Closing a Chapter
40 Years Later….I Graduate From The University Of Georgia
Next Friday, May 13, yours truly will finally receive a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism…40 years after I left UGA. My graduate studies application is already in, and hopefully in the fall, I will begin my Masters degree work at UGA’s Grady College of Journalism.
When I left, I had already finished all my Journalism core, and needed only six more classes in my minor, Theater, to graduate.
Having started on the radio at age 16, in 1966, 2016 marks my 50th year as a professional broadcaster. I don’t know of a better way to celebrate that, than with five A’s and one B, a degree, and a great part in a top rated cartoon series.
Here is the story in the UGA’s “Red & Black”, with one correction…my belief is that if you put 51 perecent of all your passion and effort into a desire, the universe will handle the other 49 percent. -Bobby Ellerbee
Bobby Ellerbee believes that if a person puts 51 percent passion and effort into a goal, the universe will find a way to take care of the other 49 percent.
Congratulations! So you live in Athens, now?
Congratulations, Bobby!
My first Journalism School was DINFOS (Defense Information School) in the Army at 19. I learned basic journalism and then worked on Army newspapers for 3 years. Best education ever. Then I went to Indiana University for a Telecommunications degree. I complained that we spent too much time talking theory and not enough in the studio producing. One professor laughed and said you should have gone to the Columbia School of Broadcasting. I knew this was B.S. because a friend was attending Syracuse University, which was top rated in radio/TV at the time and all they did was produce programs in their studios. A little education, with a lot of experience is the key. Congratulations on getting your degree.
I guess there are many of us in broadcasting who chose the “late” path. Boy does it feel good though! Congratulations on your accomplishment (the degree) and all your articles here show you picked the right major.
Congratulations, Bobby!!!!
Congratulations. I myself am on that same path, after almost 40 years in the biz. I am encouraged by your success !
Congratulations Bobby!
CONGRATULATIONS Bobby!!!!!
Congratulations! I think this means you’re smarter than me now . . . . . 😉
Congratulations, Bobby’. I finished up at 31, then went to grad school. It’s never too late.
Congratulations Bobby,so happy for you!
Great article! Congrats, Bobby!
Congrats Bobby! Next stop: pHD~!!! 🙂
Doesn’t bring a Squidbillie count as professional experience towards your theater credits? It certainly should. Congrats!
A heartfelt “congratulations” Bobby! Nice way to tie up loose ends AND ply a rewarding career at the same time…well done!!
Congratulations Bobby!
Congratulations! I finished my degree and ended up a Steamfitter – maybe I should have just went to work! Anyway, you are a fine example that learning is a lifelong vocation.
Congrats! Good job! Welcome to the club, Sheriff!
Congratulations! I love your work!
Congratulations Bobby and again, thank you for the angle of the industry you so generously share with us. Journalism is a craft which can be taught in a day. What we need is a place to hone the skill with the guidance of a good Editor until we can each fly solo as a decent and objective journalist. The sad thing is Bobby, you have earned a degree, and I’m sure in classes you have encountered the frustration of knowing far more than the person teaching the class. You already earned a degree worth far more than any degree any school can give you; the degree from life’s experience in both the studio and the field. Your value to an employer is far more than any kid walking out of school with a shingle, and even someone at this stage with ten year’s experience. Theres no replacement for that. BRAVO, Bobby Ellerbee! This May 13th is your day, bless you!
A class act gets his diploma – but really Bobby – you graduated a long time ago
Congratulations! It only took me 30 years to finish.
Aha! No wonder your interest in Edward R. Murrow.
Congratulations.. I did the same thing.TV career took off and it was 21 years before I went back to finish my degree.
Here is the magazine article with more pix. https://issuu.com/redandblack/docs/ampersand_issue_5/29?e=0