COMM Week 2016 To Feature International Speakers, Networking

The Department of Communication Studies at Texas State will feature two internationally recognized speakers during Communication Week 2016.

Shawn Turner, former deputy press secretary of the White House, will open the event with a talk titled, “Communicate Confidence in your Education” at 11 a.m., February 16 in the LBJ Center Student Ballroom. Turner is a Texas State Communication Studies alumnus who currently works as managing director with Mercury Public Strategies in Washington, D.C. He has a broad professional background in both crisis and strategic communication and foreign policy in relation to the Middle East and North Africa.

Kuro Tawil, owner of philanthropic company Kuros!, will present a talk titled, “Communicate Care with your Profession” at 12:30 p.m., February 17 in the Performing Arts Center. Tawil graduated from Texas State in 2012 with a degree in Communication Studies and later conceived of his business idea while backpacking in Asia. His business serves to provide women in developing countries with pepper spray to protect themselves against assault. Tawil also blogs for the Huffington Post.

Additionally, there will be a variety of discussions geared to help and inspire communications students in future job searches, including panels titled, “My BA isn’t BS” and “Jump Start Your Job Search,” featuring professionals from across the United States. The event will end with a university-wide mixer where students can reach out to faculty and student organizations for guidance in their academic and professional progress.

“The events are going to be cutting-edge,” said Michael Burns, Communication Week co-chair. “In our Speed Networking event, for example, students will be able to sit with hiring managers and make important life-changing connections.”

“We want to inspire and offer Texas State students a leg up in their search for employment and help them to make the most of their education here,” said Marian Houser, Communication Week co-chair.

Follow Texas State Communication Studies on Twitter @TXSTCommStudies or find it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/txstatecomm for more information.