Compendium | Volume 1 Issue 1, July 2017

COMPENDIUM CSUDH COMMUNICATIONS ALUMNI PUBLICATION

Vol. 1 Issue 1 July 2017

COMPENDIUM CSUDH COMMUNICATIONS ALUMNI PUBLICATION

Students are ‘finding their voice’

Hollywood oriented program takes students on a vulnerable journey 89.3 KPCC With the assistance of CSUDH professors, California State University Dominguez Hills DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES 1000 East Victoria Street • Carson, CA 90747 (310) 243-3313 / (310) 243-3683 • Fax (310) 516-3779 ©2017 All Rights Reserved

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alumni land their dream jobs in broadcast news

Sports Journalism

CSUDH students are taking their

classroom experience to the field

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Message from the Chair

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Our Hollywood by the Horns program ended its third year with a successful “Story Slam,” in which students shared personal stories in front of a live audience. The event is the culmination of the “Finding Your Voice” workshop.

We recently held our 30th annual Communications Department Student Awards Banquet at the Reef Restaurant in Long Beach. We awarded almost $10,000 in scholarships, and honored outstanding students in several categories. Many alumni participated in our “speed networking,” in which we connect current and former students.

On a personal note, my research has received some media attention this year. I was interviewed by Anderson Cooper for the “60 Minutes” segment “Brain Hacking,” which aired on April 9. Cooper interviewed me about my research on smartphone addiction, and then I hooked him up to my experiment that measured his physiological arousal while I surreptitiously texted him. Then in July, TJ Holmes of “Good Morning America” interviewed me and two teenagers for a segment on smartphone addiction.

Please be sure to keep in touch—we would love to hear about your successes and accomplishments. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and we have a new website coming out very soon. Please look for periodic emailed messages from us with information on upcoming events and ways to reach us. If you have something to share, please contact Dr. Brant Burkey at comdept@csudh.edu.

I hope to see you at a future banquet, and you can always call or stop by our office. We look forward to hearing from you and reconnecting.

Dr. Nancy A. Cheever Chair, Communications Department

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reetings alumni! I want to welcome you back to your alma mater and the Communications Department with our first alumni publication. It is our goal to connect with you on a deeper level, to keep you informed about student successes, new programs and faculty accomplishments, and to celebrate your triumphs and activities post-graduation.

Before we ask about you, let me share some news about the department. First, we have moved! Our former building, the South Academic Complex I (SAC-I) is being razed to make room for a new science building. Last summer, the Communications Department moved to the fifth floor of the North Library. We love our new digs—some of the offices even have views of downtown Los Angeles.

Last year, we welcomed three new faculty members to the Communications family: Dr. Linda Dam (Advertising/Public Relations), Dr. John Vanderhoef (Media Studies professor) and Ms. Virginia “Toddy” Burton (Media Studies professor). You can read more about them in detail starting on page 14.

Our student clubs have been very busy this past year.

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) launched the successful “Before I Die” campaign, which drew hundreds of people from throughout the campus to share their goals and aspirations “before they die.”

The Society for Independent Student Journalists (SISJ) won a Presidential Award for “Best Program” for its event “Ruben Vives: From Undocumented to Pulitzer Prize.”

The club was very active this year, holding workshops, fundraisers, and visits to local media outlets, including Univision, the Los Angeles Times, and Telemundo.

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The 2017 Communications Awards Banquet Continued from page 24

CONTENTS HOLLYWOOD BY THE HORNS

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The Finding Your Voice program takes students out of their comfort zones and onto the stage

BEHIND THE MIC

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Alumni are following their dreams at the nation’s most listened-to NPR affiliate station, KPCC

ON THE FIELD

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Sports journalists take on graduate programs and covering the Super Bowl

NEW FACES

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Several new full-time faculty members have been recently added to the Communications Department

IN THE PUBLIC EYE

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The PRSSA club attracts media attention, receives a new president and hosts many guest speaker events

NO FAKE NEWS HERE

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SISJ hosts a Pultizer Prize-winning guest speaker and receives an award for the event

IN MEMORIAM

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Professor Chris Russo honors the late Dr. Whetmore during his COM Banquet speech

HIGHER STANDARDS

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The COM Department is working its way to becoming an accredited program

ALUMNI UPDATE

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Find out what some of your fellow COM graduates are up to now

2017 COM BANQUET

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COMPENDIUM CONTRIBUTORS Editor Dr. Brant Burkey, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Communications

Layout Designer Mercedes Del Real

Contributing Writers Dr. Nancy Cheever, Chair, Dept. of Communications Mercedes Del Real Da’ Ron Frost Doshiniq Green Albert Ledezma Dylan Miller Christian Mosqueda Chris Russo

Photo Credits Doshiniq Green Christian Mosqueda Mercedes Del Real Victor Rosales Chris Russo Audrey Ngo Jacklyn Kim Lisa Callamaro

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Are you an alumni who would like to be featured in the next issue? Just let us know! Contact the department at comdept@csudh.edu.

California State University Dominguez Hills DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES 1000 East Victoria Street • Carson, CA 90747 (310) 243-3313 / (310) 243-3683 • Fax (310) 516-3779 ©2017 All Rights Reserved

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Students are awarded scholarships recognized for their hard work, as well as being able to network with alumni

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HBTH Students Shine Under the Spotlight

The 2017 Communications Awards Banquet

Photos by

Victor Rosales & Chris Russo

By Doshiniq Green

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ollywood by the Horns, a pilot program through the California State University, Dominguez Hills Communications Department, gives students the chance to find their voice, tell their stories, and connect with the entertainment industry.

The program, now in its third year, is designed to raise the profile of CSUDH students by creating meaningful connections and mentorship opportunities with professionals in the Hollywood film and entertainment industries.

The program was launched in the Fall of 2014 by faculty members in the Communications Department and in consultation with veteran agent Lisa Callamaro, with the support of University President Willie J. Hagan.

Dr. Ryan Bowles Eagle, Assistant Professor of Communications and one of the program’s coordinators, said the mission of the program is to help students hone their own creative voices and for them to be aware of the value they add to creative industries and beyond.

“We wanted to create a way to say our students are here, talented, they’re smart, and they have unique stories to contribute,” said Dr. Bowles Eagle.

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Where are our alumni now?

Continued from page 22

Erin Hardimon

(Class of 2016)

Hardimon was convinced that her three internships at NBCUniversal and previous work experience would land her a full-time job right after school. She quickly realized, though, that she would have more luck going through a recruiter at Eleventh Hour. After two temporary positions as an assistant to the CFO at Lionsgate and for the president of Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate company, she got valuable experience assisting with the travel and accounting needs for the upcoming release of the untold story of Tupac Shakur, “All Eyez On Me.” According to Hardimon, this experience raised her stock enough so that one year and a day after graduating from CSUDH, she is now starting a full-time position as the Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Media at Paramount Pictures. Her further goals include being either a television or film executive, using her hands-on experience assisting other executives in the industry.

CSUDH students can earn credit if they apply and enroll in either the Deconstructing the Entertainment Industry class or Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story workshop, which culminates with a performance called the Story Slam. Students are also encouraged to participate in a Production Assistant (PA) Bootcamp, which consists of two training days on a faux production set and office. Each semester, Hollywood by the Horns also hosts behind-thescenes events for students to connect with executives in the entertainment industry.

Deconstructing the Entertainment Industry is a semester long class for credit. Students learn about various careers in film and entertainment, such as costume design and cinematography. During this class, Dr. Bowles Eagle said she finds it rewarding when students discover and make connections to people and paths that match their skill set.

“Students involved in the Deconstructing the Entertainment Industry class really the love the Continue on page 5

Reginald Malasique

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Are you an alumni who would like to be featured in the next issue? Just let us know! Contact the department at comdept@csudh.edu.

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(Class of 2015)

Malasique is currently an Assistant Media Planner at OMD Los Angeles. There, he plans, executes, optimizes and measures integrated media campaigns across TV, radio, print and digital for clients. He’s currently expanding his knowledge of both current and emerging media strategies and hopes to grow within the industry to a more senior position. Aside from working at OMD, Reginald is also an active member of several ThinkLA committees, where he plans and executes marketing and advertising related events such as Connections and Cocktails, AdJam, the Annual 5K Fun Run and the IDEA Awards.

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weeks on production design, the art department and casting,” Dr. Bowles Eagle said. “We know that casting has a massive impact on representations that we see. It’s not just the screenwriter or the director but there are other people who contribute to the world that we see in media and to the characters that inhabit those worlds, and that’s really what we want to introduce our students to.”

Public relations and advertising junior Sergio Tapia, 20, gave insight on his current experience in the class, adding he has also participated in the PA boot camp. He said Hollywood by the Horns introduces students to all aspects of Hollywood and teaches students etiquette on production sets as well as in the office.

“I look forward to hearing guest experiences,” Tapia said. “It’s eye-opening.”

He added this class has introduced him to everyday jobs in Hollywood.

“Every class, I get a glimpse of realness, and of so many types of obstacles professionals overcome that I gain perspective on whose path I can

follow,” Tapia said.

Another way students learn the power of expression and develop their own creative voice is by learning the science, history, and structure of storytelling during a 10-week Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story workshop and showcase, according to Callamaro.

“In this class, students examine their own experiences, values and mission statement,” Callamaro said.

She indicates this course requires students to The 2017 Story do personal work, such as Slam class share a story within their group of 10 students that Left: Mahogany Caldwell, Jacqueline Morales, Mercedes is true to their lives, and Del Real, Norberto Urrea, Emery Perez, Jordan Brown. then eventually in front of said senior Toryn Tisdom, adding a public audience. Despite that the workshop and showcase crebeing an intimidating experience for ate a space to talk about themselves some, current and former Commufor once. nications students found the voice “We aren’t allowed to write in first workshop beneficial. person in traditional class settings, “I learned how to find myself,”

Kim Pham (Class of 2016)

Claudia Uballez

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Uballez’ role as a Talent and Production Coordinator at Acceso Total Telemundo is to support production management in organizing the business, finance and employment issues in television productions. The work is varied and each project is different, but her job is to make sure that everything runs smoothly during filming and that the project stays within budget and on schedule. Her other duties also include production, tracking project’, coordinating schedules, tracking PR activities, supporting fundraising activities, location scouting, providing casting, crew and facilities information. This role often involves administrative and office management support, and sometimes support with marketing and promotion. On occasion, she also attends screenings, junkets, red carpet events, and brings content to producers. She also assists in trafficking daily promos that get aired, as well as music sheet reporting required by her legal department.

