ADVANCING EXCELLENCE $7.5 million gift establishes the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media

COLLEGE OF MEDIA ADVANCING EXCELLENCE 2020 Fall 2020 2 Message from the Dean Message from Advancement $7.5 million gift establishes the Richard As quickly as media evolves, In the past year, we’ve seen an it’s exciting to be in a field incredible number of alumni and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and where we regularly develop and friends become more new curriculum to provide involved in College of Media Innovation in Media students cutting-edge learning initiatives. Whether that’s by experiences. sharing wisdom in our Media The College of Media at the University of Illinois at While we navigate a year Career Night virtual panels Urbana-Champaign announced on October 12, 2020, like no other, the College of and in virtual classrooms that its students will benefit from a suite of enhanced Media continues to innovate through the Alumni Speakers professional experiences, thanks to a $7.5 million gift as we implement our new Bureau, offering guidance by Rich and Leslie Frank of St. Helena, California. strategic plan and look ahead to our students in our new to a bright future. As you The gift, the largest in the College of Media’s history, mentorship program, or may have heard, our exciting will establish the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for providing financial support to momentum has been accelerated further by a game- Leadership and Innovation in Media. us, we are grateful for your contributions. changing $7.5 million gift from Richard and Leslie Frank. “The opportunity this gift provides to our students The creation of the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for This engagement on all levels is extremely valuable who are pursuing careers in media is phenomenal,” Leadership and Innovation in Media is an infusion for the and we’re all the better for it. Everyone at the College of said Illinois Chancellor Robert J. Jones. “The passion College of Media at a time where support for our students Media is benefiting from this momentum, which surged this Rich has for his alma mater and his vast industry and programs is vital in preparing the next generation of fall when Richard and Leslie Frank gave the biggest gift in experience have combined perfectly with Leslie’s media professionals. College of Media history. Their belief in our mission and broadcast news experience to create a center that will This transformative gift dedicates $1.5 million for their desire to invest in our success ensures our future as a become the perfect ecosystem for budding journalists facilities upgrades and a $6 million endowment to establish premier college at a world-class university. and media professionals at Illinois.” the Frank Center. While the gift targets our journalism If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll consider joining the “Now more than ever there is a critical need for programs, a priority for the Franks and their motivation excitement here through your time, expertise, or financial good, solid, objective journalism in this country,” for giving, the entire College of Media will benefit from support. Throughout this magazine, we have showcased said Rich and Leslie Frank. “We are encouraged our the programming provided by the Frank Center and by some of our donors who have given in a variety of ways, contribution will help create the highest level of the renovations for classrooms in Gregory Hall and for including outright gifts, estate-based gifts, and scholarship learning for the next generation of journalists and that Richmond Studio, where we teach our broadcast journalism and internship opportunities. we are able to play a part in elevating the stature of classes. To give to the College of Media or to get more Rich and Leslie Frank have given the largest gift in the College of Media’s history. the program at Illinois, making it a top destination for After having illustrious careers—Rich was president of Disney Studios and Leslie The Frank Center will offer a distinguished speaker information on ways to support us, please contact our students and faculty.” was an Emmy Award-winning TV news anchor—they now run one of the most series, a professional-in-residence program, symposia, Office of Advancement at 217-244-5466 or visit our website at successful family-owned-and-operated wineries in the Napa Valley region, Rich Frank, former president of Disney Studios, Frank Family Vineyards. professional development support for students, and media.illinois.edu/giving. opportunities to engage with the community in public- and Leslie (Miller) Frank, an Emmy award-winning facing events—all of which tie back to the important land- broadcast journalist, both now vintners and hospitality of Media,” she added. “The upgrades to instructional grant mission of the University of Illinois. leaders in Napa Valley, wanted to make an investment facilities and the programming provided will ensure This gift is also a testament to the hard work of our in the University of Illinois that would have an impact that we continue to train innovative and ethical faculty, staff, and students, and the resulting belief that the for generations. professionals who will lead the way in their chosen College of Media is worthy of major investment. We are so The Richard and Leslie Frank Center at Illinois will fields, attract and retain the very best faculty to thrilled about the impact this gift will have on educating develop students who are leaders in their professions the Department of Journalism, and enhance our our students, attracting and retaining the very best faculty, by offering access to a diverse group of experts and Deanne Johnson opportunities to engage with the public on pressing and continuing to produce alumni who make a significant Assistant Dean for Advancement practitioners