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We hope you enjoy this edition of Advancing Excellence, the publication of the Office of Advancement at the College of Media. This publication provides an opportunity for us to celebrate our loyal alumni and friends who partner with us in achieving the ambitious goals for the College. Philanthropic support has a significant impact on our students. Gifts to the College help support scholarships, assistantships and awards, and fund summer media camps for high school students, professional internships and industry immersion opportunities.

Marlah Bonner-McDuffieAssociate Dean for Advancement

The need for support from alumni and friends has become more urgent as state funding declines and tuition rates increase. Our partnerships with alumni and industry are critical as Illinois faces the state budget crisis. As we prepare for the University’s public launch of our forthcoming campaign, we will continue to focus on our top priorities for the College: transforming media education, building leadership in media scholarship, delivering exclusive University of Illinois programs, and expanding Illinois Public Media and public engagement.

We are thankful for our family of supporters who share our passion for the College of Media’s mission, our commitment to educational excellence and our common belief in the Illinois experience. The College is so much stronger because of your contributions, and we are grateful for your support. Your continued investment in us has a tremendous impact on our students, faculty and programs.

This year, the University of Illinois welcomed its tenth chancellor, Dr. Robert J. Jones, an accomplished scientist and research university leader from the University of Albany (SUNY). We are pleased to welcome Chancellor Jones to the Illinois family, and eager to partner with him in advancing his mission

of finding innovative solutions to making a quality education possible for everyone, regardless of their background or economic status. You can learn more about our new Chancellor and his vision for Illinois by visiting www.oc.illinois.edu.

After serving for six years, Dean Jan Slater stepped down in May to return to the advertising faculty and to take on a new professional opportunity in the College of Business. We are grateful to Dr. Slater for her service and vision, and her efforts toward building a robust strategic plan and advancing the College of Media on campus and across the country. Interim Dean Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko and Interim Executive Associate Dean William Bernhard will lead our College during this transition. We welcome your continued partnership and input as we plan our next steps in the coming months.

Please contact us at media-giving@illinois.edu to learn more about the College of Media and how your support transforms the lives of future generations of students at Illinois.

About the Interim Dean

Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko earned a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of London and a Ph.D. degree in Kinesiology from Purdue University. Chodzko-Zajko’s primary research interests are in the area of aging and health. He is the Shahid and Ann Carlson Khan Endowed Professor and Dean of the Graduate College at the University of Illinois. In his role as Dean of the Graduate College, he leads campus efforts in setting policies, defining standards, and enabling excellence in graduate programs, graduate research, and graduate student life.

In his professional life, Chodzko-Zajko remains active in the dissemination of information about healthy aging through his work on several major professional advisory boards. He served on the World Health Organization committee that developed the "WHO Guidelines for Physical Activity among Older Persons." He was the Principal Investigator for a series of projects charged with developing a national strategy for promoting healthy aging in the USA. The "National Blueprint: Increasing Physical Activity among Adults Age 50 and Older" serves as a guide for multiple organizations, associations, and agencies, to inform and support their planning work related to increasing physical activity among America's aging population.

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message from the interim deanI have been both honored and humbled to work with the College of Media as Interim Dean in planning for the future. The College’s long tradition of developing and implementing programs that promote both innovation and excellence is outstanding. In today’s rapidly changing world, the programs and services offered by the College matter, perhaps more than ever before. The College is fortunate to have strong faculty with a wealth of research and professional experience. Its students and staff are truly extraordinary and units such as Illinois Public Media and CU-CitizenAccess educate, entertain, inspire and empower the public in our local community, across the state and around the world.

As many of you in media will agree, there has never been a more exciting or more important time to study media. The world of media is constantly changing and the public is eager to adopt new technologies.

In the few months I have been a part of the College of Media I have been impressed with the students, faculty, staff and alumni. My charge is to work in partnership with all stakeholders to determine how our campus can continue to be successful in journalism, advertising, and media and cinema studies. Our primary goal is to understand how best to support these critically important programs.

I am confident that our collective commitment to strong media programs will continue to make significant contributions to the University's education, research and outreach missions.

I welcome the opportunity to connect with you and I encourage your feedback. Please feel free to contact me at 217-333-2350, or ccurtiss@illinois.edu. Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in media education, and for your generous support of our talented students, faculty and programs.

Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko Interim Dean

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couldn’t be truer for broadcast journalism. After having been in the business for 20 years, I think it’s critical that students really take the time to get to know themselves, know what’s important to them and stay true to that inner voice. You will be judged on factors sometimes other than your talent. You can’t let that get inside of your head. You have to love how you do this job!”

Hsu also feels that having a backup plan can work to your advantage. A “plan B” allows you to not feel as stressed when looking for a job. That lower stress level can make a difference in how you present yourself.

Hsu remembers watching Channel 7 as a child, including Yu on the 4 p.m. news. Yu was a role model.

“Watching her allowed me to dream what seemed like the impossible,” Hsu said. “I never thought I would meet her in person, let alone work alongside of her and all of the veteran journalists at ABC7.”

“Appropriately, my first day of anchoring the 4 p.m. news was Thanksgiving Day. I have so much to be thankful for.”

The new schedule is a major change for Hsu and her family. She will now get to see her kids off to school in the morning.

“They won’t know what do to with me at the breakfast table,” Hsu said.

As a bonus, the schedule change will probably mean even greater community involvement as she will be able to stay up a little later.

“I’m looking forward to meeting even more people who are making a difference in our community,” Hsu said. “I can’t tell you how many story ideas have come from my engagement with community groups. After all, this is what we do: tell stories that matter.”

As the crew prepares for the 11 a.m. newscast at ABC7 Chicago, its lively banter amps up the energy in the studio. The calm and ease with which Judy Hsu and Terrell Brown deliver the news hides just how busy things are behind the scenes.

After 15 years on the morning show in Chicago, Hsu made the move to the 4 p.m. news anchor role in November. It is the first time in 30 years that the female anchor chair has changed hands with the retirement of Linda Yu. “It’s a dream come true,” said Hsu.

Her own story makes fulfillment of that dream even more impressive.

Hsu was 11 years old, and spoke no English, when she immigrated to the United States from Taiwan with her family. Her father, a grand master in tai chi, was invited to teach in Chicago. The family settled in Chinatown, and Hsu set about learning the language — by watching TV.

Hsu links this early exposure to news, and to the stories being shared, with her desire to become a broadcast journalist.

“I love seeing how difference segments of our society interact to make up the whole,” Hsu said.

College was an expectation in her family, and the requirements were few — stay in Illinois and attend the best state school you can get into. The answer was simple: the University of Illinois.

“For me, there was only one choice,” Hsu said.

Her most vivid memories of campus center on the time she spent working at WPGU. She walked from Gregory Hall to the station and back at all hours of the day, working multiple shifts on-air whenever they would fit in between classes. The experiences on campus — including an internship with the legendary Walter Jacobson at WBBM TV, the CBS station in Chicago — made her believe that the job she had dreamed about was possible.

Her parents were not as convinced. Hsu made a deal with them: If she didn’t have a broadcasting job within six months of graduation, she would attend law school. She even took the LSAT and made a backup plan to attend Loyola.

She didn’t need that backup. The first job offer in broadcasting came the day after graduation.

She spent a year and a half at WCIA in Champaign, Illinois, before moving to San Diego as a general assignment reporter. She quickly moved up to the weekend anchor desk and then to the 4 p.m. weekday news.

The call from Chicago came in 2001. She was thrilled to return to her hometown to work at a station she had watched while growing up.

Not only has Hsu covered just about every big Chicago story since then, she has also been a part of one. Her youngest child arrived a bit early – on the Eisenhower Expressway en route to the hospital.

Hsu’s reporting has earned her numerous accolades, including Emmy and San Diego Press Club awards. Her success has also allowed her to shine a light on causes she supports.

Hsu remains connected to her first neighborhood in Chicago through the Chinese American Service League, the largest social service agency for Asian Americans in the Midwest, where she chairs the advisory board. She serves as a role model for immigrants and feels it is a responsibility. Those new to the country can see themselves being successful and making a difference through her example.

She has also returned to Gregory Hall to talk with students and offer career advice.

“Work hard, get good grades — that’s a given,” Hsu said.

But in addition, she recommends that students take the time to intern and work in the environment they aspire to. Job shadowing can also help a student determine what career is right for them.

“Find out if this is really what you want to do,” Hsu said. “You may discover that it isn’t, and that’s OK. This job is not easy. The work-life balance is difficult.”

Hsu’s advice for young professionals: stay true to yourself, grounded and centered.

