SJMC film selected for festival showcase
A team of students from Drake University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the drama department competed in the Des Moines 48-Hour Film Project.
Their film was selected for the Best of 48-Hour Horror Festival showcase. It will be screened on Halloween night at Fleur Cinemas, among 14 standout entries. Tickets for the event are available on the Fleur website.
Led by a professor Lakshmi Tirumala, the team included 18 participants: 11 SJMC undergrads, four drama students, a graphic design student, an SJMC grad, and an alum.
Starting on October 4, they worked intensively on writing, filming, and editing a 4-7 minute film. The scriptwriting, led by Chris Veninga and Mithi Sivaprakash, wrapped up by 4 a.m. on October 5, followed by filming and editing through October 6.
The team managed to submit the final cut just four minutes before the deadline. The film premiered on October 16 at Fleur Cinemas alongside 33 other entries.
The team also included:
- Ryan Gledhill
- Riley Jouppi
- Malynn Pavey
- Will Erbes
- Seth Coughlin
- Grace Hill
- Reno Valentino
- Abby King
- Anna Miller
- Erica Copeland
- Cami Marquart
- Sam Buegler
- Emily Devick
- Ruby James
- Eli Zagurski
- Ray Fredregill
Students invited to visit KCCI-TV
Students have a chance to visit KCCI-TV and learn about the various jobs available Thursday, Nov. 21. The station will be offering two sessions for students to get hands-on learning in different areas of the business, network with industry experts, and apply for open positions. Sessions run from 10 am – 12 pm or 2 – 4 pm. RSVP here.
Registration help
Students who are registering for the first time are invited to join SJMC senator Skylar Lathrop 4-5 p.m. on Nov. 8, in Meredith 124C. Skylar and other SJMC seniors will be available to answer any questions new students may have about the registration process or the best way to go about creating a schedule.
INF Paid Internship Program
Applications are available for the 2025 INF Paid Internship program. For over ten years the INF has provided $1,000 in matching funds for newspapers to hire interns. This is a great opportunity that has not only helped newspapers ease staffing constraints but inspire and ignite a passion in the next generation of newspaper employees. Visit https://inanews.com/learn/internships/ to find out more information and fill out an application.
Attend Media & The Press Panel
Students are invited you to attend a discussion with several award-winning local journalists on November 14th at the State Historical Building. Long-time Des Moines Register political writer, editor, and columnist David Yepsen will talk with five Iowa journalists about the crucial role media and the press have played–and continue to play–in shaping civic engagement and public discourse.
The panel includes:
- Dana James, an award-winning writer and founder of Black Iowa News, the Black Iowa Newspaper, and host of the Inside Black Iowa podcast
- Ty Rushing, a journalism professor at the University of Iowa and former chief political correspondent for Iowa Starting Line.
- Dave Price, an Edward R. Murrow Award and national Emmy Award winning political journalist who is the Iowa Political Director for Gray’s Media Iowa television stations.
- Lorena López, founder of La Prensa, a Spanish-language newspaper serving western Iowa. Lopez is a frequent source on politics for national news outlets.
- Rachelle Chase, a published author and columnist who has written for National Geographic and local news outlets and founded the non-profit, Uniting Through History.
Registration is requested but not required to attend.
Students invited to Sussman Leadership Conference
In today’s politically charged environment, student leaders are navigating challenging conversations around differing beliefs, values, and ideas. How can we engage in dialogue that’s inclusive, respectful, and builds resilience — without silencing voices or causing harm?
Join us at the 2024 Sussman Leadership Conference to explore these questions. You’ll gain practical strategies to lead courageous conversations and fostering a culture of open, honest dialogue as a student leader.
Free for all Drake students – registration includes a gourmet brunch, Dr. Bowman’s keynote address, and interactive breakout sessions. If you register, we expect you to show up on time and stay for the entire event.
Space is limited! Visit bit.ly/sussman24 to reserve your seat by the November 5th deadline.
Courageous Conversations
Saturday, November 9
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Olmsted Center