Comm Week 2024 Event Schedule
Speakers, dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Most events are free admission and open to the public.
Monday, April 22
10:00am - 11:15am PST
How to Get Started in Multimedia Journalism
Melanie is a recent graduate from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor's in marketing and a Journalism minor. She aspires to be a business reporter focused on markets and economics. She has a background in hard news for print where she specializes in breaking, business, political, and investigative news. Through this presentation, she will discuss her journey on how she got started in multimedia journalism and her professional experiences. This session is co-h osted by the AAJA CSUF Chapter.
Speakers: Melanie Nguyen
Hosted By: Professor Penchan Phoborisut
Location: Gilman-AB
11:00am - 2:00pm PST
AAC Discovery Day
The CSUF Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Club is hosting a Discovery Day to offer all members an opportunity to learn about speech generating devices (SGDs) and aided AAC. At Discovery Day, members will gain hands-on experience trying out different access methods and seeing different language representation systems. We will have four representatives attending this event from Tobii Dynavox, PRC-Saltillo, and Lingraphica to share about their speech generating devices.
These representatives are from some of the biggest companies that distribute SGDs. Students studying to become speech-language pathologists will encounter many clients throughout their career who use these systems. At this event, attendees will learn about these systems and have the opportunity to rotate through each station to demo and practice using the SGDs.
Some speakers will be presenting via Zoom.
Speakers: Madison Dreyer, Erik Larson, Sara Schneider, Teresa Thompson
Hosted By: Dr. Lisa Erwin-Davidson
Location: Tuffree-AB
11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Breaking into TV News: Tips from a Fellow Twenty-Something
Getting a job in the TV news industry can seem daunting. Join Michael Patterson '19 (B.A. Broadcast Journalism) as he shares his journey in the business from small-town morning reporter, to even-smaller-town news director and now Bakersfield evening anchor. Still in his 20s himself, he will share tips for fellow young people to not only break into the business, but to stay in it for the long term. This session is co-hosted by the AAJA CSUF Chapter.
Speaker: Michael Patterson
Hosted By: Professor Penchan Phoborisut
Location: Hetebrink-AB
1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Turbocharging Your Resume, ePortfolio, & Presentation Skills
"Turbocharging Your Resume, ePortfolio & Presentation Skills” will focus on the best ways to show employers what you know, what you can do, and why they should offer you a job. While employers in the communication fields value a college degree, what is most important to them is WHAT YOU CAN DO. How will your knowledge and skills help their business grow? It’s essential that you be able to document and demonstrate that. We have two industry experts who will offer great guidance. Matthew Lindblad is a musician, filmmaker and media content creator for major international brands. His work has been viewed more than 7 billion times. He will guide students in identifying and persuasively communicating their strengths in the marketplace. Gloria Rodriguez is the Career Specialist for the College of Communications. She’s constantly in communication with employers who are hiring. She knows what employers are looking for and how to present that information in the resume, ePortfolio, and job interview. Students who participate in this session will come away with much more confidence about their career search.
Speaker: Matthew Lindblad, Gloria Rodriguez
Hosted By: Professor Doug Swanson
Location: Hetebrink-AB
4:00pm - 7:00pm PST
The Reel Story - 25 Years of the Newport Beach Film Festival
As students we all want insights to new opportunities to expand your knowledge, skills and career. The Newport Film Beach Festival gives students the chance to be a part of a real event. As this is a great opportunity to build network and grow in the realm of entertainment. There will be 5 different speakers sharing thier experiences in this industry. Students will get insights, ideas and they will be inspired! They will teach how students are able to get involved in this event, purchase tickets, here about Entertainment PR, Brand Building, Event Planning, Marketing and Outreach, Celebrity wrangling and much more! There is so many opportunites outside of LA county but here in Orange County. This is the largest cinema festival in this county. This is all about the 25th anniversary of the Newport Beach Film Festival.
