December 21, 2015
CSUN journalism students mingled with high-profile celebrities, like Drew Carey and Diahann Carroll, during the Los Angeles Press Club’s Eighth Annual National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards Gala, held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Dec. 6.
The celebrities included: “The Legend Award” winner Bob Barker; “The Visionary Award” winner Joe Mantegna; “The Luminary Award” winner Tavis Smiley, as well as presenters, Carey and Carroll.
Students not only had the opportunity to network with these stars, but were able to connect and build relationships with some of the top entertainment journalists in Los Angeles.
CSUN’s Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) executive board members Shannon Crosby, Alex Gillman and Alicia Mistry were guests of Bill Imada, CSUN Distinguished Alumnus and Los Angeles Press Club Advisory board member.
“The Eighth Annual National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards was a very memorable and positive experience,” said Mistry, CSUN PRSSA’s director of professional development. “I appreciate Mr. Imada for giving my colleagues and me the opportunity to network with some of the most influential professionals in the industry."
The students in attendance said the highlight of the night was the interview of game show host Barker by Los Angeles Press Club President Robert Kovacik. Barker touched on his rise to fame through radio, his time as the longest serving host on the TV show “The Price is Right” and his passion for helping animals.
The night ended with the entire audience singing “Happy Birthday” to Barker since he was turning 92 later that week.
— Shannon R Crosby