Denise Ringo
By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
Denise Ringo, a student in the Communication Department, has been selected for the Walt Disney Company/United Negro College Funds' Scholars Program.
The national recognition includes a $5,000 award and a week-long immersion opportunity to work at the headquarters of National Geographic magazine in Washington, D.C.
Ringo, a native of Montgomery, is a senior majoring in Radio & Television Broadcasting and is on the staff of ASU's student newspaper, The Hornet Tribune. She hopes to work in television broadcasting upon graduation.
"I am both humbled and honored to have been selected for the scholars program awarded by the Walt Disney Company in conjunction with the United Negro College Fund," Ringo commented. "Winning this award that allows me to work at such a prestigious publication as National Geographic is exciting and will help me acquire real-world knowledge, which will help advance my career in communications."
Ringo said that she is grateful to a number of people who contributed to her winning the award, including her parents, Jessica Parker and Dan Ringo; her Hornet Tribune advisor, Dr. Kenneth Dean; and Communication's Department faculty member, Dr. L. Simone Byrd.
Byrd, who is a professor of Public Relations in the Department of Communications, explained that while at National Geographic, Ringo will work with and learn from industry professionals, explore various areas of the business, and be paired with a mentor to support her career journey.
"This is a prestigious opportunity for Ms. Ringo who is among our high-achieving students enrolled in The Alabama State University's Department of Communications," Byrd stated. "This award highlights student-scholars like Ms. Ringo who come from underrepresented backgrounds and who exhibit great interest in pursuing careers in the areas of news media, entertainment, technology or travel.”
Professor Byrd believes that there are many positive factors that led to Ringo's winning the honor.
"Denise (Ringo) is a very focused, hardworking and intentional student who does well in her academic studies, attends class, participates in discussions, as well as is an absolute pleasure to teach," Byrd said.
The Communications professor says the award presentation speaks well of Ringo and the University.
"This award is a testament to the quality, intellectualism, and preparation of the faculty members we have in ASU's Department of Communications, its leadership, as well as the fine caliber of the students that we teach here and upon graduation, send into the workforce, like Mis. Ringo."