COM 430 Capstone Students Thrive with Real-World Opportunity
Students in Cleveland State University’s (CSU) School of Communication COM 430 Digital Content Production course stepped beyond the classroom on April 30 and into the professional world, gaining valuable hands-on experience through a capstone partnership with The Sixty6.
The class, taught by Dr. Beth Thomas in the School of Communication within CSU’s Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, presented the final deliverables of its semester-long project to key stakeholders of The Sixty6 at the Cleveland Foundation. The experience gave students the opportunity to apply the skills they have developed at CSU to a real client with real community impact.
The Sixty6, located at East 66th Street and Euclid Avenue, is a unique live music venue designed to celebrate the rich musical history of Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood while creating new opportunities for local artists and residents. The venue offers a diverse lineup of performances, complimentary recording facilities and two Black-owned establishments, making it both a cultural hub and a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.
The COM 430 students were tasked with helping raise awareness of the community space while supporting the venue’s first anniversary celebration. To meet the challenge, students were divided into four professional-style agency teams, each focused on a different area of strategic communication and content creation.
“My students did a superb job of gathering data, identifying ways to reach its audience, and creating digital videos and photos that The Sixty6 can use on their website and social platforms,” said Dr. Thomas. “They interviewed customers, musicians, and did “man-on-the-street” videos to help bring awareness to the jazz club.”
The Strategy & Tactics team, led by Chantel Patterson, developed campaign direction, audience targeting and planning. Team members included Josh Amsden, Kateryna Kopylchak and Kodi Reynolds, who also provided an overview of the class presentation.
The Communications team, led by Madison Norville, focused on messaging and shaping the public-facing narrative for The Sixty6. Team members included Pascal Morris-Barrie, Nicole Wloszek-Therens and Caleb Maynard.
The Integrated Marketing team, led by Ava Fuduric, concentrated on content development and channel execution. Alex Giampietro, Angel Hidvegi and Morgan Alten rounded out the team.
The Creative Content Production team, led by Grace Salter, developed visual storytelling and brand expression concepts. Also joining the team were Anden George, Mike Carlisle and Katelyn DiGiacomo.
“The Cleveland Foundation group was wonderful to work with, and I would like to thank Kendra Davis, Mike Hood, Tiyana Williams and Jackie Fitch for meeting with my students throughout the semester to give them feedback and encouragement,” said Dr. Thomas. “I’m excited to attend The Sixty6’s one-year anniversary on Sunday, May 17 with some of my students.”
The project mirrored the expectations of a professional communications agency by collaborating in teams, meeting deadlines, presenting to stakeholders and creating strategic solutions for a client. It also brought fresh ideas and innovative content from CSU’s emerging communications professionals to The Sixty6.
With opportunities like the digital content production capstone project, CSU students are graduating with more than knowledge. They’re graduating with experience.