Organizations
American Advertising Federation
The American Advertising Federation is a professional business organization that brings together students and professionals to create a unifying voice in the industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AAF consists of a nationwide network of advertisers, agencies, media companies, local clubs and student groups.
In 2006 and 2007, of the students selected by the AAF for the Most Promising Minority Students Program, four were from the UI College of Media. The 2007 UI honorees are Thomas M. Chan, Becca Han, Jeremy S. Monton and Nayeli Valentinez. For both 2006 and 2007, this was the strongest showing among the more than 30 colleges represented by the finalists.
As a chapter of the American Advertising Federation, AAF Illinois seeks to bring students together to network with each other as well as with professionals in the advertising, media and marketing fields. Through presentations, social events, philanthropic events and participation in the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC), students in AAF gain skills that supplement their education and can ultimately help them find jobs after graduation. The organization accepts new members at the beginning of each semester (excluding summer). For more information, contact the Department of Advertising, 103 Gregory Hall, (217) 333-1602.
Association of Hispanic Journalists
The mission of the Association of Hispanic Journalists is to encourage the study and practice of journalism.The executive board, veteran members and faculty provide advice on the journalism curriculum to students. The organization also provides contacts and information for students interested in gaining experience in any journalism-related field, including Spanish media. The organization is not only for those of Hispanic heritage — anyone can join.
National Association of Black Journalists
The National Association of Black Journalists works to improve the quality of news coverage by promoting diversity and ethical reporting. The NABJ invites professional journalists and professors to share their expertise and encourages members to participate in campus media outlets.
Society of Professional Journalists
The Illinois student chapter of SPJ aims to help students connect with other journalism majors and professionals in the field to learn more about careers in journalism. Faculty members occasionally attend meetingsto discuss different aspects of journalism. All journalism students are welcome to attend meetings and participate in the organization, including prejournalism students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students. Members have a lot of fun and love to see new faces! For more information, contact: Britany Patterson, president, bpatter4@uiuc.edu
Current officers of SPJ at Illinois:
Britany Patterson, president, sophomore in News-editorial Journalism
Izabela Miltko, vice president, junior in Broadcast Journalism
Erika Strebel, treasurer, sophomore in News-editorial Journalism
Beth McGowan, secretary, sophomore in Broadcast Journalism
Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors are College of Media students interested in enhancing their leadership skills, looking to build a lifelong connection to the University and wanting a new way to network with alumni and friends.
Find the names of the current Ambassadors and details about the program on the Student Ambassadors page at www.comm.uiuc.edu/ambassadors/.
Student Advisory Council
The Student Advisory Council meets regularly with the dean of the College of Media. Members volunteer to serve and are selected by the dean. In addition to discussion of College issues, Council members are involved in projects such as planning the spring Honors Banquet and selecting the Convocation speaker.
New members are selected during the Fall semester.
2007-08 members:
Chris Bacon
Jessica Bersani
Weston Carter
Letrell Crittenden
Sherri Davis
Anthony DiGirolamo
Leigh Krahenbuhl
Susan Lester
Matthew Lyle
Lauren Mack
Nicole Mitchell
Johanna Ninneman
Meghan O'Kelly
Lauren Olson
Aisha Pervaiz
Genesis Powell
Larisa Puslenghea
Christina Rodriguez
Katherine Skiba
Melissa Smith
Carlye Wisel