Valenti Student Showcase: A Night of Celebration and Networking
The Valenti School of Communication’s annual Student Showcase held at Candente on March 3, 2025, was a night of celebration, recognition and opportunity.
The event brought together donors, students and media professionals to highlight the exceptional work of 探花视频 students in journalism, media production, advertising, public relations and health communications.
Attendees had the chance to view impressive projects created by students, from thought-provoking investigative reports to visually captivating media productions and innovative advertising campaigns. These projects showcased the talents and hard work of students who are preparing for careers in the communication field.
Among the standout presentations was Media Production senior Anahid Henriquez’s short film, Lizzie Died Young. The eerie yet captivating film follows a young woman whose peaceful day at the beach takes a chilling turn when she encounters Lizzie, a mysterious girl.
“Special thanks to Lizzie Died Young, a local Houston band, who helped this vision come to life,” Henriquez said. “It was such an amazing opportunity to have my work highlighted at an event like this and I’m so thankful to Valenti for teaching me the skills I need to be successful.”
Beyond showcasing student work, the event served as a networking hub for Valenti alumni and Houston’s media industry professionals. Many former students remain deeply connected to the school, including Denise Miller, a Valenti alum and internship director at her current company.
“I always aim to hire Valenti students and find out updates through them. My time at Valenti was instrumental in prepping me for all the AP-style writing I do in my current position,” Miller said.
The event also featured the unveiling of Valenti’s 2024 Annual Report, a comprehensive reflection on the school’s achievements, student successes and impactful projects from the past year. The report highlights the growth of Valenti’s programs, faculty accomplishments and the increasing opportunities available to students through industry partnerships.
The showcase highlighted the important role of donors in supporting students’ growth and the school’s mission to provide high-quality communication education. The evening was filled with lively discussions, laughter and excitement as students, professors and professionals exchanged ideas and experiences.
"This event is a unique way for students to not only showcase their work but also to connect with professionals who can help shape their futures," said Jennifer Vardeman, director of the Valenti School of Communication. "It’s a hands-on opportunity to bridge the gap between education and the industry.”
The night concluded with a sense of pride and optimism, as students left with a head start on their post-graduation plans, and many forged meaningful professional relationships. The Valenti Student Showcase demonstrated once again that the school’s commitment to excellence in communication is shaping the next generation of industry leaders.