The School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) at Stony Brook University has unveiled a new Alumni Wall in its newsroom. The wall features photos of former students who have successfully pursued careers in communication and journalism, showcasing the potential paths for current and future students pursuing these fields. This initiative aims to provide inspiration by displaying alumni in professional settings rather than generic newsroom backgrounds.
The concept of the Alumni Wall was initiated by Barbara Selvin, the first full-time professor of the school, who envisioned it as a motivational tool for students. Although Selvin hoped to see the project realized during her tenure, it was brought to completion by Philip Altiere, a production supervisor and instructor at SoCJ. "I’m so happy that Phil made this happen and has done such an extraordinary job, far beyond what I initially envisioned," said Selvin, expressing her pride in the accomplishments of the alumni represented.
Among the featured alumni, Raymond Wilson, now a studio operations director at Newsday, shared his journey from studying digital photography to directing his first show during a journalism course. “Being a technical director was not my original career goal when I enrolled in Stony Brook,” Wilson noted, crediting his first directing experience to Professor Sanders' class and Altiere’s guidance.
Dean Laura Lindenfeld highlighted the significance of the Alumni Wall as a source of encouragement for students. “I am so proud of all of our students, past and present. The Alumni Wall is a great reminder that they can step out of our newsroom and classrooms and step into fulfilling careers, and that is the best gift and inspiration to us all,” Lindenfeld commented.
In addition to historical events like the Roth Regatta Live! on May 2, current students continue to engage actively in production and reporting, pointing toward promising futures in journalism and communication. The Alumni Wall stands as a symbol of achievement and motivation in Stony Brook's School of Communication and Journalism.