Samantha Clark Forrest chose to study journalism because she loves writing and telling stories. She loves the changing and adapting environment that news media offers and she enjoys learning how technology is changing media. Her first hands on reporting experience was writing for The Daily Universe (Comms 321) where she went to the Utah Capitol every week to interview various state senators and legislators about their committees and bills. The experience taught her about politics and helped build her writing portfolio. While in the program, Forrest enjoyed getting to know and work with the other journalism students. A pivotal moment was the hands on experience she gained at the School of Communications New York Internship program where she had experiences that changed her life. “I met so many lifelong friends, worked for the news startup Bold TV, and also attended Broadway shows,” Forrest said. “The experience taught me a lot about myself and really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I will definitely always remember my time living in New York City.” Forrest benefitted from working closely with professors who helped influence her experience and goals. After graduation, Forrest plans to move to San Francisco and work in communications. “You can do anything you set your mind to if you work hard,” Forrest said. “My advice for students would be to start networking and making an effort to get to know your peers and professors.” What are you looking forward to after graduation: “I am excited to put my education to use and live in a big city.” What was the most meaningful class you took at BYU? “Student Development 317. The sole purpose of this class was to prepare me for the workforce. I learned how to perfect my resume, apply for jobs, and write a cover letter. It was definitely a class that prepared me for graduation.” Movie title for your life: “‘Confessions of a Teenage (College) Drama Queen.’ I am a very dramatic but passionate person.” If you could have a toy designed after you: “A Kate Spade-fidget spinner. I love fashion and I can’t sit still.” How did your professors impact your education? “In some way or another, every professor I had impacted my education. I am a very hands on student so I feel like I had a lot of interaction with many professors. The professors that impacted my education the most were: Joel Campbell (Journalism), Quint Randle (Journalism), Kevin Kelly (New York Internship), and Christina Johnson (Print Publishing).”

Pearl Corry’s view on art matches Franz Kafka's quote about music — “Music is the sound of the soul, the direct voice of the subjective world.” During her time at BYU, Corry enjoyed the art program’s focus on critical thinking and theory. One of the most important things she learned as an artist is to never get too comfortable with what she is doing. Through several of her educational experiences, Corry has enjoyed meaningful and impactful experiences that helped shape her both as an individual and as an artist. During a study abroad in Berlin she took a New Genre course that motivated her to research contemporary artists on her own. She also took an Advanced Photo class where they discussed before each class about what was happening in the world. 'Those conversations in my art classes were very meaningful to me,” Corry said. “I felt lucky then, and I feel lucky now, to have been around such brilliant and compassionate people.” Corry cites her relationships with her art professors as a critical part of her BYU experience. “They instilled in me the importance of being a good person as well as a good artist,” Corry said. Corry plans to pursue both an interdisciplinary Master of Fine Arts and a Master of Library Science in Art Librarianship. For her time at BYU, Corry said, “I hope I’ve been a good friend and a hard thinker.” One thing you enjoy about your major: “I enjoy when everyone is working in the BFA studios at the same time.” Influential class that you took at BYU: “In addition to the above mentioned, courses like Interdisciplinary Projects and Peter Everett’s painting classes have been very influential.” If you could have a toy designed after you: “I’d like to have one of those roller coaster bead mazes, the ones where you can push painted wooden beads back and forth along twisted wires. I think they are kind of awesome as sculptures in their own right.” Movie title for your life: “I’m always dropping things. Something about that, probably.”