Continued on page 23

Mahagony Caldwell presents her story during the Third Annual Story Slam.

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(Class of 2016)

Pham currently works at the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles in the Retail Store within the Aftersales/Marketing Department. During her tenure at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, she knew she wanted to work for an automotive manufacturer, especially at the all-new PEC LA in Carson. With previous marketing experience at a Mercedes-Benz dealer, it elevated her to get her current position. Along with automotive marketing, Kim has worked in food service marketing through her passion for food. Her accomplishments are working with prestigious manufacturers, such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Her future plans include moving forward with Porsche and returning to school to earn her MBA.

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COM Department Seeks Accreditation for its Journalism and AD/PR Options

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he Journalism and Advertising/Public Relations options of the CSUDH Communications Department are pursuing national accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), a nonprofit organization that measures standards in professional education in journalism and mass communications programs through rigorous, independent reviews once every six years.

The ACEJMC accreditation team of peers and practitioners visited the CSUDH campus earlier this year and conducted their initial site evaluation by looking at facilities, curricula, course syllabi, student learning outcomes, and meeting with students, faculty and administrators.

Based on their initial recommendations, the Communications Department has begun to develop and implement a strategic plan to meet the rigorous ACEJMC standards.

Over the next few years, the voluntary accreditation review process will involve a program self-study,

campus visits, review of evidence, an assessment report and recommendations and/or judgments on accreditation status based on nine standards. The final site visit is expected to be completed in 2021, after which the ACEJMC will render its decision regarding the accreditation status.

The purpose of accreditation is to assure through self-evaluation, outside review, and other systems of accountability the quality of academic programs, including that curricula cover essential skills, maintain professional standards of practice and competencies, ensure effective preparation for the field, as well as provide appropriate resources and modern facilities.

Accreditation can also have a significant impact on eligibility for federally funded programs and student financial aid with the federal government and other public funding agencies. Earning accreditation also raises the profile and enhances an academic program’s reputation through the process of peer recognition.

The long-term goals for programs seeking accreditation are to

meet national standards while continually improving the educational experience they offer students preparing for careers in journalism and mass communications.

“Accreditation is important because it ensures students receive the best education possible,” said Communications Department Chair, Dr. Nancy Cheever. “To earn accreditation, our journalism and advertising/public relations programs must meet the high standards of excellence set forth by the accrediting council. Once achieved, accreditation will elevate the value of these degrees, bring further awareness to our campus, and assist students in obtaining their chosen careers after graduation.”

If earned, the CSUDH COM program options would join a select few accredited programs in the state of California, including CSU Chico, CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, San Diego State University, San Francisco State University, San Jose State University and the University of Southern California.

-Dr. Brant Burkey

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Jessica Pedraja

(Class of 2016)

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Pedraja currently works at IDPR, a top entertainment agency representing some of Hollywood’s biggest names, movies, and brands, where she also completed her internship as a COM senior.

Following graduation, she was hired as an Assistant Talent Publicist and plans to move up in the next year to a Junior Publicist position before becoming a Publicist herself. Her long-term goal is to start her own agency and considers one day returning to CSUDH to teach students about her own experience in the industry.

but now more than ever we need our voices to be heard, and we need to talk about how we relate to the world,” Tisdom said.

Sierra New, who graduated with a Communications degree in 2015, agreed. She participated in the Story Slam and expressed how the Hollywood by the Horns experience was the first time she stepped out of her comfort zone and found the whole process cathartic.

“I was given confidence,” New said.

Callamaro said she hopes students will exit the Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story workshop finding their authentic selves and affirming their personal and creative voices.

“I feel very honored to be trusted with helping them walk through the experience and helping them decide who they are,” Callamaro said.

Callamaro pointed out that sometimes students have multiple shifts because personal growth is challenging work, adding that the end results may even change how a person carries themself.

“It’s a thrill to see the shift,” Callamaro said.

Claudia Uballez, who graduated with a Communications degree in 2016, said knowing how to tell a story is beneficial in every aspect of life.

“Storytelling is a skill that makes personal connections stronger and will help you stand out as a professional,” Uballez said.

Callamaro also feels strongly that storytelling is important in every industry and the first thing people will say in Hollywood is that they love a person’s voice.

“Your voice is what sets you apart from another artist,” Callamaro said.

That is why Hollywood by the Horns is designed to teach students how story and voice are unique to an individual and gives them the chance to have their stories heard.

“Being able to know yourself and know the perspective that you bring is so important,” Dr. Bowles Eagle said. “There’s something about our students and where they come from that has prepared them to contribute really unique stories. That’s something that our students can take pride in.”

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Where are our alumni now?

Left front: Dr. Bowles Eagle and Lisa Callamaro with the 2017 Story Slam class and alumni from the first two events.

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From the desks to the mic

By Mercedes Del Real

Dr. Edd Whetmore and Dr. Nancy Cheever during a CSUDH commencement.

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t wasn’t until a student stood up in class to discuss the Boston bombings that Jacklyn Kim decided to become a journalist.

The student was from Syria and asked the class why everyone knows when two people die in the U.S., but no one knows about the thousands of people dying in her country.

Kim always avoided the news but she was struck by her classmate’s sobs on the subject. At that moment, Kim Googled the crisis in Syria and couldn’t fathom what was going on there. It was then that she decided to go into journalism.

“I think it was that moment when I realized… I felt a sense of responsibility,” Kim said.

Kim graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2016 and is currently working as the Apprentice News Clerk for 89.3 KPCC’s “AirTalk with Larry Mantle” (Southern California’s longest-running daily talk program).

Kim is also working alongside fellow alumna Audrey Ngo, who graduated in 2015. Ngo works as the Assistant Producer

In 2011, Lady Gaga released her second full-length album titled, “Born This Way.” As we know, she creatively presented a lot of concepts in that music, but some important themes were the ideas of being yourself, of tolerance, and of self-confidence, whether you fit into narrowly defined cultural norms or not. With her creative work, Lady Gaga jammed a crow bar into, and started to pry open some of the overly rigid, constrictive dictates that permeated (and continue to permeate) our culture.

Lady Gaga was born in 1986. Edd Whetmore was born in 1945. Imagine that difference…growing up in the 50s versus growing up in the 90s. One would think that 40-year difference would make them very dissimilar, especially today, when cultural norms and mores are primed for fast change. I mean, come on, Edd was a Baby Boomer. But Edd didn’t completely follow in the footsteps of many of the men of his generation. Where he could, he fought his way out of the hypnotic cultural mindset of his generation that, in truth, if we look at ourselves, we’re all susceptible to in our own times. He paved his own road and did things his own way. This rubbed some the wrong way at times, and some pointed fingers and said that he should behave more “befitting” or “distinguished.” Or, when the U.S. Government told Edd he should fight in what turned out to be an unjust war, and Edd refused…also changing his first name at the time from Edward to Edd, because he didn’t want the word “WAR” in hisLady first Gaga’s name. sentiment years before it finally, and justifiably started to gain a foothold. Edd never apologized for who he was. He loved music, media, education. He loved pop cul-ture, wine, art, and sports. Period. He lived SO true to himself that all was open for the world to see. And the world could like it or not. I, for one, appreciated the lessons that Edd embodied, and I was privileged to get to know the depth of heart and breadth of soul that he carried within. He taught me a great deal along the way and I’m grateful.

At the end of the day, Edd was driven by his love for students and for communications. He believed in seeking out and awakening potential in others that might not be obvious at first glance. He believed in social equality. He believed in peace. He worked toward what he thought was right. Love him or not love him, he was born that way in 1945, and as each of us try to do, he took the grapes that the culture and influences of his time gave him, and made his own unique vintage of wine that was his life. I was honored to be able to share some sips with him.

Edd is missed, but never forgotten. Please take a brief moment to raise your glass and say goodbye and honor Dr. Edd Whetmore. Thanks Edd, for being born that way.

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In Honor of Dr. Edd From the desks Whetmore (1945-2016)

to the mic

Excerpted from Prof. Chris Russo’s Memorial Speech at the 2017 COM Awards Banquet

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Audrey Ngo

at KPCC (the nation’s most listened-to NPR affiliate station) for “AirTalk.”

During her time there, Ngo took part in the 2016 presidential election coverage, had feature and news segments on KPCC’s “Take Two,” as well as their arts and entertainment program, “The Frame.”

While at CSUDH, Ngo won the Top Journalist Student Award and won first place in her division for Student Research Day looking at the news coverage of the Ferguson protests.

Ngo was a part of the inaugural staff that launched csudhbulletin.com. She was also an intern at CSUDH’s on campus radio station KDHR, where she created the podcast, “Thinking Aloud.”

Both Kim and Ngo are in awe of how their careers have turned out after college.

“I always wanted to work there [KPCC],” Ngo said.

“I always listened to KPCC… I loved the structure of their programming. It really was a dream job.”

KPCC was also a radio station that Kim and Ngo had listened to before their career endeavors in broadcast news started.

Enjoying being able to engage with an audio story and knowing that she learns best through listening, Ngo quickly realized that radio broadcasting was the field she wanted to go into.

After Kim’s introduction to the world of news is when she stumbled upon KPCC. “I just really liked listening to it,” Kim said. “I

Jacklyn Kim

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t’s important to take a moment to remember those whose hard work and dedication set the stage for our success today. In our case, as a community dedicated to students, it’s important to honor those who have committed themselves to helping students catalyze their talents, curiosity, and critical thinking. To honor those on whose shoulders we stood…and stand…to have the privileged vantage point of today.

This past December, the Communications Department had to say goodbye to one of those sets of shoulders that we all, in some way, stand on today. With the passing of Dr. Edd Whetmore, we lost one of the founding members of this vital, growing, and thriving COM Department.

To give you a brief background on Edd, with her permission, I share with you the words of Dr. Nancy Cheever, Communications Department Chair from her announcement of Edd’s passing: “Edd began his career at CSUDH in 1993 as an Associate Professor of Communications, earning tenure and promotion to Professor in 1996. He taught journalism, screenwriting and other media-related courses, and was the advisor to the student newspaper for more than a decade. During that time, student journalists competed at the California Intercollegiate Press Association (CIPA), where several CSUDH students took home awards. Edd served as department chair from 2000-2004, and again from 2009-2011. He also created the COM Department’s research sequence, in which students practiced quantitative research methods on communications-related projects. Edd served as Academic Senate Chair from 2002-2004 and as a senator for many years. He was Acting Dean of Undergraduate Studies from 2004-2006.

