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Alumni and Friends

A Champion of Change

Annie Griffiths, a 1976 graduate of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, is a well-known pioneer who has photographed nearly 150 countries in her career. She was one of the first female photographers for National Geographic. In 2008 she published "A Camera, Two Kids, and a Camel," a photo memoir. Griffiths has been chosen to recieve the SJMC Alumni Society Board's Award for Excellence. Learn more

CLA recognizes Alumni of Notable Achievement for 2011

CLA Alumni on the night of their recognition.
Back row, L to R: Wayne A. Pederson, Ronald "Ron" J. Leaf, Linda R. Finley, Dr. Lance R. Wilson, Hon. William J. Garvelink, Michael J. Phillips, James "Jim" W. Burke, Jr., William "Billy" J. Golfus, Priscilla Williams, Wendy Williams Blackshaw

Front row, L to R: Robert "Bob" E. Engstrom, Dr. Joe W. Trotter, Judith McCartin Scheide, John Risdall, Gail E. Marks-Jarvis, Roberta J. Berner, Marianna Muellerleile, Kimberly "Kim" L. Olson

Not pictured, Eileen M. Lach and Raymond J. Tarleton

The CLA Alumni of Notable Achievement (ANA) program was created in 1994 as part of CLA's 125th anniversary to celebrate and honor the significant achievements and contributions of college alumni. All ANA honorees have been nominated by CLA alumni, faculty, and staff.

Of the College's 120,000 living graduates, approximately 1,300 have been selected as recipients. By honoring its alumni, CLA recognizes and celebrates not only their singular accomplishments but also the collective depth and breadth of their interests, talents, career paths and achievements in all sectors of society.

See a list of all CLA Alumni of Notable Achievment.

Roberta J. Berner (M.A. '77, American studies), dedicated non-profit leader and advocate for senior citizens
Wendy Williams Blackshaw (B.A. '82, speech communication), esteemed Twin Cities marketing and public relations leader
James "Jim" W. Burke, Jr. (B.A. '82, speech communication), successful film and television producer 
Robert E. Engstrom (B.A. '55, interdepartmental), nationally recognized leader in sustainable residential development 
Linda R. Finley (B.A. '83, speech communication), skilled expert in organizational leadership and governance 
Hon. William J. Garvelink (M.A. '74, history), career diplomat and U.S. Ambassador
William "Billy" J. Golfus (A.L.A. '68; B.A. '71, humanities; M.A. '89, speech communication), esteemed journalist, filmmaker, and nationally recognized advocate for disabled individuals 
Ronald "Ron" J. Leaf (B.S. '81, economics), innovative investor and leader in the Midwestern venture capital sector 
Gail E. Marks-Jarvis (B.A. '73, journalism), venerated journalist, author, and nationally recognized expert on economics and personal finance
Eileen M. Lach (B.A. '77, international relations), respected attorney in the fields of international corporate and commercial law
Marianne Muellerleile (M.F.A. '79, theatre arts), accomplished character actress of stage, television, and film 
Kimberly L. Olson (B.A., '88, journalism), veteran public relations professional and corporate executive
Wayne A. Pederson (Bachelor '69, psychology), successful broadcasting leader and media ministry expert
Michael J. Phillips (B.A. '84, theatre arts and journalism), nationally respected theater, arts, and film journalist
John Risdall (B.A. '68, speech communication and humanities), exemplar of advertising, public relations, and corporate and community leadership
 Judith "Judy" McCartin-Scheide (M.A. '62, English), respected development professional and civic volunteer
 Raymond J. Tarleton (B.A. '48, chemistry; M.A. '52, mass communication), outstanding leader in the fields of plant chemistry and communications
Joe W. Trotter, Jr. (M.A. '78, history; Ph.D. '80, history), distinguished scholar in urban, labor, and African American history and champion of public history
Priscilla Williams (Bachelor '71, child psychology), successful entrepreneur and Twin Cities child care industry leader
Lance R. Wilson (M.A. '72, sociology; Ph.D. '74, sociology), respected information technology executive

May 18th, 2011

CLA Recognizes Alumni of Notable Achievement for 2013

On March 28, 2013, the College honored 17 alumni who have made remarkable contributions or attained significant achievements in their fields. Continue reading…
A Champion of Change

As a graduate student in political science at the University of Minnesota, Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg studied obstacles to African women's access to decision-making positions in public life. She now works as a scholar and an activist in the United States and Kenya. Continue reading…
There when the Troops Come Home

Scott Litman spends his days on the cutting edge of digital marketing and promotion, creating social media systems and web search optimization.

Litman speaks about his non-profit venture, the Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund, which raises money for troops returning from overseas. Continue reading…
Music with a Message

Psychology alumna Jane Ramseyer Miller was living in the Twin Cities and working as a musician for 20 years when she made the decision to attend the U of M School of Music. Miller now uses her CLA education to eliminate bullying. Continue reading…
From Mom's Basement to NBC

Across the media landscape, Universtiy of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication graduates are finding jobs in what was once considered the most unlikeliest of places. Continue reading…