On Nov. 12, the University of Detroit Mercy will welcome back Ron Fournier, a former White House correspondent and Detroit Mercy alum, for a special lecture and workshop titled “Communicate with Purpose: Lead with Impact.” The event, hosted by the Communication Studies Department, will give students a look at what it takes to succeed as a communicator in professional and business environments.
Dr. David Cassilo, who helped organize the event, said he wanted to bring Fournier back to campus for his deep connection to Detroit Mercy.
“Ron Fournier has a lot of great experiences here at this University,” Cassilo said. “We wanted to do something where he could connect with the students and help them advance or start their careers using communications. I’m really excited about this.”
The purpose of this event is to not only bring an alum with great knowledge in this field back to campus, but to also teach and show students all over the campus the value of communication when it comes to their careers. Cassilo said this event is very important for every field, not just Communication Studies majors.
“Being a good speaker and communicator is generally important and can help advance your career,” Cassilo said. “It allows you to better present your ideas and better network yourself. It’s an overall good skill.”
The event will include both a lecture and an interactive workshop, allowing students to apply Fournier’s lessons in real time. Most careers involve communication; this is not a specific major event.
Cassilo said, “A part of every career is being able to communicate with others. Whether you’re talking to your coworkers, clients, donors, network partners, etc., communication is key.”
With the other students in different majors attending this event, it will really highlight some real-life situations and teach students how to navigate through certain things they may come across.
“Communication is not something that is the focus of other majors, so it is an opportunity to develop your skills to be better for your job and excel in your career,” Cassilo said.
In communications today, especially for the newer generations, Cassilo said we rely so much on short communications. With the very advanced technology we now have, we use it so much we forget what we may need, whether it’s using abbreviations in text messages, social media, etc. This event is aimed at helping students understand that presentation is important.
“Getting as much experience as possible connecting with others is so important no matter what field you go into,” Cassilo said. “Even if you have wonderful ideas, if you’re not able to communicate them properly, those ideas will not reach the right people.”
This workshop is an overall great opportunity for students who are willing to learn, and it is completely free. It is also a chance to really learn from someone who has a ton of experience and success.