MU Delegates Visit Ithaca College of NY

Delegates from Mekelle University’s College of Social Sciences and Languages/department of Journalism and Communication have paid experience sharing visit to Ithaca College, New York, USA from Nov. 07-11, 2016. Dean of CSSL, Dr. Zenawi Zerihun and Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication, Mr. Mebrahten Gebremariam, have discussed with Dean of the Ithaca College’s Roy H Park School of Communication, Professor Diane Gayeski, and other faculty members on possible areas of partnership.

Accordingly, staff and student exchange, capacity building, developing funding proposals, upgrading media technology facilities are among the top priories to be dealt with in the future. The two parties have consented to further discuss on details that pave the way for signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at top management levels from both sides. Similar discussions have been held with Dr. Tanya Saunders, Assistant Provost, International Studies and Special Programs Office of the Provost.

Besides, the delegates have brought 71 books of Journalism, Communication, PR and Advertising donated by Ithaca College community as a precursor of the intended collaborations. “All of the books are relevant to our curriculum and hence they will play critical role solving the dearth of reference materials we face in the areas of Journalism and Public Relations,” said Mr. Mebrahten.

The College’s Roy H Park School of Communications is among the bests of its kind in the United States. The School has a renowned center, Keshishoglou Center for Global Communications Innovation, named after its founding Dean, the late Dr. John Keshishoglou. Kesh’s professional contributions to the global media system was so immense that the Center is pursuing his values. During their visit, the delegates also discussed with Robert Regan, Director of the Center, on extracurricular and co-curricular contributions and their prospect of applying to the Ethiopian context.
Dr. Zenawi Zerihun, Ms. April Johanns and Asst. Prof. Robert Regan

In addition to the discussions with leadership and faculty members of the College, the MU delegates have also observed Ithaca College Television studios, The Ithacan, weekly newspaper, and other media facilities as well as classroom settings and lecture sessions.
On the other hand, the MU delegates on their part have delivered presentations on selected topics of media and communications in the Ethiopian context to students and faculty members in two of the classes they attended.