Media Night
third annual Media Night:
Save the date - October 9, 2025
Media Night is an opportunity to celebrate recent student achievements and pave the way for future initiatives that will empower students to establish their legacy in the communication, film, and media industries. The evening also provides a chance for alumni, community partners, and friends of the School to contribute to and enhance student learning opportunities. A central theme of the event is the impact of higher education, experiential learning, and career readiness. We would greatly appreciate your support in investing in the training of the next generation of communication, film, and media professionals.
2024 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Teresa Whitaker '85
Anchor/Reporter
WRBL News 3 (Columbus, GA)
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Teresa Whitaker began her career in television in 1987 as a production assistant. After six months, she was promoted to news where she began her reporting career as a general assignment reporter. Not long after she became a reporter, Teresa was promoted to the anchor desk. She’s anchored mornings and weekends, and at noon. She now co-anchors the 5, 5:30, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights.
Teresa is passionate about service and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service sorority where she has served in her local chapter as Chair of the 60th Anniversary Steering Committee, Founders Day Committee, Gospelfest Committee, and co-chair of the Scholarship Gala Committee. She now serves on the Membership Services Committee and as Chair of Public Relations.
Teresa has also served on the Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors where she served on the Faith Committee and the Public Relations/Fundraising Committee.
thank you to our 2024 sponsors
COLLABORATOR
COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSOR
CUPCAKES & KARAOKE SPONSOR
Dr. Brad Yates
Dean, School of Communication, Film, and Media
2024 distinguished AWARD RECIPIENTS
Distinguished Service Award - Campus Partner
UWG SCFM Academic Advisors
Joy Ginther '05 '14, Sean Jepson '13, and Christen Knight
“Thank you so much for this incredible honor. We are truly humbled and grateful to receive this award! It means the world to our entire team to know that our efforts in supporting your students' success are recognized and appreciated in such meaningful way. Working with SCFM has truly been the most rewarding experience. You treat us like true partners, consistently asking for our input, listening to our feedback, and collaborating with kindness and respect. This partnership has deepened our commitment to helping students not only succeed academically but also prepare confidently for their futures. Your recognition of our dedication motivates us to continue giving our best each day.”
Distinguished Service Award - Community Partner
Southwire Company
Communcations and Giving Back Team
“Southwire’s Communications and Giving Back team is grateful for our strong, long-standing relationship with the UWG School of Communication, Film and Media. We truly enjoy every opportunity we have to plug in and engage with faculty, staff and students, and we are also proud to say that many on our team and within our company are alumni of SCFM programs. It is an honor for our team to be recognized with this award, and we look forward to even greater opportunities ahead for our partnership.”
Rising Star Award
McKenzie Benefield '18
National Creative Production Designer - iHeartMedia, Inc.
In-Arena Host - Savannah Ghost Pirates
"I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the 2024 Rising Star Alumni Award from UWG. When I graduated, I could never have imagined the incredible experiences and opportunities that would come my way, both in this field and beyond. This recognition is a reflection of the unwavering support and mentorship I received from so many at UWG. I especially want to thank Shawn Isaacs, Michael Tucker, and Dr. Bradford Yates for believing in me, cheering me on, and constantly reminding me that life has a beautiful way of surprising us. Thank you for inspiring me to reach for the stars."
Distinguished Alumni Award
Kelsey Matthews '13
Founder and CEO - Kelsey & Company
"I am deeply honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from the UWG School of Communication, Film, and Media. This recognition not only reflects my personal journey but also the invaluable support I received early in my career from its faculty and peers. The department provided me with hands-on, real-world experience that has been crucial to my success. My commitment to making opportunities accessible for the next generation of industry professionals and my dedication to community engagement are rooted in the principles I learned at UWG."
Career Achievement Award
Ashley Bush '11
Director, Communcations - Southwire Company
“The University of West Georgia is a meaningful place to my family – and the UWG School of Communication, Film, and Media holds an extra special spot in my heart. The opportunities offered and the relationships built during my time in the program – and those that have continued in the years that have followed – ignited and drove my passion to pursue a career in corporate communication. There are so many amazing SCFM alumni making a difference in the world today because of their UWG connections and experiences, and I am truly humbled and honored to receive the inaugural career achievement award. I look forward to celebrating at this year’s Media Night event.”
Ticket and sponsorship information
Purchase your tickets or sponsorship today!
scfm Partner Sponsor
$5,000
- Two reserved tables with 8 seats each, each seat includes cocktail hour with 2 drink tickets and a plated dinner
- Logo/Branding on Table Tent
- Logo included on email marketing
- Social Media posting and tagging
- Recognition during program remarks
- Name & logo listed on Media Night website and venue display
- Name in digital program
scfm Collaborator Sponsor
$2,500
- One reserved table of 8 seats, each seat includes cocktail hour with 2 drink tickets and a plated dinner
- Logo/Branding on Table Tent
- Logo included on email marketing
- Social Media posting and tagging
- Name & logo listed on Media Night website and venue display
- Name in digital program
scfm Mentor sponsor
$1,000
- 4 Tickets Open Seating, each ticket includes cocktail hour with 2 drink tickets and a plated dinner
- Social Media posting and tagging
- Name & logo listed on Media Night website and venue display
- Name in digital program
scfm Supporter Sponsor
$500
- 2 Tickets Open Seating, each ticket includes cocktail hour with 2 drink tickets and a plated dinner
- Name and logo listed on Media Night website
- Name in digital program
scfm friend sponsor
$250
- 1 Ticket Open Seating, includes cocktail hour with 2 drink tickets and a plated dinner
- Name in digital program
scfm individual ticket
$75
- Open seating ticket to the event, includes cocktail hour with 2 drink tickets and a plated dinner
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities
Cupcakes & Karaoke After-Party Sponsor
$1500
committed
- Name and brand as part of event
- 4 Tickets Open Seating, each ticket includes cocktail hour with 2 drink tickets and a plated dinner
- Social Media posting and tagging
- Name & logo listed on Media Night website and venue display
- Name in digital program
Cocktail Hour Sponsor
$750
committed
- Logo on all cocktail napkins
- Logo on bar signage
- 2 Tickets Open Seating, each ticket includes cocktail hour with 2 drink tickets and a plated dinner
- Name & logo listed on Media Night website
- Name in digital program
If you can't attend, but still want to be part of the legacy being built here within the School of Communication, Film, and Media, follow the link below to make a donation.
Highlights from Media Night 2023
