To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Radio-Television Department at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, alumni were invited back to speak with students. Professor Joey Helleny extended an invitation for me to participate. Although I did not major in RT, (I graduated with a degree in Journalism), I spent a lot of time as a student at River Region Evening
Edition on WSIU-TV. It was nice to be back in the studio again. I spoke with students about local television and the current job market, giving students advice on resume tapes and internships.

Later that night, I attended the Alumni Recption and Dinner. CNN Senior European Correspondent, Jim Bittermann, was the keynote speaker. I had met him once before at his home in Paris during my study abroad trip with SIUC. It was not only good to talk with him again, but refreshing to learn more about his job working for the network. I remember asking him tons of questions before, and now with more experience, my questions have changed.

He talked about a new investigation into the death of Princess Di, and the death of Pope John Paul II. It’s interesting to know a journalist who has contacts inside the Vatican. I am thankful to be a part of the 50th anniversary of SIUC’s RT Department, and I hope the university does more programs like this in the future.

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