“To quote Maya Angelou, success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it,” Hsu said. “This

alumni profile: judy hsu1993, Broadcast Journalism; Anchor, ABC7 Chicago

“If someone comes to the house and is hungry, feed them,” Pedott said. “If they need clothes, clothe them. If they need a place to sleep, give them shelter.”

He has also continued to support SGA through a fund at The Chicago Community Trust. He supports programs that offer educational and scholarship opportunities to underrepresented high school students interested in furthering their education.

“Joe has been a tremendous supporter of SGA Youth & Family Services for many years,” said Susana Marotta, president and CEO of SGA. “As a former client, he understands firsthand the impact of having someone there to support you just when you need it to help you achieve success. And he has paid it forward ever since by supporting hundreds of young people who have faced huge barriers and helping them realize their full potential by attending college or starting a career.

“It’s exciting to see the lives of so many people who have been transformed for the better thanks to Joe’s continued investment in our services. Joe genuinely cares, and his generosity of spirit inspires us all at SGA each and every day.”

Pedott is moved by the stories of those students on the South Side of Chicago. They are being affected by gangs and find it

difficult to break away from those bonds. Students are making progress and going to college.

“They have to have three things,” Pedott said. “The aptitude, the desire and the strength to do it.”

After a rough start and some well-timed assistance, Pedott has led something of a charmed life. He has traveled the world and created many friendships in the process. He has met fascinating people — including President Barack Obama and Joan Rivers — and has the pictures lining his office walls to prove it. And he has shared his good fortune with others asking little in return, including paying for his nieces and nephews to attend college.

At 84, Pedott is starting to think about retirement. He would like to travel with his significant other, Carol. After five open-heart surgeries, he would like to start an exercise program, even though his energy and pace are a match for someone half his age. He still works 10-hour days.

And, he would like to spend more time on his foundations, especially in Chicago.

“These kids will be our future leaders,” Pedott said.

Take one step inside the unassuming San Francisco offices of Joseph Enterprises. Inc. and you know what is going on. There are Chia Pets everywhere.

Joe Pedott is the man behind the Chia Pet, the Clapper, the Ove Glove and so much more. Those unusual products and their earworm jingles have become American icons. At least, that is what the Smithsonian thinks. Pedott’s papers and other materials related to the Chia Pet and the Clapper are part of the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.

Pedott was born in Chicago and had a difficult youth. He survived rheumatic fever at the age of 11 and the death of his mother just two years later. At age 16 he had run away from home after an argument with his father and taken up residence at a YMCA.

The turnaround came with the help of SGA Youth and Family Services, known as Scholarship and Guidance at that time. SGA offered him financial assistance and counseling that kept him in school and working toward a college education. He chose the University of Illinois, in part because of the Navy Pier campus.

Pedott was interested in a career in radio and began working for a local station producing a children’s show — for no pay — while still a student. When he discovered that advertising agents were making 15 percent of what they sold, he changed his focus. He and a friend started their own advertising agency, Pedott & Peters.

Pedott was taking classes from Charles H. Sandage, the man many call the father of advertising education. He recalls that Sandage almost flunked him in one course.

“He expected more out of me because I had been working in advertising,” Pedott said. “I redid the work and passed.”

Pedott also taught a course for Sandage and received college credit for that work.

Pedott and his partner split a few years later, and Pedott went to work for a Chicago advertising agency to learn more about the business. He did very well and gave SGA back every dollar they had given him years before — with interest.

The desire to strike out on his own and a visit to San Francisco to stay with a friend prompted Pedott to move west in 1958 and create his own agency. He credits his success with a belief in himself and his work.

“I never ask someone to invest in something I wouldn’t do myself,” Pedott said.

He put his own money on the line when persuading businesses to become clients. They would see how well the advertising worked and couldn’t walk away.

Pedott discovered the Chia Pet at a trade show in Chicago. The product was selling well, but the distributor was losing money. Pedott purchased the rights to the product and revamped the manufacturing. By removing some less-than-ethical middle managers, he had a money-making venture on his hands.

The same process resulted in the successful Clapper. Improving the product’s manufacturing and the technology resulted in another winner.

Through it all, Pedott kept grounded and true to himself.

“Believe in yourself and work hard,” Pedott said. “No one owes you anything. If you fail, that’s good. Failure strengthens you.”

