Inspiration from an Oscar-nominated Alumna Login to comment

Tuesday, February 21 2012 04:57:59 PM

I like to think of myself as a little bit of a movie buff. I grew up in Manila, in the Philippines, but even all the way there, the Oscars were still something I’d wait for! My friends and I would have bets about who would take home the big prizes, and I remember finding out who the winners were on Monday when I got home from school (with the time difference, it wasn’t exactly “Oscar Sunday” for us!).

Living in L.A., you can’t escape the Oscar fever, and I was excited to see an email come into our Alumni Relations inbox recently, informing us that one of our alums was nominated. Alison Greenberg (B.A. Communication ’07) co-produced the documentary short titled “Saving Face,” which is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject).

 I read up on “Saving Face” and found out that it is about a British-Pakistani plastic surgeon who helps women who have been injured in acid attacks. The film follows the doctor’s journey to Pakistan to perform reconstructive surgery on survivors of acid violence, and it also follows two women who were attacked by acid, and their struggle to find healing and justice. I watched the trailer on the Oscars website and the images are chilling and the documentary definitely looks like a compelling piece. I’m excited that such a poignant film is nominated for an Oscar, and proud that one of our Annenberg alums was part of a piece that brings light to such a violent form of injustice.

Reading up on Alison Greenberg, I found out that while at USC, Alison co-chaired an event which raised $13,000 for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), she mentored inner city teenage girls with WYSE (Women and Youth Supporting Each Other), and she also served as publicity chair for Take Back the Night. It’s interesting to see how during her time at USC, Alison really lived out her social justice convictions, and it’s inspiring to see these same convictions play out so successfully in the bigger world—with no less than an Oscar nomination!

 I like to think that there’s an intersection between your passions, and being useful in this world. I like to think that an education at Annenberg gives us the tools to take the things we are passionate about, and turn them into real-world successes. I myself have loved taking classes in my Communication Management Master’s program, like CMGT 577: Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility, or CMGT 508: Communication Strategy and Change. Through classes like these I’ve learned about different ways to harness my own passion for social justice into professional avenues. I’ve learned more about sustainability and how to help corporations achieve this. These classes have given my passions direction, and I know the tools I’ve gained will help me make a difference in my future career.

 With graduation looming in May, it’s wonderful to rejoice in the success of an Oscar-nominated alumna, but furthermore, it’s inspiring to see a fellow member of the Annenberg community succeed and make a difference because of something they’re passionate about. I can only hope I’m able to do the same with my future career!

 I’ll be rooting for “Saving Face” to take home the Oscar on February 26^th! The film will debut on HBO on March 8th and will premier at the Human Rights Film Festival in London March 28^th.

 

 Tala Esguerra (M.C.M. Communication Management ’12)

Graduate Student Assistant

Annenberg Alumni Relations

 

 See the trailer of the Oscar-Nominated short documentary “Saving Face” here:

http://oscar.go.com/nominees/documentary-short-subject/saving-face

 

Annenberg’s PR Program Enjoys Popularity and Savors an Increased New Surge of Students

Thursday, February 02 2012 05:50:03 PM

The Job Search Buzz

Thursday, February 02 2012 05:48:09 PM

The Spring semester has come, and though it’s just begun, talk has already started amongst many about what’s around the corner—graduation and working in the real world! As a graduate student finishing up my last semester at Annenberg, most of the students I know have been with me since I started my program here—and most of them are marching with me in May. From the first day of class, hurried exchanges about winter break festivities soon switched to tense discussion about job prospects.

Looking for internships? Already have an internship that might turn into something more? Know someone who’s looking to hire? The underlying urgency in these questions is almost palpable, and I’m sure anyone who’s ever been faced with the prospect of a job search knows exactly what I’m talking about.

Thankfully, USC provides some great resources for us jittery jobseekers. The USC Career Fair is slated for next week, from January 30- February 3, 2012. From information panels and workshops to job fairs and recruiting events, going to any (or a handful) of these events will hopefully put many of us at ease.

Learn more about the career fair here: http://careers.usc.edu/careerfest/event-guide

Tala Esguerra
M.C.M. Communication Management
Graduate Student '12
Annenerg Alumni Relations

Annenberg Alumni: Homecoming Or Simply “Coming Home” Login to comment

Tuesday, November 08 2011 05:40:48 PM

As the Homecoming weekend nears, just like every cardinal and gold blooded Trojan, my excitement builds. The tailgates, the barbeques, the campus buzzing with a bevy of activity and excitement- all strung together by a common thread of unwavering "Trojan Pride".

