NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

9/03/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES- For Glenn Tillman, attending the recent UNITY 2004 Conference in Washington, D.C., was about more than travelling to the nation's capital and hearing from several newsmakers. It was a chance to give himself a boost as he prepared to begin his career.

Tillman, a senior broadcast journalism major from New Orleans, was one of 40 students from across the nation chosen to participate in the world's largest gathering of minority journalists. Several thousand journalists, students, political and corporate leaders of color attend the conference each year.

"I always felt that I could have a successful career, but this gave me another level of confidence. I will go into the field ready," said Tillman. "Now, I also have experiences I can pass along to other students in our program."

Tillman and fellow students worked with professional mentors to build a working newsroom and produce three newscasts. Students filled the positions of reporters, producers, assignment editors, editors and anchors in a typical newsroom that covered conference activities and other events of importance to attendees.

"I was able to be a weather anchor for one of the newscasts," said Tillman. "My mentor gave me good feedback and said I was very conversational. They said the weathercast was informative and fun. Plus the forecast was accurate."

A reporter for NSU 22, Tillman also has his own sports show on Channel 22, and has frequently hosted an interview show, Demon Life. He submitted a resume tape as well as a lengthy application to NABJ to be considered as a student journalist for the national conference.

Jon Beans, news director of Alabama Public Television and NABJ UNITY TV Lead, told Tillman's adviser at NSU that he had been extremely impressed with Tillman's ability and positive attitude.

"I would not have selected Glen if I did not think he would represent NABJ and his school with dignity and honor," said Beans.

Conference attendees heard from President George W. Bush, Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry, Secretary of State Colin Powell and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

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