"Pay Your Dues, Earn Your Chops": Achieving Success The Touhill Way

Mike Touhill

On Friday morning, Sept. 28, 2012 my class and I welcomed a very special visitor from the College of Charleston's Department of Communication Advisory Council, Mr. Mike Touhill. He spoke with us about how he got his start and discussed  his current job with us as well.

Touhill is a former mass communication major, who was interested in obtaining a degree and pursuing a career in journalism. During the fall semester of his senior year, he did an internship that he disliked, and when offered an intern position in the spring, he was very hesitant.

"I had a bad experience that Fall with an internship I was doing," Touhill explained to the class. "I didn't want to take it, but I did, and I am sure am glad I didn't pass up on it."

It's a great thing he didn't. He graduated college in 2002, and said that he missed obtaining his journalism degree by three credits. However, he got a job a week after he graduation with the Martin Agency.

"I thought I was going to be a reporter, but the good thing about internships is that it helps you learn what it is that you like and do not like to do," Touhill said.

The Martin Agency was founded in Richmond, VA in 1965 and while working there, Touhill shared how he learned a lot. He said that while working there it was one of his favorite jobs and he loved it. He shared how he learned a lot about media relations, and becoming an expert in his field.

"You have to be an expert in your field. This industry is very fast-paced and its all about being able to respond right away," he advised students.


While working at the Martin Agency, Touhill said he did promo for numerous companies such as, Nascar, Coca-Cola's Vanilla Coke, and the Geico Gecko and Cavemen.








His time with the agency ran out in 2009 when he was laid off, however, he didn't let that stop him.

"This is a dues paying industry, you've got to earn your chops," Touhill explained.

So what would Touhill say to a group of undergrad college kids? "Do stuff, do stuff, do stuff! Try as many internships as you can, build your resume, and find what it is that you like."

Kiawah Island Resorts

Today, Touhill is the Director of Public Relations at Kiawah Partners. Kiawah Partners is a real estate, family-owned business. It was bought by the prominent Darby family to make residential homes. The business has definitely expanded, now having hotels, golf courses and homes now added to there list, the resort has become a go-to place for locals and even celebrities. Just this past summer the PGA Golf Tournament was held at Kiawah Ocean Course, putting it on the map!






It was definitely a pleasure having Mr. Touhill come and speak with us. It was very interesting to learn his ups and downs and struggles in finding his way in the industry. It proves that with hard work, dedication and perseverance that you can achieve anything you want to.

I can truly say that I learned a lot from Mr. Touhill and that his tips and advice was very important. I intend to carry what he said with me throughout my own journey into the industry.

Welcome to The Roundtable: A Night of Debate with the Men of Alpha Phi Alpha & the Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha

On Wednesday evening Sept. 26, at 7 p.m., in the Education Center, the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. and the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. hosted "Relationship Education: Survival of the Fittest," a forum/debate where a panel of men and women from their fraternities and sororities, as well as students in the audience, were asked questions and gave their responses.

The mediator, and host for the evening, Ms. India Broadwater, began the event by introducing the panel of debaters: Denzell Moton, James Vickers, Brandon Upson, Tiffany Smalls, Allisha Hemingway, and Brandi Rollins, and explained the rules of the forum and how long each segment would take. 

The first topic was love, where questions like "what is love" and "how is it defined,"were asked to the panel and the audience. The students were very hesitant to answer and their wasn't much response. At least, that is until they got to the next topic which was titled, "Double Standards."

During this segment, both the panel and the audience carried on a heated debate on why girls are viewed one way, and how guys are viewed a completely different way.

Things only got more heated from there when they covered topics like lies, forgiveness, communication, hair, standards, sex and dating. More and more the crowd got involved and the panelist were very engaged as well. 

Ja'Nice Drakeford, Senior

Senior, Ja'Nice Drakeford said: "I thought that the event was very informing! I liked being able to hear the guys views on things because they truly do think about things a lot differently than we do."

Brandi Rollins, Senior

"The fact that the event was a non-judging zone I think is what made students more willing to participate," panelist Brandi Rollins and senior at the college said. "We wanted to come up with topics that would make the students laugh and even think. I think it went great."

The evening ended on a more serious and somber note when Ms. Broadwater discussed the last topic, Domestic Violence. During this time, students were asked questions on what are the different types of domestic violence, and what should you do if you know a friend is being abused.