through residencies and a speaker series, issues. We cannot thank the Franks enough for societal impact. and by supporting outside learning opportunities such their generosity and commitment to shaping future as professional immersion experiences, conference generations of journalists and media professionals.” participation, and internships. Rich Frank, who received his bachelor’s degree A portion of the Franks’ gift will be used to create a in marketing from the University of Illinois, is Tracy Sulkin state-of-the-art broadcast facility within the Richmond no stranger to media. He began his career at the Dean Studio, and additionally to create two classrooms advertising agency BBDO in New York City before in Gregory Hall to accommodate the use of new moving to Los Angeles to work as a sales manager technologies, and to offer space for media editing and Advancing Excellence is a publication of the College of Media Office of Director of Communications: Holly Rushakoff at KTLA. He then served as president of Chris- Advancement at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. To read the latest news, visit media.illinois.edu. production. Craft Broadcasting. In 1977 he became president of Dean: Tracy Sulkin To submit alumni news, visit go.media.illinois.edu/alum-news. “The Richard and Leslie Frank Center will have a Paramount Television Group, overseeing the creation Assistant Dean for Advancement: Deanne Johnson transformational impact on students and will define Questions? Email [email protected]. and production of such shows as Taxi, Family Ties, and Senior Director of Advancement: Nancy Rampson Illinois’ excellence in media fields from this point Cheers, as well as the creation of the groundbreaking Associate Director of Advancement: Cari James forward,” said Tracy Sulkin, dean of the College of entertainment news show, Entertainment Tonight. Office Administrator: Colleen Hammel Media. “This gift is a game-changer for the College (continued on next page)

COLLEGE OF MEDIA ADVANCING EXCELLENCE 2020 1 (continued from previous page) In 1985, he became president of Disney Studios. Under Media courses shift his leadership, the studio created iconic sitcoms such as The Golden Girls and Home Improvement, and films experiential learning including Good Morning, Vietnam; Dead Poets Society; and The Lion King. He also oversaw the launch of the opportunities online Disney Channel. Rich served three terms as president of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In By Marissa Plescia, Communications and Marketing Intern 2007, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recognized him with the prestigious Syd Cassyd Like many faculty members, the COVID-19 pandemic left Founder’s Award. In 2011, Rich received an honorary Jonathan Knipp wondering how he was going to teach doctorate from the American Film Institute where his MACS 464: Film Festivals class virtually. he is currently a vice chairman on the AFI’s Board of Normally, the class puts together an in-person Directors. Rich previously served on the board of the film festival on campus. But instead, the class worked Motion Picture Association of America. together to provide a virtual film festival of student Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Leslie (Miller) Frank work, including showcasing their experiences in began her career in Canada before crossing the border quarantine. to work in some of the largest television markets in the “It was a really intense moment for me in which I United States. She spent more than 25 years covering had to kind of think on my feet all the time,” said Knipp, many major stories including the 9/11 attacks where lecturer in media and cinema studies. she reported live from ground zero in New York City, Knipp said his students stepped up to make the as well as from the scene of the devastating aftermath film festival happen, even though it was different than of Hurricane Katrina, and inside the courtroom at the expected. Some of his students even created a website to Michael Jackson trial. Leslie spent the last nine years livestream all of the content. The website also allowed of her TV news career reporting and anchoring at the students to vote for their favorite films. number one rated station, KABC in Los Angeles, where “Without the participation of everyone, then it would she covered politics, crime, weather calamities, as well have been unmanageable,” Knipp said. Facilities & Services employees prepare Room 100 in Gregory Hall for safe in-person instruction. (Photo by Charles “Stretch” Ledford, associate professor of journalism.) as interviewed some of the biggest stars in Hollywood Knipp wasn’t the only one who had to change on the red carpet. Prior to Los Angeles, Leslie was the lesson plans. Alison Davis, lecturer in journalism who For the assignment, students have to create press nent to online education—intrinsic motivation. In other main anchor at KCPQ in Seattle, where she took the taught JOUR 199: Intro to Documentary Production materials for a fictional organization. But beforehand, words, I try to make my class content fun, and I try to 10 p.m. newscast to number one in its time slot and in the spring, also had to make a quick turnaround. they use physical messaging cards that allow them to have fun making it.” clinched an Emmy for outstanding news anchor. Fortunately, her students were able to take home all of sort and organize their company’s communication goals. This semester, Ball is also experimenting with creat- Today, Rich and Leslie live in the Napa Valley their camera equipment. For their final assignment, For a virtual replacement, Peacock decided to use Trello, ing a virtual lecture hall where students can interact in and run one of the most successful family-owned- which is a short video documentary, she encouraged a free app and web-based platform, that allowed groups real time. In