SOC Students Shine Behind the Scenes at the Presidential Inauguration
On Monday, January 20, 2025, six AU School of Communication (SOC) students had the opportunity of a lifetime, working with ABC News to cover the Presidential Inauguration. Jane Caroline Fusco, Kennedy Morgan, Emily Sohl, Logan Cogdell, Julianne听Sheehan, and Marco Gacina were selected by author and SOC Professor Jill Olmsted as part of a long-standing partnership between SOC and ABC News, spanning several presidential inaugurations.听
These students played critical roles in helping correspondents do their jobs and handling various logistical responsibilities, from setting up shots outside the White House to working in the production truck. They even served as stand-ins for anchors David Muir and Martha Raddatz. 鈥淭hese students stepped up in the extreme cold, rapidly changing circumstances, and worked very long hours to do the kind of hands-on journalism we train them to do,鈥 said Olmsted, emphasizing the professionalism and adaptability the students displayed during this historic event.听听
The tasks were as varied as they were demanding. Fusco recalled helping to 鈥渟et up shots for correspondents and [being] prepared for anything at the White House.鈥 Meanwhile, Morgan was responsible for capturing 鈥渕orning shots of the transitions between Biden and Trump,鈥 a key moment of the day. Some students also worked inside the Capitol, covering events such as the military demonstration with outgoing President Trump, while others were stationed in the Rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building.听
Sohl described the experience as transformative, saying it allowed her to 鈥済et a feel for what it鈥檚 like to work in broadcast news.鈥 She added, 鈥淚t really opened my eyes to what a job in production entails,鈥 defining how the day offered a practical glimpse into the realities of the field.听
The students also found personal moments of inspiration that reinforced their passion for journalism. For Sheehan, the experience was particularly meaningful, as her lifelong admiration for
ABC News added a special layer to the day. 鈥淢y first introduction into the world of journalism was watching ABC News all day long in my house,鈥 she said, noting how David Muir has always been one of her idols, 鈥渋t was a dream come true.鈥 She made sure to absorb every detail, analyzing the movements and adjustments made by the production team and Muir himself. 鈥淚 thanked him once again and told him I look forward to working with him in the future.鈥澨In addition to the hands-on experience, the students valued the opportunity to network. 鈥淚t was a great way to shake hands and expand my network,鈥 Sheehan shared, capturing the importance of connections in the journalism industry.听
The students were eager to expand their professional networks, with Sheehan calling the experience 鈥渁 great way to shake hands and expand my network.鈥 Gacina, who is set to graduate this spring, saw the event as an important step toward his career goals. 鈥淚 will be applying to any and every job with the organization that I can find in anticipation of my graduation this spring, so I am hoping to become a full-time employee after graduation,鈥 he shared.听
The students鈥 professionalism left a strong impression on ABC News staff. 鈥淲e love AU students. Your students showed up and showed out!鈥 said Perita Carpenter, Manager of Production Operations for ABC News.听
The partnership between SOC and ABC News allowed these six students to put their skills to the test in a high-stakes environment, with each one taking away valuable lessons and unforgettable experiences. 鈥淭his kind of opportunity doesn鈥檛 come around very often,鈥 Fusco remarked. 鈥淭his was just one more affirmation that I made the right choice when I came to 麻豆传媒 for broadcast journalism.鈥澨