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UCF to Host Panel Discussion on the Zimmerman Trial
UCF will be hosting a panel discussion on the George Zimmerman trial with the journalists who covered it; Orlando Sentinel reporters, Rene Stutzman and Jeff Weiner; New York Times correspondent Lance Speere; WFTV Channel 9 reporter Kathi Belich, and WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer. The discussion will take place on Monday, September 16th at […]
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Alumni Climb The Career Ladder
Congratulations to the following UCF College of Sciences alumni on their recent career changes and accomplishments: Melissa Arocha, ’06, is the managing partner and co-founder of Silhouette Group, an award winning event planning, design and lifestyle marketing company based in New York City. At the 2013 International Special Events Society (ISES) Big Apple Awards, the […]
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UCF Alumna Serves the Central Florida Arts Community
If the family dog’s name is Knightro, you know its owners are passionate Knights. A strong advocate for UCF and the Central Florida arts community, Rae Ward, ’93, has been appointed as the new executive director for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Central Florida, after previously serving as the organization’s marketing director. Ward graduated […]
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Alumni Publish New Literature
Congratulations to Brian Lackovic, ’94, who recently published his book, The Celestial Connection, a part historical fiction, part cyber espionage thriller. The premise of the book is a mysterious phone cable and an old set of train tracks long forgotten in Jupiter, Fla. connect the lives of two individuals who are separated by 120 years. […]
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UCF Alumni Tie the Knot – Summer 2013
Jimmy Skiles, ’06, and Kim Merkur ’08, were married June 15, 2013 in Key Largo, Fla. UCF alumni in the wedding party included: Abby Martin-Winblad, ’08; Alexina Binnie-Alonso, ’08; maid of honor Melissa Merkur-Ventre, ’07; Derek Warden, ’08; Tom Kunnen, ’06; Adam Pallesen, ’06; Matt DeSalvo, ’06; and best man Brandon Purington, ’06. The groomsmen […]
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UCF Alumna Inspires The Next Generation of Filmmakers
UCF Alumna and Nicholson School of Communications graduate, Stefanie Esquijarosa, ’09, is bringing film and media to Orlando area youth through the Florida Film Academy. As Production Manager for Steel Spyda, Stefanie is at the sharp end of film and TV – assisting with the production of documentaries both on, and off, location. She also has […]
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UCF Graduate Nominated for Emmy for ABC’s “Shark Tank”
This story is reposted from Knight News. A University of Central Florida graduate and Hollywood producer has just been nominated for an Emmy award. Clay Newbill is a producer on ABC’s hit TV show “Shark Tank”. The show was one of five nominated for an Emmy for best reality series. “I’m really good,” Newbill told […]
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UCF RT-V Student Interns for NBC’s Today Show
There were over 10,000 applicants who applied for the east coast NBC internships, yet only 300 applicants were chosen. Of that, only 10 selected for the TODAY show and NSC’s Kaitlyn Chana was one of the chosen few. This story is reposted from NBC Universal Intern Insider. Kaitlyn Chana-philanthropist, multimedia journalist, and student at the […]
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UCF Alumna Named President of Red Lobster
Congratulations to Salli Setta, ’87, who was named president of Red Lobster, the world’s largest casual-dining seafood chain, last week. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Setta replaced Dave Pickens, another longtime Darden employee promoted earlier this month to chief restaurant operations officer. She started working with Darden in 1990 as a sales-promotion assistant at Olive […]
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UCF Alumna Returns to Vantage Communications
Public relations industry veteran and UCF alumna, Brianna Swales, ’03, has returned to Vantage Communications as account director. In her new role, Swales will be responsible for driving internal employee development initiatives, developing comprehensive strategy and messaging for clients, and tapping into new emerging markets while serving as a liaison with international agency partners in […]
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Joey Conicella, ’05, Will Brake for Cupcakes
By Angie Lewis, ’03 Alumnus’ sweet treats are Yum Yum in the tum tum He may have dreamed of being a Disney animator when he grew up, but little did Joey Conicella, ’05, realize then that he would, indeed, be bringing smiles to the faces of children and big kids alike — just, in a […]
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UCF Alumna Took the Bull by the Horns
Elizabeth Bertrand, ’09, came to UCF exploring several different majors but eventually found the perfect combination and graduated with two bachelor’s degrees — one in advertising-public relations and one in political science. She wasted no time taking the bull by the horns once she figured out her educational path at UCF, and started paving the […]
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UCF Alumna Wins Spring 2013 I.F. Stone Award
The I.F. Stone Award was launched in October 2011 to support the work of emerging investigative reporters, including journalism graduate students, recent graduates, journalism interns, and entry-level reporters. Twice a year, in the fall and spring, The Investigative Fund accepts investigative proposals from young and emerging reporters, or reporting teams, and selects one or two […]
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UCF Alumna Receives Toastmasters International’s Highest Honor
Toastmasters International, a world leader in communication and leadership development, awarded its highest honor, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM,) to Michelle Hanchey, ’76. The DTM award is given only to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and communication skills and who have used these skills to help others in their self-development. Less than one percent of 4 […]
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Alumna Moves Up the Public Relations Ladder
Congratulations to Megan Licata,’08, who recently earned Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), one of the highest credentials for public relations and communications professionals. Licata graduated from the Nicholson School of Communication with a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal-organizational communication. She currently works as a public relations account executive for Fry Hammond Barr in Orlando, FL.
