It’s a generation gap eliminated and united. It’s an appropriate adage describing the recent professional connection between University of Iowa School of Journalism alums Glenn Townes (B.A. ’86) and Isaac LaRoy Hamlet (B.A.’ 18). Hamlet, an Arts and Entertainment reporter for the Des Moines (Iowa) Register, recently accepted an offer to be a field freelance writer for NJ Urban News. Managing Editor Glenn Townes leads the popular Newark, NJ-based digital platform. “I’m delighted and thrilled to have a fellow Iowa J-School alum join my cadre of freelance writers,” he said. “I’ve followed Isaac’s work during the past few years and wanted him to do some writing for us.”
Townes met Hamlet in 2016 when he was invited back to the J-School as a Professional-in-Residence–for the second time. At the time, Hamlet was an undergraduate journalism major and determined and laser-focused on securing connections that would lead to a career in journalism. “I spoke at length with Isaac and kept in touch with him after my professional stint at Iowa was over,” Townes said. “He reminded me so much of myself when I was in my early 20s and hell-bent on making my mark as a journalist!” Townes said Hamlet would write 2 to 3 articles a month for the site. “I’m happy to do some writing for Glenn and NJ Urban News,” Hamlet said. “It’s an excellent online publication, and I’m glad to be part of the freelance team. Go Hawkeyes!”