Before coming to CSUDH, Edd had a long teaching career and worked as a radio deejay and a soap opera script writer. Those who knew Edd best describe him as warm, generous and kind, to both colleagues and students alike. He was always the first to open his home during the holidays, and every year bought tickets to our annual banquet for students who couldn’t afford to purchase their own. We will miss his compelling anecdotes and his wisdom, humor, and love and Dr. Edd Whetmore knowledge of popular culture.” - Nancy Cheever

got hooked on listening to the radio and reading the news. I caught the news bug.”

Both Kim and Ngo credit CSUDH and their professors for preparing them for the news-intense careers they have now.

The class sizes at CSUDH are small and the professors not only make sure the material is understood, but they also make personal relations with the students, Ngo said.

They both also said they believe that the internship requirement for Communications students is crucial to the curriculum. This is because it then gets students to start networking in the fields that they are studying, Kim said.

Before her job at AirTalk, Ngo landed an internship at the City News Services Orange County bureau with the assistance of Tony Dodero, lecturer for the Communications Department.

Joel Beers, lecturer for the Communications Department, assisted Kim in receiving an internship with the Orange County Weekly, where she was a food reviewer and local reporter. The summer following her internship at the OC Weekly, Kim was hired for NPR’s “All Things Considered” in Washington D.C. with a recommendation from Dr. Brant Burkey, Assistant Professor in the Communications Department.

During her internship with NPR in D.C., Kim’s duties included pitching story ideas at editorial meetings, booking interviewees for segments, conducting pre-interviews, writing scripts, cutting audio for the segments, and many more tasks.

“If it wasn’t for the internship requirement, I would have never looked up internships and I would have never worked at the OC Weekly or NPR or even got this job at KPCC,” Kim said.

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A Supportive Foundation Can Go a Long Way

By Da’ Ron Frost

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he Society of Independent Student Journalists (SISJ) has had a memorable year at a time when the journalism industry is facing significant challenges to the First Amendment and a crisis in reputation. With all the talk of “fake news,” the CSUDH journalism club is earning a reputation that shows “real” journalism has never before been more important.

Earlier this year, the SISJ had the pleasure of welcoming Los Angeles Times journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winner Ruben Vives, who shared his narrative of being undocumented to uncovering one of the biggest scandals in Southern California history. As the undocumented community experiences increasing scrutiny and deportations, Vives’ narrative of perseverance and uncovering corruption from those in power showed our students even the most marginalized of voices can make a difference.

On May 3, 2017, the SISJ club was awarded the Presidential Award for Outstanding Program for hosting such an event. It was also fitting that this day marked international World Press Freedom Day, a day that we celebrate the fundamentals of journalism and defend the media from attacks on their independence. Moreover, it is a day in which we remember all those who died worldwide as a result of their duty and evaluate the state of press freedom not just nationwide but globally. This award meant so much to the club not just because of what journalism means to us but also what this club means to us personally.

What began with a group of three members struggling

to keep the club afloat has grown to a committed club of 15. SISJ has hosted informative movie screenings and guest speakers, held fundraisers, and taken tours of network giants like Univision and Telemundo. The club has done this in hopes of giving our members a better understanding on how the media works as well acquiring internships through networking with industry professionals.

Along the way, we’ve been there for each other offering support both in our social and academic endeavors.

We’ve also learned from each other, from Julissa James’ vegan lifestyle, to Carlos Alvarez’ passion for sports, to Da’ Ron Frost overcoming his speech impediment to become one of the most gifted writers at CSUDH. We are not just a club but a family of dedicated scholars. SISJ is an honor society so all of our members are pushed to the highest of standards, without a doubt a journalism trait.

Julissa James, V.P. of SISJ, for instance, won the Journalism Student of the Year Award for 2016-2017 as well as the Press Club scholarship. SISJ President Christian Mosqueda was the recipient of the Christian Anthony scholarship while SISJ secretary Jasmine Gibson was awarded a Leslie Nakai scholarship.

Some people call journalism the first draft of history.

This year, one can say, is the first draft of amazing things happening to this club at Dominguez Hills. We now welcome the new line of officers for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year: President-Elect Jasmine Gibson, Vice-President-Elect Kalie Calder, Treasurer Frank Rojas, and Secretary Veronica Velazquez, who will guide the club on its next chapter at CSUDH. 18

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al State University Dominguez Hills alumni Manuel Brizuela, 22, is currently seeking a master’s degree at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota but he credits the CSUDH Communications Department with giving him the foundation for achieving his educational and professional ambitions.

Brizuela, who attended CSUDH from 2012 to 2016, has dreams of becoming an NHL sports writer for one of the 31 professional teams. As an undergraduate at CSUDH, Brizuela was a Communications major with a focus on journalism. He was a member of the Society of Independent Student Journalists (SISJ) beginning his sophomore year and worked his way up to become SISJ president during his last year at CSUDH. While taking classes for his major, Brizuela felt that his professors in the Communications Department supplied him with the proper skills for life after CSUDH. “I think the biggest skill I learned is how to tailor my writing for different mediums,” Brizuela said. “A skill that is important to have considering we are living in a highly digitized world. Also, under the eye of Cathy Risling, and the news production workshop, I got firsthand experience in AP Style writing.”

SISJ members after receiving the Presidential Award for Outstanding Program.

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SISJ club recognizes the importance of journalism

By Christian Mosquedo

As a student at St. Cloud State University, Brizuela currently holds the position of graduate assistant for ticket sales in the athletic department. Next semester, he will be presented with his biggest opportunity yet, covering the SCSU hockey team for uscho.com—a leader in college hockey news.

The move takes Brizuela from a Division Two athletic school to a NCAA Division One hockey school. While the sports program at SCSU may be bigger, Brizuela is quick to point out that the passion he received from his CSUDH professors remains unmatched.

According to Brizuela, even though CSUDH is not a big university with high enrollment, its students are able to create personal bonds and relationships with their professors.

“Another difference is the passion conveyed by the professors. I love my professors here, but there are no ‘Dr. Eagles’ nor ‘Dr. Cheevers’ that I have met so far [at SCSU],” Brizuela said.

Brizuela also credits the CSUDH Communications Department with properly preparing him and other students to step outside their comfort zones.

“They prepared me in the most effective manner,” Brizuela said.

“That is, hands-on experience through the school newspaper, internship requirements, and having industry professionals as faculty and staff. The department forces students to go out of their comfort zones, conduct real research and studies, and this is all topped by passionate professors.”

Though initially nervous about attending graduate school, Brizuela now feels confident his training at CSUDH has prepared him not only for a graduate-level education but also for what lies beyond in his profession.

As an alumni of the CSUDH Communications Department, Brizuela reflects positively on his undergraduate experience at CSUDH and believes the department will continue to prepare future classes with the skills and opportunities they need to find success for whatever paths they choose.

“I most definitely think the department is headed in the right direction,” Brizuela said, “especially with the [SISJ] club growing, a strong campus newspaper, and networking opportunities left and right.”

COMPENDIUM

COMPENDIUM

Manuel Brizuela with the print version of his story on SCSU’s hockey team. The article is also featured at letsplayhockey.com.

10

9/12/17 12:09 PM

From a challenge to a career

S

11

ometimes an argument can have unexpected consequences, especially when it involves social media, which is exactly what led to California State University Dominguez Hills alumni Darrel Wilson’s career in journalism.

Wilson was always a sports fanatic but did not always aspire to be a sports journalist. Before transferring to CSUDH, Wilson attended El Camino College, where he was initially studying physical therapy and personal training.

However, following an argument that Wilson was having with someone on Twitter a few years ago, the person then asked Wilson to write an article for them. Not one to back down from the challenge, Wilson wrote it and the positive feedback he received led him to seriously consider a career in journalism.

“A few years ago somebody asked me to write an article because I was arguing with them on Twitter,” said Wilson. “I wrote an article and it got some good reviews.”

After transferring to CSUDH, the article Wilson wrote also gave him the confidence to change his major to Communications, become

41120_CSDUDH_Compendium.indd 12

Darrel Wilson in Houston, Texas, covering Super Bowl LI.

a journalist, and start his own blog.

Wilson launched the blog with the help of a friend and has since had the opportunity to cover a variety of sporting events, including Super Bowl LI, an NBA All-Star Game, and Dodgers baseball.

“By me starting my own blog…I had some articles on there and somebody saw one of my articles.

That was the first person to ask me to write for their site,” said Wilson.

“That in turn led me to get credentials to cover NBA games. That’s been the biggest thing that has happened in my life so far. Having a blog has absolutely changed my life.”

The name of Wilson’s blog, SpitsGame.com, refers to the slang term, “spitting game,” or as he explains means “the articulation of sports knowledge from an unrealized perspective.”

“I wanted it to have an authentic, urban name,” explained Wilson about the name of his blog. “In the streets, when somebody says you’re spitting game, that means you’re giving knowledge. I’m giving out my

sports knowledge to somebody else.”

So far, SpitsGame.com only has Wilson’s personal catalog but that has not stopped people from offering to buy the name from Wilson. The bids range from $600 to $1,100, but Wilson is in no rush to sell the rights to the name just yet. Wilson’s goal is to write or partner with a big company, such as ESPN. Wilson is still in the early stages of his journalism career, but has covered some of the biggest events in sports. He worked hard to get here and does not plan on stopping anytime soon.

“Being able to rub elbows with the best and being able to put out quality work with those people lets me know there is still a possible future for me,” said Wilson on his work thus far as a journalist. “I’m just getting started.”

Wilson graduated from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills in spring 2016 with his bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in journalism. For more on Wilson, visit his blog SpitsGame.com or follow him on Twitter @SpitsGame.

“I’m just getting started.”

Telemundos Raymond Mesa being interviewed by CSUDH Communications student Kalie Calder.

T

he CSUDH chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) continued to expand the sphere of influence for its student members in AY 2016-2017 with a variety of professional speakers, agency tours, and regional conferences.

One of the year’s highlights included the PRSSA members attending the 2017 regional PRSSA conference in San Diego, Calif. However, PRSSA also hosted guest speakers throughout the year from such agencies as Allison & Partners, Conil Advertising, Edelman, GOLIN, Nicole Dezzuitti, Deutsch, Team 1, and 72 and Sunny.

