This year, the Media, Film & Journalism Studies department embarked on a pilot program to bring selected alumni back to campus to meet with current students and faculty. The MFJS "Distinguished Alumni Series" began in October and will continue throughout the 2011-12 academic year. To date, nine alumni have accepted an invitation to speak as part of the series.
The Distinguished Alumni Series was created to facilitate several important goals. First, to bring distinguished professionals back to campus to provide current students with industry-based knowledge and perspective. Second, to offer a broad viewpoint to students by highlighting professionals in all major areas, piquing student interest in different occupational and academic areas. And finally, to develop long-lasting relationships with faculty to keep professional and academic research avenues flowing.
Alumni and students have enjoyed the series immeasurably. In October, Dejan Georgevich (BA '71) met with students in the Film & Video Production program to talk about his life as a cinematographer, director and producer. Both undergraduate and graduate students appreciated the chance to talk about the state of the industry as well as get tips and ideas about how to proceed with a career in film.
"Meeting someone who's successful in the business and done so much in his career means a lot," said Jesus Sierra, a graduate film studies and production student. "He gave some great pointers on our work and how we can make some connections after graduation."
In addition to seeing the campus for the first time in 40 years, Georgevich was amazed by the work of the students and faculty and thinks the program will benefit DU and his industry. "I believe the Distinguished Alumni Series serves as a significant positive step for the MFJS program bringing together students and faculty with working processional alumni in the motion picture field," he said.
In November, Danny Simon (BA '71, MA '74) brought his expertise in entertainment licensing to the students in the department. He shared his memories of DU and, more importantly, gave students a look into the competitive world of entertainment licensing and how it affects the global economy. He was also able to make connections with faculty for possible interterm courses as well as some leads for student internships.
"These visits have really opened students eyes as to what's possible with a degree from DU. They're inspired by these outstanding alumni and hope to achieve the same kind of career success in their own lifetimes," said Chris Henning, MFJS communications director. "Students also appreciate the validation they receive about things they learn in class. Concepts 'come alive' when they see how they are applied by professionals who were once in their shoes."
The 2012 schedule includes alumni with film, journalism and strategic communication backgrounds:
January will feature Jim Conway (BA '71), TV director, writer and producer and Joseph Pennella (BA '71), a cinematographer and TV director. February brings Lance Clem (BA '72) to campus with a background in strategic communications and health communication. March will host Brian McGowan (BA '97), an advertising account executive for NBC and Steve Corman (BA '64), a producer/writer and Emmy winner. April will round-up the year with a visit from Don Leevy (BA '76) vice president of marketing for Sony Digital and Roger Birnbaum, CEO of MGM motion pictures.
Perhaps the best part of the alumni visits is simply that it's fun. "I was delighted to meet and speak with the students who reminded me of myself when I started out with a storyteller's passion for filmmaking. I look forward to returning in the near future and helping to inspire the "next generation" of motion picture artists," said Georgevich.
Fellow alumni and other students are welcome to attend open sessions with the alumni during their visits to DU. Monthly visit information can be found on the MFJS website at http://www.du.edu/ahss/schools/mfjs/news/index.html
