Courtesy of Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University hosted a reception for local media professionals to strengthen lines of communication and add a more personal element to previously well-established relationships. A central focus of the event was the importance of local media and higher education in supporting our neighbors and our community. The event also served as a networking tool for media professionals to meet with university staff, mass communication and journalism students, and media colleagues throughout the city.
Of course, some media professionals were returning home since they graduated from Norfolk State as Spartans, which helped complete a circle for some individual social networks.
Through the coordination of Coast Live anchor and NSU professor April Woodard, who spearheaded the effort for University Advancement, the evening of food, drink, networking, storytelling, and reminiscing was well received and well attended. The event was originally scheduled for University House. However, as RSVPs from the media started getting well into double digits, the event was moved to the lobby of the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center to accommodate the number of people in attendance.
NSU President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston opened the evening by thanking the media professionals for their presence and participation, then offered remarks about the Norfolk State University story, acknowledging and thanking the media for their role in getting that story out to the public.
“What we have committed to at Norfolk State University is students first. The success of students is the reason why we exist. We are now the largest HBCU in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition to that, we continue to see our enrollments grow. That says to us that people are looking at us and saying, ‘This is a place we want to be,’” she said. “We want to share with you who we are and what we’re attempting to do. We want you to know we are accessible to you.”
After the President’s remarks, the rest of the evening consisted of mingling and networking as members of the media met each other for the first time in person or renewed old collegial friendships. Vice President of University Advancement Clifford Porter was on hand with the President to help facilitate the dialogue between NSU and the local media. In addition, some old Spartans in the media met some current Spartans, answered questions, and offered to make their expertise available to students in the future.