PRSSA academic advisor Dr. Karina Kim also took students on agency tours of the above mentioned agencies, as well as Ketchum, the LA Sparks PR Department, and the LA Dodgers PR Department.

The Public Interest Committee (PIC) of the CSUDH PRSSA also had a successful 2017 academic year.

The committee planned and executed three projects, including the Breast Cancer Awareness art installation, the How Can I Make a Difference? Wall, a March Madness viewing event in the CSUDH Sports

Lounge, and the promotion of the 2017 Communications Awards Banquet.

Each of these projects received media attention from the CSUDH Newspaper, The Bulletin. Last year, the Before I Die board that was placed in the East Walkway garnered additional media attention when Telemundo provided news coverage of the promotion.

This year’s PIC Chair Erica M. Galvan,who graduated in Spring 2017, will be replaced in the fall by Dylan Miller, who intends to continue the group’s objective of creating tangible, impactful events that benefit the CSUDH campus community.

“I was honored to have been asked to resume the duties of the chair position for the Public Interest Committee,” said Galvan, former Chairperson of the Public Interest Committee and Event Chair of CSUDH PRSSA. “It was a pleasure to work with the individuals that participated in PIC, and I felt like we developed long-term relationships that will transcend our time of being a part of this committee.”

For additional PRSSA information, contact Cindy Ayala, newly elected PRSSA President, or go to toroprssa.wixsite.com/csudhprssa.

COMPENDIUM

COMPENDIUM

By Da’ Ron Frost

16

9/12/17 12:09 PM

PRSSA brings the CSUDH campus community together

15

41120_CSDUDH_Compendium.indd 13

By Dylan Miller

. nalists coverin g Super Bowl LI

certain players on the team questions for the story I needed to complete that day. Being only a few feet away from the players I watch on television every Sunday was surreal. As important, I had the opportunity to see welltrained journalists operate in that kind of environment.

I was also assigned to cover smaller events like the NFLPA Smocks and Jocks: Painting with the Pros, which consisted of current and former NFL players visiting a high school in Houston and painting with students.

In every situation, I used the skills my professors in the Communications Department taught me. Their strict rule of using AP Style writing made writing simpler and the interviewing techniques helped me get the right quotes needed for my articles. It was great to finally use what I was taught in the classroom being put into action.

I was also one of the youngest and among only a few black people representing the media but I did get an upclose lesson on how reporters I looked up to work. As an aspiring journalist, I was full of questions for the other accomplished journalists there and whenever I had the chance, I tried to get as much information on what it takes to make it in the sports journalism business. The people I met and the professional advice given to me will be cherished forever.

The Super Bowl LI experience was a dream come true.

Everything about the week was phenomenal, even only sleeping five hours a night. I now know I have a lot of work to complete before becoming an accomplished journalist but covering such big sporting events as the Super Bowl 12 lets me know I am at least on the right path.

COMPENDIUM

COMPENDIUM

A

fter visiting the CSUDH Career Center in 2013 to determine if becoming a Communication major in the journalism option was the right decision, their personality test indicated I would be better suited for getting a degree in business, not Communications. Despite their advice, I chose to give being a Communications major a try and focus on a possible future in journalism. It turns out I made the right call.

Here I am now, 22, graduating from CSUDH with a bachelor’s degree in Communications, and I got to cover Super Bowl LI earlier this year in Houston, Texas, as a member of the sports media.

If somebody told me 10 years ago I would be attending the Super Bowl between the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots, I would never have believed it.

Sports have been a passion of mine since the age of 4 and, though I once had dreams of becoming a NFL player, I have come to realize that my purpose in life is to become a sports journalist.

I started interning for ProPlayerInsiders.com, an official partner of the NFL, in September 2016, where I was assigned to do game previews and recaps every week.

It was a thrilling experience and great seeing my name published. Eventually, the CEO of the website, Melissa Mahler, invited me to cover the Super Bowl and it was an opportunity of a lifetime I could not pass up.

Throughout the week, I was assigned to cover the Atlanta Falcons along with other NFL events. My days would start around 6 a.m. to get ready, head to where the Falcons media availability day was located, write my articles, attend a press conference for the NFL, write another article, edit, then head back to my hotel around midnight. I did the same thing for five consecutive days and it was the greatest time I ever had.

At the Falcons’ press conference, I was able to ask

given out to jour

By Da’ Ron Frost

The press pass

COM Student Scores Big by Making Super Bowl Dreams Come True

9/12/17 12:09 PM

Department Takes Initiative for Future Growth and Success

T

he CSUDH Communications Department is currently making some significant changes to its programs, including pursuing accreditation, securing new facilities, and hiring more full-time faculty.

This dynamic period of transition and expansion is to keep pace with growing enrollment, increasing student demand for classes, transformations throughout the media industries, and the effects of technological innovation spurred by the digital revolution.

The first significant development includes the Communications Department’s Journalism and Advertising/Public Relations options pursuing program accreditation through the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC), an ongoing review process that takes several years but, if earned, will elevate the CSUDH Communications programs to among only a few other accredited CSU programs in the discipline.

Another recognizable change to the Communications Department in the past year was that it moved from its old location in the South Academic Complex (SAC1) bungalows to the fifth floor of the University Library. This new department location offers more spacious and permanent offices, allowing for the flow of more students to visit faculty and a more pleasant visiting experience. It is also hoped that with this move new facilities will eventually be made available to accommodate the rapidly growing Communications programs, including a possible newsroom and film screening room.

However, one of the most important en-

13

41120_CSDUDH_Compendium.indd 14

hancements the Communications Department has taken is the hiring of four new, full-time, tenure-track faculty members in the past two years, doubling the size from its previous four to eight full-time faculty members. In addition to Department Chair Dr. Nancy Cheever, Dr. Sharon Sharp, Dr. Ryan Bowles Eagle, and Dr. Brant Burkey, the four newly hired faculty in the past two years are Dr. Keunyeong (Karina) Kim, Virginia (Toddy) Burton, Dr. John Vanderhoef, and Dr. Linda Dam. Dr. Kim, who joined the faculty in fall 2015, is an Assistant Professor of Communications specializing in the areas of media psychology, media effects, and persuasion. Some of the courses she teaches at CSUDH include: Advertising Strategy and Writing, Introduction to Public Relations, Communication Theory and Research Methods, and Senior Seminar.

Dr. Kim received her B.A. in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Ajou University in the Republic of South Korea.

She then came to the United States and got her M.A. from Kansas State University and Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Kim is a participating member of several primary organizations in the Communications field, such as the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), International Communication Association (ICA), National Communication Association (NCA), and Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). Dr. Kim also serves as the faculty advisor for the CSUDH chapter of the national organization, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

In terms of the Communication

Assistant Professor Dr. Keunyeong (Karina) Kim

Assistant Professor Virginia (Toddy) Burton

Assistant Professor Dr. John Vanderhoef

Assistant Professor Dr. Linda Dam

media culture, including films, television shows, music, and video games.

Dr. Vanderhoef is very excited to join the department as he has made the transition from an adjunct instructor to being a full-time faculty member.

“What’s good about joining [the department] during this time is that I get to be a part of this expansion of the department across all of the three options,” Vanderhoef stated.

Along with this, Vanderhoef is excited to bring his expertise in game studies, Indie media studies, and emerging media studies to existing classes. In the future, he wants to work with students to develop an extracurricular student organization that’s built specifically around game development.

“I want to gather invested students who can form a community and support each other as they pursue their creative careers,” Vanderhoef said.

Dr. Linda Dam was the final full-

time, tenure-track faculty hire in the fall of 2016. Dr. Dam received her B.A. degrees in English and History from the University of California, Irvine; her M.A. degree in Mass Communications from California State University, Fullerton; and lastly, her Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Dam currently teaches Integrated Marketing Communication, Ad Writing and Strategies, and Senior Seminar. Previous courses she has taught include Introduction to Public Relations, Research Methods, Media and Society, Gender and Communication, Public Relations, and Intro to Communications.

With six years of professional experience in marketing and communication and six years of teaching, her goal is to showcase to students the skills and knowledge needed to work in this field.

“In the classroom, my lectures revolve around real-world examples, allowing students to apply the coursework material, ensuring that students are actively involved in the information and can demonstrate more than simple memorization of concepts,” explained Dr. Dam. “Furthermore, my unique background allows me to integrate multicultural perspectives into my lectures and foster diversity within the learning environment.”

Dr. Dam considers herself fortunate to be a part of the many changes the Communications Department is moving toward and she hopes her teaching and research expertise will continue to be a great addition to the department.

Combined, the CSUDH Communications Department is developing a new look and feel as it establishes a solid foundation for its programs’ future growth and success. In addition to these preliminary changes, Communications majors and alumni can expect to see the introduction of further innovations and initiatives as the department continues to expand and meet the challenges of the new media landscape.

COMPENDIUM

COMPENDIUM

By Albert Ledezma

Department’s current and future improvement, she believes the changes are a must to adjust to the growing student body for the department.

“I think this growth is necessary,” Dr. Kim said of the growing popularity of the Communications major. “The student body has been growing and students keep coming to the department.”

Assistant Professor Burton became a full-time faculty member in the Fall of 2016 at CSUDH, where she now teaches Screenwriting, Creative Producing, TV Writing, and other subjects. Burton studied filmmaking at Brown University as an undergrad, then pursued her M.F.A. at the University of Texas at Austin. Before coming to CSUDH, her academic experience included having taught as an adjunct instructor as a graduate student, four and a half years as an Assistant Professor at Gordon College (located outside of Boston), and a semester at Occidental College in the spring of 2016.

Some of Burton’s professional career includes being a former independent film producer, whose films have been showcased at the Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, and Tribeca.

“I think it’s very exciting,” Burton said of the steps the department is taking towards expanding and planning for future success. “I think the hiring of me and my colleagues was a part of the casting of that vision and I’m excited to bring my skills to bear on the new opportunities for students.”

Dr. Vanderhoef was also hired in the fall of 2016 as a full-time, tenure-track faculty member. Dr. Vanderhoef, who received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, specializes in media industries and emerging media topics, with a strong focus on video games, video game development, and gaming culture. Since joining the CSUDH Communications faculty, he has taught such courses as Emerging Media History, Emerging Media Writing, Introduction to Film, and the Senior Seminar focusing on Indie

14

9/12/17 12:09 PM

Department Takes Initiative for Future Growth and Success

T

he CSUDH Communications Department is currently making some significant changes to its programs, including pursuing accreditation, securing new facilities, and hiring more full-time faculty.

