News
Student Spotlight: Tom Hope Media Scholars for 2022 and 2023
Seven Rochester area college students have been named 2023 Tom Hope Media Scholars in recognition of their work in film and media production. Sponsored by the Rochester Association for Film Arts and Sciences (RAFAS), the program is named in honor of the late Rochester media icon Tom Hope. Hope was a combat photographer at the Battle of the Bulge, advisor to filmmakers at Eastman Kodak, and mentor to countless aspiring media professionals. In 2021 Hope was named a Remarkable Rochestarian by Rochester Democrat and Chronicle columnist Jim Memmott. This year’s portfolio review was hosted by DS+CO.
The following students were honored at an award ceremony held on April 11 at the Irondequoit Conference Center:
Amanda Spencer, Roberts Wesleyan University
- Jenna Blakeslee, Monroe Community College
- Olivia Fullerton, Finger Lakes Community College
- Jason Kagan, SUNY Geneseo
- Caleb Kohn-Blank, University of Rochester
- Quamae Newsome, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Mitch Steedman, St. John Fisher University
We are proud of Amanda Spencer ’24 (Digital Media Art) for being honored as a 2023 Tom Hope Media Scholars in recognition of her work in film and media production. This award
provides a portfolio review opportunity as well a cash stipend to each recipient.
“Amanda has a specific interest in the growing field of church media. Seeking out opportunities on her own and through collaborative and creative independent study and internship proposals, she's creating video media for Spiritual Life on campus, Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University, and assisting on the media team at Northridge Christian. Her creative course and opportunity packaging have given "proof of concept" to add a concentration option in church media to our curriculum. She is always willing and eager to explore their possibilities and encourage and collaborate with others,” said Associate Professor of Art - Digital Media, Photography, Film/Video, Art Education Program Director for Visual Art, Romy Hosford.
“We are excited recent additions to this program starting in 2022 with a Roberts Wesleyan student as an inaugural scholar, Ben Johnson ’23 (Digital Media Art),” she said. “Johnson is an emerging filmmaker, digital media artist and designer. I have observed his growth as a visual communicator as the primary instructor for his studio coursework, including film/art history courses. I have noticed how he naturally brings a cinematic eye and sensibility to his digital work, specifically the lens-based compositions. He continues to develop and define his visual style and define the ideas and stories he is interested in telling,” said Hosford.
Congratulations to both Spencer and Johnson on receiving this prestigious award!
For more information on the Tom Hope Memorial Scholars click here.