Mass Communications student receives third place in national Freedom of Speech contest
MSUM Mass Communications student Scott Eickschen won third place and a $1,000 scholarship in the Freedom of Speech PSA Contest, a national competition for college communications students. The win is the second by a student in Martin Grindeland’s desktop video class. Last year, Hailee Palony took third.
This year’s contest drew 200 communications students from across the country. Contestants submitted 30-second spots that addressed freedom of speech. Eickschen’s PSA will be available for download for television stations nationally, and all winning PSAs will be posted at FreedomOfSpeechPSA.org.
Colan Hanson, chair of the Mass Communications Department, said of the award: “It’s interesting to see how even a beginning class in video production can push the envelope of excellence, if the instructor encourages students to participate in professionally sponsored competitive activities.”