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Clark Atlanta University Panther
April 1, 1991
Kellogg Gives CAU Grant
By TONYA LATIMER
News Editor
W.K. Kellogg Foundation of
Battle Creek, Michigan recently
awarded Clark Atlanta
University's pre-college science
enrichment programs with a
$40,000 grant.
CAU's president, Thomas J.
Cole, Jr. said, "We welcome the
interest and the commitment the
Kellogg Foundation has shown
in our science education
initiatives. This award will
benefit a number of young
students who aspire careers in
science education".
This program is one of many
pre-college programs already in
existence at CAU. The funds will
be used to specifically assist in
developing plans to strengthen
Clark Atlanta's science education
teacher preparation programs and
increase or improve outreach
efforts science education in the
community.
The grant is a result of the
Foundation's funds set aside for
historically Black colleges and
universities to "improve pre
service science education
programs". In addition to
assisting Black colleges, the
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
provides seed money to
organizations and institutions
that have identified problems and
have designed constructive
action programs aimed at
solutions. It also supports
programs in the broad areas of
agriculture, education, health,
leadership and youth.
Students Learn At PR Day
By ANGELA D. GRAVELY
Contributing Writer
Atlanta public relations professionals instructed mass media arts
students at in the mentality and skills needed to be competitive and
marketable in public relations during the 2nd Annual Public Relations
Day sponsored by the Public Relations Student Society of America-
Clark Atlanta University chapter.
Dr. Harold Jackson, president of Jackson Heath & Associates, stated,
Students need to have two things, confidence and competence." As a
20 year professional, Dr. Jackson believes when students know what
they are doing and know what they can do, they will be focused in their
career aspirations as public relations professionals.
He also stated, "students need to find a mentor, write everything,...
and build yourselves a portfolio. "
Dr. Jackson addressed the cultural changes and the public relations
arena. " Ethnic sensitivity will be mindful of this decade."
He continued: " Become global, learn a language, and become
knowledgeable. Prepare yourself for the rude awakening."
When asked, "What are the opportunities in public relations?"
he replied: " There are none. Learn how to take that PR and internalize
it— market yourself and make yourself sound different. Learn to write,
communicate, and sell yourself."
Kent Matlock, president of Matlock & Associates, stated, "It really
begins with you. You have the opportunity to reach out and touch."
He addressed the issue of linking professionals and students "It's not
a task to put on your professors, it's an individual task." He stressed
the importance of using our professors as tools. "You have right here
at CAU, some of the most respected and dedicated ptofessional people
that understand your personal plight."
He stated three key points in preparing for a career in public
.elations: First, experience and exposure -- having an opportunity to
write, plan, schedule, and conduct meetings. Secondly, knowledge and
understanding — know the industry and what is important. And thirdly,
outreach — "It's built around everything else." Make those office visits
and become a " shadow intern", he continued. "You have the tools and
the talent."
"Start now to think like a professional," said Ms. Brenda Siler,
director of Public Relations, American Association of Retired Persons
(AARP). "Develop yourself in the school system. It offers you exactly
what you need to be successful."
She stressed writing, management planning and organizational
skills, and resourcefulness as key elements. "You should make sure the
school is preparing you for your career," Siler suggested. Take basic
journalism courses and business writing courses to compliment courses
in your major.
She also stated, search for outside workshops, seminars, and read
publications. "Read, read, read — Read everything you can".
Promoter and producer, Maurice Starr, 36, addressed students on the
issue of success and racism, during the afternoon session of Public
Relations Day.
"There's still tons of racism in the industry," he commented. Starr
mentioned that even black entertainers begin to prefer white mangers
in the business.
"The establishment still just can't deal with the fact that here for the
first time is a black man at the head of a black organization,
successfully managing the biggest white group in the world," said
Mike Smith, the overall tour manager for all Starr acts except the New
Kids on the Block.
Starr noted that 90% of The New Kids On The Block's road managers
and 100% of his administration were Black.
He also stated, that people in the industry refer to him as crazy, as he
laughed. "I'm out to prove a black man can write, produce, and train a
white group."
"Finally, the most important thing you need to make a hit band,
Starr said, "is promotion, good songs, more promotion, talent and
promotion."
Connexion Finds Jobs for Students, Alumni
BY TONYA LATIMER
News Editor
Clark Atlanta University students can now be
recruited through database and will no longer have
to wait for career day to fmd an employer or graduate
school.
Peterson's Connexion, a new recruitment network
designed to match individuals with both academic
and employment opportunities is a free project
available to enrolled students an alumni of CAU. It
allows organizations-private, public and academic-
-to locate individuals with particular skills and
credentials for employment, research, consulting,
teaching, internships or graduate study.
Nearly 200 corporations foundations and graduate
schools across the country have already signed up to
access Connexion.
College students register for summer jobs,
internships and/or full-time work after graduation
by filling out a short form and creating a
personalize profile of their background, skills and
interests. College graduates in all fields, at all
levels, register on another form. Employers
provide job specs by mails or telephone and
Connexion searches its data bank for candidates
who fit. Afterwards, they forward their particulars to
employers, who follow up on those of interest.
The major difference from previous systems is
that Connexion markets its database to graduate and
professional schools as well as to employers. The
schools then contact prospective students for
advanced students with information about their
program offerings. According to Joyce Lain
Kennedy, a career expert, by expanding individuals
options into both the workplace and academia, both
at the beginning of the work cycle and in mid
career, Connexion may become a primary force in
encouraging the production of scholars, researchers,
scientists and other highly trained personnel.
Although students and graduates of colleges that
subscribe register free, other job-seekers pay $40.
The service is also free to returning military service
members and former Peace Corps volunteers. Fees
for schools are based on their size and their "search
expectations" and range from 2,500 to 4,000 a year.
Employers pay 1,995 a year for five to 10 searches.
Grace McSorley, a career planning expert, stated,
"In th';se bad times, it helps students expand career
horizons, brings them to the attention of employers
who don't interview on campus. It's especially
helpful to students willing to relocate for a job".
Students can contact Dr. Larry Irving at 880-8062
or Yvonne Frecero at 1-800-338-3282 Ext. 230 for
more information.
Clark Atlanta University will present several literary experts, including acclaimed
novelist and essayist, Toni Cade Bambara, during its 22nd Annual Writer's
Workshop April 16-18. This year’s workshop will include a host of presentations
exploring "The Healing Word: The Social Responsibility And Curative Power Of
Literature." A special presentation of children’s literature will also be
highlighted. All sessions are free and open to the public. For schedule of
activities, call 880-8169.
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