Speakers: Gregg Schwenk, Stephanie Chin, Cindy Cisneros, Travis Garcia, Caroline Gonzales, Todd Quartararo
Hosted By: Professor Gregg Schwenk
Location: Tuffree-AB
6:00pm - 7:00pm PST
Drive It Home... Working in Motorsports/Automotive Communications
We cordially invite you to participate in an enlightening and educational session with experts in the field of communications who are passionate about the world of motorsports. As experts in their respective fields, their insights and experiences can profoundly impact the next generation of journalists, marketers, and PR specialists.
Speakers: Nick Beard, Dean Case, Scott Timberlake
Hosted By: Professor MaryAnne Shults & Peter Evanow
Location: Hetebrink-AB
7:00pm - 8:00pm PST
Graduate School: Right Away, Wait Awhile, Mid-Career, Or?
This session brings together a small panel to discuss the options faced by undergraduates as they think about their options for graduate school. There are pros and cons for each option- whether an undergraduate continues to graduate school right away, waits a while, or goes back for an advanced degree later in their career. The panel members will share their opinions and experiences. There will also be a discussion of how COMM students in particular select the ‘right’ graduate degree. Is it a Master’s in COMM, an MBA, or something else? Will it be in person or online? Attendees should come away with a greater understanding of the many options involved when considering graduate school.
Speakers: Laura Neal, Andi Stein, Maryanne Shults
Hosted By: Professor Doug Swanson
Location: Gilman-AB
7:00pm - 9:00pm PST
Floyd Abrams: Speaking Freely
Floyd Abrams is known as the "first First Amendment lawyer" because of his constant dedication to defining free speech as it is known today. Follow his landmark cases which include the Pentagon Papers, Citizens United and even Clearview Al. Come and explore how Abrams' career and how it has shaped major changes in law, public discourses, and civic action since the 1990s. This biopic of the First Amendment told through Abram's most important cases reveal how this legal giant helped transform the First Amendment from an ignored principle into a bulwark of American democracy as we know today. The film offers critical context for how we came to this moment where free speech issues have never felt more complicated and urgent, and where we as a nation are still wondering: what price are we willing to pay for free speech?
Speakers: Professor Matthew Bunker
Hosted By: Professor Matthew Bunker
Location: Titan Theater
7:00pm - 9:00pm PST
ETC Annual Mixer
Annual Mixer, taking place April 22nd, is ETC's biggest event of the year. We have around 30+ professionals from different parts of the entertainment & tourism industries. Students get to network with them during this event while enjoying food and entertainment. People can stick to one professional or mingle around and get to meet anyone they would like to speak to. This is a ticketed event.
Hosted By: Professor Waleed Rashidi
Location: Laurel MPR
TUESDAy, April 23
11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Eyes on the Prize: A Journalism Journey
If you want to reach your goal and live your dream, you must keep your "eyes on the prize". Join veteran broadcast journalist George Kiriyama as he talks about his journey from his college days to his management career with 21 years of television reporting in between. This session is co-hosted by the AAJA CSUF Chapter.
Speakers: George Kiriyama
Hosted By: Professor Penchan Phoborisut
Location: Titan Theater
1:00pm - 2:30pm PST
Blueprint to Black Success
Join NABJ on Tuesday, April 23rd to hear the differing stories and perspectives of three Black individuals in various areas of the communications field. Multimedia Journalist Armon Sadler, Broadcasting Director Timothy Jackson, and CSUF Community Engagements Coordinator Lydia Kelley will share their experiences and answer questions on their journeys in the field. You will not want to miss this event, as there will be pieces of advice and information for everyone to take with them.
Some speakers will be presenting via Zoom.
Speaker: Timothy Jackson, Lydia Kelley, Armon Sadler
Hosted By: Professor Amber Chitty Wilson
Location: Tuffree-AB
2:30pm - 3:45pm PST
The Entertainment Industry for Diverse Young Professionals
The panel presents the experience of successful women in the entertainment industry. Panelists will share recommendations and suggestions on how students can find job opportunities in the industry.
