Office of Land-Grant Communications Thanks its Graduating Media Interns
They came to Lorman, Mississippi — four years ago from various parts of the United States – without knowing anyone.
On Saturday, May 6, they will graduate as classmates, co-workers and friends when they receive their Bachelor of Arts degrees in Mass Communications during the Spring Commencement Exercises.
As they prepare to receive their degrees, the Alcorn State University School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Office of Land-Grant Communications, extends a heartfelt congratulations to KeAmber Council of Waldorf, Maryland; Renita Lacy, of Camden, Mississippi, and Monique Mansfield of Detroit, Michigan.
The three interns have been working for the last few years for the Office of Land-Grant Communications under the leadership of Dr. Freda M. Lawrence, media and communications director, and Marriel Hardy, TV producer/director. During their tenure, the students covered the School’s events, conducted interviews, worked as photographers, composed press releases, and edited numerous documents.
Hailing from Waldorf, Maryland, Council has been with the School since January 2015. Following graduation, she will utilize her skills beginning this fall as a graduate student in the Manship School of Mass Communication, at Louisiana State University, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
“Through this internship Alcorn State has provided me with the tools needed to succeed in communications. For that, I am very grateful for the interning opportunity as well as Alcorn,” expresses Council.
“My mother attended Alcorn, so she exposed me to the University at a young age through ASU Gospel Choir reunions and Alcornite pride. I didn't want to apply to Alcorn, but my mother's rule for helping out with financial aid was to at least apply,” says Council. “I was accepted into seven schools, but Alcorn offered me a full academic scholarship. After visiting the Lorman campus in high school, I was excited to accept the offer and attend. Thank you, Alcorn.”
Having been with the School since September 2015, and graduating with a focus in Broadcast Journalism, Camden, Mississippi native, Lacy plans to use her experience gained to work as a multimedia journalist at a television news station.
“Working for the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences as a student media intern, I have learned that my field is one that prides itself on being accurate, credible, and timely. Words cannot describe how appreciative I am for having had this opportunity,” says Lacy.
Mansfield, a Detroit, Michigan native, began her internship April 2016. As an intern, she gained hands-on experience, taken on leadership roles, and built beneficial relationships. Following her stint at Alcorn State, Mansfield, will attend film school at Full Sail University, in Water Park, Florida.
“This internship has taught me about the numerous writing careers within different federal agencies, such as, the United States Department of Agriculture.”
“Each time I have student interns to graduate, it becomes such a bittersweet time for me,” says Dr. Lawrence. “However, as I reflect upon the start of my career, I see their achievements as an exceptional time to celebrate. I will miss the eagerness as well as the individuality they each brought to the office, especially how they warmly embraced the field of agricultural communications.”
Hardy adds, “these students have shown great dedication and outstanding commitment to their duties. It has been a pleasure to supervise them. I am confident they will go on to do great things. I wish each of them the very best moving forward.”
They came to Lorman seeking knowledge and a college education, they leave on May 6 as college graduates have learned about the state, nation, and the world.