His strong sense of ethics has benefited many. Early in his career he was approached by a friend for a donation in support of constructing a Hillel center at the University of California at Davis. The request: $25. Pedott didn’t have it but promised his next commission check. In those days, they usually amounted to right around that $25 request.

That next check was $25,000.

After a sleepless night, Pedott wrote the check to Hillel and sent it to the national office in Washington, D.C.

“I had to look at myself in the mirror,” Pedott said.

After receiving the check, Hillel called and offered to name the main room after anyone he wished. He chose to name it after his deceased mother.

Some 40 years later, Hillel began fundraising to construct a new $5.3 million house to which Pedott again donated. This time it was $1 million. Along with that donation, he made a simple request.

alumni profile: joseph pedott1955, B.S. Journalism, major in advertising; owner, Joseph Pedott Advertising & Marketing; Joseph Enterprises, Inc.

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First Brett Lerner Memorial Scholarship AwardedMeet Walker Post, a junior majoring in journalism. Post was a natural fit to be awarded the Lerner Scholarship. He came to the University with a passion for journalism and has continued to develop himself as a professional, committed to studying both editorial and news broadcast.

When Walker learned he had been awarded the scholarship, he felt a bit overwhelmed. “It was a huge honor. I didn’t know Brett personally, but someone in our fraternity passed away over the summer. I could really empathize with everyone who was affected by Lerner’s passing. I learned the last couple of months that people really stick together and get through hard times together.”

an investment in excellenceThe goals established in the College’s strategic plan, Building Opportunities for Excellence, include a strong emphasis on recruiting and retaining the best students and faculty and providing them with the resources necessary to be successful in an ever-changing global marketplace. To reach these goals, we must increasingly rely on support from our alumni and friends. Significant decreases in state support combined with rising tuition costs make private contributions even more critical. The following gift opportunities represent the current needs of the College of Media.

Endowed Scholarships and InternshipsEndowed scholarships and internships allow the College of Media to attract the most talented students from across the country and around the world, and provide them with essential, real-world experiences to prepare them for successful careers. Many employers consider internships a vital part of a student's education. Many internship opportunities are unpaid and, therefore, out of reach for many of our students needing financial support. Minimum Investment Level: $50,000

Endowed ChairsAn endowed chair represents the highest honor the university can provide to distinguished faculty members, and attract and retain exceptional scholars. Funding for endowed chairs provides partial salary support and assistance to faculty making innovative advances in their scholarly work. Funding for endowed chairs ensures excellence in research, teaching and innovation and contributes greatly to the College’s future growth and success.Minimum Investment Level: $2,500,000

Endowed ProfessorshipsEndowed professorships give the College an important advantage in recruiting and retaining the most talented faculty members in the field. Minimum Investment Level: $500,000

Endowed Professors of PracticeProfessors of Practice are industry professionals who join the classroom for short- and long-term teaching periods. Support of teaching innovation through recruitment of Professors of Practice will better prepare our students to meet the demands of an ever-changing, competitive media environment. Minimum Investment Level: $500,000

Endowed Funds for Innovation and ResearchThese funds will support cutting-edge courses, curricula, faculty research, industry collaborations and student activities that will foster greater discovery and transform the delivery of content. These funds will also facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships with industry, and will allow the College to further distinguish itself as the leader in innovation and research in the emerging media landscape. Minimum Investment Level: $150,000

Digital Media LaboratoryThe Digital Media Laboratory is designed to foster collaboration of high-end cross-disciplinary academic research. This research would include media and software industry development, production and online distribution of news and information, audience analysis, and social media content and measurement. This “collaboratory” will be designed to connect scholars, professionals and students who are committed to addressing societal demands, identifying and meeting challenges, and asserting international leadership in our evolving digital age.Digital Media Laboratory: $300,000

We invite you to consider how you can make an impact on students and faculty in the College of Media. If you have interest in establishing an endowed fund for opportunities such as these, or you would like to explore other opportunities, please contact the College of Media Office of Advancement at 217.244.5466, or email us at media-giving@illinois.edu.

