On April 8, 2015 in the Gold Room of the Clinton Bristow Dining Hall from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm Alcorn State University’s Mass Communications Department held its annual Media Day event. The event is designed to give students an opportunity to explore the many aspects of Mass Communications with seasoned professionals in the field.
The event began with the Mistress of Ceremony, Ms. Victoria Brinkley, a former Alcorn Mass Communications graduate and current producer for WJTV in Jackson, Mississippi, announcing the esteemed panelists who would be participating in this year’s event. The panel consisted of Meliss Faith Payne, Fox 40 News Anchor, Kennan Oliphant, WLBT/WDBD Assistant News Director, Karlos Sanders, WLBT Photojournalist, Gregory Adams, Publisher of Wik-Amite Records, Theresa Apel, journalist and reporter for the Clarion-Ledger, Erin Buckner, Account Executive for V105.5/Newstalk and 1490 WVBG, and Jackie Hampton, Publisher/Co- Owner of The Mississippi Link. After the introductions, Miss Mass Communications 2015-2016 Jilisa Benton gave the welcome.
Benton stated, “It is indeed an honor for me to be here today representing my Department and my University. I hope to one day come back as a panelist and give back to future generations what I have acquired in my professional work experience.” After the prayer by former Alcorn State Mass Communications graduate Reverend James Jones and a brief inspirational speech by Dr. Babu Patlolla, the Dean of Arts and Sciences, the Question and Answer session took place.
This session was dedicated for the Mass Communications students to ask questions to the panelists pertaining to heir specific field and to enhance their knowlege in certain areas. Dillon West, a sophomore from Natchez, Mississippi stated, “I am very thankful that the Department invited the panelists here today. I’ve learned alot.”
After the Question and Answer session, the Media Day event took a brief intermission where lunch was served and entertainment was provided by Alcorn’s Choir Psi Phi and the ASU Jazz Ensemble. Once the program resumed Jackie Hampton, who was the featured speaker, delivered a very influential speech by instilling in the students, “Experience is important. Internships are so important so you have to have or you have to go out and find internships to go above and beyond.”
After Ms. Hampton’s riveting speech came the award’s section of the event. This is the section where the students are given awards for their diligence in and out of the classroom. Each Instructor within the Mass Communications Department presented students their awards in the categories of radio, television, and the newspaper. Larry Sanders, an Instructor of Mass Communications within the Department stated, “This is the portion of the program that I’ve been anticipating. The students work so hard all year and they deserve some type of reward. I am extremely proud of all of them.” Angelica Brown, a sophomore from Clinton, Mississippi, who received an award for Best Duo/Group under the radio category stated, “It is indeed an honor to receive this. Lord knows I worked hard on my show each week to make it better.”
The program came to a close with closing remarks from the panelists and Dr. Jerry Domotab, Chairman of the Mass Communications Department, thanking them for their participation and inviting hem back next year.