NEW STORIES
This fall 36 COM 315: Small Group Communication students worked on an ambitious project for a "real world" client with the potential to alter the landscape of Reno-Tahoe for generations to come. The client was the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition and the task was to help plan the venues in preparation for the bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Reno-Tahoe.
In similar fashion to the popular reality TV show, "The Apprentice," six teams of six students each competed on the task. The prize winning team will receive a package which includes the choice to opt out of the final exam for the course, a letter of recognition from the client, an invitation to present the winning plan to the Venues Committee_made up of business leaders from around the community, and a seat at the International Sports Hall of Fame Gala.
The prize was great but the accomplishment of such a weighty task was even greater. Throughout the semester, the teams researched, brainstormed, problem solved, organized and prepared a 10-15 page paper and a 6-8 minute group presentation explaining their visions for the 2022 Winter Games. The students were charged with the task of explaining the reasons why Reno-Tahoe would make an excellent host city, casting their visions for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, choosing three Olympic Events, and selecting the best venue for each. The project culminated with a final presentation before a panel of three judges: Jon Killoran, CEO of the Winter Games Coalition, John Krmpotic, Chair of the Venues Committee, and Nevada State Assemblyman Pat Hickey.
All six teams exceeded expectations in their research, analysis, creativity and professionalism. Ideas from Teams E.P.I.C, Icebreakers, RenOlympians, Snowballerz and PR3DATORS3 will find their way into the final plans for the Games, from subtle nuances to major themes and location selections. As well as the other five teams performed, there was one clear frontrunner: Team Cool Runnings. Made up of Caitlin Berkich, Lauren Davoren, Robert Hernandez, Adrian Jackson, Marc Madouse, and Haley Val, this team stood out with their ability to capture the attention of the judges, relate to the mission of the Coalition and the International Olympic Committee, and present a well balanced and supported plan for the Winter Games.
The Olympic Creed states, "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well." All students in COM 315 fought well this semester and learned valuable lessons about teamwork along the way.
View Presentation Video
Dec. 1, 2011: Presentation (From left to right: Caitlin Berkich, Robert Hernandez, Haley Val, Adrian Jackson, Marc Madouse. Lauren Davoren is not in the picture).
Dec. 15, 2011: Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition Venues Committee meeting (From left to right: Jill Tolles, COM 315 Instructor, Jon Killoran, CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Winter Games Coalition, Haley Val, Lauren Davoren, Adrian Jackson, Marc Madouse, and Robert Hernandez. Not pictured: Caitlin Berkich).