The 2025 #BeCOMM Talk Show will take place on Wednesday, October 22 at The Yard on the Rutgers College Avenue campus from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. (the rain date will be October 29), the SC&I Department of Communication announced today.
The #BeCOMM Talk Show, which is free and open to all, including Rutgers University students, faculty, staff and the public is part of the Communication Department’s ongoing #BeCOMM campaign held to celebrate and promote the Communication Major at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information.
Timed with National Free Speech Week which takes place each October to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of speech, the #BeCOMM Talk Show will be hosted by Jennifer Keeney, MCM’26, a Broadway actress who performs in Chicago the Musical. Keeney will interview guests who will appear on the #BeCOMM Talk Show, including:
“We are excited to host our third #BeCOMM Talk Show this fall which complements our annual COMMchella Music Festival each spring,” said Communication Department Chair and Professor Marya Doerfel. “The show highlights how advances in communication and technology open doors to careers in public relations, marketing, health advocacy, policy, and crisis management – and why Communication is also a powerful second major for students in health, engineering, and the sciences. The theories and skills you gain aren’t just for your first job – they’re tools you’ll carry for a lifetime.”
The event will feature appearances by the SC&I Department of Communication faculty; Sir Henry, the Scarlet Knight mascot; a LinkedIn photographer offering students free professional headshots to enhance their online presence, a sketch artist; free Krispy Pizza; and free #BeCOMM branded merchandise. Another highlight will be an Industry Connect area hosted by career advisors from the SC&I Office of Student Services and Rutgers Career Exploration and Success, where Rutgers University graduates will engage with current students and discuss internships, jobs, resume writing and interview preparation.
“Coming back to speak at Rutgers feels like returning to the place where my story first found its voice,” said Garay, who will appear as a talk show guest and network with students in the Industry Connect area. “Majoring in Communication wasn’t just an academic decision – it was the foundation for every red carpet, press tour, and campaign I’ve worked on since. From navigating premieres with award-winning talent to crafting national publicity strategies, I still rely on the lessons I learned in those classrooms. Rutgers didn’t just prepare me for a career in public relations – it launched me into one.”
Students in the Strategic Public Relations Event Planning course taught by Mark Beal, assistant professor of professional practice, communication, are spearheading the #BeCOMM campaign and managing the #BeCOMM Talk Show.
To promote #BeCOMM, the students will produce and distribute content throughout the fall semester via earned and social media to highlight the five Communication major specializations offered at SC&I: Health and Wellness Communication; Leadership in Organizations and Community; Relationships and Family Communication; Strategic Public Communication; Communication and Technology; and Public Relations.
Corporate supporters of the #BeCOMM campaign include HBO Max, RWJBarnabas Health, Manasquan Bank and Casio Moflin.
To stay updated on the #BeCOMM campaign, #BeCOMM Talk Show and the COMMchella Music Festival, follow @ru_becomm on Instagram and TikTok.
Learn more about the Communication major at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information (SC&I) on the school’s website.
