CSUF Comm Week 2026: Full Schedule

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10:00am PDT

Stacking vs. Producing: How to Maximize your Rundown to Create an Engaging Newscast

Tuesday April 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Anyone can stack a rundown, but what does it really mean to be a televsion news producer? In this session, you will learn the tools to set your rundown apart from the competition and what really makes a great and engaging newscast.

Hosted by Professor Penchan Phoborisut

Speakers

Adrian Garcia

Executive Producer, NBC 10 Boston

Adrian Garcia graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2016 with a degree in print journalism, but decided to go to the dark side of TV. And he's so glad he did. He started his career at KGUN-TV in Tucson, AZ where he worked in a newsroom full of talented journalists who took him under... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Tuffree AB TSU

Journalism

11:30am PDT

Breaking into the Film Industry and Propelling Opportunities into the Unknown

Tuesday April 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Hetebrink AB

In this session, Samantha Drews will give an overview of her career history and how she got where she is today. She also will share how to replicate a mindset towards the industry in order to keep oneself busy and consistently moving toward one's goals.

Speakers

Samantha Drews

Actress

Samantha Drews is a CSUF alumnus (2021), graduating with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts. She immediately followed her degree with an internship at The Walt Disney Studios. From there, she honed her craft on indie films and was the first vertical soap opera actress in the United... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Hetebrink AB TSU

Human Communication

11:30am PDT

When the Story Becomes You: Navigating the Collision of Personal Crisis and Public Relations

Tuesday April 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Tuffree AB

What happens when the skills you’ve built to manage other people’s stories are suddenly needed to navigate your own? In this session, Stacey Doss, APR, shares how a deeply personal adoption journey unexpectedly became a public narrative, drawing intense media attention and blurring the line between professional expertise and lived experience. She’ll explore the emotional and ethical complexities of being both the strategist and the subject, and how PR instincts can both help—and complicate—moments of personal crisis. Attendees will gain insight into managing media when the stakes are deeply personal, maintaining authenticity under pressure, and redefining boundaries when your personal and professional identities collide.

Hosted by Professor Renee Tuzee

Speakers

Stacey Doss

President, SDDPR

Stacey is a Silver Anvil-winning, UCLA-graduating PR professional who specializes in strategy planning, media training, and crisis communications. She had been both behind and in front of the camera for the three decades of her PR career, both for clients and personally as an adoption... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Tuffree AB TSU

Public Relations

1:00pm PDT

My Journey from Student to Gaming Manager

Tuesday April 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Tuffree AB

This will be a brief presentation on the journey from student to a gaming manager. This will include all the successes and failures along the journey. After the presentation, there will be an open QA where students can ask questions about navigating the game industry, game development, and work-life balance.

Hosted by Jiwoo Park

Speakers

Rudy Solorzano III

Associate Product Development Manager, Marvel Games

Rudy Solorzano III works for Marvel Games as an Associate Product Development Manager and currently oversees concepts, modeling, texturing, animation, game development, and final marketing for "Fortnite." He has previously worked with Blizzard, Epic Games, and Superseed Studios. He... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Tuffree AB TSU

Advertising

1:00pm PDT

Social Media Marketing: Agency 101

Tuesday April 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Hetebrink AB

This presentation explores how Smarty Social Media, a full-service social media agency, integrates strategy, creative content, paid media, customer engagement, and creator partnerships to drive brands

Attendees will learn how the agency develops data-driven strategies while navigating a complex industry like healthcare. The session will also highlight how creative storytelling and targeted paid campaigns work together to reach and engage audiences effectively. Finally, it will showcase how community management and creator collaborations help brands build authentic, lasting connections online.

Hosted by Professor Tuzee

Speakers

Michelle Prieve

VP, Client Services, Smarty Social

Oversees cross-functional teams to ensure all programming is executed flawlessly and drives measurable business impact. Deeply embedded in clients’ businesses to align marketing strategy with broader organizational goals and growth priorities. Serves as a strategic partner and senior... Read More →

Jami Eidsvold

CEO & Founder, Smarty Social

Sets the agency's overall strategic vision, ensuring all programming aligns with client business objectives and drives measurable growth. Actively guides high-level strategy and execution, providing hands-on leadership across key client initiatives. Architected and launched the first-ever... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Hetebrink AB TSU

Social Media

4:00pm PDT

The Daily Routine (Or Not) of a Speech-Language Pathologist

Tuesday April 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Titan Theater

The purpose of this presentation is to share what life is like as a speech-language pathologist at an elementary school. Every single day is different. Our role is unique depending on the setting, and I hope that sharing my own experiences will positively shape the interests of future speech-language pathologists. I also want to give everyone a realistic idea of what to expect in the coming years as they purse their education. While the job of an SLP is not always easy, it is significantly rewarding and I hope the presentation provides a realistic expectation of my career.

Hosted by Professor Kaylie Holke

Speakers

Ryan Nadler

Speech-Language Pathologist, Santa Ana Unified School District

Ryan Nadler is a Speech-Language Pathologist who attended CSUF from 2017 to 2021, earning his bachelor's degree in Psychology and Communication Disorders. He stayed at CSUF for his graduate education, officially becoming an SLP after finishing his master's in May 2023. Since then... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Titan Theater TSU

Communication Sciences & Disorders

4:00pm PDT

Own the Narrative: Crisis Communication, PR, and Leading Under Pressure

Tuesday April 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Hetebrink AB

This crisis communications and public relations speaker session will feature Tonya McKenzie, founder and chief CTRLer of CTRL the Narrative and CEO of Sand & Shores as well as Michael Mahi, executive director, Strategic Initiatives for Cal State Fullerton.

