Director's Note: Connecting a Deeply Committed Alumni Community

Dear Friends,

It wasn’t long after I joined the School of Media and Journalism (MDJ) in July 2020 that I started hearing stories about Jargon and fielding questions about when the next issue would appear. I quickly learned a lot about Jargon’s importance to alumni, faculty, friends and others.

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In reviewing past issues, I developed a strong appreciation for the role that Jargon has played as the connective tissue of a widespread and deeply committed alumni community. I strategized with colleagues in MDJ and the College of Communication and Information (CCI) about how to orchestrate Jargon’s long-awaited return. Now, finally emerging from its extended pandemic slumber, is a new edition of this beloved flagship publication for the School.

This first edition of a re-imagined Jargon is symbolic on multiple fronts. We’re continuing a longstanding School tradition, but with a digital refresh. We’re publishing under the masthead of the renamed School of Media and Journalism for the first time. And we’re telling our stories during this weird, transitional period when we’re all still feeling our way toward a new post-pandemic normal.

Special thanks to MDJ Professor Michele Ewing who helped imagine and build out a plan for Jargon’s evolution from a traditional once- or twice-yearly printed publication to a monthly digital update focused on “all things MDJ.” Thanks, too, to J Keirn-Swanson, CCI’s Director of Strategic Communication and External Affairs and Christina Russ, CCI’s Social Media and Community Manager for their assistance in overseeing the production of content. A special shout out to Laurel Wirtanen-Siloy, CCI’s Director of Philanthropy with whose help we’ve been able to develop a regular publication schedule with the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. Finally, huge thanks to two wonderful MDJ students, Kelsey Paulus and Troy Pierson who are researching, writing and producing everything you see here. Thank you, Team Jargon! Jargon’s triumphant return would not be possible without you.

I hope you’ll find that this edition of Jargon – and those that follow – does justice to the School you love. We’re excited to be telling MDJ’s stories again and we hope you’ll let us know what you think.

Go Flashes!

Emily