What do I wear for this event?
Dress for all events will be casual. The average high temperature for Columbia in September is 79 degrees; the average low is 55 degrees.
How do I purchase 2008 merchandise?
Embroidered items and screenprinted t-shirts with the special 2008 centennial/dedication anniversary mark are available for purchase from EmbroidMe in Columbia, Mo. EmbroidMe is the exclusive provider of branded merchandise with the 2008 mark. To view the selections and order, please visit http://www.mo-jschool-2008-store.com/. EmbroidMe is located at 3304 W. Broadway, Business Park Court #C, Columbia, MO 65203; phone 573-445-4566.
Background Information
Who is sponsoring the celebration?
The Missouri School of Journalism, Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute and University of Missouri are hosting the event.
Why the dual centennial/dedication celebration?
The Missouri School of Journalism was founded Sept. 14, 1908, as the world's first school of journalism. It became the leading force behind the concept of hands-on journalism education in real media outlets, which in turn contributed greatly to professionalizing the industry. When the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute is dedicated on Sept. 12, 2008, it will further that pioneering spirit by developing new ideas, technologies and research for 21st-century journalism. Both are headquartered at the University of Missouri, the state's flagship university (founded in 1839) and its largest public research university.
What is the new Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute?
The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism engages media professionals, scholars and other citizens in programs aimed at improving the practice and understanding of journalism in democratic societies. It was created with a $31 million gift in 2004 from the Las Vegas-based Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The Institute is scheduled to move into its new home the summer of 2008.
How can I find out more about the history of the Missouri School of Journalism?
The Missouri Journalism Centennial Timeline is a rich, Web-based historical resource that contains more than 150 images and facts spanning the years 1808–2008. Each section, to be released monthly, showcases rare images of founder Walter Williams' travels throughout the world, the dedication of the stone lions from China, the glamour of the 50th anniversary celebration, the construction projects of the 1960s and 1970s and much more.
What is the status of the 2008 Centennial Directory?
The 2008 Centennial Directory, published by Harris Connect, was mailed in late January to those who placed orders. Those who purchased the directory should have received their copy in late January or early February. If you have questions about the directory or your order, contact Harris Connect at 1-800-877-6554 or customerservice@harrisconnect.com.
Contact
Who do I contact for questions about the centennial/dedication celebration?
Please send your questions about the celebration via e-mail to: jour2008@missouri.edu.
Event Schedule
What are the dates of the 2008 centennial/dedication events?
The celebration will officially begin at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10, and conclude on Friday evening, Sept. 12.
What will take place during those three days of the celebration?
Plans for the three-day event include the dedication of the new Reynolds Journalism Institute; a preview of the new Angus and Betty McDougall Center for Photojournalism Studies; a multimedia performance celebrating the First Amendment; dozens of sessions about the future of journalism; technology demonstrations; museum exhibits; hands-on activities related to the future of journalism; and the premiere of two original musical compositions, one presented with selections from the Pictures of the Year International archive.
Are any pre-event activities planned?
Prior to the official opening, several other activities will be available on Wednesday, Sept. 10. A golf outing sponsored by the Missouri Press Association will be held at the A.L. Gustin course, and a scholarly symposium will be held from noon-5 p.m.
Is there a home football game on the Saturday following the 2008 celebration?
There is a Mizzou football home game against Nevada on Saturday, Sept. 13.
How do I reserve football tickets for the Saturday, Sept. 13, game against Nevada?
MU Athletics is offering a block of seats for centennial/dedication guests at the discount rate of $20 per ticket (regular price: $44). Download and return the ticket order form or call MU Athletics with your order at (573) 882-0362.
Giving
How can I financially support the School of Journalism? 100 by 100: The Centennial Campaign for the Missouri School of Journalism is a focused effort to increase the School's endowment to $100 million by its 100th year. Strengthening its position as the world's pre-eminent school of journalism will require thoughtful investment by our alumni and friends. There are many ways to give to the School; find out more at http://journalism.missouri.edu/giving/.
How do I reserve a hotel room for the event?
A list of area hotels is available on the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site, or you may contact your preferred hotel chain. There is no headquarters hotel, and guests are encouraged to reserve rooms as soon as possible. General room blocks have been reserved at the following hotels; however, more than 3,000 rooms are available in Columbia, and several hundred more are available in the surrounding communities. Guests will be responsible for reserving and paying for their own hotel rooms.
Room Blocks
(Please call the local hotel number and reference the "MU School of Journalism" block. All blocks held from Sept. 9-14, 2008; some hotels have a two-night minimum.)
