Commemorative Book to Ship in Mid-April

“The J-School” Tells the History, Pride and Influence of the World’s First School of Journalism

Columbia, Mo. (March 16, 2010) — “The J-School: Celebrating One Hundred Years in Journalism and the Reynolds Journalism Institute Dedication,” the hardcover commemorative book celebrating the first century in journalism education at the Missouri School of Journalism and the dedication of the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute, will be published in April. Suzette Heiman, BJ ’73, a professor and the director of planning and communications at the School, is the editor. She also oversaw the Sept. 10-12, 2008, centennial/dedication celebration.

The J-School Commemorative Book
The J-School Commemorative Book

The cost of “The J-School” is $50 per copy; shipping/handling is an additional $10. Copies can be ordered by sending a check (credit cards not accepted) to the Missouri School of Journalism, Planning and Communications Office, 120 Neff Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. The commemorative book also can be purchased on campus in 120 Neff Hall and the University Bookstore after publication.

A free poster, “The Missouri School of Journalism: One Hundred Years of Making Headlines,” can be downloaded in PDF format. Measuring approximately 48 inches wide by 12 inches deep, the poster can be printed at retail copying centers.

The history, pride and influence of the world’s first school of journalism are presented by decades throughout the 240-page full-color book which measures 12 x 12 inches. Approximately 600 photos, advertisements and other visuals from University Archives, the Savitar and private collections are included.

A special 56-page section is dedicated to coverage of the centennial/dedication celebration and the launch of the Reynolds Journalism Institute. The three-day event featured more than 35 Futures Forum sessions, 27 Technology Summit sessions, 11 exhibits and displays, four musical and theatrical performances and two evening meal events as well as a scholarly symposium, a centennial golf classic and a roundtable discussion on the future of journalism hosted by University of Missouri President Gary Forsee.

The Missouri School of Journalism: One Hundred Years of Making Headlines
The Missouri School of Journalism: One Hundred Years of Making Headlines

The lyrics of the commemorative song, “Coming Home Again,” written by Jennifer Schott, BJ ’97, and Jack Smith, BA ’62, are included in the book, as are the words, in both English and Russian, of the commissioned poem, “The Lead Honorarium,” written by Russian poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko.

The commemorative book is made possible through the generosity of two major sponsors: Walsworth Publishing Company and VML.

Walsworth is world-renowned for its work in the printing industry. Don Walsworth, BSEd ’57, and his wife, Audrey, BJ ’56, own the company, which has sales offices throughout the world. VML is a worldwide interactive digital agency co-founded by Craig Ligibel, BJ ’70. Jon Cook, BJ ’93, now serves as president of the company. Tom Finley, BJ ’07, account manager, and Nick Main, BJ ’93, associate creative director, were directly involved in the creative direction of the book.

For 100 years the School has been a pioneer in journalism education, offering the first bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in the field as well as developing groundbreaking curricula in the fields of print, broadcast and convergence media. Leading the way into the next century is RJI, a world-class center for research and demonstration of new technologies and processes for journalism. It was founded with an initial $31 million gift in 2004 from the Las Vegas-based Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

Ashlee Erwin, MA ’06, conducted much of the research that was used for the centennial timeline as well as for the foundation of the commemorative book.

Updated: May 7, 2020

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