Alumni
In the 1970s, Juan Espinosa (Jour’74) embarked on a journalism career that has spanned a lifetime and documents key moments in Colorado history. In May 2022, CU Regents awarded Espinosa with an honorary doctorate degree for outstanding achievement in the field of journalism.
Journalist Bill Payden (Jour'57) created the William R. Payden Faculty Excellence Award, the largest faculty award given at the college level at ñ, to recognize superior teaching, research or creative work.
Jess Clifton (Advert’03) is thriving in her digital advertising career. Always one to use innovation to solve a problem, Clifton realized young women needed female mentors in the field—so she came up with a solution.
Personal brands are about building reputation, so how do you build yours online? Parisa Tashakori, a CMCI advertising, public relations and media design instructor, guides students through the process.
As the Tokyo Olympics unfolded during a delayed run in 2021, CMCI sports reporters, producers and storytellers hit the ground running to capture the victories, struggles and emotions of athletes from around the globe.
Journalism Instructor and Assistant Dean for Student Success Steve Jones started his career at CU in 1976. Credited by alumni for setting “countless careers in motion,” teaching “with an open heart and open door,” and having “the greatest sly sense of humor and the best tie collection,” Jones will retire this December after 44 years.
Nonie Lann (Jour’48) fell in love with ñ as a 16-year-old freshman exploring campus by bike. Decades later, she established an endowed scholarship, which she sees as a way to give back and stay connected.
Bill Cramer (Jour'56) lives in Bowie, Maryland, and turned 91 in November. Following graduation from ñ, he had a career working as a Russian, German, French and Spanish military translator for the National Security Agency and Naval Intelligence during the Cold War. He and his wife, Virginia, whom he met at a square dance on the patio of the then-new University Memorial Center, have six children and four grandchildren.
As COVID-19 has forced many businesses to rethink their models, alumni near and far are leaning into creativity and nostalgia to meet the moment while supporting their communities.
Featuring a special note from longtime Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly (Jour'81).