Journalism alumni join Luminaries at discussion panel
Journalism alumni Eric Deggans, BA ’90, and Andy Carothers, BA ’91, were two of the five alumni who participated in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Luminaries panel, “The Pursuit of Happiness: Finding a Career You Actually Enjoy,” Monday at the Global and International Studies Building Auditorium.
The focus of the panel was to inspire and encourage students in finding a career path that utilizes their liberal arts degree, while also following their passions. Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Eliza Pavalko moderated the event, which drew about 75 people.
Panelists introduced themselves and then responded to questions from Pavalko and the student audience.
Deggans, NPR’s first full-time TV critic, shared the importance of connections and how they begin in college.
“When I first started out at the IDS, the features editor was Ryan Murphy, now the creator of Scream Queens and other hit shows,” Deggans said. The connection he made with Murphy helped him later in life when he was on the set covering one of Murphy’s shows. They caught up and reminisced about IU. “It’s all about the connections.”
Carothers credited his liberal arts education to his “nutty career path.” He is now the chief operating officer at Les Mills On Demand, an online, on-demand workout service. He has worked in the tech and broadcasting fields all over the world.
Throughout his career, Carothers said he has found passion in his work, with only a few career choices that were more work than pleasure.
The two were joined by three other graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences: Libby Baney, BA ’04, political science, philosophy and religious studies; Keith Fargo, PhD’06, neuroscience; and Anthony DeCurtis, PhD ’80, English.
DeCurtis, a contributing editor for Rolling Stone, encouraged students to take risks now while they have fewer responsibilities in life.
“Now is really the time to try and do what you want to do,” he said.
While on campus, the Luminaries met with students in classes and small groups, and recorded podcasts for The Media School website.
The Luminaries program is organized and conducted by students. This year, Media School students Samantha Strong, Gregory Gottfried and Carley Lanich were on the committee.