Tanner hosts honors class for "Dinner Dialogues"

Dr. Andrea Tanner, an associate professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, invited freshman students from her Honors Journalism 201 class to her home for dinner and discussion as part of the Dinner Dialogues program at the University of South Carolina.

The Dinner Dialogues program aims to enhance the interaction between faculty members and their undergraduate students. The program is funded through a grant provided by the Parents Annual Fund. This experience provides an opportunity for discussion beyond the classroom in an informal, comfortable, fun and unique setting.

"It was interesting being able to see the professor in a different light, in a more care-free environment," said Avery Wilks, a print journalism major from Chester, S.C.

After dinner, each of the students presented their experiences from a recent class project – a tour of a media organization of their choice and an interview with one of the organization's employees. Students toured an array of organizations including local and regional newspapers, advertising and public relations agencies and even the media relations department of USC's Athletic Department.

"I really enjoyed attending the dinner at Dr. Tanner's house. Getting to know my college professors on a more personal level and experiencing them in a more laid back setting is something I hope will continue throughout my college career at USC, and Dr. Tanner's hospitality is the start of that," said Natalie Swift, a print journalism major from Roebuck, S.C.