An eclectic evening centered around how communication can make the world a better place was created and hosted by students from Associate Professor of Communication, Johnny Rowing’s, Multimedia Storytelling (COMM 261) class Thursday, April 28, at College of Western Idaho's Canyon County Center. Presented with help from Rowing’s Mass Communication (COMM 271) and Audio Production (COMM 269) students, the evening was just the right mix of beauty, weirdness, sadness, and joy making a memorable impression on all in attendance.
Students were challenged to build a showcase applying the technical skills they learned throughout the semester to share their joys, passions, and unique perspectives. Difficult issues related to war, refugees, racism, domestic violence, and mental health were addressed through presentations encouraging the audience to create change by starting conversations.
“This showcase highlighted the best of everyone's creativity and skills,” said student, Allison Hoashi. “For such a large range of mediums, I'm thrilled the night still felt cohesive. I'm blown away by my peers' courage and vulnerability in tackling some heavy and nuanced topics. I think the showcase handled the evening with the gravity and professionalism these topics deserved while still leaving people feeling challenged and hopeful. The showcase left me feeling elated and moved.”
“It has been a joy to watch students work collaboratively to address important issues that can be positively impacted by communication,” said Rowing. “Students generated artifacts in a wide variety of ways. Among these were stop-motion animation, podcasts, public service announcements, readers' theater, photography, logo design, scriptwriting, songwriting, etc. Their courage in sharing their messages and art with others is inspiring.”
