Mass Communication Alumni Chapter Networking Reception

On Thursday, April 22, the Mass Communication alumni chapter held a networking event for current students, recent graduates and other alumni in the Burke Lounge. The event was organized by Nancy Patota, the assistant vice president for advancement, and alumni of the college, who also gave the opening address.

Patota described the event as "one of a series of alumni chapter networking events hosted by the school throughout the academic year for current students, alumni and faculty members to come together and network.” She also said that one of the main goals of the event was to help create a smooth transition for students who are about to graduate and enter the workforce.

Marty B. Daly ’74 was the award recipient and guest speaker of the night. He is the senior vice president and director of CBS news and late-night sales. His position entails selling commercial time on some of CBS’ morning and late night shows.

Daly has worked at CBS since he graduated from Iona and started at an entry level position. After receiving an award, he spoke to the audience about being successful in the ever-changing communications industry. He advised everyone to try hard to get their foot in the door, even if it means starting as a guard in a media organization.

He stressed that no matter how low one starts in an organization, with hard work, he or she has the opportunity to succeed. "Network! Network! Network! However you can, get your foot in the door and if you have the passion, be a good team player,” Daly said.

Dr. Smith, the chairman of the mass communications department, also delivered a speech. He thanked Daly and also recognized the mass communication faculty members, who were all present at the event. He thanked the guests who attended and said "this is our second annual event; we are trying to get people in the habit of attending.”

He stressed the importance of people attending these events by saying "you never know who may know of a job opening.” He also said that these kinds of events benefit the College and help the department meet its ACEJMC accreditation group requirements because they show that the College is working to connect its graduates with opportunities.

Victoria Bruno, a graduating senior, said "I am here to get ahead by meeting people and hopefully something great will happen.”

Other students that attended said they had been advised to come by Dr. Petrausch and were excited about the opportunities that might come from the event.

"I am here to celebrate the success of our ever growing department; it is wonderful to reach out to old friends and students,” said Dr. Tony Kelso, a professor in the mass communications department.

After the various speeches, the attendees had the opportunity to meet and network with one another during dinner.

Reported by Josephine Silla, a student in Writing for Public Relations (Natalie Redcross, PhD)