32nd Annual Communications Week

Professionals Share Real-World Experiences With Students April 26-May 1

April 23, 2010 :: No. 114

Students from throughout the campus can learn about the real world of advertising, public relations, television and journalism during the College of Communications’ 32nd annual Communications Week at Cal State Fullerton.

The Monday, April 26, through Saturday, May 1, event will feature film screenings, speaker presentations and other special events that run the gamut of the communications field.

More than 70 talks by agency professionals and 20 special events have been planned with most events scheduled for the university’s Titan Student Union.
Among the highlights of this year’s program:

TUESDAY, APRIL 27
“Owning You—Becoming Accountable for Your Life Choices”
1-2 p.m. Titan Theatre
Jack Mierop, who teaches interpersonal communication at Cal State Fullerton and community college campuses, will discuss the power of choice in people’s lives and relationships. The Cal State Fullerton alumnus (M.A. speech communication ’98) has led dozens of training seminars and small groups.
“2010 Poetry Slam”
7-10 p.m. Titan Student Union Pub
Now in its sixth year, the “2010 Poetry Slam” is a competition for poets to present their works and be judged by audience members on the poem’s content and presenter’s delivery. Each contestant must prepare two pieces that are less than three minutes long, then perform in front of judges and a live audience. A cash prize is awarded.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28
“Communications in Human Resources”
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Bradford Room
Titan alumna Valerie Masterson (B.S. human services ’82), vice president of human resources for the CW Network, started her career in human resources in the early 1980s and joined Warner Brothers
Studio in 1994, serving with the WB Television Network during its merger with CBS when it became the CW Network.
“Capturing the Voices of Someone Else’s Characters”
1-2 p.m. Bradford Room
Ken LaZebnik, writer/producer of “Touched by an Angel” on the Strike TV Network, will be sharing his experiences in a discussion about his 2006 film, “A Prairie Home Companion.”
“Backstage at the 2010 Grammys”
4 p.m. Alvarado Room
Jaime Sarachit and Lourdes Lopez, senior managers of communications and media relations for the Recording Academy/Grammy Awards, will discuss what it’s like working for the Recording Academy and being a part of the Grammys. Sarachit, who has more than 10 years of brand marketing and communications experience, focused on the use of social/digital media to push the Grammy brand and increase viewership of the program. Lopez, with seven years of communications experience, provided public relations support for all Grammy Week activities. This year’s program had a 36 percent ratings increase over previous years.
“Corporate Vs. Nonprofit PR” Panel
7 p.m. Hetebrink Room A
Wing Lam, owner of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, developed the chain of fish taco establishments in 1988 following a visit to Mexico, where he and his brothers tasted and fell in love with the local meal. He joins Suzi Brown, director of media relations and external communications for the Disneyland Resort; Julia Cohen, campaign manager for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Kelly George, public relations manager of the Discovery Science Center; and Harmony Trevino, communications coordinator for Giving Children Hope, in a panel discussion on public relations.
“For the Biz: Ideas to Screen”
7 p.m. Titan Theatre
Alumnus David Crabtree (B.A. communications-radio/TV ’95) will screen his feature film, “Broken Dreams,” which is currently on the Sundance Film Festival circuit. Crabtree, who co-wrote, co-produced and directed the film, is known primarily as a film editor and has worked on “NYPD Blue,” “Las Vegas,” “The Lost Room,” “Cupid” and “Psych.” A question-and-answer session will follow the screening.

FRIDAY, APRIL 30
“Censorship at Every Turn”
8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., reservations required for luncheon
A daylong program focusing on the First Amendment Center’s 2009 State of the First Amendment report. The program will feature panels of journalists, lawyers, professors and filmmakers.
Most programs are free of charge and open to the public. More information on these and other Comm Week activities is available online at http://communications.fullerton.edu/commweek or by calling the Comm Week office at 657-278-7469. On-campus parking is $8 per vehicle for the day.

Media Contact:
Valerie Orleans, Public Affairs, 657-278-4540 or vorleans@fullerton.edu

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