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The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Communication seniors honored

    Each semester, seniors majoring in communication have to take the Communications 498 course in which they must pass a comprehensive exam and write an extensive senior thesis. After preparing all semester, 23 seniors presented their theses at the 10th Annual Senior Colloquium last week. 

    “The colloquium started in 2004,” said Dr. Claire Procopio, who teaches and advises students in Comm. 498. “It was Dr. Mirando’s idea, so we had him do the welcome this year as part of that. He’s had 10 years of helping students to write theses, and this is the culmination of that effort.”

    The colloquium was held on Friday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. This year’s topics included music, social media, public relations, changing depictions of women and more.

    Four students gave presentations in each room. After all presentations were complete, the department honored all of the students at a pinning ceremony sponsored by the National Organizational Communication Association, where the seniors were given a pin they can wear at graduation. 

    “In 2007, Alex Juan, who is one of our alumni and is here for the celebration, got a student organization to help raise money for pins,” said Procopio. “In 2008, we added the tradition of pinning each of our seniors, which we’ve continued. They were selling T-shirts so we can afford to buy pins for the next generations of students coming through.” 

    Four students received special awards. Rachell Sons was honored for having the Best Paper of Fall 2014. Sons’ research explored the effects of trainer credibility on trainee satisfaction in the restaurant industry. 

    “The thesis papers themselves have gotten longer, stronger, better over time,” said Procopio. “We think that it’s an opportunity for our students to show what they can do. We had a real strong group of papers come through.”

    The Honorable Mention Professor’s Choice for Best Paper went to Rita West, whose paper and presentation were a feminist rhetorical criticism of the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. 

    “It feels fantastic to be done with my thesis and the colloquium,” said West. “At the beginning of the semester I was freaking out thinking I would never be able to do this and get it done, but with the help of all the professors, especially Dr. Procopio, it was definitely doable. I’m really proud of the work I’ve done.” 

    The Honorable Mention Reader’s Choice for Best Paper went to Brittney Peterson, who looked at how relationships portrayed on sitcoms can influence personal beliefs and expectations in intimate relationships. 

    “I actually built on my prospectus, so it’s research I’ve been working on for a year,” said Petersen. “To be able to just present it and get it out feels really good. I’m glad it’s over.” 

    The third Honorable Mention was a Congeniality award given to someone who always had a positive attitude, came to class ready to work and inspired others throughout the semester. Mr. Congeniality was awarded to Micah Jones.

     
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