This Homecoming USC plays the Washington Huskies and no one will be surprised to see SC win, because truly there were no "Huskies" in the Trojan territory. The USC vs. Washington being touted as the season's second-most exciting game after Oregon vs. Stanford should promise some memorable edge-of-one's-seat football moments.

We at Annenberg Alumni Relations are super thrilled to be hosting our annual "Leader of the Pac(K): Homecoming at Annenberg " tailgate and picnic. Our tailgate comes complete with a scrumptious buffet and of course a bar (a tailgate’s not a tailgate with some good ol' cold ones). The various TVs in the Annenberg building will first show the morning games to get everyone in the spirit, after which at 12:30 guests can head over to the Coliseum to watch our team in action.

This will also turn out to be a great opportunity for our alumni returning to cheer on their Alma Mater to mingle with old friends and get updated on what's happening at USC Annenberg. For some alumni who come with their families or young children this will be a fitting moment to not only inculcate “Trojan Pride” but also show off the surroundings that may have given them the most unforgettable experiences of their lives. Annenberg Alumni Relations of course, has planned on giving not just our Alumni, but their families and friends a fabulous time.

Personally, I have had a blast planning this event. From connecting with alumni, getting them excited to attend, to all the small nitty-gritty things that go into event planning- it has been a great experience! Now after the last 3 busy days of last minute planning, I can’t wait to see how the event unfolds and get a glimpse into the future (next year!) of how it will be when I myself return to my Alma Mater as an alumna.

Aashna Moitra
M.A. Strategic Public Relations '12
Graduate Student Assistant
Annenberg Alumni Relations

Passing it on Login to comment

Monday, October 24 2011 02:28:09 PM

I recently read a tribute by one of our alums to his mentor, the late radio legend, Norman Corwin. In his touching remembrance, alumnus Joel Bellman talked about how he encountered Corwin at the Annenberg school:

A decade after first discovering his work, I was firmly committed to pursuing my own career in radio journalism, largely inspired by the creative potential revealed by Norman’s work. Halfway through my Master’s program at the USC Journalism School, my advisor Joe Saltzman offhandedly mentioned that a new professor would be joining the faculty, and that considering my interest in radio (I think I was literally the only broadcasting major pursuing a career in radio rather than television), this was somebody I should meet. In fact, he said, “You should be his teaching assistant.”

It was Norman Corwin. I had died and gone to heaven.

I had the great pleasure and supernaturally good fortune to work with Norman for two semesters. I graduated, got my first paying radio news job and started producing documentaries. I kept in touch with Norman, who figured prominently in a pair of radio tributes I produced about Orson Welles, with whom Norman had frequently worked. Norman described riding around Central Park with Orson in a horse-drawn hansom cab while they hashed out ideas for one of his radio plays.

 This touching tribute made me think of our culture of mentorship here at Annenberg, and how valuable it is. As students, we are lucky enough to have opportunities to be mentored, and learn from the experiences of others. I myself just received an email confirming my participation in the Annenberg Connection Mentorship Program, a program by the Annenberg Career Development office and Annenberg Alumni Relations where students and alums are matched up according to the student’s career interests and the alum’s professional background. In addition to this, I’ve also been fortunate enough to connect with alums through professional development events, class speakers, and through the Career Development Office. Everyone I’ve encountered has been generous and helpful, going above and beyond to help out someone starting out in their career.

It’s so enriching to learn from all these individuals. Sometimes it’s helpful to just learn about how someone got to where they are, and to hear advice from people who are actually working in the industry.  I’m thankful that these alums are happy to share their time and experiences. I’m also thankful for the many people at Annenberg like Joel Bellman’s advisor Joe Saltzman, who are so excited to connect students with individuals who share their interests.

 As someone on the receiving end of all this wisdom, I know I’ve gotten much clarity and knowledge that has helped me navigate my budding career and enrich my studies here at Annenberg.  I hope one day to be able to pass it on myself.

