AU alumni will return for CommuniCon
By Spencer Smith | Staff Writer
CommuniCon is an annual end-of-semester event hosted by the Department of Communication for communication students and any others who might be interested.
Carrie Reif-Stice, PhD., is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication and explained what students should expect for the upcoming event.
“‘Lights, Camera, CommuniCon’ is the theme this year,” she said. “Each year, the COMM 4320 [Campaigns] class is tasked with pitching, planning and executing the two-day event.”
“CommuniCon: Day 1” is a university-wide event aimed at promoting and advertising the communication major, minor and certificates, and student organizations such as the Bell Ringer newspaper, JagNews and the Media Production Club.
The following day, “CommuniCon: Day 2” is for Communication students only and will welcome Augusta University alumni Travis Highfield and Rakiyah Lenon to share their experiences as current employees in the field of communication.
Travis Highfield is the director of editorial content at Kennesaw State University. During his time at AU, he served as editor-in-chief of the Bell Ringer.
Rakiyah Lenon works as a digital producer for WJBF News Channel 6, where she writes and publishes articles on news and press releases. Coincidentally, Lenon was the editor-in-chief of the Bell Ringer during her time as a student as well.
Referring to the objective of CommuniCon, Reif-Stice stated, “We want to bring more awareness about the Department of Communication, especially our student organizations. We want non-majors to know that there are opportunities to get involved and connect with others.”
Reif-Stice stated that each year, students learn from the previous year and that they’re able to see which community partners provide support. She said she also invites former students to her classes to share their experiences with past CommuniCons and provide info on how to prepare.
Lilly Williamson, a communication major, reflected on her experience helping with the event.
“CommuniCon has been an amazing experience where I have been given the opportunity to meet new people and connect with them,” she said. “I loved getting to see how the work of the 2025 CommuniCon Campaigns Team has come together to create this event.”
Williamson said that being a part of this event has greatly improved her skills that will be applicable in her future profession. She encouraged other communication students to take the Campaigns course, especially if they are interested in public relations.
“Lights, Camera, CommuniCon” takes place on April 23 and April 24 at the Maxwell Theater and the JSAC Coffeehouse, respectively. Both events will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Contact Spencer Smith at csmith82@augusta.edu.