Grant Hansen originally chose illustration as a major while preparing to go to Medical School, but quickly his plans changed. One thing he enjoys about the illustration major is how it focuses on applying all he has learned. “You can’t get through this major by memorizing the answers to the tests. It’s an industry that demands you actually know your stuff,” Hansen said. While at BYU, Hansen traveled to California with fellow BYU design students. There he started networking with AMD Radeon an organization who later helped fund his senior project. For his senior project, Hansen created and directed a virtual reality version of Jack and The Beanstalk. Hansen worked with several other students from multiple disciplines over eight months to create the final project. Hansen is hopeful their project will spark more interest in virtual reality projects on campus. He hopes he left a legacy of collaboration that other BYU students will follow. “I think that I had some impact on the people I worked with during my time at BYU,” Hansen said. “I hope that I helped reinforce the idea that we can accomplish greater things together than we can alone. That we’re just as free to do as we are to dream.” Wise words to share with others: “If you find, as most of us do, that you are your own greatest limiting factor: stop it.” Teachers that impacted your education: “David Dibble with his ability to squeeze the highest possible quality out of his students. Justin Kunz with his energy, experience and faith in his students to succeed. Bob Barrett with his sage advice, his quotes, his quotes, his quotes, and his excellent instruction. Beth Anne Anderson with her relentless positivity, her love of life and art, and infectious exuberance.” Movie title for your life: “‘What to Do When Lost.’ My life has consisted a lot of figuring out what to do when I don’t know how I’m going to get through a challenge.” Unique superpower you wish you had: “Time manipulation. You could get all your sleep out of the way in seconds, be an incredibly good athlete, be able to undo bad things that happen, get all the answers if I was ever on Jeopardy. That sort of thing.” Most meaningful experience at BYU: “I think I'd have to say the whole process of executing my senior project. It was life-changing. We were mentored by three BYU faculty members who were there to give us help and advice when we asked but generally allowed me to carry the project forward as I saw fit. Bless them.”

Cameron Babcock chose the media arts major because he loves storytelling. As a freshman, Cameron took an Intro to Film class that helped him understand the power cinema can have in telling stories and creating empathy in the viewer. “Film is an incredible medium to tell any type of story,” Babcock said. “Through film I have learned a lot about life and relationships.” Babcock also met his wife in the film program, which he listed as his most meaningful experience at BYU. Babcock is applying to graduate school to receive a master's degree in film production with an emphasis in directing. He plans to teach film at a university. The TMA program chose to produce Babcock’s script for the collaborative senior capstone. Babcock was able to direct the production titled “Hey Brooklyn.” It’s the story of a 8-year-old girl, Brooklyn, who tries to raise $700 for her single mom before her family is evicted from their home. The story was based off of Babcock’s childhood experiences and was recently finished with plans to submit it to several film festivals. “The experience was priceless. I improved as a filmmaker in many ways. I learned being an artist can be so vulnerable,” Babcock said. “When you write and direct something so close to home, you feel like you’re throwing your heart right on the screen and hoping that people will take it how it is.” Some of Babcock’s previous work: Spit Take https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVBSGEKNIu0&feature=youtu.be We the Little Engines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQpjm_S4pOs&feature=youtu.be Promo for Divine Comedy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82EvunRslA8 How did your professors impact your education? “The faculty in the film program are my mentors and friends. They have taught me not only about the history, theories, and practices of film but also what it means to be a hard working, supportive person in life.” Movie title for your life: “‘An Okie Grown Up,’ because it would be a documentary of my childhood and teenage experiences.” Unique superpower you wish you had: “Super vision because I wouldn’t need my glasses anymore. They’re generally dirty anyways.” What is the legacy you hope you left for BYU? “Hopefully I left a legacy that says it's worth it to work hard and to stay humble.”

22 communications students spent six weeks in the media capital of the world. Brooklyn Riepl plans to work in communications in a big city, but she wanted to get a taste of what it would be like before she graduated. The School of Communications’ New York Field Experience provided that opportunity. The New York Field Experience is available for students majoring or minoring in communications. Riepl and her fellow classmates spent six weeks in the Big Apple attending classes, exploring the city and learning about the professional communications industry. Riepl fell in love with advertising after taking a prerequisite advertising course that introduced her to the field. She believes advertising is the best way to channel numbers, strategy, research and executing data to engage an audience. Riepl and her peers had the opportunity to attend a networking event with BYU alumni working in communications in NYC. Calling it her most influential experience in New York. “It’s one thing to daydream about living in the city and working at an agency, but actually talking to people who were in my place at one point — seeing where they are now, where they’re working and how they got there — was helpful,” Riepl said. “I was amazed to see the reality of their dreams coming true.” Riepl said living in New York made her excited to enter the professional world, but it also provided a reality check to help her see what it takes to live in such a big city and to fit into the career world. Riepl said her hands on experience in New York added to her educational experience by helping her look beyond her grades and focus instead on piecing together what she wants to do and why she wants to do it. “Experiences like going to New York help you gain experiences and skills that prepare you for your career,” Riepl said. “It’s so exciting, and college is the perfect time to capitalize on those experiences. I’d encourage everyone to go, a million times over, it was so fun and I learned so much!” Learn more about Riepl’s experience in the Big Apple at nybyu.com.

