This September, we welcomed more than 250 alumni back to campus for a reunion that was both energizing and meaningful. It served as a celebration of our shared history, a showcase of our current momentum, and a glimpse into the exciting future ahead.
This was the first time we’ve hosted a reunion for the entire School of Communication—not just for journalism or strategic communication, but for everyone whose path has been shaped by our programs. The event also featured a dedication of the new Lantern newsroom, a tremendous addition that strengthens our commitment to hands-on learning and innovation. Whether your journey led you to media production, public affairs, health communication or another area, this event was about honoring everything that our school offers and the community we’ve built together.
Throughout the day, I was moved by the stories that so many of you shared—about your time on campus, your careers and what it meant to return for this event. These moments reminded me that our greatest strength has always been our people.
The reunion also gave us a chance to share some of the school’s recent growth and accomplishments. Over the past decade, our faculty has grown by more than 20% and we’ve added professional practice faculty who bring real-world experience into our classrooms. We are among the most research-productive programs in the world, and our faculty have received numerous honors for their scholarship. And each year, we invest roughly $150,000 in undergraduate scholarships, helping talented students access the opportunities they deserve.
These achievements are possible because of the support and engagement of our alumni community. Whether you attended the reunion or cheered us on from afar, your presence and generosity make a real difference. I’m especially grateful to our honorary chairs Adrienne Roark and Akayla Gardner, our host committee, our student volunteers and the many faculty, staff and alumni who helped bring the event to life.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on this momentum. I invite you to stay connected and support the school in whatever way feels meaningful to you. Share your story. Mentor a student. Offer an internship. Attend an event. Make a gift. Every act of engagement—large or small—helps us prepare the next generation of communicators, journalists, strategists and scholars.
Thank you for being part of our community. The School of Communication is thriving, and that’s because of you. We’re proud of our legacy, and even more excited about what’s ahead.
Kelly Garrett
Director, School of Communication
The Ohio State University