Nancy Giles engaged a sellout crowd of Towson University communications students last week for “TUjday” 2014, a celebration of journalism and new media.
Nancy Giles with Towson students for TUjday
The comedian, actress and contributor to CBS Sunday Morning presented “Stories From the Work Front: From Working Girl to CBS Sunday Morning” to a standing-room only crowd in the West Village Commons.
In addition to Sunday Morning, Giles has made several film and television appearances in her career. Her one-woman New York stage show, Black Comedy: The Wacky Side of Racism, was called “smart and unforgiving” by the Village Voice, and she has offered her unapologetic social and political perspectives on The Today Show, Up with Chris Hayes and Hardball with Chris Matthews.
The unique blend of common-sense wisdom and laugh-out-loud humor of the Second City veteran won over her audience, who took to Twitter to praise the performance:
“Nancy Giles is such an amazing, inspiring speaker.”
“This #TUjday is crazy crowded and the speaker @nancygilesnyc is interesting and funny!”
“Giles is a very captivating and entertaining speaker. She’s commanding the attention of a whole room.”
“Thanks Nancy Giles for being one of the most engaging, unique and inspirational speakers to ever speak here!”
“Giles was phenomenal tonight, she had everyone’s undivided attention (including everyone tweeting the event) #TUjday”
“One of the most fearless & inspiring women to listen tonight at #TUjday thank you so much @nancygilesnyc”
“Nancy Giles has been inspiring and helpful in advising Towson students. Thank you!”
“Great to see the power of @TowsonU students and social media. #TUjday is trending!”
“@nancygilesnyc is keeping the audience entertained, what a great keynote speaker #TUjday”
Following the presentation was a panel discussion, moderated by Towson lecturer Jenny Atwater and including Lee Rainie, of the Pew Research Center; Amy Webb, a journalist and digital strategy expert; Jacob Harris, of The New York Times; and Caleb Wilkerson, of Discovery Communication.
The free event was presented by the Department of Mass Communication and Communication Studies and the Society of Professional Journalists, of the College of Fine Arts and Communication.
