Audio Files from Media Convergence class

The fall 2006 Media Convergence class created the following audio podcasts of the day’s events.

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St. Petersburg Times coverage

Read the article about Saturday's grand opening and dedication that appeared in today's (Sunday) St. Petersburg Times. Staff writer Abha Bhattari highlights the social and community opportunities advocated by keynote speaker, Leon Dash.

Dedication Ceremony Photos and Videos

Above, Dr. G. Michael Killenberg, founder of the Neighborhood News Bureau and former director of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg Journalism Department, speaks to two Media Convergence students, Deanna Pfundtner, left, and Whitney Kerce Stoutimore.

Photo: Errol Johnson

Above, Leon Dash speaks about his journalism experiences. Dash won a Pulitzer Prize in 1995 for a series entitled, "Rosa Lee's Story."

Photo: Errol Johnson

Above, pictured from left are: Dr. G. Michael Killenberg; June Kicklighter, wife of Rep. Frank Peterman, D-St. Petersburg who is pictured on her left in the back row; Monique Fields, University of South Florida St. Petersburg lecturer in community journalism and "bureau chief" of the Neighborhood News Bureau; and, Dr. Tony Silvia, current director of the USFSP Department of Journalism. Also pictured are the four Peterman children: Sydnee P., Frank W. III, Jordan A., and Taffrey.

Photo: Nate Kurant

Above, Karen White, University of South Florida St. Petersburg regional chancellor, explains that the journalism program at USFSP is unique in the nation because the Neighborhood News Bureau provides students with an opportunity to learn community journalism while being located off campus inside the geographic area they'll be covering.

Photo: Errol Johnson

Above, Rep. Frank Peterman, D-St. Petersburg, left, accepts congratulations from University of South Florida St. Petersburg Chief Academic Officer, V. Mark Durand on the dedication the Neighborhood News Bureau's newsroom in memory of his late mother, Peggy Peterman. Peterman's House District 55 includes the area were the NBN is located: James Sanderlin Center, 2335 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg, Fla. Click HERE to view a video where Peterman talks about his mother's legacy.

(VIDEO length = 1 minute, 49 seconds)

Video: Caitlin Kuleci and Gina Presson Hammesfahr

Photo: Nate Kurant

Above, Goliath J. Davis, III, deputy mayor of St. Petersburg, talks about the visions of Peggy Peterman including the Black History pageant event, recognizing audience member Chris Warren for his role as a former member of the pageant. Click HERE to watch the video of Warren as he describes how Peggy Peterman has influenced his life.

(VIDEO length = 2 minutes, 43 seconds)

Video: Caitlin Kuleci and Gina Presson Hammesfahr

Photo: Errol Johnson

Above, pictured from left to right, Leon Dash, the keynote speaker for the NNB dedication; and members of the faculty of the USFSP Journalism Department: Monique Fields, Dr. Tony Silvia, Dr. Robert Dardenne, Dr. Cheryl Koski, Dr. G. Michael Killenberg, Paul Wang, Dr. Deni Elliot and Beth Reynolds. Not pictured, Dr. Mark Walters and Debbie Wolfe.

Photo: Nate Kurant

Click the above image to view a video of Mary Baker, one of Peggy Peterman's church friends.

(VIDEO length = 29 seconds)

Video: Caitlin Kuleci and Gina Presson Hammesfahr

Newsroom Plaque Dedication

Peggy Peterman, File Photo

Dr. G. Michael Killenberg, founder of the NNB, spoke of the Bureau's inception.

"Peggy really inspired me," said Killenberg. "[She] shattered cliches of vision all the time."

On behalf of the Neighborhood News Bureau, Dr. Tony Silvia presented a personal plaque to the Honorable Frank Peterman, Jr. and his family in honor of his late mother, Peggy M. Peterman.

"My mother was a kind a gentle person mixed with a fiery side," Peterman said in a tearful speech. "She didn't pull any punches."


"She often said, 'I wouldn't take nothing for my dreams,'" said Peterman.

Written by Whitney Stoutimore

The Honorable Frank Peterman, Jr. and his wife June Kicklighter

Photo by Nate Kurant

Dedication Breakfast Pictures

Participants are enjoying the dedication breakfast at the Neighborhood News Bureau.

Photos by Errol Johnson