By Marcela Jiménez Ruiz
Journalism Student
In October, the Ferré Rangel School of Communication (ECFR) at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón highlighted three achievements by its students and alumni in public relations, television, and journalism: two Excel Awards, its largest-ever cohort in Telemundo Local Academy’s four-year history at Sagrado, and the largest student turnout from Sagrado to date at the NAHJ Student Summit.
Alumni Receive Two Excel Awards for Projects Developed for Hogar Ruth
Alumni Tatiana Ortiz, Laura Rendón, Natalia Baerga, Karla Figueroa, Crystal Carballo, Paola Arroyo, Jeannette Colón, Sandra Miranda, and Gladiris López, graduates of the master’s program in Public Relations and Integrated Communications, were recognized at the Excel Awards presented by the Puerto Rico Association of Public Relations Professionals. They received two awards for projects developed for Hogar Ruth, a nonprofit organization that provides protection and support services to survivors of domestic violence.
The projects were developed as part of the RPI 715 Research and RPI 740 Public Relations Campaign and Planning courses. They were recognized in the Special Award for Public Relations Students category, under the nonprofit organizations subcategory. The winning projects were Puerto Rico Ama Vivir Sin Miedo (Puerto Rico Loves Living Without Fear), in the category for projects developed but not implemented, and Gala Rubí, which was recognized in the category for projects developed and implemented.
Telemundo Local Academy Welcomes Its Largest Cohort at Sagrado
The ECFR welcomed its largest cohort in the four-year history of Telemundo Local Academy at Sagrado, with 22 students participating. The initiative supports the development of the next generation of communications professionals through industry-focused workshops led by industry leaders and Telemundo personnel.
The latest edition took place at Sagrado’s TV-1 studio under the direction of Abisael Flores, a Sagrado alumnus and managing web producer at WKAQ Telemundo Puerto Rico, and Karen Méndez, director of Telemundo Station Group Standards.
The event also featured Dialma Santiago, a Sagrado alumna and vice president of News at Telemundo Puerto Rico; Sonya England, vice president of Human Resources at Telemundo Puerto Rico; Javier Ortiz, senior vice president of Human Resources at Telemundo Station Group; and James Arroyave, talent acquisition manager at NBCUniversal Local.
NAHJ Sagrado Strengthens Its Student Chapter
Sagrado’s student chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) achieved its highest student participation to date, with 34 students attending the NAHJ Student Summit, held at Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico’s Bayamón campus.
María de los Milagros Colón Cruz, assistant professor and academic lead for Journalism, noted that the turnout represents a milestone for the chapter, which has been steadily growing for at least four years and brings together undergraduate and graduate students.
“More than an isolated achievement, I see it as a milestone in the chapter’s growth,” she said.
Colón Cruz emphasized that NAHJ offers employment opportunities, scholarships, and mentorship, as well as access to a professional network that supports Latino journalists throughout their careers. She also highlighted the importance of hosting the summit in Puerto Rico, which allowed students to connect with industry professionals without having to travel to the mainland United States.
Among the participants were Ramón Escobar, senior vice president of Talent Recruitment at CNN Worldwide, and Stephanie Castro, vice president of News at TeleOnce. Sagrado alumni and faculty members also participated as panelists, including José Orlando Delgado, senior digital media editor at GFR Media.
As the Ferré Rangel School of Communication approaches its 45th anniversary, these milestones reflect the talent and leadership of its students, as well as the School’s commitment to providing an education that integrates hands-on learning with real-world experience in the communications industry.