Kosovo, South Africa photojournalism exhibit opens Nov. 24

A powerful student photo exhibit documenting two nations -- one in its infancy and one with immigration issues -- will be on display Nov. 24-Dec. 5 at the Rotunda Gallery in the Nebraska Union, 1400 R St.

The photo stories by University of Nebraska-Lincoln students in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications document one of the world's newest nation, Kosovo, and its ethnic Albanians; and South Africa, a country that is experiencing border issues with Zimbabwe and its other neighbors. The exhibit runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Photojournalism associate professor Bruce Thorson, quoted a 19th-century journalist, Finley Peter Dunne, on the reason for the study of Kosovo and South Africa: "The job of the newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."

Thorson said, "Dunne surely would insist on the same goal for photojournalism."

The expeditions to Kosovo in March and South Africa last summer were funded by a grant from Howard Buffett, a photographer of scenes in the developing world; Thomas Mangelsen, one of the world's premier nature photographers; and Joel Sartore, a National Geographic magazine photographer. The photos are part of a series of depth reporting projects open to student reporters, photographers and videographers.

The exhibit is sponsored by Photo Club, a group dedicated to the advancement of photojournalism at UNL. Photo Club encourages photojournalists to reflect high standards of quality in their professional and amateur performance and in their personal code of ethics. The club offers educational programs, provides social environments and fraternalism without bias, and supports and acknowledges the best the profession and the students have to offer.

Following is a list of UNL journalism students participating in the trips:

NEBRASKA

Friend: Shannon Cross Lauber (South Africa).

Hickman: Shannon Smith (Kosovo).

Lincoln: Christina DeVries (South Africa), Michael Mason-D'Croz (Kosovo), Karen Schmidt (Kosovo).

North Platte: Logan Meier (South Africa).

Omaha: Clay Lomneth (Kosovo), Anna Mostek (South Africa), Kate Veik (Kosovo and South Africa).

Papillion: Vanessa Skocz (Kosovo and South Africa).

Valley: Sarah Bryant (South Africa).

ELSEWHERE

Roswell, Ga.: Christopher Slaughter (South Africa).

Stillwater, Minn.: Jenna Gibson (South Africa).

Willow Grove, Pa.: Lindsay DeMarco (Kosovo).