Faculty represent RIT at graphic communications conference

Irma Abu-Jumah, left, and Gregory D'Amico at the Graphic Communications Education Association's annual conference.

A pair of faculty members in Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Media Sciences remained plenty busy this summer. Associate professor Gregory D’Amico, Ph.D., and Irma Abu-Jumah, the Roger K. Fawcett Endowed Professor, presented research and retooled their teaching methods at the Graphic Communications Education Association’s (GCEA) annual conference. 

This year’s conference took place from July 29 to Aug. 2 at Millersville University in Millersville, Pa.

D'Amico presented recent research entitled, "Key Managerial Skill Sets in Graphic Design Education,” which is slated to be published in the fall 2018 Visual Communications Journal — the official journal of GCEA. His well-received presentation was part of a dynamic agenda specifically oriented to pedagogical concerns for graphic communications educators.

Abu-Jumah was particularly impressed with the content of the conference and the networking opportunities offered.

"It is important to keep current with curricula changes, as well as to exchange ideas with other educators," Abu-Jumah said.

"Networking with other educators is inspiring,” D'Amico said. “Realizing synergies between ours and other programs and industry are the natural result of conferences like this."

Other presentation topics included how to best to reach Generation-Z and the importance of combining print with other forms of media to best reach audiences. 

The economic status of the industry was also presented by Ronnie Davis, the chief economist of Printing Industries of America.

“While a few segments of the industry are experiencing some decline, overall the economic forecast for most of the industry is very robust,” Abu-Jumah said. “This is encouraging. We should feel good about the career opportunities available for School of Media Sciences graduates."


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