The College of Media Leadership CouncilLaunched in 2013, the College of Media Leadership Council provides leadership in fundraising, advocacy and stewardship for the College of Media, and assists in achieving the ambitious goals set forth within the College’s strategic plan. The College is thrilled to partner with this talented and dynamic group of industry professionals in achieving the College’s immediate and long-term goals. The council is assisting the College in a number of initiatives that will allow us to fully optimize our commitment to students, faculty and research missions of the College. The College of Media is pleased to recognize the following alumni for their gifts of time, talent and resources through their service on the Leadership Council:

Dawn Gareiss Barrera '85 B.S. JOURNPresident, DMG Marketing Communications

Lori Bitter '84 M.S. ADVPresident/Senior Strategist, The Business of Aging

Suheily Natal Davis '04 B.S. JOURNCounsel, Labor and Employment Law, McDonald's Corp.

Katherine S.C. Denny '90 B.S. JOURNProject Manager, Editor

Jane Phillips Donaldson '67 M.S. JOURNPartner/Co-Founder, Phillips Oppenheim

William D. Forsyth III '86 B.S. FINPresident, Frontier Partners, Inc.

Felicia A. Fortenberry '91 B.S. ADVAdvertising Sales Executive, BET Networks

Robin Gareiss '88 B.S. JOURNPresident, Nemertes Research Group Inc.

Wendy C. Levy '85 B.S. ADVMidwest Director, Conde Nast Magazine

Helen McGrath ‘77 B.S. ADV, '78 M.S. ADVVice President Market Insights, AT&T Inc.

Carol Hillsman Sagers '79 B.S. ADVPrincipal Consultant, CHS Marketing Consultants

James E. Schlueter '80 B.S. JOURNDirector, Technology CommunicationsBoeing Commercial Airplane Group

Jeanne Mariani Sullivan '70 B.S. ADVGeneral Partner, Co-FounderStarVest Partners, LP

If you are interested in serving on the College of Media Leadership Council or would like to learn more, please call 217.244.5466, or email marlahb@illinois.edu.

in Chicago. He had to build his network all over again by working every connection and meeting to get to the next person. Those meetings and connections eventually led to Sacha Baron Cohen and his film “Bruno.”

“That was the game-changer,” Feder said. “Now I got my chance to work in movies.”

“Every opportunity leads to something,” Feder said. “You don’t know where it’s going to come from, or who it’s going to come from. As long as you work hard and people want to be around you, and you show them you will do them proud no matter what, they will fight for you and they will want to help you and support you. That came from my work ethic that grew from here at the university.”

Feder added to his credits by helping out Cohen with prep on “The Dictator” and working on his own film “Kumaré” with director Vikram Gandhi.

The connections he built led to a meeting with Megan Ellison, who was starting up her company Annapurna Pictures. He was lucky enough to be one of the first few people hired at the company. That has given him the opportunity to work with filmmakers like Linklater and Wong Kar-Wai and led to him producing the film “Everybody Wants Some!!”

In reflecting on his time at Illinois, Feder noted two classes that were especially important and helped to shape the way he thinks today: Media Ethics with Dr. Clifford Christians, and Media and the Law with Steven Helle.

“If high school teaches you the basics,” Feder said, “then college teaches you how to think about those basics.”

Feder encourages students to look at their classes from a different perspective, to think about the course they are taking and ask themselves, “How does this apply to my life?” Find a way to take the theoretical and make it practical. For example, in Media Ethics, Feder began to understand that he had to stand behind everything he produced. Those creative efforts will either build or destroy your reputation.

Feder’s end goal is a rather simple one. He wants to be the guy who people are rooting for.

“I think that comes with a Midwestern mentality,” Feder said. “It’s built here. Work hard in the right way, be a part of the team, know your role on the team. If you need to lead, then lead, and lead by example. That’s all I want to do.

“If people at the end of the day say Stephen Feder was a great guy and I was glad to have known him, that’s a legacy I would love.”

When Roger Ebert hosted the first Ebertfest in 1999, Stephen Feder was a freshman at Illinois. Fourteen years later, Feder returned to Ebertfest as executive producer of his own film, “Kumaré,” one of the last movies Ebert reviewed and selected for the festival.

“Having had that experience was a reminder that the world was open to thinking bigger than I had initially thought I could think,” Feder said. “Meeting him, talking to him about movies, being in the presence of someone who had been so widely influential in a particular field was inspiring. That’s why coming back with ‘Kumaré’ was so special.”

In April of 2016, Feder returned to Ebertfest again as executive producer of the Richard Linklater-directed film “Everybody Wants Some!!”

