For so many of our students, college would not be possible without a part-time job. We typically employ about 60 part-time student workers every year in the CoJMC. Positions include our ambassadors who conduct workshops and recruit in local high schools, peer mentors who support our new freshmen when they get to campus, our music and sports directors at 90.3 KRNU and equipment check-out room and design lab assistants. The average student worker makes just over $2,500 during the academic year. But, with 60+ students, those figures add up fast. So, we asked some of our students, “Why is it important for you to have a part-time job in Andersen Hall?” Please take a moment to read their responses and consider giving to support the work they do. I expect their stories will resonate with many of you who were once in their shoes.
Our latest depth reporting project, “Invisible,” is now published on the Nebraska News Service. Under the leadership of Deepe Family Chairs Chris Graves and Linda White, our students interviewed more than 100 people — lawmakers, experts, researchers, family members of victims, domestic violence and sex trafficking survivors. They poured over reams of research papers, newspaper articles, statistics, scholarly articles, legislative actions and criminal case files that contained hundreds of documents. They filed a dozen public record requests, were denied most of their requests, and often, their requests for interviews were turned down by public officials. Still, they persevered. I encourage you to read the stories and share them widely.
Last month 172 undergraduate and six graduate students earned a degree from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Meet the Class of 2024, and check out the feature stories on how a couple of our recent grads made the most of their final semester and how a Husker from Banting, Selangor, Malaysia made her way to Nebraska to earn a degree - twice!
We are also celebrating our students who brought home Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards for their coverage of “America After Roe,” won AMA Prism Awards and received scholarships for internships and graduate school.
Are you looking for a good summer read? CoJMC alums Pamela Ungashick (’80) and Van Jensen (’04) talk about what it was like to write their first books. Whether you want a psychological thriller or a science fiction graphic novel, our alums will have your pages turning! Read up on all our Huskers on the Move.
Have the summer storms got you checking your local weather aps? Check out the research on severe weather alerts by Lawrence L. and Ruth E. Pike Professor of Journalism and Associate Dean Cory Armstrong and get an update on our college research news and faculty and staff awards.
We are here to support your professional development long after you cross the stage. Sign up for our career bulletin, or if your resume and/or cover letter needs a refresh, contact Career Development Specialist Natalie Becerra. Include details on what type of role you're looking for and Natalie will reply with personalized feedback and career-building resources.
There are several upcoming opportunities to connect with the college across the country:
- June 20: Celebrate Nebraska journalism in New York with the Flatwater Free Press. Join Executive Editor Matthew Hansen (’03) and Dick Tofel, founder to ProPublica, on the Sony Music Entertainment Rooftop Terrace to raise funds for non-profit journalism in Nebraska.
- June 26: Join Gilbert and Martha Hitchcock Professor Barney McCoy in Los Angeles for the screening of his new documentary “Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondent’s Story” at the Marina del Ray Film Festival.
- July 19: Join me in Kansas City to catch up with fellow alums over pizza and beer at Minsky’s Pizza – City Market. Thank you to Charlie Arnot (‘86) for hosting!
Finally, please take a moment to complete the Alumni Survey. The survey will take less than five minutes to complete and helps us gauge how well we are preparing students for their future careers. The information you provide will be used to make changes to the college’s curriculum to better prepare the next generation of journalists and communicators.
Go Big Red!
Shari
