Robert Mueller’s rescheduled Russia-probe testimony fell on same day
Billed as the SPJ Georgetown Chapter’s first Happy Hour (of the academic year) on July 24, 2019, 5 – 7 p.m. at Gaslight Tavern in the U Street corridor, it also followed on a DC Pro happy hour at the National Press Club on May 7, arranged for GU and University of Maryland SPJ students to get to know some professional journalists over a drink, and get a guided tour of the Club.
“The goal is to bridge the gap between the Washington, D.C., chapter of SPJ and Hoya Journalism students,” explained Saniya Rao, who coordinated the event and publicity.
Selma Khenissi, new to the SPJ DC Pro Chapter board of directors and a Georgetown alumna, attended the happy hour and reports that during her hour or so there, attendance was a quality group of 10-15, many from Georgetown or alumns of the school’s graduate journalism program.
She reported:
“This happy hour was an opportunity for Georgetown University students to meet SPJ DC Pro chapter members, but it was also an opportunity for SPJ DC Pro Chapter members to meet Georgetown University students and alumni. At the Gaslight Tavern in the U Street area of Northwest, D.C., attendees could treat themselves to a drink or two, especially for those who spent their time at work covering the recent Robert Mueller testimony.
“The happy hour was also an opportunity to have fruitful conversations and network, so business cards are always handy to have in one’s pocket – just in case.
“We look forward to more events like this one, where the paths of student members and DC Pro Chapter members cross more often.”
Thank you to everyone who attended our networking event last night! And a huge thank you to
@Gaslight_DC for hosting#GUSPJ! We hope to connect with you all again at future events#BreakingFromTheNews#SPJ#JournalismMatters— tweeted July 25 by GeorgetownSPJ
On May 7, the DC Pro Chapter hosted GU SPJ and students from the Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland. It was held at the National Press Club and attracted 25 to 30 students and pros, estimated to be mostly students.
April Bethea, who was still on the DC Pro Chapter board at the time, but close to end of her term, reported that the May 7 event was well-attended and suggested to the board that it consider doing similar happy hours on a twice-a-year basis, perhaps in the fall and in the spring, with student academic schedules in mind.
She said she thought the discussion that chapter Recording Secretary Kathryn Foxhall led during that event — about journalists interacting with and obstruction by public information officers — may have been the top thing the students took away from the event.
‘A number of us think it’s the greatest issue in free speech and free press today.’
@KathF on gov’t PR people blocking media access.@SPJDC event@PressClubDC.— tweeted May 7 by Jonathan Make