This dynamic period of transition and expansion is to keep pace with growing enrollment, increasing student demand for classes, transformations throughout the media industries, and the effects of technological innovation spurred by the digital revolution.

The first significant development includes the Communications Department’s Journalism and Advertising/Public Relations options pursuing program accreditation through the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC), an ongoing review process that takes several years but, if earned, will elevate the CSUDH Communications programs to among only a few other accredited CSU programs in the discipline.

Another recognizable change to the Communications Department in the past year was that it moved from its old location in the South Academic Complex (SAC1) bungalows to the fifth floor of the University Library. This new department location offers more spacious and permanent offices, allowing for the flow of more students to visit faculty and a more pleasant visiting experience. It is also hoped that with this move new facilities will eventually be made available to accommodate the rapidly growing Communications programs, including a possible newsroom and film screening room.

However, one of the most important en-

13

41120_CSDUDH_Compendium.indd 14

hancements the Communications Department has taken is the hiring of four new, full-time, tenure-track faculty members in the past two years, doubling the size from its previous four to eight full-time faculty members. In addition to Department Chair Dr. Nancy Cheever, Dr. Sharon Sharp, Dr. Ryan Bowles Eagle, and Dr. Brant Burkey, the four newly hired faculty in the past two years are Dr. Keunyeong (Karina) Kim, Virginia (Toddy) Burton, Dr. John Vanderhoef, and Dr. Linda Dam. Dr. Kim, who joined the faculty in fall 2015, is an Assistant Professor of Communications specializing in the areas of media psychology, media effects, and persuasion. Some of the courses she teaches at CSUDH include: Advertising Strategy and Writing, Introduction to Public Relations, Communication Theory and Research Methods, and Senior Seminar.

Dr. Kim received her B.A. in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Ajou University in the Republic of South Korea.

She then came to the United States and got her M.A. from Kansas State University and Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Kim is a participating member of several primary organizations in the Communications field, such as the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), International Communication Association (ICA), National Communication Association (NCA), and Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). Dr. Kim also serves as the faculty advisor for the CSUDH chapter of the national organization, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

In terms of the Communication

Assistant Professor Dr. Keunyeong (Karina) Kim

Assistant Professor Virginia (Toddy) Burton

Assistant Professor Dr. John Vanderhoef

Assistant Professor Dr. Linda Dam

media culture, including films, television shows, music, and video games.

Dr. Vanderhoef is very excited to join the department as he has made the transition from an adjunct instructor to being a full-time faculty member.

“What’s good about joining [the department] during this time is that I get to be a part of this expansion of the department across all of the three options,” Vanderhoef stated.

Along with this, Vanderhoef is excited to bring his expertise in game studies, Indie media studies, and emerging media studies to existing classes. In the future, he wants to work with students to develop an extracurricular student organization that’s built specifically around game development.

“I want to gather invested students who can form a community and support each other as they pursue their creative careers,” Vanderhoef said.

Dr. Linda Dam was the final full-

time, tenure-track faculty hire in the fall of 2016. Dr. Dam received her B.A. degrees in English and History from the University of California, Irvine; her M.A. degree in Mass Communications from California State University, Fullerton; and lastly, her Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Dam currently teaches Integrated Marketing Communication, Ad Writing and Strategies, and Senior Seminar. Previous courses she has taught include Introduction to Public Relations, Research Methods, Media and Society, Gender and Communication, Public Relations, and Intro to Communications.

With six years of professional experience in marketing and communication and six years of teaching, her goal is to showcase to students the skills and knowledge needed to work in this field.

“In the classroom, my lectures revolve around real-world examples, allowing students to apply the coursework material, ensuring that students are actively involved in the information and can demonstrate more than simple memorization of concepts,” explained Dr. Dam. “Furthermore, my unique background allows me to integrate multicultural perspectives into my lectures and foster diversity within the learning environment.”

Dr. Dam considers herself fortunate to be a part of the many changes the Communications Department is moving toward and she hopes her teaching and research expertise will continue to be a great addition to the department.

Combined, the CSUDH Communications Department is developing a new look and feel as it establishes a solid foundation for its programs’ future growth and success. In addition to these preliminary changes, Communications majors and alumni can expect to see the introduction of further innovations and initiatives as the department continues to expand and meet the challenges of the new media landscape.

COMPENDIUM

COMPENDIUM

By Albert Ledezma

Department’s current and future improvement, she believes the changes are a must to adjust to the growing student body for the department.

“I think this growth is necessary,” Dr. Kim said of the growing popularity of the Communications major. “The student body has been growing and students keep coming to the department.”

Assistant Professor Burton became a full-time faculty member in the Fall of 2016 at CSUDH, where she now teaches Screenwriting, Creative Producing, TV Writing, and other subjects. Burton studied filmmaking at Brown University as an undergrad, then pursued her M.F.A. at the University of Texas at Austin. Before coming to CSUDH, her academic experience included having taught as an adjunct instructor as a graduate student, four and a half years as an Assistant Professor at Gordon College (located outside of Boston), and a semester at Occidental College in the spring of 2016.

Some of Burton’s professional career includes being a former independent film producer, whose films have been showcased at the Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, and Tribeca.

“I think it’s very exciting,” Burton said of the steps the department is taking towards expanding and planning for future success. “I think the hiring of me and my colleagues was a part of the casting of that vision and I’m excited to bring my skills to bear on the new opportunities for students.”

Dr. Vanderhoef was also hired in the fall of 2016 as a full-time, tenure-track faculty member. Dr. Vanderhoef, who received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, specializes in media industries and emerging media topics, with a strong focus on video games, video game development, and gaming culture. Since joining the CSUDH Communications faculty, he has taught such courses as Emerging Media History, Emerging Media Writing, Introduction to Film, and the Senior Seminar focusing on Indie

14

9/12/17 12:09 PM

PRSSA brings the CSUDH campus community together

15

41120_CSDUDH_Compendium.indd 13

By Dylan Miller

. nalists coverin g Super Bowl LI

certain players on the team questions for the story I needed to complete that day. Being only a few feet away from the players I watch on television every Sunday was surreal. As important, I had the opportunity to see welltrained journalists operate in that kind of environment.

I was also assigned to cover smaller events like the NFLPA Smocks and Jocks: Painting with the Pros, which consisted of current and former NFL players visiting a high school in Houston and painting with students.

In every situation, I used the skills my professors in the Communications Department taught me. Their strict rule of using AP Style writing made writing simpler and the interviewing techniques helped me get the right quotes needed for my articles. It was great to finally use what I was taught in the classroom being put into action.

I was also one of the youngest and among only a few black people representing the media but I did get an upclose lesson on how reporters I looked up to work. As an aspiring journalist, I was full of questions for the other accomplished journalists there and whenever I had the chance, I tried to get as much information on what it takes to make it in the sports journalism business. The people I met and the professional advice given to me will be cherished forever.

The Super Bowl LI experience was a dream come true.

Everything about the week was phenomenal, even only sleeping five hours a night. I now know I have a lot of work to complete before becoming an accomplished journalist but covering such big sporting events as the Super Bowl 12 lets me know I am at least on the right path.

COMPENDIUM

COMPENDIUM

A

fter visiting the CSUDH Career Center in 2013 to determine if becoming a Communication major in the journalism option was the right decision, their personality test indicated I would be better suited for getting a degree in business, not Communications. Despite their advice, I chose to give being a Communications major a try and focus on a possible future in journalism. It turns out I made the right call.

Here I am now, 22, graduating from CSUDH with a bachelor’s degree in Communications, and I got to cover Super Bowl LI earlier this year in Houston, Texas, as a member of the sports media.

If somebody told me 10 years ago I would be attending the Super Bowl between the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots, I would never have believed it.

Sports have been a passion of mine since the age of 4 and, though I once had dreams of becoming a NFL player, I have come to realize that my purpose in life is to become a sports journalist.

I started interning for ProPlayerInsiders.com, an official partner of the NFL, in September 2016, where I was assigned to do game previews and recaps every week.

It was a thrilling experience and great seeing my name published. Eventually, the CEO of the website, Melissa Mahler, invited me to cover the Super Bowl and it was an opportunity of a lifetime I could not pass up.

Throughout the week, I was assigned to cover the Atlanta Falcons along with other NFL events. My days would start around 6 a.m. to get ready, head to where the Falcons media availability day was located, write my articles, attend a press conference for the NFL, write another article, edit, then head back to my hotel around midnight. I did the same thing for five consecutive days and it was the greatest time I ever had.

At the Falcons’ press conference, I was able to ask

given out to jour

By Da’ Ron Frost

The press pass

COM Student Scores Big by Making Super Bowl Dreams Come True

9/12/17 12:09 PM

From a challenge to a career

S

11

ometimes an argument can have unexpected consequences, especially when it involves social media, which is exactly what led to California State University Dominguez Hills alumni Darrel Wilson’s career in journalism.

Wilson was always a sports fanatic but did not always aspire to be a sports journalist. Before transferring to CSUDH, Wilson attended El Camino College, where he was initially studying physical therapy and personal training.

However, following an argument that Wilson was having with someone on Twitter a few years ago, the person then asked Wilson to write an article for them. Not one to back down from the challenge, Wilson wrote it and the positive feedback he received led him to seriously consider a career in journalism.

“A few years ago somebody asked me to write an article because I was arguing with them on Twitter,” said Wilson. “I wrote an article and it got some good reviews.”

After transferring to CSUDH, the article Wilson wrote also gave him the confidence to change his major to Communications, become

41120_CSDUDH_Compendium.indd 12

Darrel Wilson in Houston, Texas, covering Super Bowl LI.

a journalist, and start his own blog.

Wilson launched the blog with the help of a friend and has since had the opportunity to cover a variety of sporting events, including Super Bowl LI, an NBA All-Star Game, and Dodgers baseball.

“By me starting my own blog…I had some articles on there and somebody saw one of my articles.

That was the first person to ask me to write for their site,” said Wilson.

“That in turn led me to get credentials to cover NBA games. That’s been the biggest thing that has happened in my life so far. Having a blog has absolutely changed my life.”

The name of Wilson’s blog, SpitsGame.com, refers to the slang term, “spitting game,” or as he explains means “the articulation of sports knowledge from an unrealized perspective.”

