By Jill Rice
The Department of Communications is kicking off their annual Communications Week today.
Nancy Christensen, development assistant for the Department of Communications, said she is excited for this week.
'Comms Week is a great way to let students know what kinds of programs are being offered in the major,' Christensen said.
Activities for Communications Week will include several guest speakers.
Today''s keynote speaker is Jane Clayson, a reporter for CBS Evening News. Her address is titled, 'Ten Most Important Things I Learned Out in the Real World.' Clayson graduated from BYU''s journalism program in 1990.
Fernando Vivanco will be the keynote speaker on Tuesday. Vivanco graduated from BYU''s public relations program in 1993. He works for the Boeing Corporation''s Homeland Security Division as the director of communications. The title of his address is 'Communicating Risk, Building Confidence.'
There will be two keynote speakers on Wednesday. Kevin Kelly will be the first. He started his career with the 'Donny and Marie Show.' He then wrote, directed and produced commercials and films for Osmond Commercial Productions. Kelly has worked for Ogilvy & Mather in New York City for the last 18 years. Kelly will be addressing 'Communicating Peer to Peer: How BYU Student Work is Becoming a National Anti-Drug Campaign.'
Gary Dixon will be the second speaker. In 1976, he earned his Masters of Communications from BYU. He is currently president of The Foundation for a Better Life. Dixon''s address is titled 'Superman, Celine, and The Frog: The Story of the Foundation For a Better Life''s Public Service Campaign.'
Thursday, BYU professor Kevin Stoker will give the Beckham Lecture. The title of this lecture is 'A Conflict of Loyalties: A Southern Editor''s Struggle to Build a New South Without Changing the Old One.'
Lisa Bearnson will also speak on Thursday. The title of her address is 'Using Entrepreneurship to Balance the Needs of Career and Family.' Bearnson is a former editor for WordPerfect Magazine. She created the first scrapbooking magazine, Creating Keepsakes. She will give advice on giving families first priority and still leaving room for a career.
'I''m excited about all the speakers; they will be wonderful,' Christensen said. 'Bringing in outside speakers will improve and enhance the educational experience of communication majors and it will let others know what we offer.'
Eddie King, student director of public relations for the Department of Communications, said this week is a great opportunity for students.
'Communications Week is the perfect way to network to get to know professionals in the industry,' King said. 'The speakers are high profile, successful professionals who can teach us to be successful.'
Friday is Mentoring Day. Twenty professionals who represent all fields of communications will come to BYU.
'This is a great opportunity for all communication students, from freshmen to seniors,' Christensen said. 'A mentor provides opportunities to sit down with a professional and ask questions.'
Christensen said most of the mentors are local professionals who have 10 or more years of experience.
'They can still remember what it''s like to be a student,' Christensen said. 'And they can give tips about getting started in the profession.'
Students interested in talking with a mentor can sign up in E-509 HFAC. To see the Communications Week''s schedule, visit http://cfac.byu.edu/com.