Edwin Banacia

UWF degree and year of graduation:
BA, Comm. Arts, 2000

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
I had two reasons. I am a Pensacola native, so UWF was convenient for me. More importantly however, I looked at a lot of different campuses and thought our campus was so beautiful. There was no reason for me to leave Pensacola when UWF was here for me to attend.

What were your goals as a student?
To discover what I wanted to do in life. I thought being in college would help me decide.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
I enjoyed studying late night in the computer lab when it was not very crowded. I always felt very safe and comfortable there. Also, the vending machines kept me well fed!

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Without a doubt, Eileen Perrigo. She always encouraged my dreams. I felt I had realistic goals for my life, but inside, I was dreaming big and she encouraged me to follow them.

What do you do now?
I am the Director of Media for Columbia Records. I represent our music artists and their public image through digital, print, and TV media. I introduce new artists to the public and help shape their image. For our current artists, I help maintain their current image.

How did UWF help you progress to this point?
UWF is the reason I am here. When I was taking my Communication Arts classes, I let Mrs. Perrigo know I was interested in music. She helped me find a career in it. She helped create my resume, helped me submit it for multiple internships and encouraged me along the way. She continues to be a professional mentor for me. I speak with her every couple of weeks and still ask her advice on how to handle things. She has been a great mentor to me.

How do you stay connected to UWF?
Primarily through digital media. I am on the alumni e-newsletter mailing list and look forward to receiving those on a monthly basis. I enjoy getting updates on campus and information on how I can contribute back to the university.

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
Concentrate on what you love, what can be your career and lifelong passion. You don’t want to find yourself waking up in a few years hating your career. If you find a career you are passionate about and enjoy, the financial piece will work itself out.

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
That one’s easy: the personal touch that you get from your professors. They really show you they care about you and your successes. The classes are not so large that you don’t get any interaction with your professor. They are also not so small that it is uncomfortable. It was also a great education at an affordable price.

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