Ensemble members share favorite memories from their Spring tour

Dancers Spencer Crawford and Jessie Dayton share their highlights of performing and volunteering during the tour to Chile and Argentina

Kyran Brown shares his highlights from the Living Legends Spring 2017 tour The BYU Living Legends presented their show “Seasons” during a three week tour in May throughout the Midwestern United States. They performed 11 shows across Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. Living Legends member, Kyran Brown, participated on the tour and was struck by the variety of audiences the ensemble performed for, “from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and a Latino ward in Chicago to a well-represented Polynesian audience in Independence, Missouri.” “We were truly able to meet and befriend American brothers and sisters throughout nine states. After every show, it was a humbling moment to leave the stage and mingle with the audience as we were embraced with hugs and kisses on the cheek from entertained spectators. Some, with tears in their eyes, sincerely thanked us for coming to their town and sharing our talents with them.” Another meaningful experience for Brown was visiting the Liberty Jail Historic Site in Liberty, Missouri. While there, the Living Legends performed a song that they often sing during devotionals. He said, “While we were singing, the Spirit filled the room, which was accompanied by the testifying words of the song which talked about a humble prayer that the Prophet Joseph Smith expressed in order to overcome trials he frequently faced. “I remember the main vocalist who starts the song was overwhelmed with the Spirit for she had to stop and compose herself a couple of times before she was able to utter a line. By the end of the song, many members of the group had tears in their eyes, including myself, because the biggest emotion we want to share with anyone we come in contact with, is happiness.” For Brown, the tour was more than just performing. “Performing was actually one of the shorter events we did on tour. We conducted outreach events for different communities, performed service for Midwestern locals and laughed with host families who invited us in their homes. Being able to participate in stage set-up and take-down is another part of the tour that one would not usually consider as a time to turn to the Lord and serve those who technologically control the show for us. We are always supporting others, whether it is on stage or in public when we are exploring town sites. We love losing ourselves in service and we strive to do all we can to turn hearts.' To view more pictures and moments from their Midwest tour, visit the BYU Living Legends Facebook page.

Kirt Saville, Director of the BYU School of Music, delivered the Devotional address on Aug. 1, 2017. Saville spoke about service saying “what goes around comes around.” Growing up, Saville watched his father frequently serve others. Through his father’s example, Saville recounted several things he learned. Saville used the Savior’s example of service and explained that Christ served the best because he allowed himself to be interrupted by those who needed help. Saville told students their acts of service didn’t need to be “gigantic” to make a difference. Saville concluded with three ways to share God’s love and bring others to Christ. A summary of his remarks can be found at news.byu.edu. Saville is a professor of Music Education and the Associate Director of Bands at BYU. He teaches instrumental music education and conducts the Symphonic Band. Coming from a long history in music education, Saville focuses on the development of practical applications for teaching instrumental ensembles. He has several articles published in different music journals and has taught at the University of Tianjin in the People’s Republic of China.

