The Department of Communication Studies and the College of Liberal Arts & Education will host a public presentation by Neil Mandt. This special master class is Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Engineering 120.
His interactive multimedia presentation will cover topics ranging from artificial intelligence in business and everyday life to innovations in augmented and virtual reality, excelling in making content, selling in the digital age and mastering digital identity for success.
“Neil Mandt is an inspiring speaker, leader and entrepreneur,” said Jocelyn Boryczka, dean, College of Liberal Arts & Education. “He is a Titan at heart, sharing his experiences to empower our students to succeed in the digital age. I am excited for the University community to engage in a conversation that speaks to some of our pressing issues in higher education and society. This is what a liberal arts education looks like.”
Mandt, a former communication studies student at Detroit Mercy, has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. At 16, he was producing and directing a local television show in Detroit that earned an Emmy Award. At 26, he was the producer in charge of ABC News’ daily coverage of the O.J. Simpson Criminal Trial. In the years that followed, he produced 10 movies, 3,000 episodes of television shows, won five Emmy Awards, was responsible for the production and creative direction of the 2020 Golden Globe Awards and is now a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented and virtual reality.
“I remember Neil as a student,” said Cynthia Langham, chair of the Communication Studies Department. “He had incredible talent and was a real go-getter. Success may look easy, but it takes hard work and the ability to dream boldly and take risks. We are so honored to have Neil come back home to Detroit Mercy to share his life lessons with our students and help them succeed.”
The event is open to the community. For more information, contact Cynthia Langham, chair, Department of Communication Studies at langhac@udmercy.edu.