Mark Dolan said the book’s an example of synergy between the business and academic worlds. | File photo
Mark Dolan said the book’s an example of synergy between the business and academic worlds. | File photo
A collaboration between the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce and Southern Illinois University has produced “This is Carbondale,” a 136-page book commemorating the college town’s community atmosphere.
Underwritten by Chamber business members, the book compiles dozens of photographs contributed by a 31-member team of student and professional photographers who documented Carbondale life over the course of 2016.
Kavita Karan, the university’s interim journalism school director, said in a press release the workshops gave students valuable real-world experience.
“The students first work with the faculty and professional photographers in taking the pictures and then work on the editing, captioning, layouts and the final production of the books,” Karan said. “It’s truly a wonderful practical learning experience for our students.”
The brainchild of Chamber director Les O’Dell and journalism professor Mark Dolan, the project initially faced a stumbling block in securing funding. However, the release said the underwriting support of area businesses helped get the project underway.
The sixth in a series of annual books highlighting Illinois towns, this latest project takes its place on the short list of similar titles produced by U.S. journalism schools. Dolan said it’s an example of synergy between the business and academic worlds.
“I think these projects have been wonderful examples of town/gown relationships and what can be accomplished when we all work together,” he said.
The $20 volume is sold from the Carbondale Chamber’s office at 131 S. Illinois Ave.
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