First Lady Wright, colleagues share knowledge with students and faculty

The Department of Languages and Communications sponsored a lecture by four editors from Texas Monthly magazine Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Juvenile Justice and Psychology auditorium.

The event, the first in a series of distinguished lecture programs hosted by the department, featured guest speakers Valerie Wright, associate editor, Mimi Swartz, executive editor, Cathy Casey and Kate Rodemann, senior editors for the magazine.

Wright, who is the First Lady of Prairie View A & M University, was instrumental in getting her colleagues to visit the university with her to lecture and interact with students and faculty.

The event began with a welcome from Kevin Edwards, a senior communications major, followed by the introduction of the speakers by Sakennia Reed, a senior communications major.

Casey, who is responsible for media relations for Texas Monthly, addressed the audience first and discussed the expectations of employers in the journalism industry.

"Editors are looking for good story ideas," said Casey. "Which means you need to really know the publication that you are writing for."

Rodemann, who worked as a translator before employment at the magazine talked with students about internships and how companies promote from within the organization?

Rodemann was followed by Swartz who focused on ethical concerns as a writer and discussed a story she wrote in the July 2007 issue of the magazine.

The story which was headlined "The Wild Child Who Beat a Big Oil Company" was about a young woman who took British Petroleum to court after both of her parents died in a refinery explosion in Texas City, Texas.

"Write for anybody you can who'll publish your work. Magazines or newspapers," said Swartz.

Wright, spoke last and informed students about the demands of the industry and the sacrifices they need to be willing to make. She told an anxious audience, "I've moved four times already."

A question and answer period followed the conclusion of the speeches, after which the speakers were presented with plaques and carrying totes by Dr. Dejun Liu, department head.

Currently, Texas Monthly's target audience ranges in the 50s age group, but the magazine is attempting to reach out to a younger audience.

Swartz said the magazine is distinguished from others because of its long articles and that its Web site gives it an edge on the competition.