 

Tala Esguerra (M.C.M. Communication Management Candidate ’12)
Graduate Student Assistant
Annenerg Alumni Relations 

Read the full tribute of Joel Bellman to Norman Corwin here: http://www.scpr.org/blogs/offramp/2011/10/21/3664/norman-corwin-appreciation-joel-bellman/

 Get more information about the Annenberg Connection Mentor program and other Career Development Events here: http://annenberg.usc.edu/CurrentStudents/Careers/Events.aspx

 

 

 

Four Decades of Memories Login to comment

Friday, September 16 2011 12:00:00 AM

Describe to me any USC-related event in less than five words and I can tell you immediately whether I will be working and/or preparing for it. Include the words “Annenberg alumni” and “event” in a conversation I can most likely name the event to which you are referring, list off the attendees, explain the logistics for the day and confirm whether the open bar serves wine and cocktails or beer and peanuts.

In that regard, the International Communication Studies (ICS) reunion wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. In the final hours leading up to the event, I crossed at least thirty things off my to-do list: charged and uploaded ICS photos onto the digital photo frames, reviewed event details, finalized event briefings and RSVP lists, double-checked to see if I finished miscellaneous last minute tasks, triple-checked guest lists, ran through the schedule ten times over, etc., etc., etc. I ran through the abridged program schedule one last time.

Six o’clock rolled around. When preparation meets opportunity, success is sure to follow. I hopped on the golf cart and made my way over to Town & Gown.

The event was definitely successfully, but nothing could have prepared me for my conversation with Dr. Faith. I was taken aback by his charisma when we met that evening. Despite the brevity of our conversation, I could see the sincerity in his eyes when he spoke and when he listened. He gives his full attention because he genuinely cares about shaping students into global citizens. By the end of the cocktail reception, my numerous exchanges with ICS alumni had confirmed first impression—Dr. Faith is still incredibly passionate about teaching and advancing the program’s reach.

What better way to pay tribute to him than with a gathering at Town & Gown? Lights dimmed, chandeliers sparkled, tables set, wine glasses at the ready. It was impressive and illustrious, but by no means extravagant or overdone.  The evening felt more like a family affair than a dinner program. The long-lost recollections of ICS swept through the air as the night progressed.

With every picture montage, video tribute and speech, I could see how Dr. Faith garnered respect and admiration from his students. From 1974 until 2005, he shaped the study abroad experience for students across four decades.

I witnessed four decades worth of ICS smiles, chuckles and memories that night.


Dy Phi
B.A. Communication and Political Science '12
Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism

Taking the Time to Remember

Monday, September 12 2011 04:00:41 PM

Taking the Time to Remember

 

Our office has been abuzz the last few weeks with preparations for the 40^th Anniversary of the International Communication Studies Program at USC honoring Dr. Bill Faith. The event was held last Friday, September 9^th, and from what I heard, it was a smashing success!

I wasn’t personally there to witness the festivities, but even while working for the project behind the scenes, you could really feel the excitement and nostalgia building up to this momentous night.

One of the little things I worked on for the event was preparing digital photo frames with  pictures that alums of the program had sent in from their time abroad years ago. It was so interesting for me to see different generations of USC students in different parts of Europe, but all with the same expressions of excitement on their faces. You could really tell that these people were having the time of their lives!

It made me think of how important the work we do here at alumni relations is. By organizing events like last Friday’s celebration, we’re able to bring back some of that excitement, and bring alums back to some of the best moments of their lives, even just for one night .

 

Tala Esguerra (M.C.M. Communication Management Candidate ’12)
Graduate Student Assistant
Annenberg Alumni Relations

 

 

USC Annenberg Produces First-Rate Architects Login to comment

Friday, August 26 2011 01:42:45 PM

Innovation ends when we become acquainted with mediocrity. Yesterday’s impromptu visit to the Annenberg Innovation Lab (AIL) gave me plenty of reasons to stand by that statement.


I found myself immersed in the unfamiliar terrain of digital architecture, and by digital architecture I don't mean CAD software for architects. When I walked into the Lab during an informal lecture, I was immediately impressed by the level of collaboration between Annenberg faculty and students. Our School of Communication & Journalism is successfully churning out a new generation of young professionals well-versed in the art of innovation. I’d like to call them the architects of virtual space.

 

Some have said that our generation has entered into a digital media revolution. I would agree wholeheartedly and I can’t think of a better place to be than at Annenberg. With phrases such as “interactive media ecology” and “cognitive mapping of real spaces” popping up left and right in academic papers and emerging business models, I can definitely appreciate Annenberg’s commitment to innovation. In a virtual ecosystem defined by constant change, USC Annenberg has prepared itself well. The Annenberg Innovation Lab is proof that our School is teaching students to think two steps ahead when it comes to cultural technologies.

