JOURNALISM STUDENTS GET HELP FROM PROFESSIONALS

Practical work experience is being required more often for college students nearing the end of their academic training. These internships are often costly and without pay.

A Journalism Advisory Council Internship Fund established by a $15,000 contribution from the Sam Houston State University Journalism Advisory Council will help journalism, advertising and public relations students defray internship costs.

"All of our students are required to complete an internship before graduation," said Dr. Don Richardson, who chairs the University's Department of Public Communication."Most of the interns receive no money for their services and many of them have a difficult time supporting themselves during the internship semester.

"This endowed scholarship will provide money to help defray the expenses of the internship," he said. "It will be of tremendous benefit to our students."

Richardson said that the Journalism Advisory Council has promised additional contributions as fund-raising activities permit, and that contributions from other sources are being sought and are welcome.

The Journalism Advisory Council is a 19-member group of SHSU journalism graduates who work with Richardson and journalism program coordinator Ruth Pate. Houston public relations consultant Jack Sheridan is the group's current chairman.

Some of the Council's other activities have included funding for computers and student activities, support of the annual awards banquet, sponsorship of the Journalism Career Day for high school students, and providing advice on professional issues relating to education.

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Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak

Dec. 6, 1996