CCU’s Athenaeum Press launches projects ‘Homeless Are _____’ and ‘At Low Tide’
The "Homeless Are _________" project involves a photo book and short video series featuring stories of people in the homeless community in Myrtle Beach. The purpose of the project is to educate the public about the experience of homelessness along the Grand Strand.
Students who researched, designed, wrote and edited the project include seniors Hallie Bonds, Kerry Dittmeier, Katelin Gandee, Emma Kroger, Nancy Phillips, Jeremy Razook and Andrew Smith and Master of Arts in Writing (MAW) student Ronda Taylor. Trisha O'Connor, CCU media executive in residence and director of the Athenaeum Press, was project lead; other involved faculty members include Alli Crandell, director of digital initiatives for the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts; Scott Mann, creative director for the project and associate professor of visual arts; and Michael DiGiorgio, video production manager for the project and CCU digital studio director for the Edwards College.
O'Connor and several students will discuss their experiences with the project at the launch, and the book/video series will be available for purchase for $25.
The project was initiated by the "Souls without Solace" program by CCU's Swain Scholars, a group of students who conduct community health outreach and research projects designed to improve the health of Horry County residents.
"At Low Tide" focuses on Sandy Island, an area located off the Georgetown County coast accessible only by boat that has a legacy of civic contributions in education, community building and politics and whose dwindling population creates a risk of lost history and culture. The project involves a virtual reality kit that includes two 360-degree video experiences to allow people from a wide variety of geographical locations to virtually visit Sandy Island.
Students who researched, wrote, designed and edited the project include freshman Shonte Clement; sophomore Brooks Leibee; junior Jose Rangel; seniors Quinten Ameris, Kaitlyn Cegielski, Skylar Delaney, Jess Lindler and Madia Walker; MAW students Margaret Nichols and Taylor; and OLLI member and Sandy Island community member Angelis Pyatt Washington. Crandell was project lead; other involved faculty members include O'Connor and Eric Crawford, CCU assistant professor of music. Crandell, Crawford and several students will discuss their experiences with the project and present a sample demonstration of the virtual reality kit at the launch. The kit will be available for pre-order for $25.
"We are excited to be showcasing the under-represented stories of our community, which fits into the press' mission of bringing regional, multimedia stories to a national audience," said Crandell. "The students have really dedicated their energies, talents and weekends to making these projects what they are. These are stories of actual people in the community-people they've been able to meet and listen to. These are both important projects, highlighting two very different but equally important aspects of our community's heritage. We're proud of the students, thankful to our community partners and excited to present their work at this launch."
The Edwards Recital Hall is in Room 152 of the Edwards building, located at 133 Chanticleer Drive W. on the Conway campus.
The Athenaeum Press offers students professional, hands-on experience in authoring, designing and producing innovative stories about Horry and Georgetown counties and the Pee Dee region. Students are fully involved in the publication process from project-based historical research to exhibit design. Established in 2013, the press is committed to quality, education and community engagement in producing content that is accessible, engaging, and challenging.
For more information, contact O'Connor at 843-349-6652 or pocconno@coastal.edu.