October 29 – 31, 2024
Unified Voices of Truth, Integrity and Impact
As we count down to reconnect, learn, and celebrate
Celebrating 50 years of journalism at Florida A&M University!
SJGC is proud to be the first accredited journalism program at an HBCU.
For almost a decade, “Grads Are Back” has welcomed alumni from across the nation back to FAMU to share their expertise with SJGC students from all disciplines. The event includes valuable insights from keynote speakers and enthusiastic panel discussions encouraging students to engage with esteemed alumni. The program is developed by SJGC’s faculty, staff, and Board of Visitors.
Industry Alumni and Friends in Attendance
Connect with graduates and allies shaping today’s media landscape
Beraiah Baker
Public Relations Analyst
Lowe’s Corporate
Jason Jones
Creative Director
Studio Jones Design
Ahmon Lott
Social Media Specialist
Jacksonville Jaguars
Alonda Thomas
VP/Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
FAMU
Vicky Shen
Interaction Designer
Caryn Baird
Expert Researcher
PolitiFact and Poynter Institute for Media Studies
Dereyck Moore
Senior Director, Content & Digital Strategy
Augusta National Golf Club
Lynn Hatter
News Director
WFSU News/Florida Public Radio
Mira Lowe
Dean
FAMU SJGC
Ahmad Kebe
Community Impact Intern
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
India Gay
Brand Communications and Creative Strategy
Kao Corporation
Dontaira Terrell
CEO
Her Own Company
Meaghan Taylor
Digital Content Producer
Steve Harvey Morning Show
Chris Crouch
Senior Graphic Designer
Taproot Agency
Grady Tripp
Senior Managing Partner
Gatewood-Douglass
A’sia Horne
Freelance Editor, Writer, Producer
Adrian Andrews
News Reporter/Multimedia Journalist
WFSU Public Media
Brion Eason
Art Director
Florida A&M University
Ricquel Jackson
Political Operative and Event Strategist
Stanley Johnson
Faculty
FAMU SJGC
Marsha Oliver
Senior Vice President, Community & Public Engagement
PGA Tour
Terri Hines
Executive Vice President, Communications
FOX Sports
Maria More
Co-Host
Rickey Smiley Morning Show
Kim Goodwin
Broadcast Journalist and Executive
Jessica Larché
Anchor / Investigative Reporter
WTKR-TV
Alicia Hill
Director of Public Relations and Communications
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Natalie Johnson
Producer
Chosen Few Media
Zsa’Mae “Dee” Jones
Principal UX Architect
Apple, Inc.
Antonio Rosado
Commercial Real Estate Broker Associate
NAI Miami
Connect With Industry Leaders
Leading organizations ready to meet exceptional talent and alumni
Schedule of Events
Our Grads Are Back schedule is growing every day. Event details and activities are being updated as they come in. More exciting events will be added as confirmations roll in. Check back regularly for the latest updates. We can’t wait to welcome all our alumni back home.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Digital Darkroom with Adobe Lightroom
Room 2068
Want to enhance your photography skills and take your images to the next level? Join us for an immersive workshop on Adobe Lightroom, where you will learn to edit, organize, and showcase your photos like a pro!
Faculty
FAMU SJGC
Approachable Layout Techniques in Adobe InDesign
Room 2068
Are you ready to elevate your design skills and create stunning layouts? Join us for an engaging workshop on Adobe InDesign, where you will learn to design professional-quality print and digital publications!
Faculty
FAMU SJGC
The Crossroads: Pixels and Pathways
Room 2068
Get ready to unleash your inner design guru in this lively workshop where Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop collide! Join us for a creative adventure filled with tips, tricks, and a dash of humor as we explore the wild world of digital design. Be it curving those vectors or painting with pixels, you’ll learn how to make your projects pop and stand out. Bring your imagination, and let’s turn those design dreams into reality—one pixel at a time!
Faculty
FAMU SJGC
Truth in Politics
Mastering Election Coverage and Fact-Checking Techniques
Room 2037
News Director
WFSU News/Florida Public Radio
Participants will explore the vital role of accurate reporting in shaping public discourse during election seasons. Expert speakers will share best practices for effective fact-checking, media literacy, and navigating misinformation. Interactive workshops will provide hands-on experience with tools and techniques to enhance election coverage. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your skills and contribute to a more informed electorate!