“I wanted it to have an authentic, urban name,” explained Wilson about the name of his blog. “In the streets, when somebody says you’re spitting game, that means you’re giving knowledge. I’m giving out my

sports knowledge to somebody else.”

So far, SpitsGame.com only has Wilson’s personal catalog but that has not stopped people from offering to buy the name from Wilson. The bids range from $600 to $1,100, but Wilson is in no rush to sell the rights to the name just yet. Wilson’s goal is to write or partner with a big company, such as ESPN. Wilson is still in the early stages of his journalism career, but has covered some of the biggest events in sports. He worked hard to get here and does not plan on stopping anytime soon.

“Being able to rub elbows with the best and being able to put out quality work with those people lets me know there is still a possible future for me,” said Wilson on his work thus far as a journalist. “I’m just getting started.”

Wilson graduated from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills in spring 2016 with his bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in journalism. For more on Wilson, visit his blog SpitsGame.com or follow him on Twitter @SpitsGame.

“I’m just getting started.”

Telemundos Raymond Mesa being interviewed by CSUDH Communications student Kalie Calder.

T

he CSUDH chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) continued to expand the sphere of influence for its student members in AY 2016-2017 with a variety of professional speakers, agency tours, and regional conferences.

One of the year’s highlights included the PRSSA members attending the 2017 regional PRSSA conference in San Diego, Calif. However, PRSSA also hosted guest speakers throughout the year from such agencies as Allison & Partners, Conil Advertising, Edelman, GOLIN, Nicole Dezzuitti, Deutsch, Team 1, and 72 and Sunny.

PRSSA academic advisor Dr. Karina Kim also took students on agency tours of the above mentioned agencies, as well as Ketchum, the LA Sparks PR Department, and the LA Dodgers PR Department.

The Public Interest Committee (PIC) of the CSUDH PRSSA also had a successful 2017 academic year.

The committee planned and executed three projects, including the Breast Cancer Awareness art installation, the How Can I Make a Difference? Wall, a March Madness viewing event in the CSUDH Sports

Lounge, and the promotion of the 2017 Communications Awards Banquet.

Each of these projects received media attention from the CSUDH Newspaper, The Bulletin. Last year, the Before I Die board that was placed in the East Walkway garnered additional media attention when Telemundo provided news coverage of the promotion.

This year’s PIC Chair Erica M. Galvan,who graduated in Spring 2017, will be replaced in the fall by Dylan Miller, who intends to continue the group’s objective of creating tangible, impactful events that benefit the CSUDH campus community.

“I was honored to have been asked to resume the duties of the chair position for the Public Interest Committee,” said Galvan, former Chairperson of the Public Interest Committee and Event Chair of CSUDH PRSSA. “It was a pleasure to work with the individuals that participated in PIC, and I felt like we developed long-term relationships that will transcend our time of being a part of this committee.”

For additional PRSSA information, contact Cindy Ayala, newly elected PRSSA President, or go to toroprssa.wixsite.com/csudhprssa.

COMPENDIUM

COMPENDIUM

By Da’ Ron Frost

16

9/12/17 12:09 PM

17

41120_CSDUDH_Compendium.indd 11

SISJ club recognizes the importance of journalism

By Christian Mosquedo

As a student at St. Cloud State University, Brizuela currently holds the position of graduate assistant for ticket sales in the athletic department. Next semester, he will be presented with his biggest opportunity yet, covering the SCSU hockey team for uscho.com—a leader in college hockey news.

The move takes Brizuela from a Division Two athletic school to a NCAA Division One hockey school. While the sports program at SCSU may be bigger, Brizuela is quick to point out that the passion he received from his CSUDH professors remains unmatched.

According to Brizuela, even though CSUDH is not a big university with high enrollment, its students are able to create personal bonds and relationships with their professors.

“Another difference is the passion conveyed by the professors. I love my professors here, but there are no ‘Dr. Eagles’ nor ‘Dr. Cheevers’ that I have met so far [at SCSU],” Brizuela said.

Brizuela also credits the CSUDH Communications Department with properly preparing him and other students to step outside their comfort zones.

“They prepared me in the most effective manner,” Brizuela said.

“That is, hands-on experience through the school newspaper, internship requirements, and having industry professionals as faculty and staff. The department forces students to go out of their comfort zones, conduct real research and studies, and this is all topped by passionate professors.”

Though initially nervous about attending graduate school, Brizuela now feels confident his training at CSUDH has prepared him not only for a graduate-level education but also for what lies beyond in his profession.

As an alumni of the CSUDH Communications Department, Brizuela reflects positively on his undergraduate experience at CSUDH and believes the department will continue to prepare future classes with the skills and opportunities they need to find success for whatever paths they choose.

“I most definitely think the department is headed in the right direction,” Brizuela said, “especially with the [SISJ] club growing, a strong campus newspaper, and networking opportunities left and right.”

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Manuel Brizuela with the print version of his story on SCSU’s hockey team. The article is also featured at letsplayhockey.com.

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A Supportive Foundation Can Go a Long Way

By Da’ Ron Frost

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he Society of Independent Student Journalists (SISJ) has had a memorable year at a time when the journalism industry is facing significant challenges to the First Amendment and a crisis in reputation. With all the talk of “fake news,” the CSUDH journalism club is earning a reputation that shows “real” journalism has never before been more important.

Earlier this year, the SISJ had the pleasure of welcoming Los Angeles Times journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winner Ruben Vives, who shared his narrative of being undocumented to uncovering one of the biggest scandals in Southern California history. As the undocumented community experiences increasing scrutiny and deportations, Vives’ narrative of perseverance and uncovering corruption from those in power showed our students even the most marginalized of voices can make a difference.

On May 3, 2017, the SISJ club was awarded the Presidential Award for Outstanding Program for hosting such an event. It was also fitting that this day marked international World Press Freedom Day, a day that we celebrate the fundamentals of journalism and defend the media from attacks on their independence. Moreover, it is a day in which we remember all those who died worldwide as a result of their duty and evaluate the state of press freedom not just nationwide but globally. This award meant so much to the club not just because of what journalism means to us but also what this club means to us personally.

What began with a group of three members struggling

to keep the club afloat has grown to a committed club of 15. SISJ has hosted informative movie screenings and guest speakers, held fundraisers, and taken tours of network giants like Univision and Telemundo. The club has done this in hopes of giving our members a better understanding on how the media works as well acquiring internships through networking with industry professionals.

Along the way, we’ve been there for each other offering support both in our social and academic endeavors.

We’ve also learned from each other, from Julissa James’ vegan lifestyle, to Carlos Alvarez’ passion for sports, to Da’ Ron Frost overcoming his speech impediment to become one of the most gifted writers at CSUDH. We are not just a club but a family of dedicated scholars. SISJ is an honor society so all of our members are pushed to the highest of standards, without a doubt a journalism trait.

Julissa James, V.P. of SISJ, for instance, won the Journalism Student of the Year Award for 2016-2017 as well as the Press Club scholarship. SISJ President Christian Mosqueda was the recipient of the Christian Anthony scholarship while SISJ secretary Jasmine Gibson was awarded a Leslie Nakai scholarship.

Some people call journalism the first draft of history.

This year, one can say, is the first draft of amazing things happening to this club at Dominguez Hills. We now welcome the new line of officers for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year: President-Elect Jasmine Gibson, Vice-President-Elect Kalie Calder, Treasurer Frank Rojas, and Secretary Veronica Velazquez, who will guide the club on its next chapter at CSUDH. 18

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al State University Dominguez Hills alumni Manuel Brizuela, 22, is currently seeking a master’s degree at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota but he credits the CSUDH Communications Department with giving him the foundation for achieving his educational and professional ambitions.

Brizuela, who attended CSUDH from 2012 to 2016, has dreams of becoming an NHL sports writer for one of the 31 professional teams. As an undergraduate at CSUDH, Brizuela was a Communications major with a focus on journalism. He was a member of the Society of Independent Student Journalists (SISJ) beginning his sophomore year and worked his way up to become SISJ president during his last year at CSUDH. While taking classes for his major, Brizuela felt that his professors in the Communications Department supplied him with the proper skills for life after CSUDH. “I think the biggest skill I learned is how to tailor my writing for different mediums,” Brizuela said. “A skill that is important to have considering we are living in a highly digitized world. Also, under the eye of Cathy Risling, and the news production workshop, I got firsthand experience in AP Style writing.”

SISJ members after receiving the Presidential Award for Outstanding Program.

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In Honor of Dr. Edd From the desks Whetmore (1945-2016)

to the mic

Excerpted from Prof. Chris Russo’s Memorial Speech at the 2017 COM Awards Banquet

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Audrey Ngo

at KPCC (the nation’s most listened-to NPR affiliate station) for “AirTalk.”

During her time there, Ngo took part in the 2016 presidential election coverage, had feature and news segments on KPCC’s “Take Two,” as well as their arts and entertainment program, “The Frame.”

While at CSUDH, Ngo won the Top Journalist Student Award and won first place in her division for Student Research Day looking at the news coverage of the Ferguson protests.

Ngo was a part of the inaugural staff that launched csudhbulletin.com. She was also an intern at CSUDH’s on campus radio station KDHR, where she created the podcast, “Thinking Aloud.”

Both Kim and Ngo are in awe of how their careers have turned out after college.

“I always wanted to work there [KPCC],” Ngo said.

“I always listened to KPCC… I loved the structure of their programming. It really was a dream job.”

KPCC was also a radio station that Kim and Ngo had listened to before their career endeavors in broadcast news started.

Enjoying being able to engage with an audio story and knowing that she learns best through listening, Ngo quickly realized that radio broadcasting was the field she wanted to go into.

After Kim’s introduction to the world of news is when she stumbled upon KPCC. “I just really liked listening to it,” Kim said. “I

Jacklyn Kim

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t’s important to take a moment to remember those whose hard work and dedication set the stage for our success today. In our case, as a community dedicated to students, it’s important to honor those who have committed themselves to helping students catalyze their talents, curiosity, and critical thinking. To honor those on whose shoulders we stood…and stand…to have the privileged vantage point of today.

This past December, the Communications Department had to say goodbye to one of those sets of shoulders that we all, in some way, stand on today. With the passing of Dr. Edd Whetmore, we lost one of the founding members of this vital, growing, and thriving COM Department.

