For over four decades, the School of Communication has proudly hosted COM Week, a celebratory, week-long event designed to bring alums, industry professionals, and students into the same space. Many iterations of this week have existed since its inception in 1981, but one thing remains true. Our students are at the heart of it all. Leading. Planning. And leveling up the experience for all participating Redbirds.
“Being the lead intern has been such a fun experience!” said Kyah Joseph, senior public relations major and lead 2022-2023 intern. “My organizational skills have improved tremendously, and I’ve learned so much about how to lead a team well.”
Led by key School of Communication professionals, Denise Thomas and Tom Lamonica, the Promotion and Development team works diligently the entire academic year to ensure COM Week runs smoothly. It’s a significant undertaking, but one they both tackle with a smile and the desire to see our students succeed.
“I’m so inspired by our students every year. It’s a tough event to plan, but the learning experiences for all of us are unparalleled. This year is no different. We have an excellent team in place, and I have no doubt COM Week 2023 will level up everyone’s knowledge and networking,” said Thomas, business manager in the School of Communication.
Meet this year’s team:
Ella S.
“In addition to organizing panels for COM Week, I use my creativity and keen eye to plan and design event décor and promotional pieces. I am also partnering with the Association for Women in Communications student chapter to put on the annual ‘Mocktails’ networking event. It is a free event that discusses the importance of networking, and even offers free professional headshots.”
Kyah Joseph
“I am the lead intern for this year’s team. I, as well as the seven exceptional young women I am leading, share a dedication and love for the School of Communication, and we are showcasing that through COM Week. On top of making sure COM Week goes off without a hitch, I am heading a student panel focused on informing undeclared students of their many options in the School of Communication. I also get the privilege of working with Alicia Bettes and Micah Vetter, two alums who will provide keynote speeches on their expertise.”
Grace Huff
“I am helping to plan the ‘Level Up Your Relationships’ panel and the ‘Level Up Your Communication in Fashion and Beauty’ panel. I am also working with one of our keynote speakers and workshop leader, Eric Hoss, who is the author of Removing Doubt in an Interview: A Better Approach to Getting the Job You Want.”
Erica Paul
“I have brought my public relations and writing expertise to the table by supporting the team in planning the annual COM Week event for the past eight months. My colleagues and I have co-developed two panels, ‘Level Up Your Relationships’ and ‘Level Up Your Communication in Fashion and Beauty.’ To make these come to life I have written descriptions, contacted industry professionals, and much more. I am looking forward to seeing all our hard work come together this April!”
Amber Kuhn
“As a Journalism major, I bring new innovative ideas and a media perspective to the team. I am planning Greg Dwyer and Bill Michaels’ keynote titled, ‘Level up your Broadcast Likeness’, which will revolve around their award-winning radio show. In addition, I am working with recent School of Communication graduates to conduct a ‘Level up your Early Career’ panel. This panel will focus on early-career success and how current students can follow in their footsteps.”
Anna Andersen
“My main passions are mental health awareness and social media. I created a panel titled ‘Social Media and Mental Health’ to show the commonalities between these two. My role also includes connecting with alums who have unique career paths for my ‘Outside the Box’ panel.”
Kate Mueller
“I have a passion for community engagement and an interest in working in non-profits so I am leading the COM Week panel titled, ‘Explore the World of Non-profit Communication’ which will feature professionals who combined their love for communication and civic engagement and explain how they got involved and now work in the world of non-profits. I will also be leading the ‘Graduate School’ panel which will feature current graduate students discussing their grad school experience and what made them choose to continue their journey into higher education.”
Maggie Mokrzycki
“This is my second year at SOCPD, and I use my previous knowledge to assist the interns. I work closely with Denise Thomas on all aspects of School of Communication events. I create marketing pieces, schedules, and spreadsheets. My current project is the ‘Awards and Scholarship Luncheon’.”
Since 2008, COM Week has become the largest and best-attended professional development week for students on Illinois State University’s campus.
“For 40 years, COM Week has been a collaboration of SoC leadership, faculty, students, and, of course, alumni and professionals,” said Tom Lamonica, director of field experiences in the School of Communication. “The professional world is changing with unprecedented speed. Having today’s communicators talk about their work and their environment is value-added education.”
Level up your communication and save the date for the 2023 COM Week, April 10-14. This year, events will take place virtually and in person. Follow us on Instagram at @ilstucom for more updates on the schedule.
