SJMC celebrated its centennial with several events throughout 2024.
Anniversary Events
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 closed 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
Friday, October 25, 2024
Homecoming Parade, 5:45–7:30 p.m.
Students, faculty and friends of the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication will be walking in this year's homecoming parade as we celebrate 100 years of excellence. When you see us, make sure we know you're there!
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Homecoming Tailgate, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Join us for a fun-filled day featuring delicious brunch food, exciting outdoor games, and a chance to win great prizes in our raffle! This is a non-alcoholic event, making it a perfect occasion for all to come together and celebrate our rich history and vibrant community. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with fellow alumni, students, and faculty as we commemorate this milestone!