Just this past week, The Whit Staff had the pleasure of attending the College Media Association’s annual ProCon. At this conference, editors and staff members were able to learn about career development in the modern-day world of journalism. Additionally, they were able to network with various seasoned journalists, beat reporters, and lawyers, all while reinforcing their passion for storytelling. 

Oftentimes, in the journalism world on the college level, the number of invaluable experiences offered to students like ProCon come very few and far between. Especially for smaller universities like Rowan, if the funding isn’t available, students who spend hours on end working for their university papers do not get the opportunities that are deserved. 

Thanks to a combination of donation money, and the Edelman College of Communication and Creative Arts’s Student Travel and Professional Development (TAPD) fund, The Whit Staff was able to be in attendance and learned a great deal about the fascinating, dynamic world of journalism, and how to navigate tailor-made career paths. 

For this editorial, our staff will be sharing their experiences on how this opportunity became beneficial to them.

Madison Miller, Editor-in-Chief: “I am so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to go to the CMA conference this year, and I’m equally grateful that I got to do it alongside my colleagues and friends here at The Whit. Getting to learn from industry professionals, and network with students from all over the country was so special, and I am so lucky to have had this experience.”

Sophia Fandino, Opinion Editor: “Attending the CMA conference was honestly one of the best highlights of my student journalism career thus far. To be quite frank, I never thought I would be in attendance at such an insanely stellar event. Being a journalist in the little bubble of Glassboro can make you sometimes feel closed off to so many opportunities and therefore unmotivated, but being there really reinstated my passion and drive for journalism, and reminded me exactly why I chose this career path in the first place. Even more so, I was able to physically see myself in a world that felt so far out of reach. I am so thankful to not only have attended this conference but to have attended it with fellow editors who share the same passion I do. It made the experience just that much more meaningful to me.”

Sarah Shockey, Co-News Editor: “This trip was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I get to hear other media professionals give their advice to student journalists, but I got to meet students who share the same passions for reporting as I do. I’m grateful for the funds that allowed me to go to New York City with all of my Whit friends. The memories made in the city that never sleeps will be ones I will never forget.”

Paige Britt, Features Editor: “Having the opportunity to attend the College Media Association’s 2025 conference was transformative and eye-opening. It was incredibly inspiring to be around successful, passionate journalists. I had the privilege of learning about topics ranging from fashion journalism to FBI interview techniques, all in one hotel. The conference confirmed for me that I am on the right path. Getting to do it alongside my best friends was the cherry on top. I am eager to share what I learned with my fellow staff at The Whit, and I will carry the skills I learned with me into the workforce.”

Beth Cimaglia, Arts & Entertainment Editor: “It is true, learning doesn’t only happen inside the classroom, and much of what I have learned as a student journalist has come from hands-on experience. I find it incredibly valuable anytime I am able to speak with people who have come before me in my field, and the CMA conference allowed us to do exactly that. Not only did I gain valuable experiences and connections, but my passion for journalism was doubled, if not tripled. The creative ideas were flowing the entire time I was there. The editors were also able to sit together with an advisor from another school to give us critiques on our paper and work, which I found to be especially valuable. I think it is of the utmost importance to always be open to growth and criticism, while also learning to defend some of your creative decisions and to hold a strong ‘why’ for the way you choose to do things. It’s a balancing act. We can always be doing better, and by going to this conference and by being in conversation with professionals, we took a large step in bettering ourselves as students, as people, and as future professionals. It’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything, and one I would encourage any student to have if given the opportunity.”

Nick Wiley, Managing Editor: “This trip was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of different types of journalism. I attended panels on photojournalism, fashion journalism, and strategies for improving collaboration within an editorial staff. These workshops broadened my journalistic interests and provided valuable insights. Beyond the sessions, the conference was also a great networking opportunity—I collected business cards from journalists and aspiring journalists. Perhaps most importantly, the trip strengthened our editorial staff’s bond, which will ultimately enhance the quality of our content.”

Nick Rizzo, Co-Sports Editor: “Attending the CMA conference was extremely beneficial as I prepare to graduate. In addition to learning a plethora of new skills, I also made many meaningful connections with professionals in the industry. I am extremely thankful that I had the opportunity to attend this trip alongside the other editors at The Whit.”

Tyler Delpercio, Co-Sports Editor: “I’m very grateful that I was able to attend the College Media Association conference in NY this past week! As someone who wants to get into the sports journalism world, I wasn’t sure what to expect but the conference itself was extremely helpful. I was able to learn a ton about breaking into this industry and the future of sports journalism and editing, as well as spend time with my peers at the Whit.”

Gavin Schweiger, Photography Editor: “I’m eternally grateful I was given the opportunity to go to the CMA ProCon Conference. As a student who didn’t get his start in journalism, getting to attend this event, meet like-minded people, and learn tricks of the trade in a different setting than Rowan is something I couldn’t have imagined. I can’t be more grateful.”

Marchella Mazzoni, Copy Editor: “I had an amazing time at the CMA ProCon Conference and I am so thankful I was able to connect with those in my aspiring field. The highlight of my trip was meeting Nikole Killion from CBS News and writers from AP News. I loved having the opportunity to spend time with The Whit’s staff outside of the newsroom.”

Mattie Mac Kay, Staff Writer: “Going to the conference was such an insane, fun, and rewarding experience. I got the opportunity to network with so many amazing and kind entertainment industry professionals, spanning from writers to bands to publicists. I was even lucky enough to be featured in a Glossy.co magazine article from a connection I made at the conference. I was able to work on my news broadcasting skills on camera with a CBS news anchor and learned the ways I could help The Whit going forward. This was genuinely some of the most productive and fun 3 days of my life, and I am so thankful to further my education in entertainment journalism and music management.”