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.

The American Advertising Federation's 2009 Most Promising Minority Students/The Home Depot Scholarship included College of Media students: Jessica Gaden '09, Haruka Honda '09, Jackie Lau '09, and Ann Lee '09.

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.

JAMS: Journalism, Advertising, Media Studies Students

JAMS stands for Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies--the original majors the college offered. As more majors are brought into the college, the group will adapt to welcome them even though the title does not incorporate the majors. The purpose of JAMS is to connect the college of media together. All students of all years and all majors are welcome to join JAMS. We hope to offer various projects all students can get involved with, hold monthly meetings, work closely with alumni, create new projects for fun, and much more! Visit the JAMS website to find out more.

Currently, JAMS is working with local television station UI-7. Under advisor Kate Brickman, UI-7 Program Coordinator, the group is creating our own productions to air on channel 7. We have access to the Richmond Journalism Teaching Studio and we hope to pass some of our productions on to other outlets such as the Big Ten Network.

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@illinois.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.media.illinois.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. For information contact Chair Carlye Wisel.

2008-09 members:

Carlye Wisel, chair
Brittany Herdman, co-chair

Jasmine Ahmed
Madeline Aufmann
Chris Bacon
Jessica Bersani
Anthony Digirolamo
Chelsea Insprucker
Mi-Hyun Jeon
Amanda Kaiser
Leigh Krahenbuhl
Kendyl Lee Lyons
Lauren Mack
Nicole Renee Mitchell
Karis Morrall
Johanna Marie Ninnemann
Lauren Olson
Ann Marie Piekarczyk
Katherine Skiba
Melissa Smith
Stephen Spector
Paul Stanton
Mary Versaci
Peter Zervakis