Journalism Alumni Panel Preview

By: Eric Harper

The Journalism Alumni Panel at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Old Main 320 will feature professionals who were once on the viewing side of Mass Communication Week.

Former University Star editors Jason Buch and Maira Garcia will join former Star news reporter and Society of Professional Journalists president Isadora Vail in a panel discussion with audience members. The panel will discuss how they got where they are today and the role Texas State played in the process.

“I can finally give something back to the place that helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life,” Vail said.

Buch, the automotive, manufacturing, technology and telecommunication beat reporter for the San Antonio Express-News, said he remembers what it was like to participate in Mass Communication Week as a student.

“I remember being in awe of all the journalists that came in to speak,” Buch said. “It will be cool to be able to come back.”

Vail, public safety reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, said the event gives students a unique insight into the journalistic world.

“It’s great insight for the students,” Vail said. “It shows them what it takes to break into the industry and also gives them networking opportunities.”

Buch said the students are not the only ones who benefit from the experience.

“It gives outsiders a view of the program,” Buch said. “Texas State has a good journalism program with a lot of enthusiastic students and it’s good for employers to be able to get an up-close view.”

Photo Courtesy of Isadora Vail.