 

Before I begin to sound like an advertisement for Annenberg, let me just admit one thing. As a pre-law student with the mindset of an engineer, I am hard-pressed to sit through a classroom lecture at Annenberg without considering to myself 1) whether the lessons I learn about social science can stand against the scientific method and 2) whether the frameworks presented follow logic-based arguments. As critical (and somewhat cynical) as I may be in the classroom, I honestly find it remarkable that Annenberg has found an innovative way for students to construct, define, and continue to redefine human social interaction. I'm astounded by how  Annenberg is teaching students to challenge the current capacity of social media applications. I find it impressive that faculty and students are researching ways to reconstruct data maps that can further enhance information exchange for social networks. I suppose it would be accurate to say that Annenberg knows how to push the potential of social media and technology to the next level. 

For me, these past three years at Annenberg have been academically thought-provoking, but I was still looking for another challenge. I became well-acquainted with the academic research Annenberg faculty and students have engaged in regarding online communities and social networks. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see more from Annenberg. As if on cue, the Annenberg Innovation Lab was established. Not only do students learn about theories and think about malleable frameworks for social media, we’re well on our way to developing and designing new prototypes and media applications for the future. In the years ahead, I wouldn't be surprised if Annenberg left a huge footprint in this virtual ecosystem.

Dy Phi
B.A. Communication and Political Science '12
Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism

Back to School

Thursday, August 25 2011 01:09:24 PM

My first day of class was yesterday, so it was the first day that I stepped on campus since the 2011-2012 school year began. Driving into one of the USC parking structures, it was clear to me that the Fall Semester was definitely in full swing—it was shortly after 9am and already I couldn’t find parking! After a relatively quiet summer with few students (and many free parking spots) on campus, I breathed in and knew those quiet summer days were done.

 

After squeezing into a spot on the roof, I walked on campus and felt that familiar first-week-of-school buzz. So much excitement in the air! For many the air was electrified with the half-nervous, half-excited thrill of new beginnings. I spotted a few tentative faces, still unsure of where to go and what to do, trying to figure out where they would carve their space in this big university. I also spotted old faces, refreshed by the last few months spent home or travelling. As I walked down Trousdale, the involvement fair was going on, with table upon table of student groups, ready with opportunities to meet people and find ways to get active on campus and tailor your Trojan experience.

 

I look back at all my years of schooling and each year is so distinctly different, but it’s funny how all of those years started out just the same. The first week of school is such a unique time—filled with so much promise, excitement, and hope. Everyone gets a clean slate, everyone gets another chance to learn and grow.

 

I’m starting to work on my thesis this year so this will probably be my last time to enjoy the buzz of the first week of school. I imagine there are many more experiences in life that can generate the same kind of heightened excitement, but I don’t think anything else will be quite the same. For now, it’s nice to be part of it all, feeling the air charged with anticipation. Back to school everyone! Here’s to everything that the 2011-2012 school year will bring.

 

 

Tala Esguerra (M.C.M. Communication Management ’12)
Graduate Student Assistant
Annenberg Alumni Relations

End Summer, Begin School Login to comment

Tuesday, August 09 2011 07:25:29 PM

Every August, those involved in the academic world lament the end of the summer season and let their friends and acquaintances know that the school year is upon them, usually with some variation of "I can't believe school starts so soon! Where did the summer go?!" Entering into my 19^th year of schooling, I admit I've taken part in (and even initiated) this conversation many times. This year, however, I think I really understand the sentiment. For the first time, I spent my summer working full-time, taking classes and unintentionally avoiding any vacation. The season flew by with too few beach days and too much time spent at the library. Though it was certainly worth the credits (and money!) I earned, I miss the carefree days of a childhood summer, and the reality of the busy semester ahead of me is setting in.

School starts in two weeks, and I’ll be taking on an internship, a part-time job, three classes and, the component that scares me the most – my thesis. I have a general idea of what I’d like to focus on, but beyond that, I’m clueless. I’ve never taken on a project so large, and the thought of it looming ahead of me is threatening to spoil the last weeks of summer. Instead of letting it worry me, I’m trying to think of my thesis in positive terms – I’m excited to learn more about a subject I’m interested in and, once completed, I know the sense of relief and accomplishment will make the year of work worth the effort. I am certain I can do it, but trying is the operative word in the preceding sentence. Do you have any tips for me - on either making the most of a summer as an adult or viewing my thesis as little less daunting?


Allison Champion
(M.A. Strategic Public Relations '12)
Graduate Student Assistant, Alumni Relations