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Student Newspaper Wins New England Society of Newspaper Editors' Award

It was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 4, that the University of Hartford's student-run newspaper, The Informer, was the recipient of second runner up for the New England Society of Newspaper Editors' (NESNE) first “College Newspaper of the Year” award.  This award will be presented on Friday, Nov. 13 at NESNE's annual convention at the Eagle-Tribune offices in North Andover, Mass.  Other student-run newspapers being acknowledged are first place winner The Maine Campus, the University of Maine's paper and The Equinox, Keene State College's paper.

Editor-in-chief for The Informer, Melissa O'Brien, says, “We are honored to be selected for this award,” noting the significance of this being the first time this competition was held.  “Each week the editorial board and staff writers work hard to bring the University a quality publication, created entirely by the student-body; we're very excited to be acknowledged for our work.”  This is O'Brien's second academic year as editor-in-chief for The Informer, and her senior year at the University; she is majoring in Psychology and Biology and receiving a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in May 2010.

The editorial board for The Informer consists of students from several different colleges at the University of Hartford, including the School of Communication, The Hartt School, The College of Arts and Sciences, The Barney School of Business and The Hartford Art School.  The Informer has been the University's official student newspaper since 1976 and is entirely student run, with the help of faculty advisor Dr. Roger Desmond.  The Informer publishes 12 weekly editions each semester and releases new editions on Thursdays.  The Informer also publishes its articles online each week at http://www.hartfordinformer.com/.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Multimedia Position

The University of Hartford’s School of Communication seeks an energetic Visiting Assistant Professor with expertise in visual media production for a one-year full-time position to begin August 2010.  Candidates must be capable of teaching courses in multimedia at the introductory and advanced levels and should have collegiate-level teaching experience. Preferred candidates will also be able to teach courses in any of the following: television production, new media, online journalism or other areas of communication and may have the opportunity to develop a special topics course.  Candidates with a Ph.D. or ABD in communication are preferred.  Candidates with a Master’s degree and professional experience in multimedia are encouraged to apply.    The University of Hartford is an open and welcoming community, which values diversity in all its forms.  Candidates committed to working with diverse populations and conversant in multicultural issues are encouraged to apply. 

Send letter of application, vita, teaching evaluations and three letters of reference to Dr. Robert Duran, Search Committee Chair, School of Communication, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117.  Screening begins December 15, 2009 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University aspires to have its faculty and staff reflect the rich diversity of its student body and the Hartford region.  Members of under-represented groups are also encouraged to apply.  EEO/AA/M/F/D/V.

Alum Jennifer Reynolds (M '07) Publishes Book

In the brief time since earning her Master’s in Communication at the University of Hartford, Jennifer Reynolds, along with her husband Luke, conceived of and brought to fruition an edited volume, Dedicated to the People of Darfur: Writings on Fear, Risk and Hope (Rutgers University Press). The book is a series of original essays about taking risks, breaking down barriers and overcoming obstacles. All proceeds from the sales of the book will benefit The Save Darfur Coalition, an organization that seeks to end the genocide in Darfur, Sudan.

Passionate about the cause, Luke and Jennifer were successful in their efforts to solicit original essays from  prize-winning and best-selling authors like Phillip Lopate, Ann Hood, James McPherson, Frank McCourt, George Saunders, Jane Smiley, and Kim Edwards. Dr. Lynne Kelly also has an essay in the book.

“Formidable, inspiring, beautiful.”
—Junot Díaz, author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

“An eclectic and often riveting collection of essays. Some of the most celebrated contemporary writers eloquently explore the idea of risk taking, risk that shakes us out of apathy and ignites both deeply personal change and broader social transformation.”
—Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns

Journalist Nathan Webster Enlightens Students

Nathan Webster, a freelance embedded journalist and photojournalist, came to the University on Thursday, Oct. 8 to speak to two journalism classes about his work, the journalism field, and being embedded in Iraq. He brought in samples of his photography work and his stories to the classes as well.

Webster spoke about his three experiences in Iraq in 2007, 2008 and 2009. He showed the classes the process of getting his work published in newspapers throughout the country. Webster has been published in major city newspapers and smaller local papers, taking a different, more personal, approach to the war in Iraq.

Students had an opportunity to ask Webster questions in both classes. He bluntly spoke about the difficulties of being a freelance journalist, but he made it clear that the rewards, like having front page stories, made the effort worth it for him.

Though he did tell students that embedded reporting was not for everyone, he gave students many encouraging words. While the rest of the world seemingly is telling aspiring journalists that it is a “dying field,” Webster countered this statement. He told students that this was one of the most opportune times to become a journalist, and that there are ample opportunities available in all types of multimedia and journalism.

Webster encouraged all journalism students to pick a passion and stick to it, and he reassured them that they would find work.

Story by Alexandria Hubbard (Class of 2011)

 

 

 

 

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