The School of Journalism and Mass Communication will celebrate its 100th anniversary with several events from April 10-13, 2024.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Affiliated Event: Eyewitness to History: Lessons From Two Decades Covering the World with Frank Langfitt, 4:30-6:30 p.m.(Free; registration required)

Old Capitol Museum
Reception and hors d'oeuvres, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

NPR’s Frank Langfitt has reported from more than 50 countries and territories since the late 1990s. In a video and audio presentation, Frank recounts the history he’s witnessed through the people he’s met and how that history has shaped today’s challenging geo-political landscape. Frank will explain what he learned driving a free taxi in Shanghai and tracking elephants in South Sudan. He’ll also discuss reporting in Ukraine during Russia’s 2022 invasion and covering the Israel/Gaza war.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Student Work Exhibition and Scholarship Reception, 4-5:30 p.m. (All are welcome; no registration required)

Adler Journalism Building (first floor)

Join SJMC faculty, staff, students, alumni and families as we celebrate 2023-2024 scholarship and award winners and share student work.

Light refreshments provided.

Distinguished Service Award and Board Reception (invite only)
2024 Professional Advisory Board Distinguished Service Award Winner: 
  • Kevin Grothe

Friday, April 12, 2024

Hall of Fame Luncheon/Induction Ceremony (invite only)
2024 Hall of Fame Inductees:
  • Dana Roberson (professional)
  • Mark Shapiro (professional)
  • Jane Singer (academic)
Affiliated Event: Inside Scoop, 6 p.m. (Tickets required)

Poindexter Coffee, The Graduate, Iowa City

Featured Speakers:
  • Lee Rood, investigative reporter and Reader’s Watchdog columnist, Des Moines Register
  • Dana James, founder and publisher, Black Iowa News
  • Maudlyne Ihejirika, author, retired Chicago Sun-Times Columnist/reporter, journalism and storytelling program officer, Field Foundation of Illinois
  • Randy Evans, executive director, Iowa Freedom of Information Council and a former Des Moines Register reporter/editor
  • Zachary Oren Smith, eastern Iowa reporter, Iowa Public Radio

Saturday, April 13, 2024

100th Anniversary dinner, 6:30-9 p.m. (Registration required. Registration closes April 3.)

Heights Rooftop at the Courtyard by Marriott

Join the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication as we celebrate 100 years of excellence and explore the future of journalism and mass communication education and practice. Learn about on-going initiatives in SJMC and see the exciting work happening on campus and in our community.

Keynote Speaker: 
  • Maudlyne Ihejirika, "The future of journalism and storytelling: Putting community first" 
Featured Speakers: 
  • President Barbara Wilson, University of Iowa
  • Dean Sara Sanders, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Mark Mathis, Professional Advisory Board