To give you a brief background on Edd, with her permission, I share with you the words of Dr. Nancy Cheever, Communications Department Chair from her announcement of Edd’s passing: “Edd began his career at CSUDH in 1993 as an Associate Professor of Communications, earning tenure and promotion to Professor in 1996. He taught journalism, screenwriting and other media-related courses, and was the advisor to the student newspaper for more than a decade. During that time, student journalists competed at the California Intercollegiate Press Association (CIPA), where several CSUDH students took home awards. Edd served as department chair from 2000-2004, and again from 2009-2011. He also created the COM Department’s research sequence, in which students practiced quantitative research methods on communications-related projects. Edd served as Academic Senate Chair from 2002-2004 and as a senator for many years. He was Acting Dean of Undergraduate Studies from 2004-2006.

Before coming to CSUDH, Edd had a long teaching career and worked as a radio deejay and a soap opera script writer. Those who knew Edd best describe him as warm, generous and kind, to both colleagues and students alike. He was always the first to open his home during the holidays, and every year bought tickets to our annual banquet for students who couldn’t afford to purchase their own. We will miss his compelling anecdotes and his wisdom, humor, and love and Dr. Edd Whetmore knowledge of popular culture.” - Nancy Cheever

got hooked on listening to the radio and reading the news. I caught the news bug.”

Both Kim and Ngo credit CSUDH and their professors for preparing them for the news-intense careers they have now.

The class sizes at CSUDH are small and the professors not only make sure the material is understood, but they also make personal relations with the students, Ngo said.

They both also said they believe that the internship requirement for Communications students is crucial to the curriculum. This is because it then gets students to start networking in the fields that they are studying, Kim said.

Before her job at AirTalk, Ngo landed an internship at the City News Services Orange County bureau with the assistance of Tony Dodero, lecturer for the Communications Department.

Joel Beers, lecturer for the Communications Department, assisted Kim in receiving an internship with the Orange County Weekly, where she was a food reviewer and local reporter. The summer following her internship at the OC Weekly, Kim was hired for NPR’s “All Things Considered” in Washington D.C. with a recommendation from Dr. Brant Burkey, Assistant Professor in the Communications Department.

During her internship with NPR in D.C., Kim’s duties included pitching story ideas at editorial meetings, booking interviewees for segments, conducting pre-interviews, writing scripts, cutting audio for the segments, and many more tasks.

“If it wasn’t for the internship requirement, I would have never looked up internships and I would have never worked at the OC Weekly or NPR or even got this job at KPCC,” Kim said.

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From the desks to the mic

By Mercedes Del Real

Dr. Edd Whetmore and Dr. Nancy Cheever during a CSUDH commencement.

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t wasn’t until a student stood up in class to discuss the Boston bombings that Jacklyn Kim decided to become a journalist.

The student was from Syria and asked the class why everyone knows when two people die in the U.S., but no one knows about the thousands of people dying in her country.

Kim always avoided the news but she was struck by her classmate’s sobs on the subject. At that moment, Kim Googled the crisis in Syria and couldn’t fathom what was going on there. It was then that she decided to go into journalism.

“I think it was that moment when I realized… I felt a sense of responsibility,” Kim said.

Kim graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2016 and is currently working as the Apprentice News Clerk for 89.3 KPCC’s “AirTalk with Larry Mantle” (Southern California’s longest-running daily talk program).

Kim is also working alongside fellow alumna Audrey Ngo, who graduated in 2015. Ngo works as the Assistant Producer

In 2011, Lady Gaga released her second full-length album titled, “Born This Way.” As we know, she creatively presented a lot of concepts in that music, but some important themes were the ideas of being yourself, of tolerance, and of self-confidence, whether you fit into narrowly defined cultural norms or not. With her creative work, Lady Gaga jammed a crow bar into, and started to pry open some of the overly rigid, constrictive dictates that permeated (and continue to permeate) our culture.

Lady Gaga was born in 1986. Edd Whetmore was born in 1945. Imagine that difference…growing up in the 50s versus growing up in the 90s. One would think that 40-year difference would make them very dissimilar, especially today, when cultural norms and mores are primed for fast change. I mean, come on, Edd was a Baby Boomer. But Edd didn’t completely follow in the footsteps of many of the men of his generation. Where he could, he fought his way out of the hypnotic cultural mindset of his generation that, in truth, if we look at ourselves, we’re all susceptible to in our own times. He paved his own road and did things his own way. This rubbed some the wrong way at times, and some pointed fingers and said that he should behave more “befitting” or “distinguished.” Or, when the U.S. Government told Edd he should fight in what turned out to be an unjust war, and Edd refused…also changing his first name at the time from Edward to Edd, because he didn’t want the word “WAR” in hisLady first Gaga’s name. sentiment years before it finally, and justifiably started to gain a foothold. Edd never apologized for who he was. He loved music, media, education. He loved pop cul-ture, wine, art, and sports. Period. He lived SO true to himself that all was open for the world to see. And the world could like it or not. I, for one, appreciated the lessons that Edd embodied, and I was privileged to get to know the depth of heart and breadth of soul that he carried within. He taught me a great deal along the way and I’m grateful.

At the end of the day, Edd was driven by his love for students and for communications. He believed in seeking out and awakening potential in others that might not be obvious at first glance. He believed in social equality. He believed in peace. He worked toward what he thought was right. Love him or not love him, he was born that way in 1945, and as each of us try to do, he took the grapes that the culture and influences of his time gave him, and made his own unique vintage of wine that was his life. I was honored to be able to share some sips with him.

Edd is missed, but never forgotten. Please take a brief moment to raise your glass and say goodbye and honor Dr. Edd Whetmore. Thanks Edd, for being born that way.

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COM Department Seeks Accreditation for its Journalism and AD/PR Options

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he Journalism and Advertising/Public Relations options of the CSUDH Communications Department are pursuing national accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), a nonprofit organization that measures standards in professional education in journalism and mass communications programs through rigorous, independent reviews once every six years.

The ACEJMC accreditation team of peers and practitioners visited the CSUDH campus earlier this year and conducted their initial site evaluation by looking at facilities, curricula, course syllabi, student learning outcomes, and meeting with students, faculty and administrators.

Based on their initial recommendations, the Communications Department has begun to develop and implement a strategic plan to meet the rigorous ACEJMC standards.

Over the next few years, the voluntary accreditation review process will involve a program self-study,

campus visits, review of evidence, an assessment report and recommendations and/or judgments on accreditation status based on nine standards. The final site visit is expected to be completed in 2021, after which the ACEJMC will render its decision regarding the accreditation status.

The purpose of accreditation is to assure through self-evaluation, outside review, and other systems of accountability the quality of academic programs, including that curricula cover essential skills, maintain professional standards of practice and competencies, ensure effective preparation for the field, as well as provide appropriate resources and modern facilities.

Accreditation can also have a significant impact on eligibility for federally funded programs and student financial aid with the federal government and other public funding agencies. Earning accreditation also raises the profile and enhances an academic program’s reputation through the process of peer recognition.

The long-term goals for programs seeking accreditation are to

meet national standards while continually improving the educational experience they offer students preparing for careers in journalism and mass communications.

“Accreditation is important because it ensures students receive the best education possible,” said Communications Department Chair, Dr. Nancy Cheever. “To earn accreditation, our journalism and advertising/public relations programs must meet the high standards of excellence set forth by the accrediting council. Once achieved, accreditation will elevate the value of these degrees, bring further awareness to our campus, and assist students in obtaining their chosen careers after graduation.”

If earned, the CSUDH COM program options would join a select few accredited programs in the state of California, including CSU Chico, CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, San Diego State University, San Francisco State University, San Jose State University and the University of Southern California.

-Dr. Brant Burkey

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Jessica Pedraja

(Class of 2016)

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Pedraja currently works at IDPR, a top entertainment agency representing some of Hollywood’s biggest names, movies, and brands, where she also completed her internship as a COM senior.

Following graduation, she was hired as an Assistant Talent Publicist and plans to move up in the next year to a Junior Publicist position before becoming a Publicist herself. Her long-term goal is to start her own agency and considers one day returning to CSUDH to teach students about her own experience in the industry.

but now more than ever we need our voices to be heard, and we need to talk about how we relate to the world,” Tisdom said.

Sierra New, who graduated with a Communications degree in 2015, agreed. She participated in the Story Slam and expressed how the Hollywood by the Horns experience was the first time she stepped out of her comfort zone and found the whole process cathartic.

“I was given confidence,” New said.

Callamaro said she hopes students will exit the Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story workshop finding their authentic selves and affirming their personal and creative voices.

“I feel very honored to be trusted with helping them walk through the experience and helping them decide who they are,” Callamaro said.

Callamaro pointed out that sometimes students have multiple shifts because personal growth is challenging work, adding that the end results may even change how a person carries themself.

“It’s a thrill to see the shift,” Callamaro said.

Claudia Uballez, who graduated with a Communications degree in 2016, said knowing how to tell a story is beneficial in every aspect of life.

“Storytelling is a skill that makes personal connections stronger and will help you stand out as a professional,” Uballez said.

Callamaro also feels strongly that storytelling is important in every industry and the first thing people will say in Hollywood is that they love a person’s voice.

“Your voice is what sets you apart from another artist,” Callamaro said.

That is why Hollywood by the Horns is designed to teach students how story and voice are unique to an individual and gives them the chance to have their stories heard.

“Being able to know yourself and know the perspective that you bring is so important,” Dr. Bowles Eagle said. “There’s something about our students and where they come from that has prepared them to contribute really unique stories. That’s something that our students can take pride in.”

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Where are our alumni now?

Left front: Dr. Bowles Eagle and Lisa Callamaro with the 2017 Story Slam class and alumni from the first two events.

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weeks on production design, the art department and casting,” Dr. Bowles Eagle said. “We know that casting has a massive impact on representations that we see. It’s not just the screenwriter or the director but there are other people who contribute to the world that we see in media and to the characters that inhabit those worlds, and that’s really what we want to introduce our students to.”

Public relations and advertising junior Sergio Tapia, 20, gave insight on his current experience in the class, adding he has also participated in the PA boot camp. He said Hollywood by the Horns introduces students to all aspects of Hollywood and teaches students etiquette on production sets as well as in the office.

“I look forward to hearing guest experiences,” Tapia said. “It’s eye-opening.”

He added this class has introduced him to everyday jobs in Hollywood.

