Scoop LA Publisher Buddy Sampson- “UCSD Outstanding Graduates” 2019

News — By on June 17, 2019 at 11:59 pm
Buddy Sampson, Publisher of The Scoop LA, who recently graduated from UCSD with an Honors degree in Communications, was recognized at one of UCSD's "Outstanding Graduates."

Buddy Sampson, Publisher of The Scoop LA, who recently graduated from UCSD with an Honors degree in Communications, was recognized at one of UCSD’s “Outstanding Graduates.”

Seasoned Journalist Takes Nontraditional Path to Education to Inspire Others to Achieve Their Dreams

MAJOR: Communication
COLLEGE: Thurgood Marshall College

Most incoming freshmen do not have a resume as impressive as Buddy Sampson. But then again, Sampson is no ordinary student. A seasoned journalist, editor and musician from Philadelphia, he took the non-traditional path to higher education and eventually ended up at UC San Diego, studying communication. “UC San Diego has a great communication program,” he said. “I also wanted to show older people, of all races and ethnicities, that it’s never too late to achieve your dream of getting a degree.”

Before arriving at UC San Diego, Sampson worked as a journalist starting in 1989 and covered a variety of major events such as the OJ Simpson trial, the Los Angeles Riots and presidential elections. “It’s hard for me to pick one favorite memory from my career,” he said. “I’ve interviewed people like Bill Clinton, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, but my favorite interview has to be with my friend Johnny Sherman, who raised children as a single black dad, countering the negative stereotype of the deadbeat, black dad.” From 2002-08, he produced a critically acclaimed television show, “People You Should Know,” where he would perform with and interview entertainment and music stars. As a musician, Sampson has played with several Philadelphia and Los Angeles music stars and generated a reputation as an energetic performer. He still produces and performs charity shows.

As an older student, Sampson loved being a part of UC San Diego’s graduate housing and enjoyed the beautiful beaches and surrounding area of La Jolla. He managed to juggle being a full-time student as well as working as the editor-in-chief and publisher of The Scoop LA, a newspaper targeted toward African-American readers that was founded in 1967. “It was very challenging,” he said about supervising The Scoop LA with a full course load. “The publishing industry has changed a lot and being at UC San Diego has given me some new ideas to bring back to my work.” During his time at UC San Diego, Sampson has been a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, worked as a community service officer and is an active member of the executive committee at Thurgood Marshall College.

For his honors thesis, Sampson drew on his experiences as an older African-American student on campus. “Being a non-traditional student is how true change happens in the world, so I hope to inspire other, non-traditional students to think that anything is possible,” he said. “I want to say to students that they are the light of the world, that they can change the world paradigm and not to listen to people that say, ‘you don’t matter’ or ‘they don’t matter.’ You do matter, and each of us are capable of making change in the world.”

https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/feature/2019-outstanding-graduates

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