Campus Talk: Season 1 - Episode 3

Synopsis

David and Colin open the third episode of Campus Talk with a salute to East Stroudsburg University’s graduating seniors before introducing two guests representing different sides of campus life.

The first guest is Patrick Ashcroft, a media technician in ESU’s Media Communication and Technology Department. Patrick discusses how the department has evolved from its earlier focus on educational communications into a broader program encompassing photography, filmmaking, video production, sound recording, graphic design, and computer technology. He describes the department’s photography darkrooms, video-editing systems, Macintosh computer lab, production studio, sound rooms, and computerized equipment-lending system.

Patrick also explains how emerging digital technology is transforming photography and video production, including the use of Amiga computers to create graphics, animation, titles, and special effects for videotape. He discusses career opportunities available to media graduates through internships and employment in television, radio, advertising, and photography. The conversation concludes with Patrick reflecting on his background as a professional musician and his work composing and performing music for local video productions.

The second guest is Christa Edwards, a senior speech communications major and president of the Student Senate. Christa recounts her progression from freshman class representative to committee chair, vice president, and ultimately president. She explains the Senate’s growing relationship with the university administration and its responsibility for representing students, supporting campus organizations, allocating more than half a million dollars in student funds, and addressing academic and student-affairs issues.

Christa discusses a recent student rally at the Pennsylvania State Capitol opposing proposed reductions in funding for the state university system. She also describes efforts to clarify the student handbook, establish a formal grievance process, and restructure the Senate into a broader student government that would include representatives from every campus club and organization. The interview concludes with a discussion of ESU’s orientation program and the rewards of helping incoming students begin their college experience.