Dawna Akin, program coordinator in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, finds the joy of her job in the details.
As the Murrow Symposium approaches, the details of her job multiply; from organizing the 32 workshops the day entails, to sorting the 45 scholarships awarded at the banquet, Akin has a talent for delegation and organization.
“Our staff is really good at working together. Also, I love details and paperwork,” she said.
She started working for the College of Communication six years ago and has assisted with the symposium and scholarship awards every year. In the past three years, Akin has become a key planner in the event.
“Marvin Marcelo (associate dean) trusts me, so he just lets me start organizing,” Akin said. “The symposium is like a puzzle I get to help piece together.”
When planning workshops, Akin and Marcelo brainstorm interesting and useful tools for students. She also organizes workshop times, locations and travel arrangements for guests.
“Workshops are fun to plan because you’re working with individuals who are excited to participate,” Akin said.
The Scholarship Awards and Recognition Banquet is another key aspect that Akin helps organize.
Scholarships are updated each year and are posted online during the summer. The college collects about 575 scholarship applications and awards 45 scholarships at the banquet.
Each scholarship has specific requirements, and Akin knows them all, allowing her to efficiently organize and distribute applications to the appropriate committees.
“Scholarships take a lot of time because they are very tedious,” she said. “However, all the work is worthwhile when you see the students awarded and their faces on the screen during the banquet.”
With the symposium coming up April 7, most of the event is finalized. Planning begins in September, with the bulk of details completed in February and March.
Akin said the key to her job is to stay organized, plan ahead and continue to look for improvements.