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Wedding Bells
Congratulations to Joann Tyson, ’01, and Douglas Marks, ’82, who got married last April in Winter Park. Douglas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Joann graduated with a bachelor’s degree in film.
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Jillian Pavlica, ’09, Said Yes on Local TV
Jillian Pavlica, ’09, and Vincent Ramos,’10, are now engaged. The couple met in 2007 at UCF and have been together ever since. Vincent proposed on television in Huntsville, Ala. where Jillian is a local TV anchor. Pavlica graduated from the Nicholson School of Communication with a bachelor’s degree in radio-television and her fiancé, Vincent Ramos, […]
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UCF Alumna Writes Her Way Around the World
Sarah Sekula, ’00, describes herself as a writer, photographer, editor and chronic adventurer. Her writing has taken her to 21 different countries on six continents. She writes about her adventures, fitness, health/wellness and extraordinary people. Sekula has written for publications such as USA Today, ISLANDS, ShermansTravel.com, CNN Travel, Orlando Sentinel and more. She has also […]
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COS Teams Up With Knights Pantry
The College of Sciences has been keeping busy this semester with numerous activities in celebration of UCF’s 50th Anniversary, including an on-going collaboration with the Knights Helping Knights Pantry. The College of Sciences Dean’s Office brainstormed ideas for ways faculty, staff, and students could give back while also celebrating the anniversary. The Knights Helping Knights […]
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Let’s Get the Party Started
It’s finally here! Centric magazine’s spring issue launch party is this Wednesday, April 10, 5-7 p.m. at the Fairwinds Alumni Center. Attendees will receive a free copy of the new spring issue as well as free chicken tenders from Huey Magoo’s and free cupcakes from Kupkake Kidz. A DJ from Giovanni’s will be in charge of […]
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Graduate Finds Success in Media
Jennifer King McVan, ’99, graduated from the Nicholson School of Communication in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in radio/television and began her career in media at WESH-TV in Orlando, FL. She has also worked for Nielsen Media Research & ESPN. McVann currently serves as the media relations manager of Florida Hospital Tampa Bay Division. Prior […]
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Multicultural Advertising Intern Program Finalists
The American Association of Advertising Agencies Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) has helped jump start the careers of more than 2,400 Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Multiracial and Multiethnic aspiring advertising professionals. Each year, undergraduate and graduate students are selected for a 10-week paid summer internship at […]
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NSC Hosts Third Annual International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference
The Nicholson School of Communication (NSC) hosted the third annual International Crisis and Risk Communication (ICRC) Conference at the Student Union from March 4 to 6. The annual ICRC Conference brings together the leading experts in both academic and professional fields. The collaboration provides insights and understanding into what constitutes successful and at times unsuccessful crisis […]
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UCF Alumna Lends Creativity to Pepsi MAX Commercial
This story is reposted from UCF Today. Read the original here. When Pepsi MAX’s #GordonTestDrive commercial went viral in March, NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon wasn’t the only one at the wheel. UCF alumna Kristina Krkljus, who works at TWBA\CHIAT\DAY in Los Angeles, served as the art director for the commercial that gained 7 million views in […]
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He Jumps, He Shoots and He Scores a Great Job
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with a professional basketball team? Leon Bichachi, ’05, has had the opportunity to be a part of the Miami HEAT organization for the past seven years. Bichachi currently serves as the community affairs coordinator for the organization, and manages all aspects of functional projects […]
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UCF alumna to perform at the Hatch Presenting Series
Stephanie Koscielecki, ’10, graduated from the Nicholson School of Communication with a bachelor’s degree in advertising/public relations. Koscielecki performs with the Emotions Dance Company, and has been a part of the company for three years now. Recently, Emotions Dance Company has been invited to perform at the Hatch Presenting Series in New York City placing […]
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Student Magazine Wins National Award
The Society of Professional Journalists awards the best student journalists with Mark of Excellence Awards annually. This year, the student-run University of Central Florida magazine, Centric, won second place in the “Best Student Magazine’’ category. “This was our very first contest entry, so I’m pleased that we were finalists in the category,” UCF journalism professor and Centric […]
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UCF Alumna Earns Promotion at Capitol College
Rachel Burns, ’09, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communication from the Nicholson School of Communication. After working two years as the administrative assistant to two presidents of the college, Burns has been promoted to the assistant director of development at Capitol College. Founded in 1927, Capitol College is the only independent college in […]
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Diversity in Disney Films
Dr. Kimiko Akita’s essay, “A ‘Vexing Implication’: Siamese Cats and Orientalist Mischief-Making,” was published recently in the scholarly book, “Diversity in Disney Films: Critical Essays on Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Sexuality, and Disability.” Her essay critiques, scene by scene, the saturation of anti-Asian bias in the depiction of the animated cats Si and Am in the […]
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Sentinel reporter visits UCF journalism students
Orlando Sentinel breaking news/criminal justice reporter Bianca Prieto spoke to about 40 print and broadcast journalism students on Jan. 31 about the ethics of covering tragic events. The meeting was a joint workshop put on by the Nicholson School of Communication’s chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). […]
