Glimpsing Their Future: PUC Students Attend Society of Adventist Communicators Conference

From October 17 to 19, five students from the communication department at Pacific Union College attended the 2024 Society of Adventist Communicators Conference (SAC) near Chicago, Illinois. This trip was made possible by the support of generous donors.

“Attending SAC as a professional myself was a great experience, and I saw some value in it, but nothing compares to bringing students and watching them network, connecting with students from other schools and industry professionals,” comments Tara Hargrove, professor of communication and sponsor of the trip. “I loved hearing them talk about how they ‘already learned about that in class;’ it was an eye-opening experience for them to see the real-world applications in the communication fields.”

The conference included development opportunities for seasoned and new professionals and specific activities for college students studying communication. Thursday morning, students choose between three media tours: CBS and ABC affiliate television stations, InterVarsity Press, or Edelman Marketing.

“Edelman was definitely a highlight of this trip for me,” says Jazlynn Hardy, a senior communication major who attended SAC. “During the Q&A, we had the chance to hear specialized professionals share their insights on working in a marketing firm, applying for internships, and what it took for them to reach their level of success.”

The company tour offered students to see marketing professionals in action, something Hardy truly appreciated.

“Getting a glimpse of a day at the office was an amazing experience, and as someone hoping to enter the communication career force soon, I really valued that,” she says. “It was a 10/10 experience.”

That afternoon, communication professionals led student orientation, telling students what to expect during the conference and how to make the most of their time. Anna Ramos, a senior communication major who also attended SAC in 2023, noted the dramatic increase in the number of student attendees this year.

“SAC has been incredibly beneficial in showing me the wide range of career opportunities available for my future,” she says. “It has helped me determine the specific path I want to take within the communication field and has shown me avenues I didn’t even know existed.”

Friday was packed with workshops on many topics, such as graphic design, writing, AI, photography, podcasting, copyright law and intellectual property, reputation management, crisis communication, social media, and self-care to thrive as a communication professional. Students were also invited to bring prepared resumes for one-on-one review sessions with professionals and to participate in scheduled mock interviews.

“This conference really enhanced my sense of community and professionalism,” comments Ramos. “It created a space where I could connect with peers in a professional setting, share insights, and build valuable relationships. Overall, it was a positive and enriching experience.”

On Friday evening, SAC attendees participated in worship music and a presentation on the importance of the Sabbath by Jo Ann Davidson, senior research professor at Andrews University Theological Seminary. Vespers was followed by a special event never seen before in the decades-long history of SAC: a bonfire and s’mores night on the patio.

“This was another favorite moment for me at SAC,” Hardy shares. “I met so many new people from all over the country—college students from other schools and professionals in many different lines of work. I’m sure I’ll see some of them again in my career; as they told us at the conference, the person sitting beside me could be my next boss!”

Church was presented by Pastor and Renowned Vocal Artist Wintley Phipps, followed by two afternoon activity options: a Chicago photography walk or a studio tour of “Unshackled,” a well-known Christian radio program.

To close the conference on Saturday evening, SAC hosted its annual awards banquet, an opportunity for attendees to dress up, enjoy full table service for dinner, and celebrate the year’s awardees. Awards are given in several categories for both students and professionals: design, photography, writing, video, spoken word, and campaign. Three professional recognition awards are also given during this event each year.

This year, Ramos received a student award for Best Short-Form Feature Writing for an article she wrote during her internship with the Oregon Conference.

“I didn't expect to win, and I am thrilled!” she shares. “I feel truly honored to bring an award home to PUC.”

Becky St. Clair, a PUC staff member who attended the conference, also received the Best Long-Form Feature Writing Award for an article she wrote as a freelancer for the Columbia Union Conference.

Whenever a group travels together, memories are made, bonds are forged, and community is built. The 2024 trip to SAC in Chicago was no exception. Not only did the attending students get the chance to explore a world-famous city, they explored career options, met professionals in their field, practiced their professional skill sets, and made new friends.

“This is exactly what we want to keep doing with PUC's new vision: Create high-impact experiences that confirm students' passions and career pathways by connecting them with professionals already in the field,” states Lindsay Hayasaka, vice president for Academic Administration at PUC.

The conference is valuable not just for students, but also for faculty who attend.

“I go to a lot of conferences, but nothing compares to being with professionals in your field who also share your belief system,” comments Hargrove. “It's an opportunity to collaborate, network, and dream big. I leave each time inspired, invigorated, and recommitted to my students and our greater community of Adventist communicators.”