On October 13–15, Walla Walla University communication students were able to attend the Society of Adventist Communicators 33rd annual convention. This was the first in-person convention since the pandemic and was held at the North American Division Headquarters in Columbia, Maryland.
Lynelle Ellis, associate professor of communications and director for the Center for Media Ministry, and students from WWU attended the convention. Ellis said the primary goal of the convention was to provide connections and networking for Seventh-Day Adventists who work professionally in the communications field. However, throughout the convention, there was an emphasis on involving students. This was seen through breakout sessions targeted specifically for students and encouraging the next generation who want to serve God with their communication skills. The sessions designed for students consisted of professionals who offered advice and guidance on what they would expect as employers. “As an educator, I value that students are not just an afterthought; they are really important to the event,” said Ellis.
The Society of Adventist Communicators Convention was an important event because according to Ellis, it provided a way for students to build connections that could result in future jobs. “It was nice to feel validated within my major and see that people are looking to hire someone like me,” said Lindsey Gispert, a junior film major who attended the convention. Gispert said that the convention helped those who are undecided within communications determine what they want to do by exploring different avenues and experiencing different things.
Students were able to attend due to help they received from the North Pacific Union Conference and Adventist Health. Because the convention was held on the East Coast, Walla Walla University was the only West Coast Adventist school to attend.
To learn more about the WWU communications program and the opportunities available to students, visit wallawalla.edu/comm-lang.
Posted Nov. 9, 2022
