Youngstown Press Club unites professionals and students working in media
Twenty-eight members of the newly chartered Youngstown Press Club signed the group’s founding document at an initial gathering Sept. 17 at the McDonough Museum of Art. Members of the media, YSU faculty and students comprised the audience for the event.
The mission of the Youngstown Press Club is to unite media professionals in the Mahoning Valley through fellowship and education. The group plans to offer professional development opportunities to working and retired media members and YSU students.
“We see the press club as a way to serve the community as well as our students through shared educational experiences and networking opportunities,” said Dr. Mary Beth Earnheardt, associate professor of journalism and executive director of the Youngstown Press Club.
Youngstown has had several press clubs since the 1900s. Several members of the 1980s club are back to help with the relaunch. Recent Jambar alumni gatherings provided a springboard for discussion, which led to renewed interest in reviving the organization.
President Tressel’s keynote address at the event focused on communication and collaboration. He stressed the importance of empowering people to be unafraid when sharing their ideas and that a large part of communication is listening. President Tressel’s observations on the impact of student media date back to his time as a reporter for the student newspaper at Baldwin Wallace and his previous time at YSU.
“It was really the Jambar that could tell the stories of the University,” Tressel recalled.
YSU students can join the Youngstown Press Club at no charge. Those working as journalists, authors, educators, public relations associates, advertising associates, public sector/nonprofit communicators and those retired from any of these categories may join the Youngstown Press Club as charter members through December 31, 2018 for a reduced rate of $35. The regular dues rate is $50 per year. Students or professionals wishing to join should email Youngstownpressclub@gmail.com for a membership application.