College Engagement

Open House Activities: Engaging with the community at open houses is a great way to promote the Visual Communications Program, and the College as a whole. As a Visual Department, having physical portfolios to display, allows the community to see the quality of work being produced by the VIC students, and faculty. Open Houses are also a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, which creates a sense of unity and camaraderie.

Graduation. In 2020, I was asked by the marketing department, to create an Instagram filter for the graduates to use, to help make graduation fun. I also helped pass out cap and gowns, and yard signs due to the unusual circumstances from COVID 19. In 2021, I attended graduation, and took photographs of the celebration. In addition, I offered studio portraits to the VIC graduates to commemorate the event and their accomplishments.

Campus Collaborations - VIC and HIA: For many years VIC and HIA have been collaborating on projects centering around food and hospitality. The students and faculty of HIA prepare the food, and the students and faculty of VIC photograph the preparation of the food, the finished dishes, and portraits of the chefs and participants. The images below are from a catering class in March of 2021. On this day the chefs and students were creating meals to be delivered to first responders with the help of Nancy Rizzo.

Campus Collaborations - VIC and Triton Alumni Association: For the past several years, I have worked with the Triton Alumni Association to take headshots for the annual "Wall of Fame" nominees. It is pleasure to get to meet and spend time with these alum, and hear their stories. The nominees are always very appreciative of their professional portraits, which makes the experience very rewarding for me. Images from left to right, Frank Fagiano, Phyllis Duncan, Kevin Bor.

Campus Collaborations - Deck The Mounds - VIC and The Triton College Foundation: For several years I have worked with the VIC students photographing portraits at the annual Deck the Mounds event. This fun event includes; strolling the mounds to see the various trees sponsored, and decorated by the college and community. Free cookies, and hot chocolate. A Christmas movie streamed in the cafeteria. Free Triton swag, and the opportunity to take your portrait with Triton's mascot, Troy.

Campus Collaborations - Annual Golf Outing - VIC and The Triton College Foundation: Since 2014, I have been the photographer for the annual TCF Golf Outing. Each year I am able to choose two VIC students to photograph the event with me. The Foundation gives the students scholarship monies for their time, effort, and images. Due to the effects of COVID, the 2020 outing was cancelled. The 2021 outing was held on a school day, so I was unable to attend. I will once again be shooting the event in 2022. It is a wonderful time that I enjoy shooting very much.

Campus Collaborations - President's Reception - VIC and The Triton College Foundation: I have been photographing the Triton Foundation's Annual President Reception since 2012. Each year I am able to choose two VIC students to photograph the event with me. In exchange for their time, effort, and images they receive scholarship monies from the Foundation. This is a wonderful event that showcases the culinary talents of the HIA department, and local restaurants. Each year the Foundation chooses an honoree to be celebrated for their work in the Triton College Community.

Campus Collaborations - Marketing Images- VIC and Marketing Department: For many years, I have been working with the marketing department both as a professional photographer, and with my students. When I teach VIC165 Photography Exploration - Event Photography, my class and I focus on shooting campus events. I also take headshots when the college gets new board members, and student trustees. Additionally, my students and I have worked with the Triumph and Surge program, taking photographs to be used for marketing and program promotion.

Annual Family Fun Fest - VIC Photography Booth: 2021 marks 8 years that I have been taking family portraits at the Triton Annual Fun Fest. The VIC photography booth is a popular attraction. Over the years, I have families that have made this portrait a tradition. It has been endearing to watch the children grow up. For some families this may be their only professional portrait for the year. Being able to use my skills to make others feel good about themselves is very rewarding.

Art Shows - Every year I am involved in showing work in the Triton Art Gallery (J-107). Students showcase their work at both the Spring and Fall student shows. COVID has caused the student shows to pause but once the pandemic is over the will resume. I have had my own solo show and participated in group faculty shows. My MFA thesis exhibit "The Fantasy Self" was displayed in the gallery, and had an extended viewing with several receptions. The latest show has been the VIC alumni show. The 5th Ave journal ran a story on the exhibit.

Triton College Digital Imaging Club. I am the faculty advisor for the Digital Imaging Club. The club is welcome to students interested in photography and graphic design. The club takes field trips and hosts critique. A fun campus activity we photographed as a group was the 1st Annual Triton College Car Show. In 2021, the students nominated me for the club advisor of the year award. I did not win, but the thoughtful letter of recommendation they wrote for me, was very rewarding for me personally. Club Advisor of the Year Nomination

Camps & Career Days - Camps - VIC hosts Perkins funded camps for Digital Photography and Digital Video. Students get the opportunity to get hands on experience with professional equipment, while having a great time with friends and peers. The camps are offered in the summer with the intention of spreading the word about the exciting classes we offer for the community. Career Days - Over the years I have participated in many career day activities. I found the best way to get the attention of middle school students is to do hands on activities involving photography. The effects of COVID have impacted in person open houses. Once the pandemic is over these in person activities will resume. To view my personalized career day presentation, please click the following link. Photography as a Career Presentation