Reflections on the Upcoming Convention

We are now gathering in New Orleans for the NCA annual convention. There will be many exciting events, but before I spotlight some of those, I would like to share some brief thoughts on what this gathering means to me. 

The first time I attended the NCA annual convention it was in New Orleans, so this location brings back memories of that experience. I had just completed my master's degree, but having been a non-traditional student, I felt out of place and knew next to no one. I remember being awed by the vastness the program and feeling anxious about giving my first presentation. Fast forward to the present, and, wherever the location of the convention, attending feels like coming home. I always gain valuable insights, but connecting, especially with you in the Mass Communication Division, is what I find most valuable. Whether this is your first year attending or you have attended too many times to count, my hope is that you experience that sense of community within the division too. 

To that end, there are three opportunities for us to gather as an entire division on Friday, November 18th: 

Top Student Papers, 12:30-:45 p.m. 

Business Meeting, 2:00-3:15 p.m. An agenda is forthcoming, but we will celebrate our award recipients, accept nominations for leadership roles, and discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives of the division. (See related announcements below.) 

Top Papers, 3:30-4:45 p.m 

I hope you will consider spending Friday afternoon with us in the Marriott Mardi Gras Ballroom! 

See you soon 

Sincerely,

Valerie Kretz
Chair, Mass Communication Division
St. Norbert College

valerie.kretz@snc.edu

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