Drake University All In 2021

In the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC), students are well-prepared for careers in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Despite the physical distance, students and faculty are using technology and ingenuity to stay connected. From the beginning of the pandemic, students have produced multimedia publications, created audio and video projects, ran campaigns, and even operated the Meredith Hall studio control room—all remotely.

With six majors and 11 full-time faculty, students are exposed to a variety of communication methods. Students learn the intricacies of digital media, social media platforms, and design thinking. Learning doesn’t stop when students leave the classroom. Students participate in campus media activities, such as The Times-Delphic, Drake Mag, Drake Political Review, and the Drake Broadcasting System. Students can also join organizations such as Public Relations Student Society of America and Ad Club.

With the help of our dedicated faculty and staff, SJMC students have recently won awards in the Hearst Writing Competition, the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication competition, and the College Media Association contest. Your support helps keep SJMC on the cutting edge of technology and effective communication.

Matching Gift Opportunity

In celebration of more than a century of journalism excellence at Drake, we have two alumni challenge matches for SJMC. Suzanne BeDell, JO’ 81, will match all gifts to our Meredith Hall renovation up to $5,000.  And Lynn and Phyllis Matson, JO ’69, LA ’69, will match all gifts to our SJMC annual fund up to $2,500.

Meredith Hall Renovations

Designed by world-renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Meredith Hall originally opened in 1965 and received international attention. With its signature atrium, Meredith Hall continues to capture the interest and imagination of architects, students, faculty, and community members.    

Meredith Hall sits at the heart of campus and is one of the most widely used academic buildings at Drake. Home to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Meredith is also the creative heart of campus and houses the offices for all student publications.   

Your donation to the Meredith Hall Renovation Fund during All In helps us create learning spaces that meet the needs of today’s students, while retaining the key features that have made the building famous.