Rick Trujillo, Emmy Award-winning visual journalist and military veteran, will speak on campus for Veterans Day and lead a variety of training sessions in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media. 

During his visit next week, Trujillo will meet with several classes and small groups and spend one-on-one time in the field with journalism students. As a U.S. Marine who has lived around the country, from California to Alaska, Trujillo offers a unique perspective on media ethics and literacy.

"Every person has a story that deserves to be told with integrity and respect. It's our job to tell people's stories, especially the ones that are usually overlooked. I am excited to share that knowledge with the students at the U of A," Trujillo said.

Trujillo was chosen as one of the nation's top 15 storytellers to work on the award-winning film V-DAY 11.11.11., which captured experiences of military veterans and their families in the United States. 

Additionally, Trujillo has covered many significant events, including presidential elections, school shootings including Columbine and the Oklahoma City bombing. For the past four years, he has been part of the camera operations crew for the Texas Rangers, the 2023 World Series victor. His work has garnered multiple accolades. 

"Rick's work experience is international, from Central America to China to Haiti. Some of the projects he's worked on, including a season of Cops, provide excellent lessons for students on ethics in journalism," said Gina Holland Shelton, interim director of the Center for Media Ethics and Literacy, which is hosting Trujillo.

Ginger Blackstone, U of A professor and longtime friend of Trujillo, is looking forward to having him in her classes as well as helping facilitate one-on-one time with broadcast and multimedia journalism students.

Before his career in visual journalism, Trujillo worked as a dishwasher, tractor operator, waiter, golf course laborer and factory employee. He returned to college in his early 30s on a third attempt to obtain a college degree. 

"Rick's journey is a testament to resilience and determination," Blackstone said. "His story should inspire students to find their passion and pursue it relentlessly, no matter the obstacles they face."

Trujillo will speak to a variety of classes while on campus, including Sports Media & Society, Photojournalism and Multimedia Journalism. 

At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, the campus chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists will host Trujillo as a guest speaker in Kimpel 203. The talk is open to anyone on campus. 

Trujillo will also join Shelton in visits to local high schools to promote the Lemke Journalism Project, a multicultural reporting and media literacy program for teenagers.