Welcome Back Dinner

On January 23rd, the IC Program and the ICSF hosted a Welcome Back Dinner for food and conversation among returning students, newly admitted students and faculty members. This annual event is always a great way to kick off the new semester and catch up with friends and faculty.

Careers in Public Diplomacy: Panel Discussion & Networking Event

This student lead initiative melded advice from seasoned practitioners with the opportunity to network with local and visiting graduate students interested in Public Diplomacy. The event featured guest presenters: Aaron Snipe, Spokesperson, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State; Dr. Amy Zalman, Senior Research/Policy Analyst at SAIC; Joe Mellott, Deputy Director, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, US Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs; Scott Smith, Deputy Direct, Office of eDiplomacy, US Department of State; and Aimee Fullman, Manager, Cultural Relations and Networks, British Council. In addition, graduate students from USC, George Washington, and Syracuse University joined SIS graduate students from the International Communication, International Media and US Foreign Policy programs for this event.

Rebecca MacKinnon Book Talk

In the first of the IC Program's Book Talk Series, Rebecca MacKinnon presented her latest book: Consent of the Network: The Worldwide Struggle for Internet Freedom. During her presentation, Ms. MacKinnon wove together threads citizen engagement and corporate responsibility along with....Rebecca MacKinnon is a Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow at the New America Foundation, where she explores global internet policy, free expression, and the impact of digital technologies on human rights. She cofounded Global Voices, an international citizen media network and serves on the Boards of Directors at both the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Global Network Initiative.

Nation Branding: Public Diplomacy Roundtable

This exciting event featured public and cultural diplomacy practitioners from around the globe discussing their work in the field. The conversation included Mr. Najat Abdullah (Director of Community and Cultural Affairs, Kurdistan Regional Government, US Representation); Ms Linken Nymann Berryman (Counselor and Head of Cultural Communications Department, Royal Norwegian Embassy); Mr. Virander Paul (Minister of Press, Information and Culture, Embassy of India); and Mr. Simon Barber (Brand South Africa). This engaging discussion featured both presentations from the panelists and a roundtable discussion of current issues in public and cultural diplomacy.

State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland Visits the IC Program

Ambassador Victoria "Toria" Nuland visited the IC Commons to have an informal conversation with graduate students about her experiences as a distinguished Foreign Service Officer. Students received a 'behind the scenes' account of the daily briefing process, as well as personal accounts of serving in different capacities for several administrations. Fielding questions from students, Spokesperson Nuland also discussed new directions within the State Department and her methods of communicating to internal and external audiences.

Global Social Media Research Symposium 

The Global Social Media Research Symposium on March 23, 2012, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at American University, Washington, DC, explored current research on the worldwide use of social media for societal reform and cultural-political transformation. The symposium will feature representatives from major technology companies, policy experts, journalists, researchers, and research groups.  Panel sessions will be devoted to social media technologies and innovation along with their application across national borders, the role of government in promoting access to these technologies, and recent research findings on social media reform movements worldwide.

IC Alumni-Student Reception, March 29th 2012

The International Communication Program held an alumni-student reception, Thursday, March 29th from 7-8:30 pm in the SIS Building, Abraham's Family Founders Room. 

This was an opportunity for alumni to meet current students and faculty, and enjoy an evening of conversation, wine and hors d'oeuvres in our beautiful new building. Over 40 alumni, current students, faculty and friends of the program attended this evening of reminiscing and networking.

Visit to the State Department Briefing Room

At the invitation of Spokesperson Victoria Nuland, IC and IM students attended a  State Department press briefing. This opportunity gave students a first-hand look at public diplomacy in action and followed to Amb. Nuland's visit to the IC Commons. It gave students a chance to see the practice of shaping the department's message and the interactions between the Spokesperson and members of the press corps.

Practicum Forum

On April 27th, The IC program will be holding our first Practicum Forum. Graduate students completing their Capstone Projects will present their work to faculty, alumni, students and colleagues. Projects span a wide range of issues in the field of International Communication, including: preparing health communication materials for diverse communities and multiple audiences; developing social media strategies for private companies; extractive industry and social enterprises; and reintegration practices for students returning from international exchanges.

Graduation Brunch

One of the most joyous events on the annual IC Program calendar is the graduation brunch. Here we take a little time to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students with their families and friends, and toast their success as the begin the next phase of their journey. Congratulations to the class of 2012!