“Every class, I get a glimpse of realness, and of so many types of obstacles professionals overcome that I gain perspective on whose path I can

follow,” Tapia said.

Another way students learn the power of expression and develop their own creative voice is by learning the science, history, and structure of storytelling during a 10-week Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story workshop and showcase, according to Callamaro.

“In this class, students examine their own experiences, values and mission statement,” Callamaro said.

She indicates this course requires students to The 2017 Story do personal work, such as Slam class share a story within their group of 10 students that Left: Mahogany Caldwell, Jacqueline Morales, Mercedes is true to their lives, and Del Real, Norberto Urrea, Emery Perez, Jordan Brown. then eventually in front of said senior Toryn Tisdom, adding a public audience. Despite that the workshop and showcase crebeing an intimidating experience for ate a space to talk about themselves some, current and former Commufor once. nications students found the voice “We aren’t allowed to write in first workshop beneficial. person in traditional class settings, “I learned how to find myself,”

Kim Pham (Class of 2016)

Claudia Uballez

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Uballez’ role as a Talent and Production Coordinator at Acceso Total Telemundo is to support production management in organizing the business, finance and employment issues in television productions. The work is varied and each project is different, but her job is to make sure that everything runs smoothly during filming and that the project stays within budget and on schedule. Her other duties also include production, tracking project’, coordinating schedules, tracking PR activities, supporting fundraising activities, location scouting, providing casting, crew and facilities information. This role often involves administrative and office management support, and sometimes support with marketing and promotion. On occasion, she also attends screenings, junkets, red carpet events, and brings content to producers. She also assists in trafficking daily promos that get aired, as well as music sheet reporting required by her legal department.

Continued on page 23

Mahagony Caldwell presents her story during the Third Annual Story Slam.

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(Class of 2016)

Pham currently works at the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles in the Retail Store within the Aftersales/Marketing Department. During her tenure at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, she knew she wanted to work for an automotive manufacturer, especially at the all-new PEC LA in Carson. With previous marketing experience at a Mercedes-Benz dealer, it elevated her to get her current position. Along with automotive marketing, Kim has worked in food service marketing through her passion for food. Her accomplishments are working with prestigious manufacturers, such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Her future plans include moving forward with Porsche and returning to school to earn her MBA.

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Where are our alumni now?

Continued from page 22

Erin Hardimon

(Class of 2016)

Hardimon was convinced that her three internships at NBCUniversal and previous work experience would land her a full-time job right after school. She quickly realized, though, that she would have more luck going through a recruiter at Eleventh Hour. After two temporary positions as an assistant to the CFO at Lionsgate and for the president of Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate company, she got valuable experience assisting with the travel and accounting needs for the upcoming release of the untold story of Tupac Shakur, “All Eyez On Me.” According to Hardimon, this experience raised her stock enough so that one year and a day after graduating from CSUDH, she is now starting a full-time position as the Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Media at Paramount Pictures. Her further goals include being either a television or film executive, using her hands-on experience assisting other executives in the industry.

CSUDH students can earn credit if they apply and enroll in either the Deconstructing the Entertainment Industry class or Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story workshop, which culminates with a performance called the Story Slam. Students are also encouraged to participate in a Production Assistant (PA) Bootcamp, which consists of two training days on a faux production set and office. Each semester, Hollywood by the Horns also hosts behind-thescenes events for students to connect with executives in the entertainment industry.

Deconstructing the Entertainment Industry is a semester long class for credit. Students learn about various careers in film and entertainment, such as costume design and cinematography. During this class, Dr. Bowles Eagle said she finds it rewarding when students discover and make connections to people and paths that match their skill set.

“Students involved in the Deconstructing the Entertainment Industry class really the love the Continue on page 5

Reginald Malasique

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Are you an alumni who would like to be featured in the next issue? Just let us know! Contact the department at comdept@csudh.edu.

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(Class of 2015)

Malasique is currently an Assistant Media Planner at OMD Los Angeles. There, he plans, executes, optimizes and measures integrated media campaigns across TV, radio, print and digital for clients. He’s currently expanding his knowledge of both current and emerging media strategies and hopes to grow within the industry to a more senior position. Aside from working at OMD, Reginald is also an active member of several ThinkLA committees, where he plans and executes marketing and advertising related events such as Connections and Cocktails, AdJam, the Annual 5K Fun Run and the IDEA Awards.

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HBTH Students Shine Under the Spotlight

The 2017 Communications Awards Banquet

Photos by

Victor Rosales & Chris Russo

By Doshiniq Green

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ollywood by the Horns, a pilot program through the California State University, Dominguez Hills Communications Department, gives students the chance to find their voice, tell their stories, and connect with the entertainment industry.

The program, now in its third year, is designed to raise the profile of CSUDH students by creating meaningful connections and mentorship opportunities with professionals in the Hollywood film and entertainment industries.

The program was launched in the Fall of 2014 by faculty members in the Communications Department and in consultation with veteran agent Lisa Callamaro, with the support of University President Willie J. Hagan.

Dr. Ryan Bowles Eagle, Assistant Professor of Communications and one of the program’s coordinators, said the mission of the program is to help students hone their own creative voices and for them to be aware of the value they add to creative industries and beyond.

“We wanted to create a way to say our students are here, talented, they’re smart, and they have unique stories to contribute,” said Dr. Bowles Eagle.

Continued on page 25

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The 2017 Communications Awards Banquet Continued from page 24

CONTENTS HOLLYWOOD BY THE HORNS

Page 3

The Finding Your Voice program takes students out of their comfort zones and onto the stage

BEHIND THE MIC

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Alumni are following their dreams at the nation’s most listened-to NPR affiliate station, KPCC

ON THE FIELD

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Sports journalists take on graduate programs and covering the Super Bowl

NEW FACES

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Several new full-time faculty members have been recently added to the Communications Department

IN THE PUBLIC EYE

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The PRSSA club attracts media attention, receives a new president and hosts many guest speaker events

NO FAKE NEWS HERE

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SISJ hosts a Pultizer Prize-winning guest speaker and receives an award for the event

IN MEMORIAM

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Professor Chris Russo honors the late Dr. Whetmore during his COM Banquet speech

HIGHER STANDARDS

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The COM Department is working its way to becoming an accredited program

ALUMNI UPDATE

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Find out what some of your fellow COM graduates are up to now

2017 COM BANQUET

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COMPENDIUM CONTRIBUTORS Editor Dr. Brant Burkey, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Communications

Layout Designer Mercedes Del Real

Contributing Writers Dr. Nancy Cheever, Chair, Dept. of Communications Mercedes Del Real Da’ Ron Frost Doshiniq Green Albert Ledezma Dylan Miller Christian Mosqueda Chris Russo

Photo Credits Doshiniq Green Christian Mosqueda Mercedes Del Real Victor Rosales Chris Russo Audrey Ngo Jacklyn Kim Lisa Callamaro

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Are you an alumni who would like to be featured in the next issue? Just let us know! Contact the department at comdept@csudh.edu.

California State University Dominguez Hills DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES 1000 East Victoria Street • Carson, CA 90747 (310) 243-3313 / (310) 243-3683 • Fax (310) 516-3779 ©2017 All Rights Reserved

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Students are awarded scholarships recognized for their hard work, as well as being able to network with alumni

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Message from the Chair

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Our Hollywood by the Horns program ended its third year with a successful “Story Slam,” in which students shared personal stories in front of a live audience. The event is the culmination of the “Finding Your Voice” workshop.

We recently held our 30th annual Communications Department Student Awards Banquet at the Reef Restaurant in Long Beach. We awarded almost $10,000 in scholarships, and honored outstanding students in several categories. Many alumni participated in our “speed networking,” in which we connect current and former students.

On a personal note, my research has received some media attention this year. I was interviewed by Anderson Cooper for the “60 Minutes” segment “Brain Hacking,” which aired on April 9. Cooper interviewed me about my research on smartphone addiction, and then I hooked him up to my experiment that measured his physiological arousal while I surreptitiously texted him. Then in July, TJ Holmes of “Good Morning America” interviewed me and two teenagers for a segment on smartphone addiction.

Please be sure to keep in touch—we would love to hear about your successes and accomplishments. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and we have a new website coming out very soon. Please look for periodic emailed messages from us with information on upcoming events and ways to reach us. If you have something to share, please contact Dr. Brant Burkey at comdept@csudh.edu.

I hope to see you at a future banquet, and you can always call or stop by our office. We look forward to hearing from you and reconnecting.

Dr. Nancy A. Cheever Chair, Communications Department

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reetings alumni! I want to welcome you back to your alma mater and the Communications Department with our first alumni publication. It is our goal to connect with you on a deeper level, to keep you informed about student successes, new programs and faculty accomplishments, and to celebrate your triumphs and activities post-graduation.

Before we ask about you, let me share some news about the department. First, we have moved! Our former building, the South Academic Complex I (SAC-I) is being razed to make room for a new science building. Last summer, the Communications Department moved to the fifth floor of the North Library. We love our new digs—some of the offices even have views of downtown Los Angeles.

Last year, we welcomed three new faculty members to the Communications family: Dr. Linda Dam (Advertising/Public Relations), Dr. John Vanderhoef (Media Studies professor) and Ms. Virginia “Toddy” Burton (Media Studies professor). You can read more about them in detail starting on page 14.

Our student clubs have been very busy this past year.

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) launched the successful “Before I Die” campaign, which drew hundreds of people from throughout the campus to share their goals and aspirations “before they die.”

The Society for Independent Student Journalists (SISJ) won a Presidential Award for “Best Program” for its event “Ruben Vives: From Undocumented to Pulitzer Prize.”

The club was very active this year, holding workshops, fundraisers, and visits to local media outlets, including Univision, the Los Angeles Times, and Telemundo.

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COMPENDIUM CSUDH COMMUNICATIONS ALUMNI PUBLICATION

Vol. 1 Issue 1 July 2017

COMPENDIUM CSUDH COMMUNICATIONS ALUMNI PUBLICATION

Students are ‘finding their voice’

Hollywood oriented program takes students on a vulnerable journey 89.3 KPCC With the assistance of CSUDH professors, California State University Dominguez Hills DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES 1000 East Victoria Street • Carson, CA 90747 (310) 243-3313 / (310) 243-3683 • Fax (310) 516-3779 ©2017 All Rights Reserved

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alumni land their dream jobs in broadcast news

Sports Journalism

CSUDH students are taking their

classroom experience to the field

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