11 Journalism Alumni Return to Campus for the 2005 Reunion Rally

Columbia, Mo. (May 3, 2005) — Eleven alumni visited the Missouri School of Journalism during the 2005 Reunion Rally activities held this week at the University of Missouri. Guests had the opportunity to catch up with their peers, attend special events, tour the campus and visit with faculty members and students. The eleven were among the approximately 225 others who participated in this annual event.

Professor Emeritus Roger Gafke, BJ ’61, gave an update about the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute. The new center will focus on advanced studies of journalism and its role in democratic societies. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation awarded the School $31 million for the creation of the Institute in February 2004. Groundbreaking ceremonies will be held Sept. 1.

2005 Reunion Rally Alumni
2005 Reunion Rally Alumni

Those attending posed for a picture outside of Fisher Auditorium in Gannett Hall. They are:

FRONT ROW:

  • Gloria Behrens Irwin, BJ ’60, of Irvine, Calif.
    What has the Missouri School of Journalism meant to you?
    Prestige. UPDATE: I am still writing, am working on plays now.
  • Barbara Breisch Lothrop, BJ ’55, of Fletcher, N.C.
    What has the Missouri School of Journalism meant to you?
    Extremely proud to say “Missouri School of Journalism” when asked where I went to college. The quality of my J-School education really prepared me for a successful professional career. UPDATE: Retired executive director of the Asheville, N.C., Area Arts Council.
  • Kirkie Bragg Holland, BJ ’55, of Columbia, Mo.
    What has the Missouri School of Journalism meant to you?
    Recognition within the field of journalism no matter where I went. The ideals and hands-on experience was valuable. UPDATE: I am writing fiction and memoirs, and I have volunteered at Library of Congress.
  • Fran Gorman, BJ ’65, of Moberly, Mo.
  • Georganne Spurling Marty, BJ ’55, of Champaign, Ill.
    What has the Missouri School of Journalism meant to you?
    An ethical journalism education from a principled faculty and staff. UPDATE: Active in the Daughters of the American Revolution on the local, state and national levels and the P.E.O. sisterhood.
  • Forrest “Frosty” Landon, BJ ’55, of Roanoke, Va.
    What has the Missouri School of Journalism meant to you?
    A 40-year Roanoke career in radio, TV and newspapers made possible by $500 Herrick scholarships in 1953 and 1955. UPDATE: Executive Director and Founder, Virginia Coalition for Open Government. Retired editor/vice president, Roanoke Times. National FOI Coalition Director, former president.

BACK ROW:

  • Victor Schiff, BJ ’60, of Massapequa, N.Y.
    What has the Missouri School of Journalism meant to you?
    It sent me on my career pathway. UPDATE: Free-lance promotion writing, editing consulting. Also, drama instruction and self-defense instruction.
  • Jo Anne Crider Ellis, BJ ’60, of Cassville, Mo.
    What has the Missouri School of Journalism meant to you?
    I am proud to say I graduated from Mizzou’s J-School. I used my training to teach journalism and oversee the school paper and yearbook on the high school level.
  • Jack Shelley, BJ ’35, Ames, Iowa.
    What has the Missouri School of Journalism meant to you?
    Everything in my professional career. I have had only three jobs in the 70 years since I graduated, and all were owed to my graduating from Mizzou…including my first assignment, for almost 20 years, as professor and chair of the broadcast journalism program at Iowa State University. UPDATE: Retired, but delivering a weekly newscast for the Ames Rotary Club, plus frequent public speaking.
  • Glenn Parsons, BJ ’55, of Cape Cod (Falmouth), Mass.
    What has the Missouri School of Journalism meant to you?
    Great experience for corporate communications/public relations career. UPDATE: Boating/fishing, sports. I met my wife Phyllis (Workman), a “townie” in Columbia. She was attending Christian College.
  • James (Jim) A. Ens, BJ ’55, of Grand Rapids, Mich.
    What has the Missouri School of Journalism meant to you?
    Good foundation for advertising career. UPDATE: Retired.

Updated: April 28, 2020

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