this virtual environment, he would be able and-operated wineries in the region, Frank Family her students to focus on their experience during the to visually organize their projects through virtual cards. to meet with students and have discussions within the Vineyards. Established in 1993, the winery is well pandemic. “By using tools that were easy to access and worked virtual lecture hall. regarded for its estate-driven still and sparkling wines. She said she received some amazing creations from well with the tools I was already using, it was a great way These virtual learning experiences have Rich and Leslie return to the Illinois campus fre- her students. One of her students is from Spain and to make learning engaging, while giving students hands- extended even outside the classroom. Under normal quently, speaking with students and faculty in both the made a film about what it was like living with her family on experience,” Peacock wrote in a blog, which is part circumstances, students would be able to go to the College of Media and the Gies College of Business and in their apartment during quarantine. Her grandparents of a series on remote instruction resources compiled by basement computer labs in Gregory Hall to work advising journalism students on their television news had contracted COVID-19 and the video ended with them the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at on projects and receive tech guidance from “Adobe broadcasts and resume videos. getting out of the hospital, Davis said. Illinois. helpers.” But the College of Media has created a Davis added that her students have been very Christopher Ball, assistant professor in journalism “Virtual Basement” where students can have this same engaged in class and have handled the transition into who taught JOUR 460: Extended Realities and Immersive experience online through Microsoft Teams. remote learning well. Technologies in the spring, created virtual reality pre- The Virtual Basement will be staffed in the “I’ve had excellent attendance to my classes,” Davis sentations for his students. He experimented with differ- afternoons and evenings, and students will be able said. “I’ve had excellent participation. I just think it ent virtual lecture formats, which were rated highly by to interact with each other 24/7, as well as ask for really says a lot about the quality of students that we his students, so he decided to continue experimenting help when needed, said Meghan Burnett, director of have.” with different virtual formats in the fall. information technology and operations. Since the pandemic didn’t end during the spring He said using emerging technology like VR provides “The goal of the space is to have a place where our semester, faculty had to continue changing their students with a hands-on learning opportunity that students can interact with each other like they may lesson plans into the fall. Marisa Peacock, lecturer motivates them to be more involved. have in the basement computer labs before COVID-19,” in advertising, teaches ADV 350: Writing for Public “Students are learning with the new technologies Burnett said. “The concept behind the Virtual Basement Richmond Studio, a broadcast training facility, will be completely renovated Relations, which entails an assignment that is usually that they are learning about,” Ball said. “I also think that is to narrow the gap created by being unable to offer lab with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to the Franks’ gift. (Photo by Madeline Wilson, BS ’20, journalism.) done in person. these new virtual formats can add an invaluable compo- space this fall.”

2 COLLEGE OF MEDIA ADVANCING EXCELLENCE 2020 3 Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives planned for Media The College of Media is pleased to announce a number of new initiatives, emerging from our recent strategic planning process, to create and sustain a diverse, Alumni share knowledge at virtual events inclusive, and equitable environment for our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Foremost among these is the By Holly Rushakoff of technology communications; and Company Productions and producer appointment of Jason Chambers, associate professor of Angela Sinickas (BS ’75, journalism), of Trading Spaces, America Ninja advertising, as our first Dean’s Fellow for Diversity. In In two new initiatives, the College of CEO of Sinickas Communications, Warriors, and Hell’s Kitchen. this role, Chambers serves as our first senior diversity Media is bringing together alumni an international management A third Media Career Night officer, helping to provide leadership in this important to share their wisdom, experiences, consultancy. panel in November will address area within the College of Media and serving as our and career advice with students. Students asked about the science communication with Allan representative to campus entities. Media Career Nights have been differences between working for Brettman (BS ’81, journalism), a Chambers chairs the college’s Diversity Committee, launched as a virtual series and an a small ad agency compared to science writer at Pacific Northwest which was charged by Dean Tracy Sulkin to coordinate Alumni Speakers Bureau has been a large firm when dealing with National Laboratory; Douglas a series of workshops that engage with diversity, equity, formed to provide guest speakers to crises, about how the emergence Isbell (MS ’88, journalism), cross- inclusion, and anti-racism; to develop a composite Media classrooms. of technology has changed program risk communication picture of, and determine ways to make more visible, After the pandemic caused strategies, and what they could do coordinator at NASA’s Jet Propulsion the range of faculty teaching, research, and student a shutdown of in-person events as students to prepare for crisis Laboratory; and Emily Scott (BS activity, that