Letter from the Chair

Greetings from Carson! We have wrapped up the 2018-19 academic year, and we have many wonderful achievements to share with you in this issue of Compendium.

First, this summer we welcomed a record number of new students—more than 250—to our new degree programs: Advertising/Public Relations; Film, Television and Media; and Journalism. The university's commitment to our students is evident, with our new crop of students attending a mandatory New Student Orientation where they learn how to navigate life in the academe.

Two of our students—Julissa James and Bria Overs—recently won the National Association of Black Journalists Los Angeles chapter scholarship, which is given to high-achieving journalism students who demonstrate a commitment to journalistic principles and ethics. Ms. James is now working for the Los Angeles Times. You can read about them on Page 5.

The Film, Television and Media faculty secured a grant from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The grant will enable us to provide students even better access to equipment, scholarships, guest speakers and field trips to film and television studios. That story is on Page 7.

This fall we welcome a new faculty member, Dr. Miriam Hernandez (advertising/public relations), who comes to us from a long career working with NGOs in Singapore and Hong Kong. A native of Mexico, Dr. Hernandez brings a rich background in both professional and academic work to our students.

Our old computer lab has finally received a facelift! Most of you recall having a class or two in that space near the gym. Last winter the room was completely transformed with modern workstations, a new projection system, carpet, cabinets and ambient lighting.

Also, The Bulletin student newspaper has a new home on the third floor of the library. The new space looks and feels like a newsroom with workspaces, computers, a modern smart television, and lots of space for the budding journalists to hone their craft. As an alumna myself and the former editor of the student newspaper, I recall long hours spent in FH A-008, pasting together the newspaper in preparation for publication. I'm so pleased that we can offer our new students a modern, productive space where their creativity can thrive.

We held another exciting banquet this past May at the Reef Restaurant in Long Beach. We awarded several scholarships and honored outstanding students in several categories. Advertising/Public Relations alumna Claudia Uballez, the Emmy award-winning talent coordinator/associate producer for the morning show Acceso Total on Telemundo, delivered a personal and inspiring keynote address.

Finally, it is our ongoing commitment to connect and keep you informed about our programs and students, and we would love to hear about your successes and accomplishments. If you have something to share or would like to be featured in our next edition, please contact Dr. Brant Burkey at bburkey@csudh.edu. I hope to see you at a future banquet, and you can always call or email me. As always, we look forward to hearing from you and reconnecting.

Dr. Nancy A. Cheever

Chair, Communications Department