Alumnus transforms Twitter feed into a chronicle of Scripps success

Ken Klein never lost touch with his alma mater. He remains active in service organizations like the Scripps College of Communication Dean’s Advisory Council, and was honored as OHIO’s Outstanding Federal Government Alumnus in 2019.

Recently, Klein has turned his sustaining connection to the University and its people into a social media chronicle of Scripps achievement via Twitter and LinkedIn.

Under the username @KenSharesScrippsOU, Klein tweets when alumni win awards or make big career moves, when students land internships and jobs and when faculty publish new research or opinion pieces.

“I like sharing news, connecting dots and beating the clock,” Klein said. “Years ago, I worked for The Associated Press and my makeup still is part wire service.”

Klein got his start in the mid-1970’s as associate editor of the independent student newspaper The Post. Following an early career as a reporter in Florida, he transitioned into politics and then joined an advertising trade association. He retired in 2021, the same year he was inducted into the Out of Home Advertising Hall of Fame.

Most recently, Klein joined the Scripps College as a research assistant professor, formalizing his role as industry adviser and offering new mentoring opportunities for students.

“Whether he’s networking with fellow alumni or seeing how a student’s internship relates to breaking news, Ken has a gift for connection,” Scripps College of Communication Dean Scott Titsworth said. “We are lucky to have his voice amplifying the Scripps story.”

Klein gets content from a number of sources. In addition to news alerts and an eagle eye for Scripps connections, Klein, who lives near Washington, DC, with his wife, Susan DeFord, BSJ ‘76, makes the most of his proximity to the Scripps Semester in DC program. He checks in periodically with participants to document their networking experiences and internships.

As the feed has gained traction with his Scripps-affiliated audience, more people are sharing news items directly with Klein.

“There is plenty of content because students, alumni and faculty are constantly achieving, performing and excelling,” he said, adding that he encourages people to reach out with their own achievements via direct message.

What are some of his favorite topics to share? Achievements like new jobs, awards and someone putting their skills and expertise to use. And one of his most frequently-used hashtags is #experience — an enduring value from his days as an undergrad, when he held internships in Ohio, Florida, and Israel.

“I know first-hand the power of experience combined with academic training,” Klein said. “It’s a proud legacy of Ohio University and I’m glad to help tell the stories of today’s students, alumni and faculty who live that legacy.”