Public relations rep will entertain Pierce

Jennifer Belcher

Reporter

@jbelcher94 schools, or high schools that don’t have the space or the capacity to host their own fair, or don’t have the time for one individual to coordinate a large-scale event,” Gonzalez said. “We collaborate with the community to host for the community.”

In the entertainment industry, the difference between a good and bad reputation can mean the difference between a million dollars and going broke. Public relation specialists dedicate their careers to maintain public images for the companies they represent.

The Media Arts Department begins its Speaker Series Thursday, Sept. 14 with Pam Golum, the president of West Coast Entertainment: The Lippin Group.

Publicity Executive Committee (TPEC), which is comprised of the top public relations professionals at studios, networks, production companies and public relations firms.

The ASO-sponsored event will take place in the Great Hall at 7 p.m., and is free and open to students, staff, faculty and the general public. Food and drinks will be provided free of cost.

The representatives from the universities were mainly focused on freshman admission, not on transfer admission, but they usually know the answers to most students’ questions. Salter welcomes students to visit the transfer center for other workshops and assistance on transfer admissions. Salter strongly encourages students to have a list of questions for the representatives at the fair about requirements, classes, campus life, or anything they may need to know.

“The goal is finding out if it is going to be a place where you are going to feel comfortable and want to go,” Salter said.

Golum has managed some of the firm’s most prestigious accounts, including the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Dick Wolf’s Law & Order franchise, Jaclyn Smith’s JSI, Disney Channel projects —which include High School Musical and Hannah Montana—and the Monte Carlo Television Festival.

“The thing about PR is there is no typical work day because everyday is different,” Golum said. “You can spend the day writing, pitching, trying to get new business, meeting clients or on set covering interviews.”

Golum is a member of the Publicists Guild of America and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and has served two terms as vice chairman of the Television

The Speaker Series is a oncea-month event, hosted throughout the fall and spring semesters, where experts and professional journalists, publicists, and photographers in the media arts industry come and speak about their experiences and give students advice on how to break into and maintain a career in their respective industries.

Golum said analytical thinking, common sense and the ability to multitask are the skills most valuable for students thinking of a career in public relations.

“It's a wonderful opportunity for students to come and hear from people who might be doing what they hope to do in the industry,” said Tracie Savage, an assistant professor of journalism. “They’re getting first-hand knowledge about the pros and cons of this profession.”

Media Arts Department faculty choose the speaker for each month based information and knowledge about a career in media arts.

Stacy Long, the only public relations professor on campus, explained that students can also recommend someone they think is interesting, worthwhile or valuable.

“It’s one thing when a teacher stands up there and tells you something, but it's another thing when a professional stands up there and gives their professional expertise and perspective and answers your questions,” Long said.

Speakers usually talk for an average of 90 minutes and then are followed by a short question-andanswer segment, where students are encouraged to ask their own questions.

“Students never really get access to someone who will just answer your questions because you asked it,” Long said. “Usually, they would have to call and set up a meeting. Having someone on campus like this is just amazing.

It’s really educational.”

Speakers in the series have provided students with contact information, internships and other job opportunities in their respective industries.

“She’s been so integral in starting off young people's careers,” Long said. “Pam’s a rockstar; you can quote me on that.” jbelcher.roundupnews@gmail.com

As a reaction to President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, hundreds of protesters assembled in solidarity with DACA recipients.

The Defend DACA March was organized by 10 local activist groups, which included AF3IRM National and UndocuMedia.Community leaders gathered the protesters for a rally and prayer, which began at 3 p.m. at McArthur Park and ended at Union Station. A group of Trump supporters situated on the corner of 6th and

Alvarado Streets. They held up signs and shouted their approval of the Trump’s policies.

Police officers worked to keep the two sides separated. Guest speakers expressed their fears and frustrations at the decision and talked about how many students will be affected.

“I have been a teacher for 26 years,” Yolanda Varela-Gonzalez said. “My students have been here since they were babies, and this is the only country they have ever known. What we are going through right now, Donald Trump, is unacceptable.”