December 15, 2021

Student Talent Showcased in Photo Exhibition

Photojournalism works can be seen in Morehead Hall through May

Posted in: Arts, Communication and Media, University

Students in Thomas E. Franklin’s Photojournalism class pose for a group photo behind Morehead Hall.

Photojournalism students in the School of Communication and Media celebrated the end of the semester with a new exhibition of photographs and a gallery reception in the student lounge in Morehead Hall on December 14.

From the emotional COVID-19 service held on campus in September, to the tightly contested 2021 Gubernatorial race and Election Day coverage, to capturing striking images of President Barack Obama, students developed picture-taking skills on and off campus throughout the semester.

More than 30 photos will be on display in the student lounge, taken by 19 students in Associate Multimedia Journalism Professor Thomas E. Franklin’s Photojournalism class through the end of the academic year. This is the fourth photo exhibit of student work. The images were selected by Franklin, and students did not know which of their photos would be chosen.

“This is a great way for us to highlight our students’ talent,” says Franklin. “I’m very proud of the hard work the students put in this semester, especially during a pandemic where photographing in the field can be very challenging. They did great work and I’m excited to share it with our community.”

Roughly 50 people attended the gallery reception, including invited professionals from the media industry, former photojournalism students, as well as some parents and friends invited by the students.

Among the work featured are some by John LaRosa, who is also the photo editor at The Montclarion. LaRosa photographed President Obama at a campaign event for Governor Murphy in Newark and also covered the Gubernatorial election event in Asbury Park. Sekhena Sembenu covered both Gubernatorial candidates on the campaign trail and made several creative and intriguing portrait photos. Lynise Olivacce covered the COVID-19 memorial service on campus and produced images that captured the raw emotion of the event. These and other outstanding images highlight the creativity and skill of these future multimedia professionals.

Follow the conversation about the exhibition on social media by using #scm_photojournalism2021

Photo Gallery

Professor Thomas E. Franklin speaks to students and invited guests during the gallery reception.

School of Communication and Media Director Keith Strudler speaks to students and guests during the gallery reception. — School of Communication and Media Director Keith Strudler speaks to students and guests at the reception.

Photojournalism student Tiffannie Coy, center, speaks to guests and students at the gallery reception. She was sitting with her mother and some friends — Photojournalism student Tiffannie Coy, center, speaks to guests and students. She is sitting with her mother and some friends.

Invited guests react to some of the photographs on display in the student lounge in Morehead Hall.