Student Show ‘Launch Pad’ Takes Off with Entertainment, Information
August 25, 2006Print-Friendly Version
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This fall, several George Mason students are launching into a hot new technology that’s taking off at Mason: podcasting. “Launch Pad,” a weekly radio-talk-show-style podcast that previews campus activities, will be available to download online. It will be hosted by student PJs (“pod jockeys”) James Martin, Ednaline Concepcion, Aseel Al-Mudallal and Andrew Day.
Listeners can tune in at their convenience after downloading Launch Pad to their computer using iTunes or to a personal MP3 player such as an iPod. The service is free.
The first Launch Pad will be available on Monday, Aug. 28, at launchpad.gmu.edu, and will highlight Welcome Week activities. After the first week, Launch Pad will be available each Wednesday throughout the semester starting Sept. 13.
“Podcasting is a new and exciting medium of communication,” says pod jockey Day, a junior majoring in art and visual technology. “We decided to make the show a Student Government initiative.”
The show is also being sponsored by University Relations. Paras Kaul, director of Web Communications; Michael Galvin, marketing manager for Dining Services; and Irene Flores, internet multimedia designer in Web Communications, are also helping with production, editing and design.
Later this fall, Mason will become part of Apple’s iTunes University in partnership with Mason’s Information Technology Unit. Podcasts such as Launch Pad, as well as faculty lectures and other information, will be available by subscription on iTunes.
Meet the friendly people behind the Launch Pad voices:
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James “Jymm” Martin
Senior, Communication and Business
Most prized possession: His brain
Two words to describe iTunes library: Barren and progressive
Why you should listen to Launch Pad: “With every listener, the Launch Pad adopts a stray albino monkey kitten.”
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Ednaline “Lynn” Concepcion
Senior, Marketing
Favorite place to eat on campus: Bistro
Dream career: Broadway star
Why she decided to be a PJ: “To make people aware of how extremely funny I am … not.”
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Andrew Day
Junior, Art and Visual Technology
Secret Talent: Can cook like an Iron Chef
Most Proud of: Being a member of the swim team
Why you should listen to Launch Pad: “It is a valuable and convenient resource on University Life and other student activities.”
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Aseel Al-Mudallal
Senior, Biology/Pre-med
Most proud of: Leading the student body as president
Dream career: A surgeon that takes time off to practice in underprivileged areas of the world.
Why she decided to be a PJ: “Why wouldn’t I want to work with an amazing team that uses innovative technology to further the student and faculty experience at George Mason?”