On April 20, the Samford Media Center and Samford News Network will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a live broadcast set to feature Samford alumni and professors. It will be hosted live in the University Center and available to watch on the SNN Facebook page after the broadcast ends.
“This is an open conversation about the history and ability of the Journalism department at Samford University,” SNN director Ryan Ivey said. “How we are leaders in our field and the foundation that was set which allows us, as students, to create a better future for ourselves.”
The live broadcast will address the history and successes of the department.
“To give a brief on some of our history, we had the first computer lab on campus. We were pioneers in non-linear editing in the state of Alabama. We made the switch to Macintosh before Apple became the dominant computer company,” Ivey said. “This show maps out the timeline from our humble beginnings to the present, that’s why our show is titled: ‘A Foundation with a Future.’”
Jon Clemmensen, the first chair of the journalism department, will attend the Zoom call. Clemmenson designed and implemented SNN, The Samford Crimson and Sojourn. The event will honor his legacy.
“The live broadcast is going to be fun and interactive,” SNN member and senior Chris Oladokun said. “We are excited to have Dr. C come to campus and get to interact with his former students over zoom and hear great stories on how the JMC department was started.”
The live broadcast will also honor and feature successful alumni from the journalism and communication department.
“This show is a reminder of the pride journalism and communication students can take in their program. Of our past successes and the ones we can hope to achieve,” Ivey said.
Ivey expressed how SNN has enabled him to work with his peers to build off the foundation Samford professors have built.
“It is the most rewarding experience at Samford,” Ivey said. “Working with exceptional people who have common ground and unique interests to achieve a great standard. We use the foundation provided to us by our mentors and our professors to make something great.”
Oladokun is grateful for his experience as part of the SNN team, as a way to grow professionally and in his skillset as a broadcast journalist.
“From SNN, I’ve learned the ins and outs of how to produce and run a legit newscast live and it’s been a lot of fun,” Oladokun said. “From being on camera to working behind the camera or in the control room, I’ve so much experience in so many different positions that will set me apart in the job market.”
