The spring 2014 Communication Colloquium marked the end of a long and emotional journey for many seniors as they defended a four-month period of research and reached a milestone toward receiving a bachelor of arts.
A "gathering of colleagues," the colloquium is a tradition that was introduced by professor Joseph Mirando, Ph.D and began in the fall of 2004 as a required element of the Communication 498 capstone course required for all graduating communication seniors.
The completion of the project and presentation was a breakthrough for many seniors and caused a surge of emotion during a ceremonial pinning ceremony in which each student received a commemorative pin to be worn at commencement in honor of their achievement.
"I am ecstatic right now," said Lindsay Baker, who shed tears as she crossed the room to be pinned by Mirando. "I feel like there was a lot of pressure beforehand, and it's lifted off me for sure. I got a little emotional because my mom actually passed in January, and she would have loved to have been here to see it. This is something that is very reputable and near and dear to my heart."
Although the program continued a tradition of almost 10 years, many changes were implemented to improve the ceremony and contribute to the sentimental value for graduating seniors. The colloquium has taken place in D Vickers hall since its debut, but was moved to Fayard Hall, due to issues with the building, and expanded into a day-long program, the most notable modification. Seniors were also given the opportunity to select the person who would present their pin. The Southeastern chapter of the National Organizational Communication Association coordinated the pinning ceremony and restructure under advisement of Mirando, who also supported the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter in redesigning the programs.
Following the pinning ceremony, the class waited in anticipation for the reveal of the "Most Outstanding Paper" award.
Seth Matherne, who concentrated his studies in speech communication, was amazed after being recognized for completing the best paper within his concentration, in addition to the most outstanding paper and research among his colleagues. He explained the importance and relevance of his topic.
"Street preaching is [a] very personal topic to me," said Matherne. "I actually street preach myself so I wanted to look into it not only just from a spiritual standpoint but a rhetorical standpoint: 'How can street preachers better reach their audiences with the gospel for the glory of God?' The research was very enlightening. I learned a lot of things just from my own street preaching as well. The presentation was just such a joy to do after everything, I've researched, after everything I've learned. It's an amazing thing; it's a prize. I didn't really expect it, but I am so thankful for it and want to thank God for giving me the ability to do it."
Whitney Lester, Katrina Thomas, Ainsley Ross and Ryan Zellner were also honored for their projects within their concentration with topics ranging from the restructure of the Disney princess to the use of humor in presentations.
Although many seniors will apply their skills in fields outside of communication, others will use their findings in their career.
"Actually I plan to keep street preaching myself," said Matherne. "Looks like I'm going to take the speech communication, and those skills that I've learned, into the retail management area and try to begin working up the trail and increase communication skills within retail management."
As the semester comes to a close, students will complete final examinations and prepare for commencement exercises. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 at the University Center where seniors of various majors and backgrounds will cross the stage into the next phase of their lives.