Best Western
Reservations: 1-800-362-3185
Address: 3100 I- 70 Drive SE, Columbia, MO 65201
Comfort Suites
Reservations: 573-443-0055
Address: 1010 W. Business Loop 70, Columbia, MO 65202
Country Inn and Suites
Reservations: 573-445-8585
Address: 817 N. Keene Street, Columbia, MO 65201
Days Inn
Reservations: 573-445-8511
Address: 1900 I-70 Drive SW, Columbia, MO 65203
Holiday Inn Select
Reservations: 573-445-8531 or 1-800-HOLIDAY (Group Code MUJ)
Address: 2200 I-70 Drive SW, Columbia, MO 65203
Super 8 - Lake of the Woods
Reservations: 573-449-1065
Address: 5700 Freedom Dr., Columbia, MO 65202
Travelodge
Reservations: 573-449-1065
Address: 900 Vandiver Drive, Columbia, MO 65202
Where will the event be held?
The centennial/dedication activities will be headquartered at the Missouri School of Journalism and the new Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute facilities on the University of Missouri campus. Sessions will be held in auditoriums and other rooms across campus.
Meals
What meals will be available as part of the event?
Two dinners will be available as part of the celebration: the J-School Barbecue Bash on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and the Taste of Missouri mixer on Friday, Sept. 12. Each dinner is priced separately, and you can order your ticket(s) when you register.
Are meals available in campus dining facilities?
Guests are welcome to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in any of the all-you-can-eat dining rooms, take-out locations and the Brady food court. Prices range from $5-8 per person per meal. For more information, please visit http://dining.missouri.edu/.
Where can I eat in Columbia?
The School of Journalism is within walking distance to The District, Columbia's historic downtown that features more than 60 restaurants, bars, coffee shops and more. Many other local dining establishments and national restaurant chains are available in Columbia. Visit the Columbia Convention and Visitor Bureau's Web site to learn more.
Parking/Transportation
Where can I park near campus?
The School is working with the MU Parking and Transportation Services to identify parking areas and shuttle services for our 2008 guests. Additional information about parking will be available in the summer on the 2008 Web site.
How do I get around campus?
Walking is the best way to get around campus. For more information about the MU campus, go to the MU Visitor Relations Web site. The online MU Campus Map may also prove useful for locating specific buildings and landmarks.
Registration
How do I register for the event? *Those who register by May 30 are eligible for a free commemorative book ($50 value).
MAIL form and payment to: 2008 Journalism Celebration, MU Conference Office, 344 Hearnes Center, Columbia, MO 65211. [Download Form]
FAX completed form to 573-882-1953 (credit card only). [Download Form]
PHONE 573-882-9554 or 866-682-6663 (credit card only).
Registration packets for the 2008 event were mailed in April. To request a registration packet, please contact
. For updated information about the event, visit http://journalism.missouri.edu/2008/.
When is the registration deadline?
There is no registration deadline for the event. Those who register by May 30 are eligible for a free commemorative book ($50 value), but registration will continue throughout the Sept. 10-12 event. Meal registrations, however, are not guaranteed if received after Aug. 15. They will be accepted on a space basis only.
Who can attend the celebration?
Registration is open to anyone who would like to attend the centennial/dedication activities.
How much will it cost to attend the celebration?
The registration fee and the cost of the Wednesday and Friday night meals will be announced on the 2008 Web site and in the registration materials, which will be available in spring 2008.
I am a local citizen and just want to attend one or two sessions during the day. Do I still have to register?
The centennial/dedication event is open to anyone who would like to attend. Registration is requested of all guests.
Can I bring guests to the event?
The centennial-dedication event is open to anyone who would like to attend. Registration is requested of all guests.
Reynolds Construction
When is the Reynolds Journalism Institute scheduled for completion?
The Reynolds Journalism Institute construction is scheduled to be finished in the summer of 2008. To watch the progress, visit the Institute Web cam at http://journalism.missouri.edu/webcam/.
Reunions
How can I plan or participate in a class reunion?
Information about how to organize a class reunion and other group gatherings is available at the Reunions and Group Gatherings page. The evening of Thursday, Sept. 11, will be an open night for alumni and guests to enjoy class reunions, group gatherings and other social opportunities. One activity to consider: The Tiger Twilight Festival, an annual celebration of Mizzou pride, will be held in downtown Columbia. Another opportunity is the home football game against Nevada scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13. A listing of reunions and gatherings and contact information for each will be included on the 2008 Web site. To add an event, please send a note via e-mail to: jour2008@missouri.edu.
Several thousand alumni and journalists from around the world are planning to attend the 2008 centennial/dedication celebration. Companies are invited to reach this influential audience through a variety of
sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors receive a full-color ad in the official program booklet, complete registration packets and exposure at event venues, on the 2008 Web site, and in promotional materials and press releases.