foregrounds Black, Brown, and Indigenous and the rise of Zoom as an online communications. ’17, agricultural communications; peoples and provides models of diverse, equitable, gathering space last spring, MS ’19, journalism), inclusive, and anti-racist practices; and to engage the College of Media decided public affairs specialist with campus diversity and anti-racism initiatives. The to use the virtual platform to at Lawrence Berkeley its advantage. Not only has National Laboratory. committee hosted its first workshop on October 16, Some of the Media alumni participating in a new mentoring program include “Equity-Mindedness in the College of Media,” led by Karen Coleman, Bianca Shamell Flowers, Felicia Fortenberry, Tamara Gibbs, the convenience of Zoom The College of Media Ryan Johnson, Clarrie Johnson, Pamela Crittendon Johnson, Carolyn Kidd-Harper, enabled even more alumni also established a new Ross Wantland, director of curricular development and Renee Cogdell Lewis, Joy D. Lindsey, Tristin Marshall, Ronald Alan Norwood, education in the Vice Chancellor’s Office of Academic Ric Pringle, Taylor Rooks, Carol Hillsman Sagers, Maisie Sparks, Cheryl Whitlow to participate, but those who Alumni Speakers Bureau, Thompson, and Catherine West. Inclusive Excellence. More than 30 faculty and staff are geographically dispersed featuring some of our participated in exercises designed to provoke new experiences, identification of pitfalls, helpful hints, are able to join in on panels most prominent and perspectives on equity and inclusion. and wisdom shared between student mentees and for robust conversations. Thinking critically, writing well, accomplished alumni. This program Among our initiatives for students in this area mentors who want the students to succeed.” The pilot “Over the course of this year, and writing quickly are important is designed to enrich classes with is a new mentoring program that connects students this academic year focuses on Black students and Black we are aiming to capture a breadth skills to develop, Modzelewski said. guest speakers joining in via Zoom with accomplished alumni to share perspectives alumni; the program will expand in future years. and depth of virtual opportunities “I’m pretty sure I learned that when to offer Q/A about specific topics, and advice. This initiative is a joint effort of college The college also continues to prioritize scholarship for our students,” said Dean Tracy I was on campus in Gregory Hall.” live or recorded lectures, or small leadership and alumna Carol Hillsman Sagers (BS support to recruit and retain an excellent and diverse Sulkin. “The virtual events have The second Media Career Night group discussions. ’79, advertising), a member of the College of Media student body. We are pleased to announce that, due received such enthusiasm among panel, “Getting Started in Film “Fall semester is a pilot Alumni Leadership Council and principal consultant to the generosity of a number of donors, our Media students, faculty, and alumni that and TV in LA,” featured alumni program, and we are looking at CHS Marketing Consultants. Sagers said: “We are Underrepresented Scholarship Fund has now reached they will undoubtedly become part Stephen Feder (BS ’02, media forward to building on its successes connecting students to a ‘village’ of people who earned endowment level. This enables the college to establish a of our repertoire going forward.” studies), a producer at T-Street and growing the initiative in future degrees and launched successful careers in their areas yearly scholarship for students from underrepresented Media Career Nights feature Productions; Steve Hirsen (BS ’71, semesters,” Sulkin said. of interest. And everyone in the village has been where groups. By contributing to this fund, you can help us monthly discussions on topics of radio and TV), original director For the month of October, guests these students are now. I expect there will be a lot of expand our capacity to support students. interest to students across all majors of America’s Funniest Home Videos in the line-up included journalism in the college. The Zoom sessions and a director for Entertainment alumni Angela Sinickas; Andrea are recorded so other students can Tonight, and currently a professor Darlas (BS ’94), WGN radio host and College’s strategic plan sets priorities for 2020-2025 benefit from the conversations. at Chapman University; Emma UIUC senior director of constituent The first virtual panel addressed Miller (BS ’08, media studies), vice engagement; David McCraw (BS ’76), The College of Media initiated strategic planning in each of the three pillars of our mission: education, crisis communications and featured president for scripted development deputy general counsel at The New September 2019. From a robust series of research and creative endeavor, and public conversations with stakeholders, a set of common engagement. To advance these strategic priorities, alumni experts Jack Modzelewski and programming at the AMC York Times; Kurt Winter (BS ’91), vice themes emerged about our identity as a unit, our our faculty and staff identified a series of actionable (BS ’76, advertising), chief executive Network; Mort Nathan (BS ’75, president of regional marketing strategic priorities, and our aspirations. We identified steps to take over the next five years. of JackKnifePR, which provides radio and TV), one of the creators of at Allstate Insurance; and Anne common themes and priorities that crossed units You can read the plan online at media.illinois. communication advisory services; the Golden Girls; and Frank Sinton Woodward (BS ’91), former vice and disciplines, and defined Media at Illinois in edu/strategicplan2020. Jim Schlueter (BS ’80, journalism), (BS ’84, advertising), COO and president of CNN technical who retired from Boeing as director executive producer at A. Smith and operations.

