By: Keturah Stone
MONTGOMERY, Ala. − Halloween is a national pastime where people enjoy dressing up as someone else. In the spirit of the season Auburn University at Montgomery’s (AUM) campus held “Shriek Week” as the school colors are black and orange, and the Communication Department was part of these celebrations with a Halloween faculty-mentee party Monday night.
The purpose of the event was for faculty mentors to meet their student mentees. The week before an email was sent out about a scavenger hunt to where students could win up prizes, including first place: $100 toward your student account; second place: lunch with Bethany Davis at WSFA and third place: $50 value gift basket. At the end of the night, Communication senior Mackenzie Martin was awarded lunch with WSFA anchor Bethany Davis.
Students enjoyed getting to know their professors outside the classroom instead of in a professional setting. Jordan White a sophomore majoring in Communication with a concentration in Journalism said, “I really enjoyed getting to play games with my classmates and seeing who my mentor will be the next two years.” Another student I spoke with was senior Mason Lawerence who said, “I enjoyed the event and enjoyed winning trivia. Being partnered with a mentor can have a huge impact on a student’s journey through college.”
I spoke with two professors who have been with AUM communication department for several years. Hilary Gamble, associate professor and the journalism major mentor, was pleased with the turnout. “I think it went just like we wanted it too it was fun, and we got to know our students better instead of it being a drift we can be more like friends and help mentor,” said Gamble. Sommer Tate, a senior lecturer, added, “We wanted to get to know our students better and help be a part of their decision and journey in college. We just wanted to have a little fun friendly environment to do that in.”
Attending college can be difficult for students but going on a journey alone can be harder. Tonight, the Communication Department event showed communication students they are a part of a program that cares for their college experience and will mentor them along the way.