With extensive experience in strategic communications, public relations, and civic leadership, Tonya will share insights on managing crises, protecting brand reputation, and controlling the narrative in high-pressure situations.

Michael Mahi will highlight Cal State Fullerton's strategic approach to crisis and issues communications, drawing on real-world examples ranging from the pandemic to today’s evolving higher education landscape.

The session will focus on practical strategies for effective messaging, building trust, and leading with confidence in today’s fast-paced media landscape.

Hosted by Professor Cylor Spaulding

Speakers

Michael Mahi

Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Cal State Fullerton

Michael Mahi is a key member of the university’s Strategic Communications and Brand Management department, serving as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, where he oversees the university’s award-winning digital team and manages and collaborates on several key initiatives... Read More →

Tonya Mckenzie

CEO | Digital Reputation Specialist | Consultant, Sand & Shores

Tonya McKenzie is the Founder & Chief CTRLer of CTRL the Narrative™ and CEO of Sand & Shores, a public relations consultancy specializing in strategic visibility, community engagement, and brand credibility. A Los Angeles County Commissioner, published author, and civic leader... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Hetebrink AB TSU

Public Relations

4:00pm PDT

Titan COMM: Titan Radio & Titan TV Showcase

Tuesday April 28, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Pavilion A

Titan Radio and Titan TV will be hosting a showcase to highlight the outstanding work students have created over the last academic year. Join them for an alumni panel, hosted by CSUF students, to celebrate Titan Comm's exciting past and present accomplishments.

Hosted by Titan COMM, Professor CassidyJo Fortin

Speakers

Titan COMM

CSUF Media Department

Titan Communications (Titan Comm) at Cal State Fullerton is the university's digital media center, operating as a hands-on learning hub for students in television, radio, and web production. Located in the Pollak Library basement, it features a full-scale TV studio, editing labs... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Pavilion A TSU

Radio

4:30pm PDT

The CSUF Titans Forensics (Speech and Debate Team) Showcase

Tuesday April 28, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

Tuffree AB

The CSUF Titans Forensics (Speech & Debate) Showcase is an exciting annual event celebrating the art of competitive speaking and argument. Featuring standout performances from Cal State Fullerton’s award-winning intercollegiate team, the showcase highlights a powerful platform speech, an interpretive performance, and a dynamic impromptu speech. The event also includes a live, audience-friendly debate on a timely economic issue, offering a front-row seat to the skill, strategy, and impact of collegiate debate. Join us for an engaging evening that brings ideas to life through performance and persuasion.

Hosted by Professor Erika Thomas & Professor Shanara Reid-Brinkley

Speakers

Erika Thomas

Co-Director of Forensics, California State University, Fullerton

Erika M. Thomas (Ph.D., Wayne State University 2011) is a co-Director of Forensics and an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Communication Studies at California State University, Fullerton. She teaches and researches in the areas of forensics, argumentation, and rhetorical theory & critici... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Tuffree AB TSU

Club Event

5:00pm PDT

Covering the Summer and Winter Olympics as Student Journalists

Tuesday April 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Hetebrink AB

CSUF sports media students had the opportunity to cover the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and 2026 Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics. They told compelling stories in print, video, and social media surrounding the Games. This panel of students will speak about their experiences.

Hosted by Professor Gayle Jansen Brisbane

Speakers

Jonathan Mansour

Student, CSUF

Jonathan Mansour is a senior journalism student at Cal State Fullerton. He participated in the CSUF Olympics Study Abroad in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, and served as a student lead for the Milan/Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. He also served as an intern for the Titans Sport... Read More →

Noah Scherson

Student, CSUF

Noah Scherson is a journalism student at CSUF and staff writer for The Daily Titan. He has published in all four desks for The Daily Titan (sports, opinion, lifestyle, and news). He reported on the 2024 Paris Olympics through print and broadcast mediums and served as a student lead... Read More →

Connor Alicaya

Student, CSUF

Connor Alicaya is a senior journalism student at Cal State Fullerton. He participated in CSUF's two Olympic Games study abroad programs, the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and the 2026 Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics. He also served as an executive producer for CSUF's student-led broadcast... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Hetebrink AB TSU

Journalism

7:00pm PDT

Writing to Capture Attention and Trust

Tuesday April 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

Tuffree AB

Chris Little will share his experience with the KFI AM640 broadcast news team and his involvement in the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). He will also share moments from his podcast, The Death of News, and host an interactive writing seminar to give students an inside look at the broadcast writing process.

Hosted by Professor Rob van Riel

Speakers

Chris Little

Producer & Podcaster, The Death of News Podcast

Chris Little is an accomplished and respected broadcasting leader, manager and coach. He also is the producer and host of The Death Of News, a podcast of interest to journalists, students of journalism, and people who watch news. It draws on his decades of experience as a repor... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Tuffree AB TSU

Radio

7:00pm PDT

Music Industry 101 with the MIC

Tuesday April 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:30pm PDT

Hetebrink AB

Board Members will be giving a rundown of the music industry and key information for students who may want to pursue a career in music.

Hosted by MIC

Speakers

MIC

Student Club

The CSUF Music Industry Club (MIC) is a student organization dedicated to providing networking, career development, and educational opportunities within the music business. It hosts biweekly panel meetings, workshops, and exclusive industry events to educate students on topics like... Read More →

Maritza Barrientos

President, CSUF Music Industry Club

Maritza is currently a Communications student at California State University, Fullerton, majoring in Entertainment and Tourism, with a minor in Business Marketing. She is heavily involved on campus as a marketing intern for Titan Athletics and as president of the Music Industry Club... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:30pm PDT
Hetebrink AB TSU

Club Event

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