From Campus to Career: The Story of a Communications Graduate

First generation graduate, Penelope Moreno, describes her time at the University of Houston from her internships, her personal experience, and to where she is at now through her success.

Penelope Moreno just completed her second year at her current job, Nutex Health, a healthcare service company. Moreno started off as a social media coordinator in March 2022, developing engaging content for her company's social media, interpreting social media analytics, and editing video posts for Reels to increase social media engagement. A promotion was awarded for her in October 2023 as the digital marketing coordinator, developing and maintaining Google Search, Display, and video ad campaigns. With this position she also uses Google Analytics to track visitor interaction and optimize marketing campaigns. 

Fellow Houstonian, Penelope Moreno, grew up in Pearland, Texas and attended Robert Turner College and Career High School. This high school benefited her because it gave Moreno the opportunity to complete an associates degree while still in high school. After high school she attended the University of Houston in 2019

Her Time at UH

Moreno achieved a bachelors in communication for public relations and a minor in marketing in 2021. During her time at UH, she invested her time with internships that she gained through the communication mixers held at UH along with the Valenti internship list on Experience Valenti. A couple of internships that she gained experience from were from The Borgen Project as a PR/Marketing intern, South Post Oak Recycling Center as a public relations intern, and MD Anderson Cancer Center as publications intern. Through these internships, Moreno explained that she was in charge of completing fax sheets, writing blogs, and helping them with their SEO/branding for them. A main takeaway from internships that Moreno expresses is to not be scared to ask questions. ​

Everyday is a learning experience and to never feel pressured to know every little thing, especially when you are working in your career. There is always going to be something that you may not know the answer to, “Nobody is going to be judging you for looking up stuff. They would rather have somebody do something right, rather than be completely wrong all because they didn't want to ask questions. Honestly, Google is your best friend too.” Moreno explains. 

Through the internship that Moreno gained at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she was able to secure a job position at Nutex Health in 2022.

A Typical Day at Work

Moreno explains that she works Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm, but every work day for her is not the same. There are often different tasks depending on what kind of deadlines she needs to reach, what her team needs from her, and depending on what tasks needs to get done specifically for the day. The main thing she does at work constantly is checking her emails, “Emails for sure, I have to stay on top of my emails because that's a main form of communication, especially when working with a team. I am constantly checking my emails nonstop.” Moreno explains. She also mentions that sometimes her boss allows her to work from home for the day because the majority of the work needing to be done is all from her computer. 

Next Up for Moreno

Moreno wants to continue growing with the company as much as she can and work her way up to a possible position in the communication aspect and lean away from the marketing area. 

Architect of the Modern Movie Rating System

In the realm of cinema, few figures have had as profound an impact as Jack J. Valenti. As the head of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for nearly four decades, Valenti's tenure marked a period of significant change and innovation in the film industry. However, perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in his creation of the movie rating system, a groundbreaking development that forever altered how audiences perceive and consume movies.

In 1966, Valenti assumed the role of President of the MPAA, a position he would hold until 2004. During his tenure, he faced a multitude of challenges, from technological advancements to changing societal norms. However, one of his most significant contributions came in response to growing concerns about the content of films and their potential impact on audiences.

In the late 1960s, the landscape of cinema was evolving rapidly. Films were becoming increasingly diverse in their subject matter and explicit in their depiction of violence, sex, and other mature themes. This newfound freedom of expression sparked debates about the need for regulation and guidance, particularly concerning the suitability of certain movies for different age groups.

Enter Jack J. Valenti. Recognizing the need for a standardized system to inform audiences about the content of films, Valenti spearheaded the creation of the movie rating system. Introduced in 1968, this system classified films into various categories based on their content, providing viewers with valuable information to help them make informed decisions about what movies to watch.

The original rating system consisted of four categories: G (General Audiences), M (Mature Audiences), R (Restricted), and X (Adults Only). Over the years, this system underwent several revisions and refinements to better reflect the evolving landscape of cinema and address concerns about consistency and transparency.

Despite initial skepticism and resistance from some quarters, the movie rating system quickly became an integral part of the film industry. Filmmakers now had a framework within which to create their works, knowing that their content would be evaluated and classified according to established criteria. Likewise, audiences had a valuable tool to help them navigate the vast array of movies available to them, empowering them to make choices that aligned with their preferences and values.

Moreover, the movie rating system played a crucial role in safeguarding artistic freedom while also protecting vulnerable audiences, such as children and teenagers, from potentially harmful content. By providing clear guidelines and ratings, it fostered a balance between creative expression and social responsibility, ensuring that filmmakers could explore challenging themes while also respecting the boundaries of decency and taste.

