The University of West Georgia’s School of Communications, Film and Media (SCFM) buzzed with excitement earlier this month as students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members commemorated its second annual Media Night, a showcase of creativity and networking. 

As budding journalists, filmmakers and media creators mingled with industry professionals, the event not only celebrated the students’ hard work but also highlighted the evolving landscape of media, sparking discussions about the future of storytelling in an ever-connected world. 

Alumna Teresa Whitaker ’85, a veteran anchor/reporter with Columbus, Georgia’s WRBL News 3, served as the keynote speaker, following remarks by UWG Interim President Dr. Ashwani Monga. The event was sponsored by Southwire and Amitrace. 

Media Night also celebrated the following 2024 Distinguished Award Recipients: 

• Distinguished Service Award: Campus Partner: UWG SCFM Academic Advisors 
Joy Ginther ’05 ’14, Sean Jepson ’13 and Christen Knight 

• Distinguished Service Award: Community Partner: Southwire’s Communications and Giving Back Team 

• Rising Star Award: McKenzie Benefield ’18, national creative production designer, iHeart Media, and in-arena host, Savannah Ghost Pirates 

• Distinguished Alumni Award: Kelsey Matthews ’13, founder and CEO, Kelsey & Company 

• Career Achievement Award: Ashley Bush ’11, communications director, Southwire Company