Charles Burgess, BJ ’55

Charles Burgess, BJ ’55, died April 27, 2015, in Alton, Missouri. During his career, Burgess served as an editor of the Tazwell Courier in East Peoria, Illinois; a reporter for the Peoria Journal Star; and a reporter and education writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He then became the public affairs director for the St. … Continued

Valon L. Beasley, BJ ’98

Valon L. Beasley, BJ ’98, is the author of “Drama” (You Need to Succeed, 2014). The book covers a multitude of issues covered in mainstream media such as domestic violence, transgender complexities and homophobia.

Lili Vianello, BJ ’88

Lili Vianello, BJ ’88, celebrated the 20-year anniversary for the company she owns, Visionworks Marketing Group of Columbia, Missouri. Visionworks is a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) certified by the State of Missouri and serves clients in a variety of industries, including dining and hospitality, construction trades, education and non-profit, among others.

Robert Howard Lewis, BJ ’50

Robert Howard Lewis, BJ ’50, died March 27. According to his son Jack, Lewis always had been proud that he graduated from “the best journalism school in the country” and that he “beat the system” by graduating with two degrees on the GI Bill – putting him ahead of many other returning soldiers – and … Continued

Alex Swoyer, BJ ’10

Alex Swoyer, BJ ’10, has joined the Breitbart News Network as its newest Capitol Hill reporter, covering politics, policy, the 2016 elections and scandals in Washington. The appointment is effective March 30, 2015.

Barri Marsh Bronston, BJ ’81

Barri Marsh Bronston, BJ ’81, has written “Walking New Orleans,” a new entertaining guide through the city’s unique neighborhoods and parks.

Gwen Girsdansky, MA ’14

Gwen Girsdansky, MA ’14, has been promoted to news editor of the Parker Pioneer and River City Newspapers in Arizona. She has been a copy editor and page designer for the Today’s News-Herald for almost a year and has been designing the Parker Pioneer since September.

Shannon Teicher, BJ ’01

Shannon Teicher, BJ ’01, is one of 30 attorneys to be named to the “Super Lawyers – Rising Stars” list by Thomson Reuters. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor. The annual selections are made using a multiphase process that includes a statewide … Continued