“It’s a special movie to bring back to college because it’s a college movie,” Feder said. “It’s everyone’s story. You know these guys.”

Feder came to Illinois as a student not knowing what he wanted to do. While he had an interest in media, he did not know where his pursuit in education would ultimately land him professionally. Staying in-state for school seemed like a practical, smart move.

“Beyond a doubt it was the greatest decision I ever made,” Feder said. “My experience here made me who I am.”

During high school, Feder had been involved in everything. College was a different story entirely. He tried out for singing groups, theater groups and musicals, but he didn’t land a single part his freshman year. It was a reality check that motivated him to work harder, and during the next round of tryouts, he earned a part in an Illini Union Board musical.

After graduating, his love of theater and the people he became so involved with during his tenure with the Illini Union Board prompted him to co-found the White Horse Theater Company. The name of the company came directly out of Champaign’s own White Horse Tavern, where at the end of the rehearsal week everyone involved in the production would celebrate.

Feder returned to Chicago after graduate school at the London School of Economics and began looking for work.

“Your education is preparing you for your first job,” Feder said. “When you’re looking for your first job, check your ego and pride at the door. You need help.”

He used every network he had — family, friends, parents’ friends, people he had worked with — anyone who could offer advice and help get a foot in the door.

“If you’re going to sit behind a computer and search for a job, it’s highly unlikely you are going to get anywhere,” Feder said. “People want to work with people they can trust. It is so hard to tell solely based on a piece of paper — a personal introduction from someone that the potential employer knows and respects can go such a long way. You can’t be afraid to ask for help.”

With the help of a contact, Feder was able to get work with “The Jerry Springer Show.” The show was huge at the time but also had high turnover, and working there was challenging. He jumped in and worked as hard as he could. His job was to find great guests — people who were willing to share their stories on national television in an explosive and wild manner. It was a creative job and a training ground for getting people to do the things you needed them to do, which is, essentially, what a producer does.

Along the way he developed a network of people who introduced him to other possibilities in Chicago, options he would have never known about just searching the internet.

Next, he joined Towers Productions, a documentary television production company. At the time they were producing A&E’s “American Justice” with Bill Kurtis. Feder started as a freelancer and worked his way up to producer, working on programming for the National Geographic Channel, the History Channel and The Weather Channel. He had a chance to work in every area of production: developing stories, writing scripts, booking and conducting interviews, staging recreations and overseeing production.

By the age of 26, he had worked his way to becoming a series producer. But he also felt he had accomplished everything he could in Chicago. It was time to make the leap to Los Angeles.

It was a tough transition. No one seemed to give too much credence to the skills and experience he had gained

alumni profile: stephen feder2002, B.S. Media Studies; Production Executive, Annapurna Pictures

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He credits Illinois with helping him learn how to communicate with people and to speak with confidence.

One of the projects he’s especially excited about now is a reboot of “One Day at a Time” that he is working on with the legendary Norman Lear. The show is being redeveloped for a Latino audience with the grandmother played by Rita Moreno. It will be on Netflix in January.

During his 28 years in Los Angeles, Adilman has seen technology change the industry. The addition of streaming networks to cable and traditional networks is providing more opportunities, but also more challenges.

“You have to find the right business models and the right creative,” Adilman said. “It’s not business as usual. On the other hand, it’s exciting and invigorating. It has opened up new avenues of creative expression and of sales.”

Adilman’s advice for students is straightforward: Be willing to do the work. The industry is very competitive and it is hard to gain entry. But, once you do, you have to have a great attitude, pay your dues and work hard.

“You gotta want it, you gotta be super passionate,” Adilman said. “It will not be an easy road. It’s hard. You have to know what you want, you have to know how to sell yourself, you have to be indefatigable, pound the pavement, network, have every meeting or call result in another meeting or call.”

Adilman never lets up on his own work. He is always reading new writers, tracking deals and going after people he wants to work with.

“That’s the day-to-day stock in trade,” Adilman said, “building your roster, finding and attracting writers and ideas, and developing shows.”

Many of us have a moment in our lives we can point to as a turning point. An event, person or opportunity that changes everything. For Glenn Adilman, that moment came in the form of a job with CBS Productions.

“I knew when I was there to double down,” Adilman said, “that this is the moment in my life that if I worked hard and played my cards right that I was building a career for myself.”

Adilman began preparing for his career in entertainment at a young age by watching a lot of television.