Expert Researcher
PolitiFact and Poynter Institute for Media Studies
The Evolving Landscape of UX – Virtual Panel
SJGC Lecture Hall 2002
Faculty
FAMU SJGC
Step into the future of design! Join us for an inspiring panel as ChromeOS UX designers share insights on the ever-changing world of user experience. Discover how technology, creativity, and user-centered design are reshaping digital experiences, along with the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Whether you’re curious or passionate about UX, you’ll leave energized, informed, and ready to make an impact!
UXer ChromeOS Interaction Designer
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designer
Grads are Back
A Fireside Chat with the Dean
SJGC Lecture Hall Room 2002
Join us for an engaging discussion with FAMU journalism alumna Laura Downey, the executive editor at WebMD Magazine. In this special event, Downey will share her experiences navigating the media landscape and her journey to becoming the first Black president of the SPJ Georgia Chapter. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a trailblazer in the industry!
Dean
FAMU SJGC
Behind the Curtain: The Power of Political Vetting
Room 2073
News Director
WFSU News/Florida Public Radio
Join Caryn Baird, a researcher for PolitiFact and The Poynter Institute for Media Studies, and Lynn Hatter, news director at WFSU, for an in-depth exploration of political vetting in journalism. This interactive session will pull back the curtain on the rigorous research processes used by media professionals to fact-check political figures and hold them accountable. Learn how political vetting ensures accuracy, credibility, and public trust in an era of misinformation. This workshop, presented by JOU 1112 Use of Information Resources, is essential for students interested in journalism, political reporting, and investigative techniques. Gain insights into how top researchers and news directors navigate the complex landscape of media scrutiny and political accountability.
Crowning Confidence Panel Discussion
SJGC Lecture Hall Room 2002
Presented by Wakati.
This panel discussion will explore the experiences of Black women and students regarding their natural hair beauty, challenges, and triumphs of embracing their authentic selves while navigating societal expectations, professional spaces, and cultural identities.
A Timeless Tribute: Wakati Homecoming Celebration
SJGC Gallery Room 3015
Presented by Wakati
Join us for a celebration of five incredible years of Wakati and our partnership with Florida A&M University. We’re excited to release a special edition of Journey Magazine, highlighting our shared journey. Additionally, we’ll honor our collaborations with Venom PRoz and the School of Business and Industry. Enjoy exciting giveaways, raffles, and more. Come and immerse yourself in the excitement!
Journey: Back to the Future
40th Anniversary Journey Magazine Celebration
SJGC Gallery Room 2015
Join us in commemorating a significant milestone: the 40th anniversary of Journey Magazine! Established in 1984 at Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, this award-winning publication has become a cornerstone of storytelling and creativity.
Getting the Right Job Today That Gets You the Biggest Bag Tomorrow
SJGC Lecture Hall Room 2002
Senior Managing Partner
Gatewood-Douglass
One day, you will be 25. Then 30. Then 40. Your first job and, most likely, your first employer won’t be your last. They may not even be your employer in 2-3 years after graduation. With that in mind, this session is designed to show you how to secure the right job that will be the launching pad to the career and money you desire. What steps should you take after you land on your stepping stone?
We Are Not Going Back
A HOPE Gallery Curated Exhibition
HOPE Gallery, 3rd Floor, Outside of Room 3127
We are not going back is a HOPE Gallery curated exhibition that explores the complexities of our society and all individuals within it striving to overcome adversity. This graphic design competition delves into the challenges and triumphs of forging a better future. By showcasing the power of visual storytelling through the eyes of our SJGC students, the exhibit serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and moving forward.
Faculty
FAMU SJGC
Faculty
FAMU SJGC
Future Impact: Building a Personal Career Brand that Can Take You Anywhere
Charles Winter Wood Theatre, Tucker Hall
Evening Anchor
WNCN
Join Maria More, nationally syndicated radio co-host of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and Meaghan Taylor, digital producer for The Steve Harvey Morning Show, for an in-depth conversation on how to build a career brand that will allow you to reach your highest potential.
Dean
FAMU SJGC
Broadcast Journalist and Executive
Digital Content Producer
Steve Harvey Morning Show
Co-Host
Rickey Smiley Morning Show
Grads are Back Career Fair
SJGC Library
Learn about exciting opportunities to jump-start your career!