Speakers: Ivette Rodriguez, Karina Valenzuela
Hosted By: Professor Ricardo Valencia
Location: Hetebrink-AB
4:00pm - 5:30pm PST
Dr. Shepard Goes Inside the U.S. Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering two cases that may determine the future of freedom of speech online. In deciding whether states can prohibit social media platforms from engaging in content moderation and deplatforming users who violate terms of service, the Court may rule on the First Amendment rights of social media companies at a time when the internet is rife with disinformation dangerous to our democracy. Dr. Jason Shepard discusses the two cases and observations of the current Supreme Court after attending oral arguments in the two cases in Washington, D.C. in February 2024.
This session is being held in conjunction with the CSUF College of Communications 35th anniversary.
Speaker: Dr. Jason Shepard
Hosted By: Professor Mariusz Ozminkowski
Location: Hetebrink-AB
4:00pm - 5:30pm PST
Sports Broadcasting
Sports broadcasting brings the thrill of athletics to audiences worldwide through live coverage, analysis, and commentary. Whether it's the excitement of a game-winning goal or the strategic insights of expert analysts, sports broadcasters play a crucial role in enriching the viewing experience for fans everywhere. With previous experience at the Big West, Timothy Jackson discusses his work with Titan Sports Network and his journey helping to facilitate various games and events.
Speakers: Timothy Jackson
Hosted By: Professor Martina Baldwin
Location: Tuffree-AB
4:30pm - 6:30pm PST
Student Media Showcase
The Latino Communications Institute invites CSUF students to its first annual student showcase! Join us for the showcasing of films, scripts, music videos, and other audiovisual media, representing the Latinx Community and/or issues relevant to the Latinx Community.
Hosted By: Professor Rebecca Sheehan
Location: Titan Theater
6:00pm - 9:00pm PST
CSUF PRSSA's End of Year Celebration
CSUF PRSSA is celebrating their 55th Anniversary and a year of accomplishments on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024. Join the chapter for a night of awards, food, and fun!
Please note that this session is exclusively open to members of PRSSA.
Hosted By: Professor Ken Hagihara
Location: Pavilion A
7:00pm - 8:15pm PST
AMA: Confessions of a Travel Writer
From stays at five-star resorts to swimming with sharks to flying a light-sport aircraft, I'll share insights into the adventures of a travel writer and how to transform these experiences into stories. Learn about the different types of travel articles, what happens during a press trip, pay rates, and the ethics of travel writing.
Speaker will be presenting via Zoom.
Speakers: Rachel Ng
Hosted By: Professor Holly Ocasio Rizzo
Location: Hetebrink-AB
7:00pm - 8:30pm PST
After Your Degree: CSUF Alumni in Radio, A 35th-Anniversary Panel
Once the caps have been thrown in the air and you receive your degree in radio, what happens next? Join our celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Department of Communications as we host a panel with CSUF alumni who are accomplished in radio. Come listen to their stories about their paths to success and gather insights on the reality of working in radio.
This session is being held in conjunction with the CSUF College of Communications 35th anniversary.
Titan Radio will be holding a livestream for this event available on their website.
Speakers: Kristle Adler, Cameron Macedonio, Kiana Raymondo, Lillian Vasquez
Hosted By: Professor Robert van Riel
Location: Titan Communications TV Studio
WEDNESDAY, April 24
10:00am - 11:00am PST
The Evolving Landscape of Advertising
The advertising industry is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends and techniques can be a challenge. In this presentation, I will delve into the ever-changing landscape of advertising and explore how digital marketing, social media, and emerging technologies are changing the way businesses promote their products and services. Whether you're a student, marketer, business owner, or simply interested in the latest trends in advertising, this presentation is sure to provide valuable insights and actionable strategies.
Speaker: Kristen Griffiths
Hosted By: Professor Michelle Kurland
Location: Hetebrink-AB
1:00pm - 9:00pm PST
AdCon
AdCon will be an all-day experience to connect communications students to a specific industry: entertainment. Our goal for AdCon is to provide students with new insights and opportunities to learn more about the advertising industry by connecting with peers and professionals, listening to professionals speak about their experiences, and understanding the different pathways that students have after graduation.
