Jocelyn Markeson has been selected as the “Outstanding Senior” by the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television and the College of Fine Arts for the 2024 fall semester.
“As a BA student in Film and Television, Jocelyn Markeson distinguishes herself through intelligence, diligence, and integrity. Jocelyn is a classroom trailblazer whose hard work and determination go far beyond minimum requirements and brings out the best in herself and peers,” writes Professor Shane Riches.
What follows are excerpted quotes from his nomination letter.
With a GPA of 4.0 — straight “A’s” across academic studies — she is slated to graduate with Honors. She has also been awarded the “Wildcat Excellence” merit-based scholarship, as well as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Jocelyn’s scholarly excellence resulted in her graduating in 3.5 years, as well as impressively qualifying for the Dean’s List every year.
- Fall 2024 CFA Graduation Convocation | Dec. 19 | 7p | Crowder Hall
It should be noted, too, that on top of all her studies, Jocelyn has held a steady job at Starbucks during her entire college career, as well as launched her own photography company — capable of balancing work and studies exceptionally well.
She volunteered on several student films and held several different leadership and support positions including, but not limited to 1st AC, A/D, Editor, Cinematographer, PA, and actor. Jocelyn has also used her passion and experience in film to help her community – volunteering as Lighting Administrator for a local church’s media team.
Jocelyn is inspired by the unifying powers of narrative, storytelling, and creative imagery. This passion for the arts led her to write and direct four different short films while at the University while simultaneously building her photography portfolio and experience.
The Film & Television faculty is extraordinarily proud and fortunate to have Jocelyn in our program. She is the type of student that makes teaching rewarding. Her scholarship, leadership, and citizenship make her an ideal example of excellence at the University of Arizona.
How was your experience at the college and the university?
I have so enjoyed my time learning, growing, and discovering who I am at the University of Arizona. I have always been someone who loves school, and having the opportunity go to school to learn about things that I thoroughly enjoy makes it even better! When I would talk to friends about the homework load for the weekend, they would tell me about all of the, their words, “very boring” homework they had to do. When my peers would return the question and ask me, I would awkwardly reply, ‘I get to make a movie this weekend’ and try not to appear excited about it and make them feel worse. Right from the beginning I realized that I was one lucky girl, because I had the best and most enjoyable homework and degree in the entire school!
What’s your favorite memory?
Some of my most cherished memories come from being on student film sets for class projects. On these sets that I got to meet like-minded people who were also in absolute love with filmmaking. I have made so many connections and had so many experiences that have helped me find who I am and find my voice. All throughout my college years I would always think about how people would talk about their university days so reverently. Alumni would often reflect on “the best years of their life” and I remember being worried that I wouldn’t make the most of my experience or I wouldn’t be taking in all that I could to make these the best years of my life. After reflecting on the laughter, tears, stressful all-night study sessions, the fun, friendship, and growth of these past years I am proud to say that these truly were some of the best years of my life and I will cherish them forever.
What are a couple academic and scholastic successes you enjoyed?
My goal entering college was to graduate with a 4.0. grade average. When I would attend my older sibling’s graduations, I would marvel at the people who had summa cum laude in front of their name and decided in those moments that, as hard as it might be, that was something I wanted to do. I was a recipient of the Wildcat Excellence scholarship, and I have made the Dean’s list every year. I have been on a number of student films including Active Imagination (which is a national film festival award winner) and have been a member of the Business of Entertainment Club on campus. During the spring of my junior year, I interned at a local non-profit, the Pima Council on Aging as a marketing intern. Lastly, I have the honor of graduating a semester early with my bachelor’s degree in film and television, and minor in marketing from the Eller College of Management.
Please share experiences of leadership that were impactful.
When I first started at the U of A, I wanted to be a film director, so this naturally put me in a number of leadership roles on student film projects. I was the director, producer, writer, editor, and cinematographer on many films. I love to find peoples strengths and provide opportunities to build them up and allow them to grow. Over time, I was able to relinquish the numerous titles and make room for others and the work we created ultimately became better. It was this transition and realization that showed me that this is the kind of work that I want to do after I leave college.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to pursue a career in the film distribution, or acquisitions, or marketing field of the industry. I want to build a place that allows people to grow and connect with other people and create excellent work because of it. My dream of one day opening a studio or running a media company comes from my desire to create opportunities for people to find themselves and grow, and to learn how to be excellent in a way unique to them.
How did you get involved in community service?
I am on the worship band at my church and work as a worship band leader, and sometimes backup vocalist. I also serve in the children’s ministry with the preschool age kids and have been doing that since I was 11 years old. Since my time at the University of Arizona, I have had the opportunity to pour my newly acquired wisdom into a new place of service. I developed stage lighting design, setup livestream equipment and infrastructure, developed workflows, training documents, standards and procedural documents for a team of volunteers that I personally trained to run the media and light booth.
What message would you want to leave your fellow graduates?
I would want to encourage everyone as they take their next steps into the world of the arts to be “authentically themselves.” The arts are very influential, and the work of individuals shape entire cultures. One dance, one note, one movie, one quote, one moment, can change a person’s life. We as individuals pursuing a career in these fields will have the power to be culture creators. To be culture shifters. And the authentic you, may just be what this world needs.
- Jocelyn Markeson: A classroom trailblazer
- Mo Casorla: Mastering music and motion
- Jordan Shomper: Leading through music
- Linda Garcia Escobar: A dynamic, emerging educator