Myatt Murphy
Advertising and Public Relations Alumnus Inspires Students to Find Their Own Path
Apr 25, 2015
Often, the path to success seems blurry to students who haven’t yet had the professional experiences that alumni are having. The importance of alumni mentoring, networking, and having the common ground of traditions is so important for students to experience.
So, when Myatt Murphy, a successful writer, author, and consultant who is a 1991 advertising and public relations graduate, had an opportunity to visit campus, the Communication Arts department planned a day of writing workshops and writing and journalism classes centered on Mr. Murphy’s expertise.
Throughout Mr. Murphy’s distinguished career, he has had more than three million words in print worldwide in various genres, ranging from magazines, books and illustrated novels to advertorials, product guides, and videotapes. Mr. Murphy has worked with almost all of today’s top magazine editors and is relied on consistently to deliver top-notch, entertaining copy.
At the University, Mr. Murphy first met with Abington Heights High School students, who were assisted by Marywood communications arts upperclassmen. The high school students were coached by Mr. Murphy on the types of interview questions journalists or reporters should ask for a successful interview. Students then formed small groups and took turns working with studio equipment and serving as reporters or as interviewees.
The morning interview workshop was a huge success, with the high school students feeling more comfortable in a college setting by having the opportunity to talk and interact with peers in their intended field of study.
Next, Mr. Murphy met with Marywood students in the public relations writing class taught by Paul Sevensky, M.A., and a journalism class taught by Lindsey Wotanis, Ph.D. In each session, Mr. Murphy took the role of having the students’ questions determine the style of the class.
“I am confident, having met Marywood University’s communication arts students, that they have the tools in place to achieve anything once they find their true passion. This experience has personally moved me more than I had expected,” Mr. Murphy said.
Mr. Murphy finished his visit to the communications arts department by extending the opportunity to students to connect with him via LinkedIn, to see how he might help students in their post-graduation pursuits.