“My dad used to come down and just be annoyed that we were watching another episode of ‘M.A.S.H.’ or ‘Lucy,’” Adilman said.

He was always drawn to creative outlets, from drawing to storytelling to the arts and entertainment.

Adilman came to Illinois to study advertising because it was one of the few academic programs in the country at that time. He was also attracted to the Big Ten. And, Illinois was very affordable for an in-state student.

At Illinois, Adilman was a part of the Illini Union Board. He booked the Ramones to play on campus.

“I didn’t know what I was doing,” Adilman said. “But it sold out, made money and was a thrilling experience.”

Adilman loved being at Illinois and did well, earning a spot on the Bronze Tablet. The creative advertising classes and the group projects were fun and challenging, he said. It was exactly what he wanted to be doing and knew he wanted to work in advertising as an account person.

After graduation, Adilman went to Columbia for his MBA. He chose a program in New York City as a balance to his education in the Midwest. It was a chance to gain a broader perspective on the world.

His goal after graduation was to work at Leo Burnett in Chicago. His summer internship with the agency led to a full-time position. During his time with Leo Burnett he worked on the Kellogg’s and McDonald’s accounts.

“It was a blue-chip experience,” Adilman said.

But, even though he enjoyed the work, Adilman began to get bored. He was yearning to move into the entertainment industry. So, he applied to the University of Southern California’s Peter Stark Producing Program. The program provided him with a way to gain entry into the industry with no specific producing experience. Once again, an internship led to a permanent position.

Adilman joined CBS Productions as a manager, a low-level executive job.

“I read scripts and did coverage and sold myself based entirely on my educational background and my work in advertising,” Adilman said. “The job is part management, part strategy and part creative: working with writers and creative people and ultimately shaping words and pictures.”

During his career, Adilman has worked at CBS, ABC and Sony Pictures Television on such projects as “The Goldbergs,” “Happy Endings” and “Alias.” He is particularly proud of the shows that became iconic in some way, shows like “Community” that had rabid audiences and became a part of pop culture.

Adilman considers his current job his dream job.

“I love my bosses. I love the culture of this company,” Adilman said.

“The reason I love what I do — and it’s just like advertising and it goes back to my education — it’s serious project and people management,” Adilman said. “It’s serious strategic thinking in terms of attacking a marketplace, being in sales and finding opportunities. And yet it’s totally creative at the same time!”

alumni profile: glenn adilman1981, Advertising; Executive Vice President of U S Comedy Development, Sony Pictures Television, Inc.

C O L L E G E O F M E D I A14 A D V A N C I N G E X C E L L E N C E 2 01 6 15

Mrs. Judith S. & Mr. Martin EinbinderMs. Michele R. EiseleMs. Edie Eiseman-AxeMr. Stuart H. & Mrs. Cynthia EllisMs. Michele R. EllisMs. Judy F. EmersonMr. Perry W. Ergang & Mrs. Anne M. PachciarekMr. Lawrence E. & Mrs. Missy FeldmanMs. Lora L. FengMr. Al FerraraMrs. Susan S. & Mr. David FindlayMr. Philip & Mrs. Elizabeth FlanaryMrs. Mary A. & Mr. Nathan L. FlemingMs. Jennifer M. FliegelMrs. Jean S. FornangoMr. Donald C. FortiDr. Robert S. FortnerMrs. Rhona S. & The Honorable Julian J. FrazinMr. Samuel FreedenbergMs. Joan FriedmanMs. Lyndsay A. GantMr. Eldon P. GeeDr. Richard H. & Mrs. Diane Gentry +Mrs. Antonina M. Geraci & Mr. John BollwarkMs. Stephanie GiammarcoMs. Jessica L. GlassonMs. Linda D. & Mr. Gary P. GoerschMs. Janice D. GoldbergMs. Susan L. GoldmanMr. Ronald A. GoldmanMrs. Linda L. & Mr. Benjamin M. GoldsteinMrs. Karen R. Goodman & Mr. Robert T. JosephMr. Eric R. GordonMr. Marc & Mrs. Carol G. GordonMr. Robert W. & Mrs. Karen L. GordonMrs. Pamela W. & Mr. James K. GrantMs. Victoria C. GraylandMr. Murray B. & Mrs. Anita H. GreenbergDr. Ulrike GretzelMs. Ellen GrindelProf. Thomas V. & Mrs. LaRue V. GrothMrs. Marilyn G. & Mr. Robert J. GunthnerMrs. Dana L. Hass-Rottman & Mr. Aaron W. RottmanMrs. Susan & Mr. Murray H. HaberMrs. Dorothy J. Hackett +Dr. John S. & Mrs. Linda S. HadleyMrs. Susan D. & Mr. William R. HajnyMr. Dale R. HallerMr. Harris HalpertMs. Megan S. HambletonMr. Donald K. HanesMr. Matt HansonMr. Thomas A. HarmMr. John HarrellMs. Wendy HarrisMrs. Joan J. & Mr. John W. HarrisonMrs. Nancy L. & Mr. James J. HartmannMrs. Adeline L. Hebel