Attendees: Catherine Gudvangen, Nicole Kasperbauer, Jennifer Louie, Mark Maricich, Matt Powers, Rochelle Kent Reiter, Andrea Repass, Michael Tea
Hosted By: Professor Carolyn Coal
Location: Pavilion A
3:00pm - 4:00pm PST
Getting Into Radio
The presentation "Getting Into Radio" will feature insights from our esteemed alumni, Kiana Raymondo, who now works at iHeartRadio KFI AM 640. We will be hearing directly from Kiana about her experiences in radio broadcasting, her journey from CSUF to iHeartRadio KFI AM 640, and the insights she has gained along the way. It will be followed by a live Q&A session, where we'll learn about her career, the radio industry, be inspired as we delve into the world of radio through her perspective.
Speaker: Kiana Raymondo
Hosted By: Cameron Macedonio
Location: Hetebrink-AB
4:00pm - 6:45pm PST
Trustworthy: A Documentary
Trustworthy looks at the growing crisis of trust in media and how it threatens our democracy. Trustworthy's creator and executive producer Stephany Zamora will lead a panel discussion and Q&A after the screening to explore the significance of this topic in the modern world.
Speaker: Stephany Zamora
Hosted By: Professor Micheal McAlexander
Location: Classroom, Ruby Gerontology Center-013
7:00pm - 8:30pm PST
Scoring Opportunities through Sportswriting
Learn about sportswriting, feature writing and how these have helped Ryan T. Blystone, a 2002 Cal State Fullerton graduate (B.A. Communications, Journalism concentration), take his writing pursuits from California to places like Italy, India, Mexico, Uganda and in different places in the U.S. Also, learn about the journalism class he took at CSUF and the major event that happened and how it changed his writing skills forever.
Speaker: Ryan T. Blystone
Hosted By: Professor Marie Loggia-Kee
Location: Hetebrink-AB
7:00pm - 9:45pm PST
The Graduate School of the Entertainment Industry
Life after graduation can be intimidating - a feeling lifestyle journalist Cassie Gill and music industry assistant Chrystina Heuermann are no stranger to. Gain insight from their experiences in this two-part panel that discusses the education, expertise, and career growth that led them to their current professional standing.
Speaker: Cassie Gill, Chrystina Heuerman
Hosted By: Professor Jaclyn Moe
Location: Tuffree-AB
Thursday, April 25
8:30am - 9:30am PST
Persevering through Public Speaking Anxiety
This session will focus on the Human Communication major and Jennifer's background. Jennifer will delve into what she has learned in the program and how these insights can be applied to real-life scenarios. Her primary focus will be on the importance of good communication skills, offering tips for excelling in this area. Jennifer will accompany her presentation with a slideshow.
Speaker: Jenifer Montgomery
Hosted By: Professor Peter Lee
Location: Hetebrink-AB
11:00am - 12:15pm PST
7 Tips to Starting Your Communications Career
Linda Martin (’83) has held communications positions at companies from the Fortune 500 to global PR agencies. In her career, she’s traveled the world, won awards – and nearly been fired! In her presentation, she’ll share why she wasn’t fired (Tip #1 to starting your career) and how she made the jobs she had the jobs she’s loved throughout her work life. Her tips will help students do the same. She’ll also share a case study about California Almonds, and how they went from water villains during the drought to sustainability innovators now.
Speaker: Linda Martin
Hosted By: Professor Michelle Kurland
Location: Hetebrink-AB
1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Any Way You Want It. Custom, Sponsored and Streaming
Come listen to one of Orange County's advertising sales experts discuss digital advertising and custom content solutions. Nickie also will review branded content articles and sponsored social media posts. Finally, do you know what CTV connected television ads are? You will after Nickie's presentation where she also will touch on ads for Spotify and streaming audio.
Speaker: Nickie Hill
Hosted By: Professor Michelle Kurland
Location: Hetebrink-AB
6:00pm - 9:00pm PST
Department of Communications Awards Ceremony
The Department of Communications honors outstanding students and scholarship winners at its annual Awards & Scholarships Dinner. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m.
**This event is by invitation only**
Hosted By: The CSUF Department of Communications
Location: Pavilions ABC
