That mission remains steadfast today.
This year’s theme, “Follow the Money,” highlighted how communication professionals can use the 1970s catchphrase to uncover political corruption, make sense of consumers' relentless information flow, and determine what’s credible or not.
Through a series of speakers, panels, and workshops, COM Week 2024 Flagler Students explored what Follow the Money means to them while learning from and networking with prominent speakers and communications practitioners.
Monday, March 4
Flagler College’s COM Week kicked off with a dynamic lineup of events and panels. Producer Tim Franta delved into the captivating world of documentary storytelling, spotlighting his 2019 film “Women in Motion.”
Then, Flagler alumni, seasoned by their own journeys, shared invaluable insights during the Grad School Lunch and Learn—a candid discussion on navigating the graduate school landscape.
The "Ink and Impact" panel, hosted by the Flagler College Gargoyle, our student newspaper, revealed how students from all disciplines can get involved with the paper.
Next, the Alumni Panel provided a glimpse into life beyond college as Flagler Communication graduates shared their post-graduation experiences.
Finally, to close out day one, the Black Communication Professionals session fostered dialogue, empowering students of color to forge their own paths in this historically white field. Together, we celebrated ideas, connections, and the boundless potential of communication.
Tuesday, March 5
Day 2 of Flagler College’s COM Week unfolded with captivating events, challenging students to follow the money and find out what it means to them.
Tony Fox, the former executive from HBO Sports and Comedy Central, unraveled the fascinating journey of How Communications Build Comedy Central.
Next up, Flagler Alumna Abigale Kreinheder, an intrepid journalist, shared her personal odyssey—from wanderlust to Pulitzer—and the transformative power of storytelling via her Instagram platform, @abigalegoesglobal. During the Lunch with Speakers, participants engaged in intimate conversations with Abby, gaining firsthand insights into her experience of breaking into journalism without a formal background.
The annual COM Week speech competition tested students’ public speaking prowess. Competitors responded to the topic “Beyond the Paycheck: how do you define your personal or professional value?” Congratulations to Ashley Chatmon, who took home first prize!
Finally, Professor Kenon Brown explored the profound influence of American sports on our culture, drawing parallels between icons like Allen Iverson and Jay-Z and revealing the dynamic intersection of sports and pop culture.
Wednesday, March 6
Day 3 of Flagler College’s COM Week was packed with a rich tapestry of events, each offering unique perspectives on the ever-evolving communication landscape.
Ryan Ashworth, Director and Producer at Stockworth Studios, former Producer/Editor with the Orlando Magic (and a proud Flagler grad), shared “How to Make More Money than the Directors/Producers in Los Angeles & New York” through video production by matching his talent with driving revenue with visionary storytelling.
Tracey Eaton, our intrepid professor, shared with our campus stories from his awe-inspiring journey across China, covering over 500 miles. His boots traced paths seldom seen in Western media, revealing the vibrant tapestry of a nation teeming with 1.4 billion stories. Professor Eaton was not the only presenter during this session. Ahead of his retirement this summer, he was surprised by fellow Coms faculty and students with a celebration of his incredible impact on Flagler College during his tenure.
Workshops with Mitzi Saul, from PRSA, and Janeen Sara, representing Women in Film and Television (WIFT), guided students toward a life beyond college and demystified the real-world intricacies of production. Over lunch, students absorbed practical insights as the speakers shared invaluable wisdom on navigating the professional terrain.
Professors Tracy Halcomb and Jim Gilmore engaged in a spirited dialogue about creative financing for documentary filmmaking. Their recent documentary projects, including “Cracking Aces: A Woman’s Place at the Table” (2018) and “Fielding Dreams: A Celebration of Baseball Scouts” (2024), served as case studies. How do filmmakers defy financial odds? What corporate structures empower independent creators? The answers unfolded in this dynamic exchange.
Rounding out day three, seasoned author, producer, and Flagler Alumna Lauren Peacock pulled back the curtain on pitching. She revealed her secret playbook for students and soon-to-be graduates. In this riveting encounter, participants unearthed five game-changing tactics—the very keys to pitching their passion projects with laser precision.
Thursday, March 7
Day 4 of Flagler College’s COM Week culminated in a crescendo of thought-provoking speakers, showcases, and films.
In collaboration with the Flagler Forum on Government and Public Policy, Hilke Schellmann, an Emmy-award-winning journalism professor from New York University and a seasoned freelance reporter, ignited a crucial dialogue. The topic? Holding artificial intelligence accountable. As the digital landscape evolves, this discussion resonated far beyond the hallowed halls of academia.
Following Schellmann’s presentation, the spotlight shifted to our talented students. Invited by the COM faculty, they unveiled their creative endeavors. From persuasive campaigns to multimedia masterpieces, their work illuminated the boundless possibilities within communication.
The doors swung wide during the Student Open House, inviting everyone to witness students’ work and creativity. Examples abounded across various communication classes: captivating designs, eloquent prose, and impactful visual storytelling.
COM Week 2024 wrapped up with a One-Minute Film Festival, where student filmmakers presented their 60-second or less film examining the media and the theme “Follow the Money.” The filmmaking team of Izzy Swyt, Sara Orr, Madeira Wilde, Rachel Schmidtchen, and Dasha Linna took home first prize. As the entries flickered on the screen, we celebrated the artistry, innovation, and brevity that define COM Week.
