CCABJ hosts media mixer By Jill Helmer Staff Writer Dwayne Thomas/Chronicle The singer Terrance and Leon Allen, trumpet player, perform during the Columbia College Association of Black Journalist annual Media Mixer, held last Tuesday, April 17, in the Hokin Gallery. The event featured special performances and guest professionals from Chicago area media.         The Columbia College Association of Black Journalists (CCABJ) held its annual Media Mixer in the Hokin last Tuesday.         “It’s a networking event with Chicago media professionals,” said Lillian Williams, director of broadcast journalism at Columbia. “Students can ask questions to informally network with the professionals. They can ask about how to get internships, how to get into the field, and how they got their break into journalism.”         President of CCABJ, Shawn Wright said, “It’s important because students network with professionals and embrace all the network media.”         In addition to giving Columbia students the chance to mingle with professionals in the media, the evening included a song performed by Cuma, of the Columbia Urban Music Association, a Hyde Park Academy student’s reading, and the unveiling of CCABJ’s Web site.         One of the Chicago media professionals who attended the mixer was Rob Hess, from CNN radio. Hess said that he thought the mixer was a great way for students to get to know professionals. “It’s important to make connections now,” he said.         Hess said he saw lots of potential for future journalists at the mixer. “Anyone committed enough to organize programs like this on a regular basis, and constantly generate members has potential,” he said. “Even just organizing things like this is a good skill and good practice for the real world.”         Another attendee was CCABJ’s former president Melody Hoffman. Hoffman was a member of CCABJ for three years, and the president of the organization last year. After graduating from Columbia last June, Hoffman got a job with “Jet Magazine” and began working there last August.         When Hoffman was involved with CCABJ, she helped organize the mixer in past years. “One year we had a banquet, and last year we called it a media blitz, and this year it’s an informal mixer,” she said. “The skills I learned [in CCABJ] really did help.”         Williams said she is very impressed with the way things are going with CCABJ this year. “The programs have expanded,” she said, “I’m ecstatic with the progress and programs of the group.” The Columbia Chronicle would like to hear your opinion on this topic. Note: If your browser does not support multiple windows, click here. Back to top   |   Home Copyright © 2001, Columbia Chronicle Columbia Chronicle articles, photos, and graphics are the property of the Columbia Chronicle and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the staff, editors, or faculty advisor. The Columbia Chronicle is a student produced publication of Columbia College Chicago and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of Columbia College administrators, faculty or students.

April 23, 2001 This week in Campus News: Tuition increase set for next fall Columbia teacher, students produce provcative film Area college students unite for poetry Cuban officials visit Columbia More colleges requiring assesment for graduates CCABJ hosts media mixer Students create global campaign News and Notes Search our archive: The Columbia Chronicle is an award-winning college newspaper written and distributed weekly by the students at Views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Journalism Department or the college. Visit the Columbia College Chicago Web Site