4 COLLEGE OF MEDIA ADVANCING EXCELLENCE 2020 5 Kalis supports students with new award for Noted journalists leave a legacy

creativity in advertising By Judy Schneider, University of Illinois Foundation the Chicago Tribune By Kimberly Belser, Communications and Marketing Intern as editor of the arts As an editor, Doug Balz (BS ’66, MS ’68, journalism) section. Following the Talented advertising undergraduate students will be knew how to get the best from writers. In 1980, he death of a young boy recognized for their creative work and provided with advised one journalist stalled while writing, “When in at the Cabrini Green a monetary gift to support their creative career path, doubt, put the reader on the road. Learn from the best. Housing Project, he thanks to the Murray Kalis Award for Creativity in If the journey motif was good enough for Homer….” came up with an idea Advertising. The new award was established by College That encouragement proved valuable to Madeleine for an architectural of Media alumnus Murray Kalis (BS ’61). Blais, a colleague who received the Pulitzer Prize for competition to “Much of advertising education is quantitative her feature writing. Balz was her editor. reimagine housing based: media, research, tracking,” Kalis said. “Yet, what The late Balz and his wife Jane Scholz are putting there. It drew 300 can truly differentiate ad agencies is qualitative. What Illinois journalism students “on the road” through a gift contestants from 10 I learned in the ad business was creative is the great from their estate. “Journalism has been our life,” Scholz countries. equalizer in agency pitches. No matter how big our said. The couple has remembered the College of Media “The project competitors were, if we had the big idea, we won the with a gift from a charitable remainder trust they spoke to Doug’s journalistic account.” established in the late ’90s. The trust provides payments ambitions, his creativity, Kalis, who spent most of his career as a creative to them while living, and the remainder is directed and his belief in the power of director, endowed this award to emphasize to students to beneficiaries including the University of Illinois newspapers to make people’s the importance of creativity in advertising. Foundation to benefit the Department of Journalism. lives better and cities more “Overall, as a department head, I feel blessed and Balz’s academic journey began in the early ’60s livable,” Dan Balz said. very happy that we have alumni who care deeply about when he left Freeport, Illinois, destined for the U of I. Journalism careers our students, and who would really like to recognize Several years later, his younger and only sibling Dan provided both Balz and Scholz a better life and their the strength in our talent pool,” said Professor Mike “I loved advertising because it called upon (BS ’68, MS ’72, journalism), also an accomplished gift will make a difference in the lives of students. Dan Yao, head of the Charles H. Sandage Department of everything I knew and had learned. After all, you never writer and currently chief correspondent for the said remembering Illinois is a tribute to the education, Advertising. know what products you might need to work on,” Kalis Washington Post, would follow. guidance, and inspiration his brother received there. The award process, which begins this December said. Two years later he graduated from the journalism Dan Balz shared that neither of them set out to study “I think he wanted to say thank you to the in advertising senior lecturer Peter Sheldon’s ADV 452: school having majored in advertising. journalism. Doug was an avid reader and co-editor institution,” Dan Balz concluded. Creative Concepts I course, will take place during a “Even though our curriculum does not have a of his high school yearbook. At Illinois, he declared virtual portfolio review, where at least one “upper-level dedicated track for creativity because its history has journalism as his major during his junior year. Doug creative with an extensive track record” will critique the always focused on strategy, there are many creative encouraged Dan to write for The Daily Illini—igniting Make a gift and increase students’ work. talents in our major,” Yao said. “We will always be his interest. While at Illinois, Doug was awarded a Ford Three awards will be given: one for the best single looking for a way to discover and support these students Foundation Fellowship and spent a year in Springfield, your income ad, one for the best three-ad campaign, and one for the who are interested in pursuing a creative path in Illinois, studying the Illinois legislature and working Doug Balz and Jane Scholz are not alone in making a charitable best 10-ad portfolio. Students have the ability to win in advertising, and so this timely gift and this award will as an aide to the speaker of the Illinois House of remainder trust part of their financial plans. The growth in such multiple categories. allow us to discover and cultivate this type of talent.” Representatives. arrangements has been dramatic the past couple