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‘It’s All About the Students,’ Dean David Kurpius Tells St. Louis Alumni

Dean David Kurpius in St. LouisListening Tour Helps New Dean Determine Priorities and Strategies

St. Louis (Oct. 5, 2015) — Graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism is more than earning a degree, Dick Feldman, BJ ’78, told the crowd gathered to welcome new Dean David Kurpius at a Sept. 9 reception at the Forest Hills Country Club in St. Louis.

“It’s an integral part of who we are,” Feldman said, mentioning that his niece Dominique will join family members wife Jody, BJ ’78, and father Phil, BJ ’49, when she graduates in May 2016.

The Feldmans and David, BJ ’91, and Amy, BS ED ’91, Linenbroker hosted the reception, which was attended by more than 100 alumni and friends. Dick Feldman and Linenbroker are members of Husch Blackwell’s Real Estate, Development and Construction team. Jody Feldman is a children’s book author.

Kurpius said he has been moved by alumni’s testimonials that highlight how the School has positively changed their lives in significant ways. He began his tenure as dean on July 1.

“You are an important part of the history of the world’s journalism school and our No. 1 ranking,” Kurpius said. “The reason we all care about this school is students. They are the heart of our mission, and no place on earth trains them better. You all are evidence of that.”

The St. Louis reception is part of a listening tour that Kurpius is conducting during his first months as dean. The inaugural session was held July 23 in Kansas City, followed by another in San Francisco. Beyond the School’s faculty and staff, he will meet with alumni, news media and strategic communication leadership and others to determine how best to strategically focus available resources.

“Our bragging rights as alumni come courtesy of those who built the School, beginning with founding Dean Walter Williams,” noted Jody Feldman. “The great Mizzou J-School legacy continues in the capable hands of new Dean David Kurpius.”

Linenbroker closed the program by reminding the group that the School’s well-deserved reputation also reflects on the high caliber of its faculty through the years, some of whom were present at the event.

Updated: September 10, 2020

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