UA to Host Silver Anniversary Multicultural Journalism Workshop

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama journalism department is recruiting high school students to attend its 25th annual Multicultural Journalism Workshop July 11-19.

In celebration of the anniversary, former participants – some of whom are now distinguished professionals – and former directors and instructors will join the new class for a banquet and awards ceremony to mark one of the nation’s longest-running programs dedicated to diversifying the journalism work force.

Dr. Ed Mullins, journalism professor emeritus, who, with two now-retired faculty members Marie Parsons and Marian Huttenstine, launched MJW in 1984, will direct his fourth workshop. Both Parsons and Huttenstine will be among those returning.

Also returning, for the 14th time, is Merv Aubespin, retired editor of the Courier-Journal, in Louisville, Ky. Aubespin is one of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists. He will be the keynote speaker for the opening event, which begins at 6 p.m., Friday, July 11 at the Ferguson Center.

“This is indeed a special occasion for the hundreds of former students who have benefited from this successful program,” Mullins said.

“This silver anniversary is a testament to the commitment the department has to training the next generation of journalists to succeed in an increasingly diverse U.S. society,” said Dr. Jennifer D. Greer, chair of the journalism department. “We’re so fortunate to have founders Mullins, Parsons and Huttenstine leading this workshop as we celebrate its long success.”

Students who will be in the ninth grade through freshman year in college in fall 2008 are eligible to attend the workshop. They will study and practice journalism under UA faculty and top journalists, learning how professionals report, write and present the news in print, broadcast and online media.

Applicants are accepted on the basis of their interest in a journalism career and completion of an application that includes a transcript of grades, evidence of high school journalism activities and other writing, and a recommendation from a student media adviser, guidance counselor or professional journalist.

While the focus is on attracting minorities because of their low representation in the media, all students are eligible to attend. Workshop students will study and practice in the facilities of a national communication education leader. Its facilities include modern computer, photo and research labs as well as broadcast studios and multimedia classrooms.

The workshop is one of the oldest of its kind in the country and is part of the University’s Multicultural Journalism Program. The department maintains a MJW alumni database used by news media across the nation to find top prospects. Former workshop attendees return each summer to mentor the new group.

“More than 1,000 minority students have come through our doors and walked out a few years later to take their place as a journalist, one of the most important roles in a democratic society. This workshop was the first step for many of them,” Mullins said.

Students can request an application form by writing or calling the journalism department at Box 870172, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 or 205/348-7155. They can also get an application at http://www.ccom.ua.edu/mjw/application.html.

Priority deadline to apply is April 1, and the absolute deadline is May 1.

There is no cost. Students receive transportation, meals, housing and supplies. Sponsors for 2008 include the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, Alabama Press Association, Alabama Broadcasters Association, the Press-Register in Mobile, Mercedes-Benz USA International, The Tuscaloosa News and two University units, the College of Communication and Information Sciences and the Center for Community-Based Partnerships.

The College of C&IS is among the largest and most prestigious communication colleges in the nation. C&IS consistently is ranked among the top 10 in number of doctoral degrees awarded and in many of its research programs. C&IS graduates have won four of the six Pulitzer Prizes awarded to UA alumni, and the forensics and debate squad, housed within the College, has garnered 16 national championships.