ISC Alumni Symposium is April 12
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 9, 2010) - Direct response, the Internet and social networking media will be the focus when the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications hosts its annual Richard G. Wilson Integrated Strategic Communication (ISC) Alumni Symposium at 5 p.m. Monday, April 12, in Room 114 of the White Hall Classroom Building.
Panelists include three university graduates working in aspects of direct response communication. ISC senior Shelly Valentine will serve as panel moderator.
The program will feature Sherri Eden of Saint Joseph Health System, David Ostendarp of Purple Trout LLC and Jack Smith, formerly of The Media Innovation Group. All attended UK.
"Direct response and digital applications are among the hottest areas in strategic communication today," said Beth Barnes, director of the School of Journalism and Telecommunications. "We know that many of our students are considering careers in this aspect of the industry, and this is an excellent chance for them to hear more about opportunities in this area."
Eden graduated from the UK College of Communications and Information Studies in 1999 with a bachelor of arts in ISC. After gaining sales and marketing experience in the advertising and pharmaceutical industries, she became the employer relations specialist for Saint Joseph Health System in 2007. Presently, Eden uses the skills acquired in the direct response and account management paths of the ISC major on a daily basis, assisting area employers in their endeavors to create a healthier workforce. Eden resides in Richmond, Ky.
Ostendarp is a 2008 graduate of the college with a degree in ISC with the creative path emphasis. He is currently a search engine optimization specialist at Purple Trout LLC in northern Kentucky and in the past has worked in promotions with uHAPS, Inc. where he worked on the Budweiser, Cricket Wireless and Fifth Third Bank accounts.
Smith was founder and general manager of The Media Innovation Group (The MIG) for WPP Group, the world's largest communications services company. At The MIG, he built the largest holding company owned ad network, B3, and its underlying delivery and measurement technology, ZAP, as well as advised WPP and sister companies on investments and acquisitions. Prior to The MIG, his work at SVP, Product Strategy for 24/7 Real Media, a leading provider of digital advertising technology and services, led directly to the acquisition of 24/7 by WPP. As a member of 24/7's executive team, he oversaw the strategic direction for the company's three global business lines: digital media, search marketing and technology. Smith studied accounting and music at UK. He lives in New York with his family and is currently developing a new project.
The symposium series is named in honor of Richard Wilson, Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame member and former reporter for the Courier-Journal. He initiated the program while serving as interim director of the School of Journalism and Telecommunications.