Kristen Oxley
Reporter
October 28, 2005
As alumni return to Milligan this weekend, many activities have been planned for both current and former students, one of which was the Senior Forum. Juniors and seniors were invited to hear three Milligan graduates talk about incorporating their Christian faith into their occupations. This forum was based off of the senior required class, Christ and Culture.
Serving as honored speakers were Brian Clark, Jo Ellen Weedman and Nevan Hooker. These speakers connected what students learn at Milligan to the work place.
Clark earned his bachelor’s degree at Milligan and went on to receive his master’s in communications from Wheaton College (Ill.). He has held various jobs from magazine editor to marketing director to communications specialist. He is presently the director of marketing and membership for the Asphalt Institute in Lexington, Ky.
Clark said that his faith finds a complete home in whatever he is working in even in institutions that are not outwardly Christian.“You’re always a communicator, but you’re also always a Christian,” Clark said.
According to Clark sometimes projects will dominate, but there also needs to be a balance with God and family. He said the key was to translate the skills that used at work to what is done at church or at home.
Jo Ellen Werking Weedman received her Bachelor of Science degree from Milligan and went on to earn her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois. She has worked as a staff writer for the Elizabethton Star and Kingsport Times-News, but is currently a journalist for The Daily Journal in Franklin, Ind.
Weedman sees parallels between being a Christian and being a journalist, as, “Jesus was a storyteller” and so is she. Weedman said being a Christian has allowed her to be a better reporter because she is interested in stories other people do not pick up on. She can relate to and understand aspects of stories that reporters with a nonreligious background do not see.
Nevan Hooker earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Milligan and his master’s in communication from Regent University (Va.). He has worked as a film producer for Regent Pictures in Virginia Beach, Va, as well as an associate news producer for WLKY in Louisville, Ky. He is currently a video and media producer for elementary education at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky.
The most recent graduate on the forum, Hooker offered students advice about what to expect when they first get into the job market. He endured a couple of rough years trying to figure out where he was going until he landed his current job. Hooker is a firm believer that good things can come out of bad times.
“Life is all about transition and change, and if you can learn to not only survive, but do well, you’ll succeed,” Hooker said. He also said he believes that God sometimes knocks people down in order to make them stronger and more dependent on Him.
The alumni offered advice to students who will soon be job searching.
Senior communications and computer information systems major Andy Auel said he related most to what Hooker said. Andy is interested in video production, and he said he has been thinking about some of the things Hooker spoke of. He also enjoyed the advice given by the panel.
“I enjoyed that they talked about that one of the most important things is hard work and getting a foot in the door,” Auel said.
Senior Kaci Campbell also enjoyed the experiences of the panel. “I appreciated the emphasis that there’s a ministry in any career, an opportunity to glorify God in any career,” she said.