Today, the movie rating system remains an integral part of the cinematic experience, serving as a trusted guide for audiences of all ages. Although Jack J. Valenti passed away in 2007, his legacy endures through this enduring contribution to the film industry. His vision and leadership not only shaped the way we perceive and consume movies but also reaffirmed the power of innovation and collaboration in driving positive change. As we continue to embrace the magic of cinema, let us not forget the man who helped make it all possible: Jack J. Valenti, the architect of the modern movie rating system.

Jack J. Valenti: The Man, The Myth, The Legend.

Any communication student at the University of Houston is familiar with the name Jack J. Valenti, but who is this figure that has represented UH’s school of communication since 2008? This week we dive into the history of Valenti and how he became the one named after the school of communication here at the university. 

Jack Joseph Valenti was born on September 5, 1921 to a set of Italian immigrants. During his lifetime, he played significant roles for the United States Army Air Force, the Lyndon B. Johnson administration, and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). 

At the age of 16, Valenti attended night classes here at the University of Houston. As a student, Valenti became the president of the student association. Valenti was also a writer for the campus newspaper called, “The Daily Cougar.” During his time in college, Valenti was enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force as a pilot and flew 51 combats during World War II. During Valenti’s years of service he received multiple rewards such as the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal. After serving three years, Valenti graduated from UH in the spring of 1946. 

Valenti went on to study at Harvard and received an MBA from Havard, making Valenti the first UH graduate to receive an MBA. Valenti worked in advertising for Humble Oil (ExxonMobil) and gained the experience to establish an advertising firm with his partner Weldon Weekley. The firm was named, “Weekley and Valenti” and it had the Conoco Oil Company as its first client. 

Valenti also worked in political advertising and he became a news liaison for the Kennedy-Johnson administration. Following the assassination of Kennedy, Johnson stepped up to president and hired Valenti as the president of the MPAA. 

While serving as the president of the MPAA, Valenti developed the MPAA movie rating system in 1968. This is the rating that movies put in the beginning to highlight what audience age group is suitable to watch the film based on its content. 

Through all of Valenti’s success, the University of Houston honored him with an honorary doctorate in 2002. This is the highest honor that a university is able to give to its students.

In Valenti’s personal life, he married Mary Margaret Wiley in 1962. Wiley also worked for the Johnson administration. Together they had three children: John, Alexandra, and Courtenay Valenti. 

In 2007 just before his 45th wedding anniversary, Valenti passed away at the age of 85 after suffering complications from a stroke. 

Following Valenti’s death, the University of Houston decided to rename the school of communications in his honor. In 2008, the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication was officially recognized by the university. 

Valenti played many successful roles in his lifetime. From serving the country through its military and politics to establishing his own advertising firm and working with large oil companies. Valenti quotes the phrase, “There isn’t anything in the world that can’t be made better.” Valenti is an honorable figure and the University of Houston is proud to be a part of his legacy.

Jack J. Valenti School of Communication: An Origin Story

At the University of Houston, the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication has been a staple for over 45 years. Its official establishment was in 1978 but, despite its current recognition, the Valenti school was not always part of the school’s history. The school of communication had to overcome some challenges to even be recognized. Exploring its history is integral to understanding Valenti’s identity and mission.

Getting a better understanding of how the School of Communication started requires understanding the University of Houston's establishment. Before being recognized as a leading university today, UH started as a junior college in 1972. The school wouldn’t develop into a four-year university until 1934.

During its first year as a junior college, the university’s Press Club founded and began writing a school newspaper titled The Cougar. Several years later, both the university newspaper and The Press Club would serve as a catalyst in influencing the integration of the university's various publications and facilities.

The year 1934 was a turning point in the history of the University of Houston. Not only was it the turning point in the college's transition into a four-year institution, but it was also the start of physical and curricular changes for the university. The institution began the acquiring of land for the construction of a permanent campus just two years later, in 1936.

Through the years the university set in place different degrees and by 1963, the school formed the communication arts program under the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. This was the result of a successful merger of the radio, television, and journalism programs influenced by the college’s Press Club. After the Department of Communication Arts established success and prosperity with its program, in 1968 they began advocating for the establishment of a dedicated building for their students. Two years later this successful fight resulted in the appointment of a committee of professors to plan for the construction of a new facility for the institution.

As a result of the growing and successfully performing communication arts program, the university approved an official school of communication in 1977. The School of Communication would be renamed one year later to the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication in honor of the University of Houston alumnus who served as adviser to President Lyndon Johnson and headed the MPAA for decades. In the years since its establishment, it has produced hardworking, knowledgeable, and ethical students for the University of Houston. 

Jack J. Valenti School of Communication is a school of communication whose very origins are a testament to growth and perseverance. The commitment to striving for success has embedded itself in the school's identity, shaping its values and fostering its goals. Today, the school's origins reflect a forward-thinking mindset that inspires students to adopt that mentality and use it to drive them through the growing and evolving field of communication.

The photograph shows the architectural model of the Communication Building in 1977.