Lewellen encourages students to continue learning their craft

Distinguished ASU graduate and vice president of public relations at Universal Orlando Resort Michael Lewellen encouraged students to create and develop their own personal brand at the College of Communications awards banquet Wednesday night.

Lewellen, a graduate of ASU's journalism department with 26 years of experience in public relations, gave sound advice and other words of wisdom to Communications students receiving awards for various achievements. "Please forever be students of your craft," Lewellen said. "If you ever think that you've learned everything something is wrong."

Lewellen is a Jonesboro native whose career has taken him to seven different states. He spent seven years as vice president of Corporate Communications for Black Entertainment Television (BET) at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and, prior to that, was vice president of media relations for FOX Sports Network in New York. He has also worked for companies as iconic as Turner Sports, Nike, and SBC Communications (now AT&T).

Lewellen said that, coming from such prestigious companies, he knows the importance of the brand. "A brand is sacred....it represents you, what you stand for, and what you won't stand for," Lewellen said. "You as students should strive to create and work by your own brand...something that's sacred to you and represents you."

Lewellen also touched on the importance of mentors calling on some of his own former teachers present for the event. He said that good mentors will sometimes "tell you the things you may not want to hear" and "won't make you just want to be like them, but better." He added, "A mentor will be the one to point out the things you don't see, the holes and traps, because they have been there before."

Lewellen closed by reiterating a quote he first heard in an interview with pioneer African American professional tennis player Arthur Ashe. He said that the words have always stuck with him and inspired him to always be the best he can. He said, "Remember that someone is always watching."

Top award winners for the night included Brandon Morris for Outstanding Journalism Student. Candice James received the award for Outstanding Graphic Communications Student.

Andrea Caldwell was named Photographer of the Year. "I am surprised. I wasn't expecting it because I do not have a major in the college. It is an honor to receive this award," Caldwell said. Caldwell is currently serving as photo editor of "The Herald."

Andrew Geswein was Radio-televisions Outstanding Student for the Year. Mary Massengill received the award for Outstanding Communications Studies.

Andrew Wilson was given the communication college's Robert L. Hoskins Award for Professional Achievement "It is a great honor to receive the award and to be highly thought of by my professors," Wilson said, who is currently serving as multimedia director of "The Herald."

Various scholarships for the College of Communications were also awarded.

For a full list of awards please visit www.asuherald.com