SCSU Journalism alumni working in journalism and PR jobs will lead a hands-on workshop about using TikTok in journalism and public relations.
The event is hosted by the SCSU SPJ chapter, as one of its 40th anniversary programs, and co-hosted by the SCSU Journalism Department and CTSPJ chapter. It will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Hilton C. Buley Library Makerspace.
Email questions or RSVP to SCSU SPJ adviser Jodie Gil at gilj4@southernct.edu.
The SCSU SPJ chapter was formed in 1983 as an official student chapter of the national Society of Professional Journalists. The student group has been active over the past 40 years providing professional development and networking opportunities for student journalists at Southern. The chapter has been named the Region 1 Outstanding Campus Chapter in 1994, 1995 and 2015-16, and has helped host two recent SPJ Region 1 Conferences in 2016 and 2023. The group hosts the annual SCSU Journalism Alumni Night, a popular program that brings alumni back to campus to network with current students, as well as regular professional development programs each semester.
The TikTok for Journalists and PR Professionals event will feature past SCSU SPJ members, who now work with social media professionally, including:
Jason Edwards, social media coordinator for Southern Connecticut State University. Edwards was part of the social media team that recently ranked in the top 10 for Division II universities for social media engagement, including on the university’s TikTok account. A former member of SCSU SPJ, he graduated from Southern in 2021 with a degree in journalism and a minor in public relations.
Jessica Guerrucci, a digital marketing and content association at Two Roads Brewing Company, where she crafts captivating and engaging content for the brand. Guerrucci also hosts a personal food blog on Instagram @eatsleepfoodct, which has amassed more than 9,000 followers. A past president of SCSU SPJ, she graduated from Southern in 2020 with a degree in journalism.
Pete Paguaga, a senior sports producer for GameTimeCT and Hearst Connecticut Media Group, who leads coverage of Connecticut sports on social media platforms, including GameTime’s TikTok account. A former member of SCSU SPJ, Paguaga graduated from Southern in 2012 with a degree in journalism, and currently teaches digital media and sports reporting classes in the department.
Jeniece Roman, a reporter for WSHU and a corp member of Report for America, covers indigenous communities in southern New England and Long Island, New York. Roman has been analyzing the ways journalists, including those at NPR, use TikTok in their reporting and is active on the platform. A past president of the SCSU SPJ chapter and current board member on CTSPJ, Roman graduated from Southern in 2018 with a degree in journalism.