Kelly Davies
Staff Writer
Well-known professionals will take communication to the next level as they address Seaver students during the second annual Comm Connection Conference next week.
“Comm Connection 2005: Character, Calling and Careers,” events begin Wednesday, Feb. 16, and will continue through Feb. 18.
The speakers will address ethical issues in media, media reflections of faith and faith considerations in the choice of media careers.
“There is more to it than having to do with careers,” said Dr. Michael Murrie, professor of communication and one of the program organizers.
“We look at it as choices about what to do with your life.”
Several speakers will present their views on various topics in 11 sessions, which cover topics from the role of a student newspaper on a Christian campus to student film screenings to networking workshops to faith’s role in politics.
Organizers expect a large turnout. Last year, many students responded positively to the event.
“It’s a great thing that they’re just getting started,” said senior Kelia Tardiff. “I loved getting to know my professors and the ones I hadn’t yet met, as well as alumni and different speakers, and hearing their advice and wisdom for life and future careers.”
Comm Connection seeks to explore not merely the aspects of a career, but the aspects of a calling.
“Some of the sessions are strictly career-oriented,” Murrie said. “Mostly it’s about considering what God wants for choices in our lives — human service, community service.”
The event is part of the Pepperdine Voyage funded by the Lily Endowment. It serves to connect Communication students with professionals in their field who have and are dealing with the issues of vocation and the notion of being a minister of faith in their profession.
Other events are designed to help students develop careers, showcase student work and explore academic issues related to liberal arts and media studies.
“It’s a great way to understand the field more, from all different fields of communication,” Tardiff said.
02-10-2005