Dean David Kurpius Meets with Missouri Journalism Alumni, Friends in Chicago
Commitment to Inclusiveness, Role of First Amendment and Recent Campus Events Among Topics Discussed
Chicago (Dec. 7, 2015) — New Missouri School of Journalism Dean David Kurpius‘s first months have been busy ones, noted Chuck Kaiser, BJ ’93, general manager, corporate affairs, of Edelman Chicago. The agency, which hosted the event, is a leading global communications marketing firm, with more than 5,500 employees in 65 cities.
Kaiser’s remarks were made during the Nov. 18 reception hosted at Edelman, a part of Kurpius’s listening tour since he joined the School in July. More than 100 alumni and friends gathered to meet him, network and share feedback about their experiences. Mike Wojtychiw, BA ’08, president of the Mizzou Alumni Association Chicago chapter, welcomed guests on behalf of the local chapter.
“His outbound legwork already shows great signs for the continued evolution of the finest journalism school on Earth,” Kaiser said.
Kurpius gave a brief overview of some recent award highlights, including KBIA-FM‘s fourth national Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association and the General Excellence Award from the Online News Association. He discussed the strategic communication campaigns being developed by MOJO Ad and AdZou students as well as overall innovation and creativity in the newsrooms.
Kurpius also shared comments about recent events on campus, ones that demonstrated the important role of journalism in a democratic society. “It showed why we hold dear our First Amendment freedoms of speech, press, assembly, religion, and petitioning against the government for grievances,” he said.
He reminded alumni and guests of the School’s commitment to inclusiveness: “We want to be a welcome environment for people from different backgrounds, races, religions and sexual orientations as well as one that provides equal opportunity for all.”
Updated: September 14, 2020