Journalism Alumni Night returns

More than a dozen alumni of the SCSU Journalism Department returned to campus recently to talk jobs, skills and the industry with current students.

It was the first in-person journalism alumni gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the spring 2020 event. The event is hosted each year by the SCSU SPJ chapter and the Journalism Department, and was held virtually in 2021.

Panelists at a table look at students in an audience.

Panelists answer student questions during the 2023 SCSU Journalism Alumni Night held at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center on March 9.

Student Yvonna Rodriguez, left, chats with SCSU Journalism graduate Jailene Cuevas, right, during the 2023 SCSU Journalism Alumni Night held at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center on March 9.

Two people talk during a networking event.
A man talks with a woman during a networking event.

SCSU Journalism graduate August Pelliccio talks with student Sarah Shelton during the 2023 SCSU Journalism Alumni Night held at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center on March 9.

SCSU Journalism alumni answered questions and gave advice to Southern students during the 2023 SCSU Journalism Alumni Night held at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center on March 9.

A large room with panelists at table and audience members looking on.
A group of people talk during a networking event.

Jason Newton, a graduate of SCSU’s Journalism program, talks with student Taryn Simmons, during the 2023 SCSU Journalism Alumni Night held at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center on March 9.

Kiara Smith, left, talks with SCSU student Solé Scott, right, during the 2023 SCSU Journalism Alumni Night held at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center on March 9.

Two woman talk in a conference room during a networking event.

Alumni included:

  • Rebecca Bainer, senior producer at WCVB in Boston
  • Christian Carrion, news editor, podcaster and TV historian, who works for the National Archives of Game Show History at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York
  • Jailene Cuevas, statewide trending reporter for Hearst CT Media Group
  • John DiCarlo, a communications specialist for the Connecticut Auditors of Public Accounts
  • Jason Edwards, social media coordinator for Southern Connecticut State University
  • Abby Epstein, assignment editor at Fox61
  • Jessica Guerrucci, digital marketing and content associate for Two Roads Brewing Company
  • Michael Levy, freelance writer and podcaster
  • Michael Marciano, bureau chief for the Connecticut Law Tribune
  • Jason Newton, director of Media Relations & Communications at Harvard University
  • Pete Paguaga, senior sports producer for GameTimeCT
  • August Pelliccio, managing editor, digital at HMG Strategy
  • Emily Prokop, podcast editor and consultant at E Podcast Productions
  • Mark Prokop, newsletter producer for Hearst Connecticut Media Group
  • Jeniece Roman, Indigenous Nations reporter, WSHU Public Radio
  • Kiara Smith, reporter at WWLP 22
  • Sam Tapper, mission engagement coordinator at Hartford’s Camp Courant