Society of Adventist Communicators Convention Recognizes PUC

From October 15-17, Pacific Union College Communication Department Chair Tara Hargrove, PUC communication major Sebastian Alvarez, and MA student Abigail Suttan attended the Society of Adventist Communicators Convention in Orlando, Florida. Hosted by the North American Division, this annual event brings together Adventist communication professionals, educators, and students to learn, network, and be inspired.

With this year’s theme focusing on purpose, passion, and partnership in ministry and media communications, attendees attended keynotes and workshops to strengthen their communication in writing, public relations, and social media skills. As the media world constantly changes, attending different sessions allowed Hargrove and her students to see new developments and learn how to incorporate those lessons into the classroom and workplace. The event included networking halls with leaders and professionals from across the country, allowing students, like Suttan and Alvarez, to connect with employers and meet other students from other colleges and universities.

“The convention was a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience the communication profession beyond the classroom,” said Hargrove. “One of the most rewarding parts was watching them engage with what they were learning. They weren't just listening to presentations. They evaluated ideas, questioned what they disagreed with, and recognized how much they had already learned at PUC. It was exciting to see them realize they could hold their own in conversations about their field!”

Through PUC’s Communication Department's communication conferences course, students attend a professional conference and complete daily reflections, culminating in a final portfolio that shows what they learned and how it supports their education and professional goals. Attending the SAC Convention is a prime example of why the class benefits their education, preparing them to speak with future employers.

On Saturday evening, the awards banquet honored outstanding achievements from different institutions, and PUC won five awards in social media, photography, video, and design. PUC’s student-led newspaper, Campus Chronicle, received recognition, with Alvarez, Caleb Kast, and Jaylyn Drennon winning Best Print Design for a magazine layout. Carrie White, PUC graphic designer and social media manager, won Best Print Design for a logo or cover for the PUC enrollment shirt. Keren Castro, PUC admissions counselor and photographer, received the Journalistic Photography Award for her photo, Graduation Emotions. PUC Videographer Josue Hilario and senior Sam Birky won Best Web Video for their work, Finding Your Place at Pacific Union College. Unchart(Ed), a PUC podcast hosted by Hargrove, Associate Pastor for Worship & Administration Lem Garcia, and former PUC staff Becky St. Clair, received an honorable mention for its social media post.

“The students were absolutely thrilled!” said Hargrove. “They cheered enthusiastically for their school and were so excited to go up and help receive the awards. Their excitement made the evening especially memorable.”

For Hargrove, she values opportunities like this convention to stay connected to the profession and learn about the ongoing trends and challenges shaping the communication field today. “I came away with ideas and examples to bring into my classes, particularly around understanding audiences and storytelling,” she said. “But one of my biggest takeaways came from observing our students. Seeing them confidently evaluate professional presentations reinforced the importance of teaching not just practical skills but also critical thinking and the ability to apply what they've learned in new situations.”

Hargrove hopes her students left the event with a better understanding of the communication profession, new professional connections, and a greater confidence in their abilities. “There is something significant about moving beyond the classroom and beginning to see yourself as part of a larger professional community. It was rewarding to watch them make those connections and recognize that they belonged in those spaces,” she said.

As PUC’s Communication Department enjoys attending the convention, they hope to bring more students each year. Still, funding remains a challenge, as the combined costs of conference registration, airfare, lodging, and meals make it difficult for students to attend. “We were incredibly fortunate to have generous alumni who helped fund our participation this year, and I'm so grateful for their investment in our students,” shared Hargrove. “I'd love to see more consistent support for professional conference participation, whether through institutional funding, experiential learning funds, or continued alumni partnerships.” With the SAC Convention in Seattle next year, Hargrove would love to bring more students and give them more opportunities to learn and grow in communication, benefiting their careers.