Communication/journalism week provides department students with educational opportunities in the three journalism emphases offered at Shippensburg University. This year, it was held from April 18-23.

These activities included lectures by experienced journalists, photography and electronic media events and a communication/journalism awards ceremony in recognition of student and alumni achievements.

Print Media Day

To mark the third day of communication/journalism week, students celebrated print media day with a former journalist and an activity.

Lisa Yinger, former writer for the Harrisburg Patriot-News and current English teacher at Big Spring School District, gave students tips and advice on working in the print media field.

Students and faculty filed in to Ceddia Union Building, on Wednesday to put Yinger on the other side of interviewing by asking her questions.

“Some of what I learned is invaluable and some is ancient history,” Yinger said. Yinger spoke of her background, experiences and gave words of wisdom throughout the event.

“I think you have to have curiosity and that is not something you can teach,” Yinger said. She said the students have a broad background by taking economics courses and history courses. Having internships even outside the journalism field could help with their careers.

“Know what you need to know and know where you can find it [before an interview],” Yinger said.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in English pre-law from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Yinger worked for the Patriot-News for more than 10 years, after which she became a substitute teacher. She returned to college to earn her teaching certification at Wilson College, and currently teaches at Big Spring School District.

“Read a lot and write,” Yinger said, offering advice to student.

The event concluded with Associated Press-style jeopardy, where students competed for a gift card to Weis Markets.

Photography panel

Shippensburg University students gathered in Rowland Hall on April 19 to hear from experts about photography and design.

The main event of the evening was a Q&A session between SU students and a panel of three professional photographers from the area. Students also had the opportunity to submit their work for a photo contest, judged by the event’s attendees.

The panel was made up of Savi You, owner of S. You LLC and Savi You Photography; Joseph O’Neill, director of visual media at Dickinson College and Tyler Graham of Tyler Graham Studios. They discussed a range of topics including their advice for beginner photographers and some of their experiences throughout their careers.

Graham and You said that anyone with a career in photography should have some understanding of planning, and recommended keeping checklists of everything you need to bring with you before an event. As for equipment recommendations, all three photographers agreed that learning the basics of photography, such as angles and lighting, is more important for beginner photographers than choosing a high-quality camera.

“I thought the panel went really well,” said Shaliyah Kinsey, a student and the lead coordinator of communication/journalism week. “I was happy that they all came out, and that I was able to get some pointers if I want to pursue a career in photography.”

At the end of the night SU students James Wood and Nicole Esbenshade were named the winners of the photo contest. Esbenshade said the photography panel taught her a lot that she did not already know about digital journalism and the importance of keeping an eye out for future photography opportunities.

PR goes green

A Shippensburg University alumnus spoke in Orndorff Theatre on April 21 to provide students with advice for pursuing a career in communication/journalism and to discuss his personal career experiences.

Robert Manbeck, public affairs manager of SUEZ Pennsylvania Operations, said his time at SU gave him plenty of experience when he left college and began his career in radio. When Manbeck was at SU he was a news director of SU’s radio station, WSYC-FM, and a writer for The Slate.

After working for two Chambersburg-based radio stations, Manbeck left radio and began a career in public relations. Before joining SUEZ, the parent company of United Water, he worked as a speechwriter for the Pennsylvania Utility Commission and former Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. William W. Scranton III.

“Be flexible as you start out in the workforce and try different jobs that relate to your core area of interest,” Manbeck said. “Be prepared for a world that is constantly changing and be prepared to work with people you may not agree with.”

During his lecture, Manbeck encouraged communication/journalism students to take classes outside of their career field to acquire a knowledge of how businesses are run, particularly if they are planning on working for a larger company, such as SUEZ Pennsylvania Operations.

However, Manbeck also stressed the importance of choosing a career that provides the opportunity to give back to your community.

“Don’t look at just the paycheck aspect [of your career],” Manbeck said. “Look at how much fun you can have helping others.”

Awards Ceremony

The communication/journalism department recognized its students for their hard work over the course of the academic year with an awards ceremony on Wednesday at an awards ceremony.

Students, faculty and alumni gathered in the Tuscarora Room of Reisner Dining Hall to network and recognize one another for their work in the communication/journalism field.

“This is where we celebrate the achievements of not only the current generation of students but the past generations,” said James Bailey, emcee and WSYC general manager.

Department Chair Kim Garris began the ceremony by listing what the students in the department have created.

In the last year, 70 colleagues graduated from the department and students put in 3,120 hours of experience at 26 internships with 25 companies, Garris said.

“We are honored to walk alongside you in this special time in life,” Garris said.

Megan Manlove, manager of media relations and public affairs at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, was the keynote speaker for the night. Manlove described her journey from Shippensburg University to the University of Alabama and then to her careers at the Patriot News and the medical center.

“We all have stories,” Manlove said. “Everyone has a story. It is just a matter of finding it.”

Multiple alumni were recognized for their achievements in their field. Abbey Haslam and Krisinda Corbin, communications coordinators for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, received the Service to Alumni award. Robert Manbeck, public affairs manager at SUEZ Pennsylvania Operations, won the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, and Eric Heisler received the Alumnus of the Year.

“We’re a large family,” Heisler said. “We love to give our time back to help [the students] succeed.”

Each student media organization also gave out Most Valuable Person (MVP) awards. Students awarded with an MVP from each organization are as follows:

Sylvia McMullen and William Whisler, The Slate

Sam Fritz and Kayshaun Fitzgerald, WSYC

Holly Harrar and Julia Ratcliffe, SUTV

Shaliyah Kinsey, PRSSA

Kimberly Rindt, Cumberland Yearbook

Faculty also honored students with scholarships. Students award with each scholarship are as follows:

Jacob Gillespie, Al Mason Scholarship

Natalie Eastwood, Mark Lipper Scholarship

Paige Arensmeyer, Wolfrom Award in Journalism

Marc Acchitelli, APSCUF Student Award

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