Students’ Video Essay Honored By Associated Press Jacksonville University students Jeff Brawler and Crystal Bentley won first place for Best Photo Essay in the Florida Associated Press Broadcasters’ (FAPB) annual college competition. They were honored with other winners at a banquet in Orlando in April for their video essay “Big Brother/Big Sister of the Year 2007. ” The video features two “littles” describing and then introducing their “bigs.” The students produced their
material for the local Jacksonville chapter and it was played at the group’s annual event, revealing the 2007 Big Brother Big Sister of the year. We’re very proud of the students “ work and are glad they have been recognized on such a prestigious level,” said Annemarie Willette, assistant professor of communications. “This honor makes five awards in the past four years for JU students.”
The FAPB awards have been held annually for Florida’s professional broadcasters for nearly 40 years. The broadcasters group, which represents Florida broadcasters who are members of the AP, introduced the college competition to encourage and honor students who are planning careers in TV or radio journalism. Students rom colleges throughout the state competed.
Sister Hazel Rocks Swisher Gym at Annual Fin Fest Sister Hazel entertained a crowd of more than 300 in Swisher Gym during Jacksonville University’s 4th annual Spring Fin Fest in March. Sponsored by Dolphin Productions and the JU student programming board, the concert was one of the biggest shows JU has hosted in more than a decade. “The show was great,” said Sandro Negron, director of Dolphin Productions. “The band seemed to feed off the energy from the audience. Many students remembered their hit song ‘All for You’ from when
they were growing up. When they performed it, the audience filled with nostalgic excitement.” Dolphin Production students worked for months putting together the details of the concert from artist contracts and event security to sound and lighting. In addition, JU’s Inter-Fraternity Council assisted with show logistics and members of the JU Student Alliance helped promote the event to students. Everyone who came had a good “ time and there was a lot of talk around
campus as to who would be the band next year,” said Negron. “I think that we are well positioned to build upon this concert for next year.” Sister Hazel, a five member alternative rock, folk and southern rock band, released their self-titled debut album through their independent record label, Croakin’ Poets. The group is known for devoting much of their time to fans and charity events in the spirit of the band’s namesake, “Sister Hazel,” the elderly coordinator of a homeless shelter in Gainesville, Fla.
Fall 2008 19