Donald Ritzenhein
Biography
Donald Ritzenhein holds a BA degree from Wayne State’s former Monteith College, and MA and Ph.D. degrees in communication from the CFPCA.Don was a very successful undergraduate debater at Wayne, reaching the final round of the National Debate Tournament and winning the National DSR-TKA Championship debate, among other tournament victories.
Despite a long career in labor relations, fundraising, and academic administration, Don’s lifetime vocation has been teaching and coaching students to be excellent communicators. He began his career as a debate and oratory coach at Southfield-Lathrup High School, where his students won several state debate and oratory championships. Beginning with his first teaching assignment in the department after earning just his bachelor’s degree(!),he has been an adjunct instructor here almost continuously for the past four decades. In recognition of his teaching, fundraising, and overall commitment to the college, Don received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Forensic Union and the Arts Achievement Award from the College. Don has published articles on debate, technology, and fundraising, and participates regularly on professional panels at both regional and national communication associations.
Don is currently teaching comm theory and organizational communication courses at the Macomb University Center in Clinton Township.