Choir returns after performing at the inaugural conference in 2006. BYU Singers have been invited to attend the National Collegiate Choral Organization’s 7th biennial national conference in November. They are one of only ten collegiate choral ensembles to be selected for this year’s 2017 conference. In order to be selected, ensembles must undergo a rigorous application process, according to BYU Singers conductor Andrew Crane. Groups must submit proposed concert repertoire, a letter from the supervisor of the sponsoring institution, and recordings from the current and previous year. The recordings are blindly evaluated by choral professionals from around the country and invitations to perform at the conference are extended based on quality of performance demonstrated by the recordings and the quality of the proposed concert repertoire. Recordings from both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons were used to qualify for this year’s conference. “NCCO is the foremost professional organization for conductors who work specifically with choirs at the college/university level,” Crane said. “In addition to speakers, workshops and classes, one of the central elements of the conference is the opportunity to hear concerts of the finest university choral ensembles in the country.” The NCCO is the only choral organization specifically designed to serve choral organizations at the college and university level. This conference allows a unique opportunity for collegiate choruses to perform at a national level and offers lectures and other aids in professional development, according to its website. Biennial conferences have been held since the NCCO’s inaugural conference in 2006. BYU Singers are returning to perform at the conference for the second time after their performance at the inaugural conference under the direction of Ronald Staheli. “We are truly honored and humbled by the opportunity to return in 2017, especially among such an elite group of peer choral groups,” Crane said. The conference will take place November 2-4, 2017. The conference is hosted by Louisiana State University and will be held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Fischer's career includes 17 years as an instructor at three different universities. BYU alumnus, Kenneth A. Fischer, was awarded the prestigious Edward L. Bliss Award for Distinguished Broadcast Journalism Education, the second BYU alumnus to receive the award. Fischer attended BYU in 1982 while obtaining a masters degree in Communications. While at BYU, Fischer worked directly with Thomas A. Griffiths, an emeritus member of the Communications faculty, who also received the Ed Bliss award in 2004. “This is a humbling honor to be included on a list with Walter Cronkite’s writer/producer Ed Bliss and my own BYU mentor Professor Griffiths,” Fischer said. Dale Cressman, associate professor in the BYU School of Communications, said it is quite the achievement to win the award, let alone to follow in the footsteps of a professor who has also won the award. Cressman solicited letters of support and wrote the nomination cover letters for both Fischer and Griffiths. Cressman said the “Ed Bliss” award is the most prestigious award for a broadcast journalism professor to receive. According to Cressman’s experience, winners usually have to be re-nominated over a period of several years until they are chosen. “It is very unusual—and possibly unprecedented—for a teacher and his student to both win this award. And it is noteworthy for two award winners to come out of BYU,” Cressman said. The award comes from the Electronic News Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, also known as AEJMC. The award is given to broadcast journalism educators who have made “significant and lasting contributions to the field,” according to the Electronic News Division’s website. Fischer’s nominating team made a case for him to receive the AEJMC educator award based on his teaching and service work. “I wish to suggest that Ken Fischer is the consummate unsung hero in the academy. He is selfless, generous, and dedicated, yet he does not draw attention to himself, nor is he quick to claim credit,” Cressman stated in his nomination letter for Fischer. “This is a professor completely without pretense, yet driven to serve his students, his colleagues, and his academic committee.” Fischer was first introduced to BYU by Lee Scanlon, a professor Fischer worked with as an undergraduate student at California State University, Fullerton. Scanlon, who received his PhD from BYU, drove Fischer to Utah in 1978 to visit with Griffiths who was the News Director for KBYU at the time. During the trip, Fischer decided to apply for the BYU communications graduate program. “That visit to BYU and my decision to attend changed the course of my life to this day,” Fischer said. “I have utilized what I learned at BYU in both my professional and academic newsrooms and studio work.” Teaching broadcast journalism helps keep Fischer “alive and fresh” in an industry that provides something new everyday. Fischer is currently a member of the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication faculty at the University of Oklahoma. He is also working towards obtaining a PhD in Communication. “Dr. Griffiths and my BYU friends have been encouraging throughout the process. They remind me that learning never ends,” Fischer said. “But as far as the award is concerned, I may not be a member of the flock, but like the sign at the ‘Y’ says, ‘the world is our campus, go forth and serve.’” Fischer will be presented with a recognition plaque at a special ceremony on August 10 as part of the AEJMC’s Chicago Conference at NBC’s WMAQ television station. Fischer’s name will also be added to the permanent plaque housed at American University in Washington, D.C.

BYU researchers asked people why they Facebook, then identified four categories of users.