Photojournalist Sam Hodgson has been elected president of the Friends of Journalism and Media Studies Alumni Association chapter at San Diego State University.

Hodgson, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and political science, succeeds J.W. August, managing editor at KGTV 10 News in San Diego. August served as the president of the FOJMS chapter since its inception seven years ago. Hodgson will serve as president through 2014.

“We have a great opportunity to serve as a powerful network for our alumni as well as a resource for the students studying journalism, advertising, public relations, and media studies at SDSU,” Hodgson said. “I’m excited to head up that effort and will be looking to my fellow Aztecs to help this group reach its full potential.”

Among the accomplishments of the alumni group under August’s leadership were the Newsroom of the Future project, with journalism professionals, current students and faculty collaborating on a conceptual multimedia working newsroom on campus; the annual “Pros Come Home” event, during which JMS alumni offered advice and mentoring to students; and support of internships and employment opportunities.

“For the record, the idea for the chapter was launched over Egg McMuffins and coffee at the McDonald’s in the College area,” August said. “It’s where the founding members – Cliff Albert, Joe Schneider and myself – began to think of ways to give back to SDSU.

“I am proud we got the chapter up and running, and in so doing, helped the School of JMS in its successful effort to become accredited. I’m also gratified by our efforts in support of a ‘newsroom of the future’ for the campus through contributions of money and ideas. In addition, we launched the Pros Come Home event each fall, which introduced hundreds of San Diego State students to working media professionals, all graduates of the university.

“Special thanks to Diane Borden (director of the School of Journalism & Media Studies) for her unwavering support and current and former board members whose efforts have made a difference. But this is only the beginning. With Sam Hodgson, you are getting a president who is creative, energetic and motivated,” August said.

Joining the board are Greg Block, director of media relations and new media at San Diego State University; and Darren Pudgil, former communications director for San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders.

Continuing board members include Albert, director of news and programming for Newsradio 600 KOGO; Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR, president, Falcon Valley Group; Andrew Kleske, content producer, U-T San Diego; Eric Longabardi, TV producer, reporter and investigative journalist; Schneider, retired journalist; Audra Stafford, ABC-10 news producer; and K. Tim Wulfemeyer, JMS faculty member.

“The alumni group has served as a wonderful partner over the years,” Borden said. “In particular, president J.W. August and the other members of the board have helped forge a strong relationship between alumni professionals and JMS students on campus. We look forward to working with new president Sam Hodgson in the years ahead.”

Through development of a robust, supportive network of San Diego State University Alumni, the Friends of Journalism and Media Studies aims to support the School of Journalism & Media Studies and help prepare its students for successful media careers. For more information on how to get involved, email info (at) SDSUMediaFriends (dot) org.

The School of Journalism & Media Studies is updating its website this summer to display the photography of one of its alums, Sam Hodgson. The School asked Hodgson to return to the San Diego State University campus to take photos of current JMS students and faculty, as well as SDSU landmarks such as Love Library, for display on the School’s website and auxiliary pages. (more…)

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Media professionals who began their careers with degrees from San Diego State University will share what they have learned at a free event for students called, “The Pros Come Home 3: Speed Mentoring for Success,” on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center on the SDSU campus.

The program is co-sponsored by the School of Journalism & Media Studies and the Friends of Journalism & Media Studies Alumni Chapter.

The event begins with a panel discussion featuring SDSU graduates who have gone on to make a mark in various media professions, both locally and nationally. Following the panel discussion, a wide-ranging group of pros – including print, online and broadcast journalists, public relations professionals and educators – will offer “speed mentoring” with one-on-one time to answer individual questions and concerns about careers and the job market. (more…)