Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we were able to offer many exciting experiential learning opportunities for Media students this year. 

In March, scholarships funded five journalism students to travel to Sierra Leone, West Africa, to work on a film documentary over spring break with a small journalism class. Their short film recently won first place in the 2024 Illinois Broadcasters Association Student Silver Dome Awards for the TV Photojournalism category.

Another group of Media students participated in a spring break media tour in Chicago, meeting University of Illinois alumni and visiting various industry sites including advertising agencies, news organizations, and a film studio. Seven of those students were able to attend thanks to our donors helping fund the trip.

In May, 20 students participated in an advertising and culture tour of London, England, to broaden their perspectives on advertising, brands, and media.  

Your support of these initiatives is vital in attracting ambitious students who are eager for new learning experiences. Offering these amazing opportunities for our students is one of the ways in which the College of Media offers a world-class program. 

If you are inspired to work with us to continue creating transformative opportunities, it would be my pleasure to speak with you. You can call me at 217-333-0752 or email me at jhns@illinois.edu.

Deanne Johnson
Senior Assistant Dean for Advancement

Fall 2024