India Broadwater, Senior

"I knew that it would definitely change the mood, but it was necessary; its real," Broadwater said. "There are the good aspects of relationships that we discussed that made us laugh and make jokes, but there is also a seriousness to it that could not be ignored. It is a topic that needs to be discussed more because both women and men are dying from this."




Through the laughs and the serious message that left students silent, in the end, the event was wonderful, and I enjoyed myself. Aside from learning how the male mind works, it was very entertaining to see how the students reacted to the questions and engaged in the discussions. 

Satisfying the People, One Tastebud at a Time

The College of Charleston is always looking for ways to satisfy its students. Recently, they changed up its dining options, giving students more delicious food varieties to choose from.

City Bistro

In the fall of 2011, the once Hungry Cougar transformed into the sleek and chic City Bistro, a new "all-you-can-eat cafe that has a variety of choices for any and everyone. This year, City Bistro added a new walk up window for students to grab a slice of pizza. The window is open until midnight.

The school also added a new Chik-Fil-A that has the full menu and offers sandwiches with different varieties of cheese and milkshakes! Although there was a lot of news coverage that came from Chik-Fil-A, it definitely isn't stopping students from filing in.

Stern Center, a favorite amongst the college, recently added some new options, which is creating a positive uproar from the students. With the popular and recognizable Chik-Fil-A and Jole Mole, this fall, Stern Center added two new places for students to choose from: Burger Studio and Boar's Head.

Boars Head

Boar's Head is a popular sandwich shop, where students can now create deli style sandwiches and enjoy gourmet style soups.

Burger Studio is a one-of-a-kind burger spot created for the students by the students, where students can come in and go to a interactive screen where they get to choose from over 30 ingredients, sauces, and cheeses and create their very own burgers. From turkey burgers, veggie burgers, angus beef burgers, curly, sweet potato and seasoned fries, students have a variety of options to choose from!

Kim Foster, Senior

Lastly, for the student looking for a snack between classes, or on-the-go, the College placed the P.O.D, or Provisions On Demand in the Education Center. This exciting new feature is filled with students favorite sodas, drinks, chips and candy, and even has raw veggies and fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks and sandwiches.

I went around campus and got some feedback from the students on how they were enjoying the new additions to the dining options.

"I am so in love with these new changes, especially Burger Studio and the P.O.D," said Kim Foster. Trying to stay fit and eat healthy is so hard, especially when you're so busy, so it's great that I can grab a cup of fruit on the go or grab a turkey burger for lunch."

Rashida Beach, Senior

"I am always running around somewhere, and I don't always have time to eat, so the P.O.D is the best thing ever," said Rashida Beach.  I love how convenient it is and how they have so many things to choose from. Also, I love how we have a Chik-Fil-A that serves the full menu AND they have milkshakes!!"

Cardell Sims, Senior

"I love to eat," said an excited Cardell Sims. So when we got this Burger Studio and Boar's Head it was literally like heaven for me! I love how interactive Burger Studio is and how I get to create my own burger. Like, last week, I put fried egg on my burger. It was so good."













It's clear that based off the students reactions, the new additions and old favorites are all a hit! Job well done C of C!!

Raise Your Flags: Saluting & Remembering September 11th

The date was September 11th. I sat in my room, and  from my window I could hear a group of chanters shouting and chanting out on the street, "USA, USA"!

Eleven years ago, I remember being in the 5th grade and being in my Spanish class. The intercom came on and our principal told all teachers to turn on the TV's. I remember the blank screen being lit up as the planes collided and crashed into the twin towers. My classmates and I watched along with the world at the horror and devastation that 11 years later would be known as "9/11".

I went out on the street and got some feedback from students at the College of Charleston to find out where they were when they heard the news, their views on the War on Terror and how they feel today, 11 years later.

LaQunya Baker, Senior

"I feel that the War on Terror was a complete waste of our nations time and money. What were we fighting for anyway? More importantly, lives were violently taken, and that should have been our concern. How to repair the damage done to the families and the victims lives. "

Shannel Mowbray, Senior

"I'm from Springfield, Mass., so with the cities being so close, some of the smoke came our way. It was just so scary and weird."

"I remember  being in class, and my classmates and I seeing the teachers watching TV. We were like, "what are they watching, what is going on?"

