I attended both the Religious Communication Association’s (RCA) national convention and the National Communication Association’s (NCA) national convention in Baltimore, MD from November 13-18, 2019. I have been a member of both organizations since 1984 and have enjoyed presenting papers, chairing and responding to panels, as I did this year, together with learning from fellow scholars about the latest advancements in the field.
This year, three of our current Communication Studies’ students were able to attend the national convention and experience the field of Communication beyond the classroom. One of the highlights of the trip was when our current students met two of our alumni who are professors at other institutions.
Both groups instantly bonded over their time at Vanguard University, especially shared classes, professors, dorm life, general campus life and their love of studying communication. Our students traveled over 2600 miles and found instant connection and community with strangers they just met all because they shared a love for VU and the Communication Department.
Though I was teased by my colleagues for being the “old guy” in the group because I had the privilege to teach both the alumni and our current students, I was blessed to see the tangible legacy of the Communication Department displayed in the lives of both groups. It has not always been easy being a faculty member at this institution but seeing my past and present students together, reminds me that I have been truly blessed.
