white_house_web.jpgTALLAHASSEE — A Miamian is among 10 students from Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication who will visit Washington to meet top White House press officials. Tiffany Bain, a senior public relations student, and the other students will leave Tallahassee on Aug. 26 on the four-day trip.

They will have an opportunity to ask questions and meet with the administration’s senior communication officials, as well as directors of congressional communications and other press officials. They will also tour the White House and the briefing room where government officials such as President Barack Obama meet the press, a FAMU statement said.

 “We’re very grateful for [the opportunity for] students to be able to go behind the scenes because we understand the impact and power of communication and media,” said Yanela Gordon, assistant professor in FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication and director of Internship/Placement. 

According to Gordon, FAMU alumni who work in the communications field are abundant on Capitol Hill.  She said having students meet with the communications professionals will open students’ minds to potential careers that are going to impact people’s lives.

“By accepting this invitation from the White House, not only are students going to gain valuable insight from communications and press professionals of the highest levels; this also helps FAMU strengthen and further grow relationships with the White House,” Gordon said.      

“We recognize how vital it is for students to see this from a federal level. That is not something we can teach in class,” Gordon said.

James Hawkins, the school’s dean, said the outing signals FAMU is “investing in opportunities for students that are immediately rewarding.”

“It’s an indication that we are providing a quality education for our students,” he said.                                                

The students going on the trip also include two foreign students, Duane Robin, of St. Maarten, who is studying journalism, and Wandoo Makurdi of Nigeria, who is doing graduate studies in broadcast journalism.

Alexandria Collins, a junior broadcast journalism student from Tallahassee, was also selected for the tour. Collins, who works in the FAMU Student Government Association’s executive branch communications department, said the trip will help her with her duties in the SGA.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to visit the White House, witness the political process and be a part of history,” Collins said.