BaltTech blog highlights J/NM student
June 15, 2009
Tyler Waldman was the subject of a recent Baltimore Sun BaltTech post. Writer Gus Sentementes recounts meeting Tyler at news conference and being surprised that the Towson senior was carrying a video camera in his role as an intern for WBAL Radio. Sentementes’ comments reinforce the importance of the new converged curriculum at Towson:
The Web has torn down the walls among different kinds of media (print, TV, radio) and given us all the same level playing field.It’s so important for the next crop of journalists, like Tyler, to get early experience in doing journalism with whatever tools can help him tell the best story, and one that can be consumed by the most amount of people.
In a comment on the post, Tyler echoed the writer’s sentiments: “Learning to be versatile is going to be key for the next generation of journalists.”
Student recognition banquet sets turnout record
June 5, 2009
The MCCS department honored outstanding juniors and seniors on May 1, 2009, at the annual Student Recognition Banquet. With more than 230 people in attendance, the banquet was the largest in MCCS history.The event is a favorite event among faculty members, who have the chance to recognize the students who produce exceptional work in their classes.In order to be considered for the banquet, MCCS majors must have junior or senior standing and a GPA of at least 3.25. This year, faculty members each could choose up to three students to honor.
Journalists and students engage in lively debate on media ethics
June 3, 2009
Towson’s University Union was the site of a town hall meeting April 28, 2009, when a panel of journalism professionals engaged a group of about 75 students on how to evaluate the current state of journalism.
The event, cosponsored by the Maryland professional chapter and Towson’s student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, was part of a national SPJ effort to “restore the public’s faith in the press by equipping the public with tools to evaluate all forms of journalism.”
Towson’s event was one of a number of SPJ-sponsored town hall meetings held at the same time across the country to restore media credibility by increasing the dialogue between journalists and citizens.The panel, moderated by Lori Aritani, a Poynter Ethic Fellow and reporter for The Washington Post, was represented by:
- Andy Schotz, member of the SPJ Ethics Committee
- Paul Milton, Executive Editor with Patuxent Publishing
- Michelle Butt, News Director of WBAL-TV.
SPJ’s goal, as Schotz told the audience, is to engage the public so that citizens better understand why and how journalists practice their profession and, by doing so, the public will better understand the critical role the press plays in our democracy.
If judged by the turnout and lively exchanges, the event was considered very successful.“It was really an excellent evening, said Dr. Richard Vatz, a professor in the Mass Communication and Communication Studies department. “Great panelists who listened well and articulated their positions equally well. The time flew by.”
SPJ hosts field trip to the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
June 3, 2009
Towson University’s student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists sponsored a field trip to the Newseum on Saturday, April 4, 2009.
Students enjoyed exploring the museum dedicated to the history of news – especially because of its modern, interactive environment that actively engaged them with hand-on exhibits and audio/visual technology.The highlights of the experience, the students said, were the Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery, the 9/11 Gallery, the FBI exhibit, and the 3-D film and 4th-dimension special effects theater that takes visitors on a thrilling journey through the development of journalism in this country.
“I enjoyed learning in a fun and exciting environment, said Shavonney White, one of 24 students on the trip. “I would highly recommend it to anyone. It is well worth it.”
Denise Gordon, another Towson student, said she enjoyed the exhibits because of their authenticity. “It was definitely a trip worthwhile. Simply, wonderful!”
Due to such positive responses, Dr. Sandy Nichols, SPJ’s faculty adviser, said the students are already planning the next field trip to the Newseum in 2010.
