UA to host Silver Anniversary
Multicultural Journalism Workshop
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Carol Olive, left, and Dr. Bernell Tripp, second from left, receive Founders Award plaques from Dr. Ed Mullins and Marie Parsons at the 2005 Multicultural Journalism Workshop Awards Banquet. Olive is a retired administrative assistant in the journalism department. Tripp, who assisted Parsons in directing several MJWs, is a professor of journalism at the University of Florida. |
Dr. Jennifer D. Greer Chair, Journalism Dept. |
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama's journalism department is recruiting high school students to attend its 25th annual Multicultural Journalism Workshop July 11-19, 2008.
In celebration of the anniversary, former participants — some of whom are now distinguished professionals — and former directors and instructors will join the new class for a banquet and awards ceremony to mark one of the nation’s longest-running programs dedicated to diversifying the journalism work force.
Journalism Professor Emeritus Ed Mullins, who with two now-retired faculty members Marie Parsons and Marian Huttenstine launched MJW in 1984, will direct his fourth workshop. Both Parsons and Huttenstine will be among those returning. Jannell McGrew, former award-winning reporter and now freelance journalist from Montgomery, is coordinating alumni events.
Also returning, for the 14th time, is Merv Aubespin, retired editor of the Courier-Journal, in Louisville, Ky. Aubespin is one of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists. He will be the keynote speaker for the opening event, which begins at 6 p.m., Friday, July 11 at the Ferguson Center.
Also participating will be the Birmingham Association of Black Journalists and its University affiliate, the Capstone Association of Black Journalists, advised by Dr. Caryl Cooper, assistant dean in the College of Communication and Information Sciences, who is also chair of the MJW executive committee.
“This is indeed a special occasion for the hundreds of former students who have benefited from this successful program,” Mullins said.
According to Dr. Jennifer D. Greer, chair of the journalism department: “This silver anniversary is a testament to the commitment the department has to training the next generation of journalists to succeed in an increasingly diverse U.S. society. We’re so fortunate to have founders Mullins, Parsons and Huttenstine leading this workshop as we celebrate its long success.”
Students who will be in the ninth grade through freshman year in college in fall 2008 are eligible to attend the workshop. They will study and practice journalism under UA faculty and top journalists, learning how professionals report, write and present the news in print, broadcast and online media.
Applicants are accepted on the basis of their interest in a journalism career and completion of an application that includes a transcript of grades, evidence of high school journalism activities and other writing, and a recommendation from a student media adviser, guidance counselor or professional journalist.
While the focus is on attracting minorities because of their low representation in the media, students who are not members of a minority group are also eligible to attend. Workshop students will study and practice in the facilities of a national communication education leader. Its facilities include modern computer, photo and research labs as well as broadcast studios and multimedia classrooms.
The workshop is one of the oldest of its kind in the country and is part of the University's Minority Journalism Program (see www.ccom.ua.edu/mjw). The department maintains a database of all MJW alums that is used by news media across the nation to find top prospects. Former workshop attendees return each summer to mentor the new group.
"More than 1,000 minority students have come through our doors and walked out a few years later to take their place as a journalist, one of the most important roles in a democratic society. This workshop was the first step for many of them," Mullins said.
One of the most important days in the workshop is Visiting Professionals Day. Although visiting professionals are present throughout the workshop, on this day some two dozen professionals give their time at no cost to coach the students as they prepare their stories and images for print, online and broadcast.
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia are represented in the full list of workshop attendees since 1984.
Students can request an application form by writing, calling or e-mailing the Journalism Department, University of Alabama, Box 870172, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. They can also get an application at http://www.ccom.ua.edu/mjw/application.html.
Priority deadline to apply is April 1 and the absolute deadline is May 1.
There is no cost. Students receive transportation, meals, housing and supplies. Sponsors for 2008 include the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, Alabama Press Association, Alabama Broadcasters Association, the Press-Register in Mobile, Mercedes-Benz USA International, and The Tuscaloosa News and two University units, the College of Communication and Information Sciences and the Center for Community-Based Partnerships.