Adolf Mugume

UIW Alumni

What made you go into Communications?

The desire to be a good communicator as inspired by my community (The Congregation of Holy Cross), for whom I now serve as Communications Director, inspired my love for communications, adding to my prior experiences in education and administration.

Do you have any advice you'd like to share with UIW's current undergrad students that are interested in tCommunications?

Yes! Get involved in extracurricular activities, such as student-run media (the logos, KUIW radio, & UIW TV), public speaking & creative writing clubs, and don't miss the event planning class. These will provide you with valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Secondly, build a strong portfolio of work by creating projects, papers, and presentations that showcase your skills and abilities. Your portfolio can help you stand out when applying for internships or jobs in the future. Lastly, develop strong writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills with Dr. Blanton, which are essentials in the field of Communications. Take advantage of writing and public speaking classes at UIW, but most importantly, enjoy the mentorship of the excellent UIW Comm Arts faculty.

Do you have any projects on which you're currently working? If so, what are they?

 I spent part of my time in my transition from the US to Rome, I used holidays to finalize and implement my graduate school research. The project is about the use of digital media to inspire climate action among the youth in Uganda.

What influenced/inspired you to work on this project?

The growing concern about climate change in my community, Pope Francis's message in Laudato Si and the Letter film documentary, along with the support of Dr. Trey Guinn, has encouraged me to move forward not only for academic reasons, but also as a contribution of my education to my community.

What might your audience take away from your current project?

I hope the audience will understand that it takes you and your determination for the change you need to see in the world to happen.

What does this project mean to you?

This project means alot to me because tackling climate change requires people to amplify the voices of the voiceless. Communication studies at UIW gave me that opportunity, so this project for me means inspiring hope for a sustainable future.

What are your methods for getting into a creative headspace?

I try out several methods, but finding inspiration and surrounding myself with things that stimulate my creativity move me a step forward every time. Secondly, changing your environment, sometimes, a change in scenery, significantly impacts my creativity. I experiment with different environments like nature walks, park visits, and sacred spaces, bringing something new.Another amazing way is by embracing Solitude: I allow myself some quiet time away from distractions. Unplug from technology and give myself space to think, reflect, and let my mind wander. Mediation often leads me to formulate new ideas and fresh perspectives that allow creative thoughts to emerge in my mind. I like to work with others; collaboration and engaging with others often leads me to learn new things and develop new ideas and innovative solutions. Lastly, I try new, harder tasks and share experiences by stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring new experiences. Engage in different hobbies, mentor young people, attend workshops and seminars, etc. Exposure to new experiences broadens my perspective and stimulates my creative thinking ability.

Do you hope to contribute to a broader conversation with your work? If so, what is the conversation? 

I think it will be nice to see how we can engage in conversations about making UIW a more environmentally sustainable school and amplifying voices for the work of UIW Sustain in its efforts to impact students through the service program into a global brand identity of UIW even to protect and conserve the Headwaters Sanctuary at Incarnate Word through the UIW Comm Arts department communication departments.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with your audience about the work you've done since graduating from UIW?

Since my graduation, it has been more of a time to put hands on the values learned and implement my research project, which I am happy to have done. You can find out more about what we do at Laudato Youth Initiative. Lastly, I take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to My academic Advisor, Dr. Trey Guinn, Dr. Carbajal, Darlene, Dr. Blanton, Raymond, Alicia Caballero, Elayna, at the international office and also amazing students like Zeo Regina, Andrea Gomes, Abigail Velez, Beni Resendiz and Antonio Bocanegra who meant a lot to me at UIW.