Faculty
Cecilia Friend, M.A.
Professor of Journalism
Office: 211 Faculty Center
http://www.utica.edu/faculty_staff/cfriend/homepagecf.cfm
Biography
There is something to be said for "energy" in the classroom. It's a special teacher who can get each student to contribute to class and enjoy what is being taught. Cecilia Friend is one of those special teachers.
Using the hands-on approach has made Friend an effective educator. She believes the interaction with her students allows them to comprehend more than if she taught using a lecture style. In Computer Assisted Reporting, where students use computer techniques to investigate, gather and analyze information for writing news stories, Friend makes sure that each student gets personal attention for his or her work. "Most of the courses I teach involve some kind of technology and involve a lot of hands-on work, and I like that," she said. "I get to work with the students more one-on-one. I don't just stand up there in front of the room and lecture."
Friend is also the faculty advisor to the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ). The organization takes an annual trip in the spring, traveling to major media markets such as Boston, New York and Philadelphia. The trip is an opportunity for students to tour newspapers, like the New York Times, and television stations, like Fox News in Philadelphia, and to meet successful PR/J alumni. Friend says, "The emphasis at UC is on the interaction between students and faculty. A lot of the time is spent outside of the classroom with students, and that is one of the reasons they come here."
Friend's teaching style of working individually with students to help them improve their weaknesses and perfect their strengths ensures their success as professional journalists. "When you see a student grow and develop and go out in the world, it is really gratifying," she said. The way she gives of her time to enrich the education and lives of her students makes Cecilia Friend a very special teacher.
Written by Robert Chalmers, '00
"UC gave me the opportunity to develop as a writer, which is one of the most important skills you'll need when pursuing a career in journalism or public relations. Good writers go far. It's that simple. From the training I received in the classroom to the opportunity to work on the Tangerine, there is no question in my mind that UC helped me get where I am today."
~
Press Secretary for NY State Governor George E. Pataki
~
Michael McKeon
'85Press Secretary for NY State Governor George E. Pataki
