Events pulls faculty, staff, alumni together

by Jaycie Regnier & Jonas Faria

The mass media program hosted a festive event on Thursday, April 13, 2023, in the Kansas Room of the Memorial Union. They had fun playing games and eating treats while listening to the keynote speech by Dan Bennett, a Washburn alumnus and regional vice president for Cumulus Media in Dallas/Houston, who also joined the Washburn Alumni Association Board of Trustees, recently.

Bennett, a media veteran and a '76 alumnus, shared his career advice with the students, using Tom Brady’s story as an example. Brady, a former NFL quarterback and a seven-time Super Bowl champion, was drafted 199th overall by the New England Patriots in 2000.

“He faced many rejections from the NFL teams but he became one of the greatest football players of all time,” Bennett said. “It’s hard to deal with job rejections, but you have to keep showing up and seize the opportunity when it comes, like Tom did.”

He recommended two books to the students: “The Power of Who: You Already Know Everyone You Need to Know” by Bob Beaudine and “Everyday Millionaires” by

Chris Hogan. He also talked about how to leverage your network in the industry.

Bennett emphasized the importance of using your personal connections rather than relying on impersonal websites or anonymous applications.

“This is about using your friends, family, and people you know in the industry,” he said.

He explained how working with familiar people can expand your opportunities and make things easier. He also advised students to apply proactively even if there is no specific job opening advertised.

“Every company has an opening that is not posted,” Bennett said. “You may be the right person for the job, as there are always changes being made.”

Bennett also gave some tips on how to handle the end of a job interview.

“You should always have one or two questions ready to ask when they ask you if you have any,” Bennett said. “The questions you ask should show that you are interested in the job and that you have done your homework.”

Bennett also stressed the importance of persistence and readiness when pursuing a job opportunity.

“You might think that it only takes a few calls to get in touch with a company,” Bennett said. “But the average is actually seven to nine calls, so you have to keep trying and be prepared for what they might offer.”

Bennett also addressed the fear of rejection that many students face when applying for jobs. He encouraged them to overcome this fear and pursue their career aspirations.

“I want you all to succeed after college,” Bennett said. “Be like Tom, and don’t let rejection stop you. He was rejected 198 times, but he made it on the 199th try and became the best ever.”

Bennett received the Mass Media Non Nobis Solum award from the Department of Mass Media for his dedication to his field and Washburn University.

The event also honored the outstanding students in each concentration area: Christina Noland (Student Media), Aja Carter (Contemporary Journalism), Adin Replogle (Film and Video), Jess Seidel (Mass Media

Service), and Halle Meister (PR/ Advertising).

Adin Replogle, who received recognition and video, expressed his gratitude.

“It feels nice to be noticed after working hard for so long. I want to make movies in LA and keep working on the next project. I want to keep the momentum going,” said Replogle.

The department also awarded 16 scholarships. The recipients were Hanna Andersen, Aja Carter, Humphrey Castillo, Sydney Conner, Jonas Faria, Emma Froese, Ciera Haner, Pamela Knoxsah, Malachi Lewis, Rebekah McIntosh, Darius Mitchell, Larissa Morgan, Jess Seidel, Tiana Smith, and Perla Soto.