of decades as interest rates on traditional income-producing investments The criteria for the Murray Kalis Award for Creativity Yao said it is important for students to be given a Doug Balz pursued a PhD in American studies at have stayed historically low. The rate of income paid is generally in Advertising is smart positioning, outstanding creative broad view of the industry and to be able to pursue their the University of Minnesota before taking his first reporting job at the Akron Beacon Journal in Ohio. He based on age. The older you are, the higher the rate. concept, and strong execution, in addition to that “wow” interests through the advertising curriculum, while Add in the fact that a donor receives an immediate factor, Sheldon explained. The winners will be given a feeling supported and recognized. then worked as the arts editor for the Miami Herald charitable income tax deduction and can reduce taxation of gift award to support their efforts in pursuing a creative “This award really reflects our dedication and our where he met Scholz. She too was an accomplished long-term gains if property is donated, such as stocks or real career path in the advertising industry. view of the importance of this particular dimension of journalist and would work as a publisher before estate, and you quickly realize it’s a “win-win” situation and a “From the time I started at [the University of Illinois], advertising,” he said. retiring. wonderful way to “give and receive” at the same time. You can even set up the plan to provide income for someone I was always interested in majors that require creativity,” Kalis is creative director of Kalis, Inc.; a partner and “Doug loved the arts, current events, and politics,” Scholz said. “He had a great sense of how to take a story else, such as a friend, spouse, sibling, or adult children. This can Kalis said. “In fact, I switched majors every semester, creative director emeritus at Riester; a board member be done while you’re still living or with language in your will or and turn it into something really special.” starting with architecture, to industrial design, to fine of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council; on the board trust to ensure their financial well-being after you are gone. arts painting, and then to creative writing.” of advisors for Dave’s Hot Chicken; and a member of the Balz’s writing skills earned him awards as a To learn more about gifts that return income, please contact Because of this, he had little to no concentration of Tech Coast Angels, the largest angel investor group in newspaper editor and general and investigative the College of Media Office of Advancement at 217-244-5466 or prerequisites to start his junior year. Then, he learned the U.S. Most recently, he joined the Los Angeles-based reporter. While at the Beacon Journal, he would uncover [email protected]. that the School of Journalism only required 60 hours B2B delivery startup, Ship District, as Chief Marketing the cause of leukemia deaths of workers at an area The University of Illinois Foundation does not provide tax, completed, and that the school offered a major in Officer. Goodyear plant. When Scholz was named publisher of legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, advertising. the Gary Post-Tribune in Indiana, Balz accepted a job at and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

6 COLLEGE OF MEDIA ADVANCING EXCELLENCE 2020 7 New faculty positions and leadership appointments

By Kimberly Belser and Marissa Plescia, Communications and Marketing Interns Media by the numbers Support from our alumni and friends transforms a College of Media education. Private gifts help to alleviate College welcomes three new Inaugural Dean’s Fellows to Faculty appointed to leadership financial need and recognize students’ academic achievements. With you, student recruitment and success is faculty members this fall lead initiatives on diversity and positions at ICR possible. See our list of donors for FY20 at media.illinois.edu/giving/donors. Angela Aguayo, associate professor experiential learning The Institute of Communications of media and cinema studies, Jason Chambers, associate Research, which houses the College centers her research around professor of advertising, and Ann of Media’s doctoral program, Funding Priorities Scholarship Stats FY20 documentary production and Reisner, associate professor of ushered in the academic year with media studies, and media and cinema studies, were new leadership. • Support College of Media • Champion Innovation Unrestricted Funds in Media Research & her work “creates appointed by Dean Tracy Sulkin as Sela Sar, $351,000 Collaborations connections between inaugural College of Media Dean’s associate professor • Foster Opportunities for Amount of scholarships awarded production, theory, Fellows for the 2020-2021 academic of advertising, and Media Students • Nurture Excellence in and history.” She year. The creation of the Dean’s Mira Sotirovic, Media Faculty begins by looking Fellows program, in which faculty associate professor $4,352 $3,379 Average award package for Average award package for for answers to two lead initiatives on college priorities, of journalism and freshmen* sophomores, juniors, and seniors* questions: Which problems are emerged from the college’s new Karin and Folke Scholarships, Internship Support, not being solved right now, and strategic plan. Dovring Scholar in Fellowships, and Awards FY20 what are the world’s most pressing Chambers serves as the Propaganda, serve as 416 201 social issues? Many of her projects, college’s senior diversity officer, the ICR’s director and Freshman and transfer Continuing students who including the oral history project and his projects will include director of graduate student applicants to the applied for scholarships Rural Civil Rights Project and leading initiatives to studies, respectively. 152 Total College of Media the summer camp Girls Make improve the college Both appointments Movies, were prompted by this environment and are three-year terms. 23.7% approach. create programs that As the world’s oldest program 25 Eligible undergraduate Chris Evans, clinical assistant will recruit and retain for research and doctoral education Incoming freshmen who applicants (freshmen through professor of journalism, is a diverse faculty, staff, in communication and media 100 received scholarships seniors) who were supported facilitating connections between and student body. He studies, the ICR has been a pioneer Journalism 27 through available funding the College of Media will also organize workshops and in interdisciplinary research Advertising and Illinois Public participate in college committees, methods and training. The ICR’s Media in a brand new including the Diversity Committee. faculty members, all active and New Business FY20 position at the college. Specific projects will be developed renowned scholars in the field, He will help students this year. teach graduate-level seminars and $1,356,677 gain real newsroom For Reisner, there will be a closely advise PhD students on their 10 Amount of gifts experience, get their special emphasis on exploring research projects and dissertations. Graduate Fellowships, work on the air, and allow them ways to provide experiential “I am hoping to facilitate 15 Assistantships, & Awards to create work that is held to a learning, which allows students to and enhance collaborative Media & Cinema Studies 466 615 professional standard with local, develop knowledge interdisciplinary research and an Number of donors Number of gifts and possibly national, reach. and skills through enhanced teaching environment Jacob Fisher, assistant professor methods outside the for the PhD students and ICR of advertising, is interested in classroom, especially faculty through organizing Student Stats technology design and the way it during the COVID-19 symposiums, colloquia, brown influences people’s attention. He pandemic. Some of bags, sponsoring research talks and said he was attracted her activities will presentations by ICR faculty and 1,144 9% to Illinois by its include initiatives like coordinating students, and by faculty from other Undergraduate and International strong reputation the college’s Undergraduate colleges and universities,” Sar said. graduate students undergraduate students Every gift counts. To learn more about in computation, Research Symposium, evaluating He and Sotirovic will “continue giving to the College of Media, contact the neuroscience, and platforms for student work, and fostering research and professional Office of Advancement at 217-244-5466 or brain imaging. He creating a system to connect faculty development opportunities for PhD 22% $37,357 [email protected]. You can use the Undergraduate students Yearly cost of attendance plans to collaborate with students who are interested in students by organizing workshops from under-represented for an Illinois resident remit envelope in this magazine or make with colleagues across campus, independent studies and research on research, teaching, and future populations taking 16 credit hours a gift online atmedia.illinois.edu/giving. including at the Beckman Institute assistant opportunities. career development plans for grad Learn about the With Illinois campaign at and the Siebel Center for Design. students,” he added. with.illinois.edu. *Total amount of scholarship package from College of Media and campus sources

8 COLLEGE OF MEDIA ADVANCING EXCELLENCE 2020 9 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHAMPAIGN, IL PERMIT NO. 453

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Explore Our Video Archives I ON THE MEDIA Hear Media faculty discuss research and projects related to current events: • How the pandemic has changed consumer behavior and brand strategies • Student-driven investigative reporting of COVID-19 on CU-CitizenAccess.org u go.media.illinois.edu/youtube

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FOR STUDENTS “Sit in” on a College of Media class or hear career advice from our alumni: u media.illinois.edu/watch-class u media.illinois.edu/career-night-panels 1 COLLEGE OF MEDIA