Grads are Back BBQ
SJGC Plaza
DJ
Workshop Block II
Shining a Light: Untold Black Stories
Room 2016
Emmy Award-winning alumna Jessica Larche shares her insights on identifying and investigating issues affecting Black communities. Her expertise in this area has been widely recognized, and she continues to advocate for meaningful change. Through her work, she sheds light on important issues and encourages open conversations about race and inequality. Her contributions have significantly impacted raising awareness and promoting understanding.
Anchor / Investigative Reporter
WTKR-TV
Echoes of the Past:
A 40-Year Journey with Journey Magazine Alumni
SJGC Lecture Hall Room 2002
Freelance Editor, Writer, Producer
This event will celebrate the rich history and evolution of *Journey Magazine* through engaging conversations with its distinguished alumni. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear personal stories, pivotal moments, and the lasting impact of the magazine on the literary and cultural landscape.
Executive Editor
WebMD Magazine
Commercial Real Estate Broker Associate
NAI Miami
Director of Communications
NABJ
Account Executive
Beasley Media Group
Producer
Chosen Few Media
Principal UX Architect
Apple, Inc.
Narrative Change Researcher
RTI
Level 10: Mastering a Decade in Design
SJGC Photo Studio
Faculty
FAMU SJGC
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion celebrating ten years of creativity and innovation in the design industry! “Level 10: Mastering a Decade in Design” features seasoned design professionals sharing their journeys, insights, and lessons learned along the way.
Discover how they adapted to new technologies, embraced emerging styles, and shaped their unique design leadership philosophies. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, this event offers valuable perspectives on the future of design and best practices for career growth. Don’t miss your chance to learn from design experts and elevate your design skills to the next level!
Senior Vice President
3M Company
Senior Graphic Designer
Taproot Agency
Art Director
Florida A&M University
Senior Graphic Designer
Newmark
Pathways to Success Presented by Estée Lauder Companies
Room 2037
Director of Public Relations and Communications
Florida Chamber of Commerce
This panel will provide students with essential insights and practical advice on launching successful careers in public relations (PR) and corporate communications. Experienced alumni will share their journeys and guidance on standing out in these competitive fields.
Communications Manager
P&G
Brand Communications and Creative Strategy
Kao Corporation
Public Relations Analyst
Lowe’s Corporate
Communications Director
City of Atlanta
Political Operative and Event Strategist
The Entrepreneurial Mindset
SJGC Photo Studio 2058
Faculty
FAMU SJGC
“The Entrepreneurial Mindset” is a live session for graphic designers, led by FAMU Alum Jason Jones, to help you transition into entrepreneurship. The session covers the pros and cons of freelancing versus corporate life, the essentials of managing a business, team-building strategies, portfolio enhancement, client acquisition techniques, and streamlining processes. It aims to equip designers with practical advice and actionable insights to transform their passion into a successful business.
Creative Director
Studio Jones Design
The Short and Long Play:
Navigating the Sports Media World
TV-20 Studio B Room 1047
Community Impact Intern
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Join this afternoon session for conversations on strategies and testimonies about getting a foothold in the sports media world. FAMU & SJGC alumni in the field will share what it takes to enter and navigate once you are there.
Social Media Specialist
Jacksonville Jaguars
Director of Talent Production
ESPN
Senior Vice President, Community & Public Engagement
PGA Tour
Senior Director, Content & Digital Strategy
Augusta National Golf Club
Executive Vice President, Communications
FOX Sports
Lights, Camera, Career:
Surviving and Succeeding in Your First Journalism Job
SJGC Lecture Hall Room 2002
Journalist & Media Personality
“Lights, Camera, Career: Surviving and Succeeding in Your First Journalism Job” will explore the challenges of entering the industry. Panelists will share their insights on navigating newsrooms, red carpets, celebrity interviews, managing deadlines, writing editorials, and building your voice. Topics include networking, balancing passion with ethics, and using new media platforms. Panelists will also share practical tips on avoiding burnout, handling rejection, and thriving in the evolving journalism landscape.
News Anchor
WREG
Associate Producer
CNN
On-Air Host and TV Personality/Author
News Reporter/Multimedia Journalist
WFSU Public Media
Multimedia Journalist
10 Tampa Bay
Our Community in Action
Networking and knowledge-sharing are in full swing at SJGC!