RTNDA students, alumni meet in Hollywood

Emerson College alumni and Journalism students gathered for a dinner at Cabo Wabo Cantina in Hollywood on February 18 to network and celebrate recent successes. The dinner was hosted by the Emerson College chapter of RTDNA and the Journalism Department.

“It’s great to see our students and alumni coming together to support each other,” said Kevin Bright ’76, Emerson Los Angeles Founding Director.

Kristen Torgen Flannery '90 and Mike McCusker '88

Bright, Oscar-nominated film editor Michael McCusker ’88, TV executive Jennifer O’Connell ’94, and producer Gary Grossman ’70, who serves on the Emerson Board of Trustees, were among some of the high-profile alumni in attendance. The dinner was an opportunity for students, alumni, and friends of the College to build connections, exchange advice, and celebrate the accomplishments of Emersonians during the busy awards season. Several alumni in attendance are working on the upcoming Academy Awards and gave career advice to students at the dinner.

Gary Grossman '70 speaks with Emari Traffie '14.

Emerson College has several ties to the 87th Academy Awards, airing on February 22, 2015, including Arnon Milchan P’94, who produced the nine-time Oscar nominated film Birdman, and Maria Menounos ’00, who will be working the red carpet. Talent producer Pat Lambert ’11 will be working as a production assistant for the broadcast.

“I took a week off of work for the biggest show in the world,” said Lambert. “This is my vacation and I can’t imagine a better way to spend it.”

Kristen Torgen Flannery '90, Jonathan Satriale '94, MA '09, and Jen O'Connell '94. 

Lambert spoke with many of the Journalism students present at the event, sharing his own personal contacts and offering advice on what roads to take after graduating from college.

“I gave them places to go to look for good positions around the country,” said Lambert.

Bright called the event a success for helping students and alumni come together.

“When you’re in a room with Emersonians, you feel an energy, excitement, and sense of accomplishment,” said Bright. “It feels like home.”