April 25, 2012
The Quinnipiac Chronicle
Students rally for education reform at state capitol
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School of Communications hosts first professional development event ‘Media Mashup’ By susan riello Staff Writer
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Students For Education Reform joined chapters from other Connecticut institutions in Hartford to rally for education reform and the passage of Senate Bill 24 on Thursday evening. By RACHEL COGUT Staff Writer
Approximately 30 students joined local chapters of Students For Education Reform (SFER) from other Connecticut institutions in Hartford to rally for education reform and the passage of Senate Bill 24 on Thursday evening. Senate Bill 24 aims to improve student performance, expand access to early childhood education, change teacher standards and close the state's achievement gap. It is part of a vigorous education agenda being pushed by Governor Dannel P. Malloy. President of Quinnipiac’s SFER Chapter, Jordan Nadler, opened the rally by stating: “Connecticut, by many measures, has the largest achievement gap in the country, and college students are no longer standing idly by … It's time that our voices are heard.” State Director for Students for Education Reform Kevin Coughlin said he expected students from 12 colleges to attend and was impressed with the 60 students present at the rally, half of those students coming from Quinnipiac University. Nadler was pleased with and proud of the significant turnout. Quinnipiac students outnumbered groups from the SFER Chapters of every other Connecticut universities that attended. University of Hartford junior
Michael Daley spoke of his struggle through the public education system while growing up and attending elementary school in Hartford, which touched the hearts of many in attendance. Daley said that he thought he had been receiving a good education at the Annie Fisher School in Hartford, until he arrived at Granby Middle School and found out that he was “drastically behind” his peers. "I was so far behind my classmates that I was held back a year while I was in sixth grade," Daley said. "I was put into special education because I was so far behind. It was humiliating, extremely devastating and tremendously discouraging." Daley said he wants to help kids get the quality education they deserve, and has plans to work as a teacher in Hartford. Malloy told students at the rally that his education reform package would “move Connecticut from where it is in the back of the pack to where it should be and should have been, in the front of the classroom." "Here in Hartford, we could look at a room full of kindergartners today and, if we don't change our way, guarantee that 45 percent of them will never graduate from high school," Malloy said. "That is not acceptable in America." Malloy said negotiations on the education bill between his adminis-
tration and legislators are continuing. The governor has stated that because lawmakers "gutted" his reform bill, he won't sign it as is. He mentioned in his speech that Education Committee members have said that work needs to be done on the bill. “Connecticut has the largest achievement gap in the country, which is really devastating, and especially in a state where you can kind of see phenomenal public schools in one neighborhood and drive 30 minutes away and see kids that are being doomed to failure, too, at the very best, entering college and having to go through a number of extensive and demoralizing remedial classes,” said Alexis Morin, SFER co-founder and co-executive director. When there’s such a disparity between the haves and the have-nots in the educational system, it’s clear that change needs to happen, and that it’s possible, too. And it’s amazing to see college students rallying around making that change happen today.” Until SB 24 was gutted one month ago, it consisted of a set of reforms for the Connecticut’s public education system, including the introduction of comprehensive teacher evaluations and providing additional funds to support charter schools. Closed-door negotiations in the Senate continue over SB 24. The General Assembly has until May 9 to act on the bill.
On April 20 and 21, the School of Communications held its first interdisciplinary professional development event at the Rocky Top Student Center on Quinnipiac’s York Hill campus. During Friday’s Career Development Fair and Saturday’s Media MashUp, students from each of the four SoC majors were able to interact and network with some of their field’s top professionals. Media MashUp involved a series of sessions with lectures from professionals in the fields of public relations, communications, journalism, and film, video and interactive media. The goal of the event was to tailor it to the students’ fields of interest, according to senior Meaghen Kenney, executive student director of the Media Mashup. Students were able to choose one morning and one afternoon session to attend. The sessions ranged from “Social Media @ESPN: How to Land a Job in Social + Sports,” to “The 21st Century Newsroom: Disruption and Distribution” and “Their Dollar and Your Dream: Crowdfunding for Film.” The guest speakers were Tim Peek, an executive producer at NBC, Bob Berkowitz, a principal at the Dilenschneider Group, and John Berman, a regular contributor to many of ABC’s broadcasts. Berman ended the event as the keynote speaker. Professionals from other companies also hosted sessions. Berkowitz, a former correspondent for CNN, NBC and ABC and current executive at a strategic communications firm, gave students an inside view into the field of public relations and provided advice on how to stand out in an
interview. “If there’s one message I’d like students to remember from my presentation, it’s about the power of empathy when meeting with a potential employer,” Berkowitz said. “It’s extremely important to understand the point of view of others. When you see life from their perspective, you can speak to them in a way that is relevant and meaningful.” Each of the speakers shared both their knowledge and tips for success with Quinnipiac students. After the presentations, students were able to ask questions about resumes, future jobs and more in-depth information about the professionals’ careers. “It’s a really exciting atmosphere,” junior media studies major Mike Millea said. “Since I’m minoring in sports studies, it’s a great experience to be able to talk to professionals from ESPN who know the field inside and out.” Throughout the day, students posted to Twitter about their experiences at the MashUp, using the hashtags #whativelearned and #qumashup. Their names were then automatically entered into a raffle to win an iPad or a Kindle Fire. During both days’ events, students had the chance to give their resumes to professionals and possible employers. This networking opportunity helped students learn more about different internships and potential jobs, while also giving them the chance to apply for them. “We had an amazing turnout both from students and professionals this year,” Kenney said. “It’s hard for students to decide on a major in a few short years, so this may help them to get information on what their next step should be. We hope to hold these events again next year, with an even greater turnout.”
‘Katie’s Game’ raises $2,000 for Camp Sunshine By susan riello Staff Writer
Members of the community filled the Quinnipiac Baseball Field Saturday afternoon for Phi Sigma Sigma’s annual “Katie’s Game,” held to remember Katie Vashon, a member of Phi Sigma Sigma who passed away from leukemia while a senior at Quinnipiac in 2005. This year, the game raised about $2,000. Katie Vashon was from Hermon, Maine and worked in the Quinnipiac University Sports Information Department for four years. “Katie was very involved in athletics,” said Becky Klieman, philanthropy co-chair of Phi Sigma Sigma. “The game is a great way to remember our sister.” The annual baseball game also
supports children with life threatening diseases by raising money for Camp Sunshine for the Katie Vashon Family and Friends Scholarship Fund. “Camp Sunshine gives the normal camp experience to children with chronic diseases,” Katie’s father, Jim Vashon said. “It meant so much to Katie, and our goal as a family is to reach $100,000 which will help four families attend Camp Sunshine for free.” The Vashon family volunteers at Camp Sunshine for one week every summer. Katie Vashon’s parents said they are grateful for the support of the Quinnipiac community. “Every year we look forward to the game,” Jim Vashon said. “It makes it all worthwhile to support
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Phi Sigma Sigma honors Katie Vashon, a member of Phi Sigma Sigma who passed away from leukemia while a senior at Quinnipiac in 2005, with its annual ‘Katie’s Game.’ This year, the game raised about $2,000. the fraternity.” Katie’s father threw the ceremonial first pitch of the game while the sorority sold baked goods and other food to raise money for Camp Sunshine. “Every time we come we see
more and more people involved in Katie’s Game,” Jim Vashon said. “Coming here each year brings back great memories for us.” The sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma first created the event in May 2007, two years after Katie Vashon passed
away. “I’m happy we keep the memory of Katie Vashon alive,” sophomore and Phi Sigma Sigma member Hanna Young said. “The game reminds us all that our sisters will always be there for us.”