Staying in Focus

The day after graduation, Yong Kim (Photojournalism ’95) set out to take a job in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Daily News. Twelve years later Kim is the main staff photographer for the paper and a happy one, at that.

So much has happened in the past 12 years, he said, that it’s hard for him to pick his most exciting moment, despite repeatedly hearing, “I wish I had your job.

“I haven’t done anything special. There are a lot of people who do what I do.” Kim admits, though, that he has his dream job. “I have the best paid job in the world and the best seat in the house to the championships,” Kim said, modestly.

Although only a few of his photos are displayed here, the news wires have picked up many of his images. These action shots are of some of the most notable and recognizable athletes in professional sports, including Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Fullerton alumni Aaron Rowand of the San Francisco Giants.

Kim attributes most of his success to Dr. Paul Lester (Photocommunications) whom Kim refers to as a “good guy” and from whom he obtained great experience working on The Daily Titan.

Though not everyone is lucky enough to find his or her dream job the day after graduation, Kim offers the following advice: “Stay in focus.”

Of course, no pun intended.

PRSSA attends national conference

PRSSA chapter wins ethics award: (L to R) First row: May Oo, Janell Festler, Christy Zhou; second row: Derek Ortega, Ellen Chang, Lissete Pacheco, Jennifer Manos, Casey Suhr; third row: Maurice Tisbe, Juliet Valdez, Lisa Kanazawa, Mayra Arriaga, Anne McNulty, Benjamin Franklin, Jessica Jordan, Sylvia Benavidez, Lisa Lifton, Katie Evans, Rachel Smith.

A record 24 CSUF public relations majors were on hand at the annual PRSSA National Conference in Philadelphia this fall to accept the prestigious Betsy Plank Award for Ethics as well as a second place award in the national Bateman competition.

The proud students not only enjoyed the special recognition but also historic Phillie and some star speakers at the conference.

President of the Robert E. Rayfield PRSSA chapter, Lisa Lifton (Public Relations ’08), said, “We put the CSUF PRSSA chapter on the map at this conference, and those from other chapters now have faces to put to the CSUF name. We left behind a good impression.

Workshops at the conference addressed such topics as brand awareness, target audiences, resume writing and job searching. Special speakers were Michael Chrerenson, PRSA president-elect; Mia Farrow, who spoke about her humanitarian efforts; and Tim Russert, who spoke about his role as a journalist.

Cal State had one of the largest representations there. Lifton said, “I plan to bring what I learned back to other PRSSA members who were unable to attend. We’re already excited about next year’s conference and hope more members will be able to attend and be a part of this great learning experience.”

Dr. Robert Rayfield (Public Relations), emeritus, should be proud.

Contributed by Lisa Lifton
Public Relations ‘08

From Long Beach, Calif., to Nantucket, Mass.

CSUF changes a life

Linda Sonnonstine, APR

Like many who find themselves studying one thing in college then ending up in public relations by chance, Linda Sonnonstine, APR (M.A. Public Relations ’81) has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Louisiana Tech University.

“After moving to California in 1977, I wanted to explore what other career paths might be open to me that would tap into my teaching background and my interests in visual arts, writing and the mass media. I checked out various programs at UCI and Cal State Long Beach, eventually focusing my attention on the Department of Communications at Cal State Fullerton,” Sonnonstine said.

“Dr. Ed Trotter (Public Relations) provided me with information about the graduate program in communications with an emphasis in public relations. I remember how impressed I was with Dr. Trotter and the amount of time he spent, despite his busy schedule, to provide career guidance to me. That day marked a major milestone in my life as I began a new direction, ready for the opportunities and challenges that would lay ahead.

“Dr. Carolyn Johnson (Journalism), who taught the basic newswriting class I took my first semester, was instrumental in helping me build a solid foundation for my upper level classes and someone I’ll always remember as a tremendous educator, full of enthusiasm and knowledge.”

Other professors who were important to Sonnonstine during her tenure at CSUF were Dr. T. Harrell Allen (Public Relations), Dr. Rick Pullen (Journalism) and Dr. Norm Nager (Public Relations).

Sonnonstine, now the director of development at the Nantucket (Mass.) Arts Council, completed her graduate studies in public relations and marketing in 1978 to1981 as well as served as a Department of Communications graduate assistant to Nager in 1981.

As the director of the council, she is responsible for overseeing the overall development program, including the membership campaign, annual appeal, grant writing and fundraising for the annual Shakespeare Festival, Arts Festival, scholarship program, nonprofit grants program, Winter Concert Series and Young People’s Concert Series.

Sonnonstine’s prior professional achievements include the Long Beach Museum of Art and her own consulting business providing hands-on professional services to consumer, business-to-business and nonprofit organizations.

Spending many years dividing her time between the left and right coast, Sonnonstine now resides in Nantucket.

“There are certainly challenges involved with both the weather and island life in general, especially after 30 years in Southern California; but it’s been and continues to be another life-changing experience, not unlike my early days at CSUF.”