On March 25, meet two FGCU students who are breaking new ground in the field of journalism. Maryann Batlle and Alex Pena will show their recent projects—taking you inside a homeless shelter in Hollywood, Fla., to the tomato fields of Immokalee, to the drug-ridden streets of Juarez, Mexico, and to earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The work of these inspiring young journalists indicates a promising future for journalism. Lyn Millner, who developed the curriculum for the university’s forthcoming journalism degree, will outline the plans for the new program.
Maryann Batlle is an FGCU senior and the managing editor of Eagle News, the student-run paper of record on campus. Under her leadership, the staff has undertaken an extensive redesign and grown its ranks considerably. Eagle News has also expanded its online presence and developed partnerships with local news organizations. Most recently, Maryann assisted BBC World News when the “World Have Your Say” staff came to Southwest Florida.
Alex Pena, an FGCU junior and Naples Daily News intern, has worked alongside the BBC and was interviewed on CNN and on NPR for his coverage of the drug war in Juarez, Mexico. His work has also been broadcast on CNN Headline News and on NBC Campus News. Most recently, he covered the earthquake aftermath in Haiti.
Lyn Millner, assistant professor of journalism, is responsible for developing and starting the journalism program at FGCU. Her work has appeared on NPR and in many national and regional publications.
To use the journalistic vernacular, here are the details at press time:
WHO: FGCU guest speakers
WHAT: Discussion of FGCU courses AND presentation of student's first person stories
WHEN: Thursday, March 25th, 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bellasera Hotel, 221 9th Street South, Naples
WHY: To meet and learn about future journalists, AND to meet and socialize with NPC members!
Cost: $20 members, $25 non members
Members, please rsvp@naplespressclub.org; non-members can use Paypal or Eventbrite for reservations.
