Professor Coco Speaks to Aspiring Writers

The Introduction to Journalism class heard from Joe Coco, an adjunct professor of art and music, on Tuesday, Sept. 15 in the Taylor Memorial Library during class time. 

Professor Coco discussed the art of press releases to aspiring writers and the importance of the connections between journalists. 

“If you can’t do it, someone else can,” said Professor Coco.

The Rules of Journalism

One of the first things Professor Coco shared with the class was what he considered the many rules of journalism. These include:

1. The 5 Ws (who, what, where, when, why) are a mantra 

2. Never burn bridges with other journalist; keep in touch 

3. Always keep a flash drive 

4. Always ask for help 

5. If you can't do it, someone else will 

6. Always be on the defensive

Who, what, when, where, and why are the most important parts of an article story when you’re in journalism. 

“It is your repeated prayer like the Our Father in Catholicism or Jewish prayers,” said Professor Coco. “These are the keys that allow you to open up your story.”

Not only are there 5 W’s in journalism, but there is also an H; the “how.” The “how” is what makes up the rest of a news article. 

"HOW COME is the big question," said Professor Coco.

“Using the 5 Ws and H is mandatory, but things like the why and the how are the most important,” said Temekia Colon, senior communication major, commenting on Professor Coco’s presentation. 

Even though Professor Coco started off as an anthropology major, he sure has great skills in journalism!

The Art of Storytelling

Professor Coco gave the Introduction to Journalism class a great lesson on the art of storytelling, which is the art that journalists know all too well. 

“Storytelling is who we are as writers,” said Professor Coco. “As a writer and journalist, your ability to write will be your new biology.”

Professor Coco also pointed out how a part of our nature as a journalist is to write every little detail down to turn it into a news story.

The Process of a Press Release

As an artist, Professor Coco often writes a press release to introduce his art exhibits. So, he shared his process!

“When starting off the press release, you use your 5 Ws,” said Professor Coco. “The body is the how come of the story.” 

The what (art exhibit) and who (the artist) is the most important aspect of a press release. The rest of the press release is all up to you and how you incorporate the differences, in this case, in each painting.

An important part of press releases, according to Professor Coco, is to bold and underline different parts of the text to show importance. 

The Endless Laughter

Toward the end of his speech, Professor Coco encouraged us students to ask questions. The standout was student-journalist Leo Watson asking about his unique tie. 

“My old friend and mentor/teacher, Dom Kommit, who was terminally ill gave me this tie,” said Professor Coco. “I practically begged him to let me have at least one tie, and after a lot of convincing, he let me take two of his special ties. This one, the one with clams, is one of the ties he gifted me.”

Professor Coco pulled out his mini office kit, leaving the students pleasantly surprised.

“When Professor Coco pulled out that mini office kit, I was so confused,” said Carlee Nigro. “I had to laugh out loud at the fact he just showed us this random kit full of mini supplies, from a tape measure to an x-acto knife and pastel chalks, to a can opener."

Student’s Thoughts

The students of Introduction to Journalism loved to hear Professor Coco’s stories. 

“Meeting Professor Coco for the first time was fun,” said student-journalist Tyler Altmann. “He has a very welcoming and funny vibe to him. When he talked about what he had done in his career, it was very interesting to hear. Hearing that he does his own press releases was cool. Everything he was talking about was interesting.”

“Professor Coco is hilarious,” said Nigro. “I loved how interactive he was with us students. I loved his comment on the importance of building connections on campus.” 

Many students also loved his wisdom he brought to class.

“Professor Coco shared his wisdom of 'always be in the habit of showing up anyways' and 'the who, what, where, when, why is the journalism mantra,'” said student-journalist Kaitlyn Castellano. “I also remember him saying 'storytelling is who we are' and 'if you can't do it, somebody else can.' These were very memorable comments.”

Professor Coco was a standout guest speaker for the Introduction to Journalism class. Make sure to catch him around campus and check out his Full Moon art series, full of paintings of the moon from 2023 to the present beginning in January!