University of Southern Maine

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USM Media Studies Program Presents First Annual Kathryn Lasky Public Service Award 

May 17, 2007

The University of Southern Maine Media Studies Program has presented the first Kathryn Lasky Award for Public Service to Lesley M. Jones of Portland. This annual award is given in memory of USM Professor Kathryn Lasky, who passed away in 2006, a co-founder of the USM Media Studies Program. Believing that learning should extend beyond the classroom, Lasky developed the required senior-year Service Learning Practicum. During the Practicum students assist Maine service organizations with their media needs. The award is given to "the media studies student whose performance in the major exemplifies the highest achievement within the goals of the program and whose work in the practicum demonstrates the best uses of media in service to the community."
 
Jones first enrolled at USM in 1984, returning after a hiatus in 1998 to major in media studies. In the interim, she worked for six years as an executive assistant and producer for Community Television Network, then joined Time Banks USA of Washington D.C. Last August, she transferred to Maine Time Banks in Portland in order "to do more in my local community." Her first service learning experience was volunteering as a camera operator for Lasky's "Movies In Review" television show.
 
In addition to outstanding performance as a media studies major, Jones earned the award for her exceptional work as project manager and producer for a promotional video for the Maine Chapter of the MS Society.  The award was presented on Tuesday, April 24, at an event showcasing the service work of some fifty graduating media studies seniors.

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