Journalism Class Interviews CSU Alumna

Clarks Summit University’s convergent journalism class put their skills to the test by interviewing CSU alumna Julie Overholser (‘88) when she visited campus this past week. Professor Sue Cagley invited Overholser to speak to her African history class to share photos and stories from her recent trip to Africa.

The members of the journalism class, under the leadership of instructor Erika Bruckner, conducted, photographed, video recorded and voice recorded an interview with Overholser. She and her husband, Jamie, met at Clarks Summit University where she studied Music Education, and he studied Church Music. Overholser makes use of her degree by teaching 31 piano lessons a week.

While Overholser recently spent some time in Africa with her husband counseling students, Overholser has a passion for photography which she has turned into a ministry back here in the states.

Overholser began her work within a prison ministry after observing a friend’s imprisonment. Bound Together began with sending Christmas cards to a group of 18 men, some of whom had never received mail before, and the ministry grew to approximately 150 inmates. Overholser stated, “It does not cost any money to write letters and invest in these people’s lives.” She was able to use her photography skills to impact this ministry. Her photographs now adorn the cards along with a Bible verse, which inmates tend to display. Her photography was also used within a magazine for the ministry. The ministry is now centered on helping these inmates get back on their feet after being released from prison.

Overholser has seen God’s faithfulness throughout her life. She urged students to make the most of every opportunity because everyone is trying to find their place. She advises today’s students to “go for it and never be stuck.”

Convergent Journalism credits:

Social Media Coverage: Dennis Gray, Jr.
Digital News Writing: Mariah Fredenburg, Colleen Noll
Photography: Jessica Eddy, Tatyana Carmona
Videography: Noah Egelkamp, Makaela Johnson
Broadcast Interviews: Breanna Hamilton, Hugh Hayner