For Technology Students, It’s Lights, Camera, Liftoff

Richard Edevane, an adjunct professor at the College of Business and Technology, was so impressed by two Wilmington University Advanced Camera and Cinematography students that he hired them to help shoot a real-life, hands-on project for his video production company.

Vince Yazidjian and Justin Lewandowski traveled with Edevane to Huntsville, Alabama, to make a video commissioned by Arm & Hammer Baking Soda showing school children launching bottle rockets propelled by baking soda on the company’s Rocketship Day.

Yazidjian served as cameraman, capturing kids’ delight as their bottle rockets soared into the sky.

“Vince did excellent work in my classes. He has a great eye,” says Edevane, founder of Creative Media Group in New Castle.

Lewandowski served as the pro-duction assistant, setting up lights, ensuring batteries were charged, operating small cameras attached to the rocket, and managing luggage and equipment during multiple legs of the trip.

The crew flew from Philadelphia to Charlotte, North Carolina, then transferred to a puddle jumper to travel to Huntsville, where they rented a van. 

“It was a challenge logistically, making sure everything made it when we changed planes and then went on to the van,” Edevane says. “It was fast and furious, but Justin handled everything beautifully.”

Edevane has been an adjunct at WilmU for over 20 years and has hired students several times to work on small local projects. This is the first time students have gained professional experience on a national project.

Since the Arm & Hammer shoot, he has hired Lewandowski several times for camera work and plans to bring him in for projects that require production assistance.

“Vince and Justin go the extra mile,” he says.

Serving Nemours

Students and faculty from the College of Business and Technology are sharing their love for gaming with kids undergoing treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital — and are finding more opportunities to connect with children facing health challenges.

The initiative began when Robert Passarelli, chair of Animation & 3D and Game Design, sought ways to enhance face-to-face experiences for students and faculty. He brainstormed with Scott Shaw, Nemours gaming and technology specialist and former Game Design chair at WilmU. (He is an adjunct at WilmU). 

Nemours introduced gaming to decrease boredom and anxiety in young patients. For the first visit, Passarelli was joined by Jordan Altiery, a student from WilmU’s eSports team, and two adjuncts, Adam Campbell and Jeremy Bregermann. They soon learned there are multiple ways to interact with children.

“It’s not just video games. There’s a full music room, an art room, a craft room. It’s a fun place where kids can get away from the challenges they are facing,” Passarelli says.

He is in discussions with Nemours on ways to expand the program, such as providing transportation for WilmU students to Nemours. The goal is a monthly two-hour visit to the children’s hospital.

“It’s an activity where students and faculty can help kids and get to know one another at the same time,” Passarelli says. “It’s outreach at its best.” 

— Eileen Smith Dallabrida