The third annual event will feature alumni from the SDSU School of Journalism and Media Studies.
Media professionals who began their careers with degrees from San Diego State University will share what they have learned at a free event for students called, “The Pros Come Home 3: Speed Mentoring for Success,” from 4–6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center.
The program is co-sponsored by the School of Journalism and Media Studies and the Friends of Journalism and Media Studies Alumni Chapter.
“We are delighted to host this third annual alumni event on campus,” said Diane L. Borden, director of the school. “Our alumni tell us they enjoy the opportunity to return to SDSU to talk to current students about the state of media industries and listen to student concerns, as well. More than 100 students attended last year. It’s a win-win.”
Panel discussion and speed networking
The event begins with a panel discussion featuring SDSU graduates who have gone on to make a mark in various media professions, both locally and nationally. Following the panel discussion, a wide-ranging group of pros, including print, online and broadcast journalists, public relations professionals and educators will offer “speed mentoring” with one-on-one time to answer individual questions and concerns about careers and the job market.
“We have broadened the number of panelists to include several online journalists this year,” said J.W. August, managing editor of KGTV 10 news and president of the alumni chapter. “We also have made arrangements to interview some of the alums via Skype during the event.”
Panelists include:
- David Biderman, Wall Street Journal
- Jessica Crawford, public relations professional and former journalist
- Bailey Cuzner, marketing and public relations professional
- Carlos Delgado, public relations, Rady Children’s Hospital; weekend TV news reporter
- Wendy Fry, San Diego Union-Tribune
- Sam Hodgson, digital journalist, VoiceOfSanDiego.org
- Pegah Rashti, social media producer
- Hoa Quach, editor, Poway Patch website
- Josh Rosenberg, XTRA Radio
- Heather Zaron, search engine specialist
The event's moderator is Eric Longabardi, TV producer/i-journalist, TeleMedia News Production.
Joining the panelists for the speed mentoring portion of the program are:
- J.W. August, managing editor, KGTV 10 News
- Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR, president, Falcon Valley Group
- Cliff Albert, program director AM 600 KOGO
- Andrew Kleske, principal content producer, San Diego Union-Tribune
- Joe Schneider, freelance journalist
- Tim Wulfemeyer, broadcaster and professor
- Audra Stafford, producer, KGTV 10 News
Additional panelists may be added. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited.
For more information, contact J.W. August at 619-237-6331 or jw_august@10news.com, or Diane Borden at the SDSU School of Journalism and Media Studies at dborden@mail.sdsu.edu.