Dear Alumni and Friends,
When Andersen Hall opened as the new home of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications in 2001, the walls were adorned with quotations from our founding fathers, political figures and industry giants. Over the years, we’ve added a few quotes here and there, including a couple from superstar alums like Jane Hirt (‘89) and Cindy McCaffrey (‘80). We’ve also removed some quotes that haven’t stood the test of time.
Our recent renovations of the lobby, Meier Studio and Pepsi Lab, gave us some blank wall space, which we have now filled with inspiring quotes from our esteemed Alumni Masters over the years. By featuring our own graduates, we celebrate the unique journeys of alumni while creating a deeper sense of connection for current students. Read all the new quotes or see them for yourself at our Homecoming Party on Oct. 4.
I’m excited to announce that we are also bringing the words of our alumni to this newsletter. Alumni Voices will periodically feature stories written by our alums about their time in the J-School. This month we feature a powerful story by Randy Essex (’83) who reflects on a pivotal moment during his time as editor of the Daily Nebraskan amid the national debate on apartheid. If you have a story to share, write it up and email me directly. I can’t wait to hear from you!
We’re also looking for stories from all our Hearst Award winners over the years. I was recently appointed to the Hearst Journalism Awards Steering Committee, and to encourage engagement in the program we are collecting stories from our alums about how winning a Hearst Award impacted their college experience and career. If you’re a Hearst Award winner, email me your story.
With the election around the corner, we have several programs and events underway. This summer our students were part of the Carnegie-Knight News21 initiative that examined the state of American democracy in the recently released project Fractured. Today our students will be engaging in Google News Initiative training with Mike Reilley (’89) to identify misinformation and disinformation and strengthen fact-checking and source verification skills. Next week our faculty and staff will be facilitating Empowered Conversations, a civil discourse program for our largest freshmen class ever. Next month, The Atlantic, in partnership with Flatwater Free Press, will host the State of Our Union from the Nebraska Union. The event is free and open to the public. Register now!
Our students in the Experience Lab and across the college will be heavily involved in election coverage, which would not be possible without the incredible support of our Professionals in Residence. Do you remember covering the election in college? Want to see what it’s like today? Let me know if you want to help on election night.
We have much to celebrate this month, including our summer grads, special honors, university service awards, faculty and staff awards, new professional development programs, the launch of the E.N. Thompson Forum on Sept. 24, growing enrollment and six National BEA Awards.
LaSharah Bunting (’00) has a reason to celebrate. Check out her new role and catch up on all our Huskers on the Move.
I do hope you’ll be able to join us for our Homecoming Party on Oct. 4. If you’re in NYC, we’d love to connect you to our students who will be visiting the Big Apple on Oct. 21. RSVP by Oct. 14 to join us for drinks and hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m. at The Brazen Tavern in New York City. You’re also invited to celebrate with Matthew Hansen (’03) and his team at FlatFest on Oct. 23. The stellar panel includes our very own Angel Jennings (’08).
Go Big Red!
Shari
