As we come to the close of another year, I want to reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments we've made in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Our students have demonstrated incredible passion for learning and for pushing their fields forward. Our faculty and staff have brought special dedication to the task of making the J-School community a rewarding place to learn. And our research endeavors have deepened and expanded. 

We are proud to be one of the top programs for mass communication in the world and proud to call the J-School home. We're also deeply grateful to this alumni community for your support and for keeping in touch. Warm wishes for the holiday season!

Director Hernando Rojas

Students in Evjue Centennial Professor Doug McLeod's course in "Creative Campaign Messages" are creating a strategic communication plan for the Mosquito Hill Nature Center in Outagamie County. Student Lindsay Pollock said working with the nature center's staff heightens the reality of their work: "We're going to feel like a mini marketing agency."

Researchers in the Center for Communication and Civic Renewal hosted a conference on renewing civic life that addressed Wisconsin's growing political divide. The conference honored the memory of the late Bill Kraus (a Republican strategist who was known for his willingness to cross party lines), featured a keynote from former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and gathered ideas and spurred conversation on strengthening civic life. Visit the conference site to watch recordings of the sessions and learn more about Bill Kraus.

Professor and historian Kathryn McGarr [shown here with CNN correspondent and UW alum Manu Raju] recently published a new book, "City of Newsmen: Public Lies and Professional Secrets in Cold War Washington." J-School professors have also received funding to study social media use and adolescent health and continued funding for research on misinformation correction. Professor Young Mie Kim recently provided expert testimony on disinformation and foreign election interference before the Canadian House of Commons.

Your gifts help us update course resources with new technology and materials, provide funds to keep developing innovative courses and award scholarships to outstanding students. In short, you help us keep our educational, research and outreach missions going. Thank you!