CMU: A Pre-Eminent Training Ground for Journalists
Journalism alumni agree that Central Michigan University is the state's pre-eminent school for those who want a career in newspapers, magazines, public relations, advertising, photography and countless related fields.
CMU grads can be found at virtually every newspaper across Michigan, as well as at large and small media outlets throughout the country, from Detroit to New York, to Washington, D.C. and California. They are found in public relations and advertising agencies nationwide, and also in the communications and marketing departments of the world's largest corporations.
Recognition of a Proud History and Tireless Efforts
Started in 1959 by Dr. Gilbert Maienknecht, CMU's Journalism Department has nurtured and prepared more than 2,000 students to uphold the highest standards in professions that shape how the world is viewed.
The CMU Journalism Hall of Fame was created by the Journalism Alumni Board; the department's faculty; Sue Ann Martin, dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts; and CMU president Michael Rao to honor the tireless efforts of alumni and faculty. Inclusion in the hall is open to those alumni and faculty who have made a difference in the world, who have remained true to the ethics and expectations modeled at CMU, and who have shown outstanding dedication to the communities they serve.
Inaugural Induction, November 2002
Each Fall, Central Michigan University will host a dinner to honor new inductees of the Journalism Hall of Fame. The first was held November 8, 2002 honoring CMU's father of Journalism, Dr. Gil Maienknecht, 83, of Midland, Michigan. The 2002 dinner also celebrated present and past journalism faculty, with special recognition for retirees. Future dinners will honor multiple inductees, primarily alumni.
The Department of Journalism
- Journalism and other disciplines form across campus know that important communication skills are learned by students who worked for the campus newspaper. CM Life was named the best collegiate newspaper in 2007 by the Michigan Press Association.
- CMU's journalism department offers an exchange program with the China Daily, giving students an opportunity to work and live in Beijing. The department recently developed a partnership with the American University of Bulgaria to expand opportunities for students and faculty to study and work abroad.
- Through a joint effort of the broadcast and cinematic arts, journalism and interpersonal and public communication departments, CMU is able to offer an integrative public relations major, preparing graduates for the expanding role of public relations practitioners.
- Students at CMU can prepare for employment in the rapidly growing field of visual media--including graphic design, Web design, publications design and multimedia design--through an interdisciplinary effort of the departments of art, journalism, broadcast and cinematic arts, computer science and industrial engineering and technology.
CMU: A Strong Tradition, A Dynamic Future
Since its founding in 1892, Central Michigan University has become a world class university with modern facilities and technology, comprehensive academic programs and a focus on preparing students to be responsible citizens and leaders. CMU is among the 50 largest public universities in the nation.
CMU offers 150 fields of study for undergraduates and more than 100 for graduate students, including nationally known and award-winning programs in journalism, the fine arts, communication disorders, the health professions, broadcasting, psychology, the sciences, business, education and the humanities. CMU's reclassification as "doctoral/research-intensive" by the Carnegie Foundation is evidence of its educational strength.