In this edition of the JMC Journal, you can read about numerous accomplishments by
our students. They are many and evidence mastery in multimedia journalism, visual
communication and strategic communication. They have the awards to show for it. And
I think I know why.
Yes, their accomplishments result from the very hard work of developing skills and
applying scholarship. But something more intangible is at work. There is a culture
among our students that encourages excellence. You can see it in the newsroom. That’s
where students want to be. Or, with their classmates in PRSSA, TV Club and Ads Club.
They enjoy being with each other and sharing their common interests. I’m starting to
realize how important that is.
When alumni visit, they want to spend time in the newsroom. They check out the TV
studio and walk through Wilson Hall. Sometimes they recall a particular assignment or
class. Mostly, they remember good times spent among friends. And I am glad they have
those positive memories.
And I hope our alumni are gratified to know that although many things have changed,
some very important things have not. There are still late nights and empty pizza boxes
in the newsroom until the paper is finally put to bed. PR students and Ad students still
have their weekly meetings and plan campaigns. TV students are writing, shooting and
editing their own creations. And in all of that, there is community.
Our faculty are part of that community, too. In particular, are those who sponsor our
student organizations, spending hours with our students outside the classroom. Leigh
Wright is the advisor to student media. Gill Welsch attends every Ads Club meeting,
Eliza Thomas and Marcie Hinton provide counsel and resources to PRSSA. Ed Rode
took photography students to red carpet events in Nashville and a photojournalism
workshop in Atlanta. Chris Haynes spends many Tuesday evenings with the TV Club. I
think this community is what our students will remember.
And from this community our students are thriving. Just see the stories about them in this
edition of the JMC Journal.
