Christine Devine visits LA City College
On May 25, 2023, the LACC Foundation hosted the Nick Beck Investigative Journalism Lecture Series, featuring the esteemed journalist Christine Devine at LACC’s Holmes Hall. The event offered an opportunity to connect with the Emmy-award winning television news anchor. Following a welcome by LACC President Dr. Mary Gallagher and an introduction by LACC Journalism Professor Rhonda Guess, LACC Journalism Alumna Mary Paronyan conducted an engaging interview, unveiling inspiring insights into her career and personal experiences: from the profound influence of her parents to navigating the challenges of the pandemic, her dedication to foster youth of ‘Wednesday’s Child,’ and the pursuit of success in journalism.
Christine shared how she adapted to new ways of working as an anchor and reporter.
A special moment in the interview was when Christine discussed her involvement with ‘Wednesday’s Child,’ the public service initiative devoted to finding adoptive homes for children in foster care through weekly profile segments during Fox11 newscast. Since 1994 she has profiled foster children looking for adoptive homes, resulting in more than 500 adoptions.
source: https://www.emmys.com/news/news/nbc4-tops-63rd-los-angeles-area-emmys
She expressed her gratitude for being able to witness the program’s impact firsthand, recounting and for her personal experience of healing through this program. A moment of special serendipity happened. A current LACC student in the audience was a former foster youth who had been adopted with a family through the efforts of “Wednesday’s Child.” He is in the LACC Guardian Scholars program which empowers all current and former foster youth at LACC, and was thrilled to reconnect with Christine. What a special reunion! Christine’s dedication to the well-being of these children was evident as she shared stories of her continued contact with many of them, offering support and guidance throughout their lives.
Christine shared her own experiences and the sacrifices made along the way. Moving away from home to establish oneself in the industry often requires a balance between work-life and family.
Her passion for storytelling and the lasting impact of her interviews served reflect the profound influence journalism can have on society.
Following the interview, Christine responded to questions from several students and community members. To conclude the program, LACC Foundation Executive Director Dr. Lisa Nashua presented Christine with a banner.
This event was made possible by the Nick Beck Endowment, which supports students whose dreams are to strive in the Journalism field. Learn more about Ways to Give.
