

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=delynne-butcher-peay&pid=169118643&

http://www.gofundme.com/61wafw