"Once I got home, and turned the TV on, I was just in disbelief. I will always remember that day. The smoke in the air and just the feeling of shock and being afraid."

Gianni Turner, Sophomore

I think it's pretty safe to say that 9/11 had an affect on anyone with a heart in America. Sophomore Gianni Turner, who was only 8 at the time remembers not knowing or understanding what was going on.

"I was young" Turner said. "I couldn't understand what was going on, I just remember feeling really bad for all the people who were killed."

Gianni went on to say, "The situation is such a tragedy, and even now, just remembering what happened still makes me sad."

Charne Turner, Senior

Charne Turner, a senior and arts management major remembers exactly where she was and what went through her mind on that horrific day 11 years ago.

"I was like 10 years old," Turner said. "The news was very scary and confusing. I couldn't really understand what was going on."

"As I grew up, I began to understand what really occurred and was able to sympathize with those around me."

With this week marking 11 years, Americans Observe 9/11 all over the world. Many schools and countries all over have carved out time to have a moment of silence, in rememberance of all our heros and fallen soldiers.

Take some time out to check out the new, Freedom Towers, a memorial built to honor and commemorate the lives that were lost. Building Ground Zero up To Freedom Towers

"This anniversary is about them. It’s also a time to reflect on just how far we’ve come as a nation these past eleven years", said President Obama.

To all the victims and families of 9/11 We Remember.

Fashion & Urbies: My Favorite Place

In Charleston, there are so many places to go and so many new and exciting things to see and try. The possibilities are endless here! You can find fun in the craziest of places, and peace in the oddest of spots. The culture here is so diverse and there is no telling what you'll buy, because the stores and shops here are by far the most unique that I have ever seen.

My favorite place would have to be my job, Urban Outfitters , located on 371 King St. Now, I personally think that many people would say that their job is their least favorite place, but you have to know the history behind my job to know why I love it!

UO (before)

Before Urban Outfitters made its way to King St, the store was a theatre; Old Garden Theatre. The building was opened and set up in 1918 and welcomed in many people. The history behind those walls is so amazing to me, and I find something new to fall in love with every time I work. There is so much that I have learned, like about how big segregation was and how segregated that building was. It is also so amazing to see the changes and advancements that the store has made.

UO (today) 

The theatre ran successfully up until it was closed in 1970. It would remain an abandoned building until  it was restored in 1977, seven years later.

In 2005, the once theatre and performance arts space turned into the new home of Urban Outfitters. Tourist from all over and even locals are amazed at the architecture and the remnants of the past that still are very present to the store. From the massive chandeliers and walls that were restored, to the high ceilings, there is just so much to love about this store! Many customers say that they travel miles just to check out just how amazing the store is! (They also grab a few things too New Arrivals)




The best feeling is going to a job where you love the people you work with and the amazing vibe that the customers and tourist bring. I can truly say that there is no place I would rather work.

There are a few other Urban's around the U.S and outside the U.S. but Charleston has the BEST Urban  EVER!!

The Balcony/Sale

Here are a few more images of the inside of the store :)

The back of the store/the stage 

Urban is known for it's creative wackiness

Doin' It The Greek Way: CofC Style

“It’s the most fun I have had in awhile," said Gianni Turner. "I’ve never seen anything like this before!”

            College of Charleston sophomore Gianni Turner, along with a host of other students, came out on Thursday afternoon to watch the colleges National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities and fraternities put on a very fun and informative show.

            The event began in Cougar Mall at 6:30 p.m., where the first group, the men of Alpha Phi Alpha, introduced themselves and performed a routine explaining when and where they were founded on the campus.

            Students gathered around as one-by-one “tour guides”led them throughout Cougar Mall. Once in Cougar Mall, they were led by the organizations to different areas where each sorority and fraternity put on a spectacular and entertaining show.

            When the show was over, the host for the evening, Vaughn of Zeta Phi Beta, explained to the crowd that what they had experienced was known as “Meet the Greeks”, an opportunity for students to learn about some of the campuses organizations.

The event ended at the NPHC house on Wentworth Street, where each sorority and fraternity gave an informational lecture in his or her designated rooms and answered any questions that students may have.

Gianni Turner, Sophomore

            Gianni Turner said, “I can definitely say that for this being my first C of C event, I really enjoyed myself and cannot wait for more like this.”