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Dr. Gilbert Maienknecht,
Founder, CMU Department of Journalism
Dr. Gilbert Maienknecht, the first inductee in into the Central Michigan University Journalism Hall of Fame, promoted excellence in academic and professional journalism throughout his career.
Maienknecht served as a reporter at the Green Bay Press-Gazette in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He became CMU’s director of publicity in 1948 and founded the CMU Department of Journalism in 1959. From two original courses, the program grew and developed to offer bachelor’s and, for a while, master’s degrees.
“Gil’s door was always open, no appointment needed,” said alumnus Neil Hopp, who was editor of CM LIFE when the department and student publications moved from the rustic, barracks-style World War II “sheep sheds” to Anspach Hall. “Gil was skilled at getting students to realize their full potential.” Hopp now is director of student publications at CMU.
Gil built the faculty well from the beginning and nurtured, encouraged, and inspired students,” said faculty member Dr. John Palen. “Even in times of turmoil, his steady hand guided us.”
“It’s because of Gil that CMU’s journalism department and its publications enjoy an outstanding reputation,” said Jim Wojcik, a faculty member and former student media adviser. “He left a legacy and was a role model who to this day sets a standard for all of us.”
During his tenure at CMU, Maienknecht served as department chair and on numerous committees, including public relations, athletics and publications, and also on academic senate, president’s council, the planning and faculty council and the dean’s advisory council. He advised hundreds of students and founded the Michigan Association of Collegiate Publications.
Raised in the Upper Peninsula, Maienknecht earned an undergraduate degree from Northern Michigan University, master’s degrees in journalism and education from the University of Iowa, and a doctoral degree in education-journalism from Indiana University. He was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 1997.
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