Mrs. Kathy L. & Mr. Larry A. HedinDr. Judith A. & Mr. Dean H. HeerwagenMrs. Mary K. Heitzman & Mr. Gordon T. MorrisMrs. Joan K. Henderson +Mrs. Jennifer L. & Mr. Gerald HermanMrs. Patricia A. & Mr. George HessMrs. Sarah A. Hoban & Mr. Mitchell E. WalkerMrs. Claude Hobson & Dr. David K. Campbell +Mrs. Michelle L. & Mr. Peter F. HoffmanMs. Helen HonorowMr. David J. & Mrs. Kathleen HornungMr. Zhigang HuaMr. T. L. HughesDr. Donald L. & Mrs. Rita F. HurwitzMr. Michael ImremMs. Chelsea L. InspruckerMr. Bruce C. Johnson +Mr. Stephen L. & Mrs. Lesa A. JoinerMrs. Marlo D. & Mr. Russell C. JonesMrs. Paula E. Jones & Mr. Jeff FeldmanMr. Raymond C. & Mrs. Janet W. JonesMs. Antone M. JozaMr. Robert E. & Mrs. Arlene M. KaganMs. Amy KahnMr. James M. KaiserMs. Jean KaiserMr. Kenneth R. & Mrs. Alice KalthoffMs. Paula R. KamenMr. Kevin J. KaplanMrs. Maria KaralisMr. James KelleyMr. Robert G. & Mrs. Cynthia M. Kennedy +Dr. Charles T. & Dr. Leanne B. KerchnerDr. John M. KittrossMs. Linda S. KleczewskiMr. David L. & Mrs. Elizabeth KlehrMr. Marvin & Mrs. Roberta J. KleinMrs. Nancy K. & Mr. Laurence J. KlemmMr. Ernest M. KoneckMr. Michael K. KonradMs. Marianne Kroeger & Mr. Eldred DenneyMs. Judith E. KutzkoMr. Lawrence K. & Mrs. Kristi A. LabiakMr. Lynn P. LandbergMs. Jordanka L. LazarevicDr. Richard W. & Mrs. Mary J. LeeMs. Alice LeeMs. Allison A. LeopoldMr. Sherwin M. Lesk & Mrs. Donna S. Wolin-LeskMrs. Karen V. & Dr. Lembit U. LillelehtDr. Wei-Na L. & Dr. Hao LingMrs. Amy A. & Mr. Mark S. LitnerMs. Jane E. LongMrs. Ellen J. & Mr. Andrew W. LowittMrs. Bonnie M. & Mr. George M. LowreyMs. Pamela M. LowreyMs. Ann F. LowryMr. James R. & Mrs. Marjorie LundgrenMr. Tim Mahl

Mr. Theodore BerlandMr. Richard & Mrs. Esther K. BernalMr. B J. & Mrs. Linda A. BilocerkowyczMr. Don E. BissellMr. Sean M. & Mrs. Jennifer K. BlackMr. Robert T. & Mrs. Amy K. BlanchardMr. Brian R. & Mrs. Jeanne C. BlandMr. John G. & Mrs. Sheryl K. BluckMs. Natalie J. BomkeMr. Robert A. & Mrs. Joan M. BorichMrs. Patricia L. & Mr. Jason C. BramhallMr. Otha L. Brandon, Jr. & Mrs. Teri M. BrandonMrs. Lisa E. & Mr. Marvin S. BrashemMrs. Margaret M. & Mr. Matthew F. BreslinMr. Yale S. BrodyDr. Glen M. & Dr. Betty L. BroomMrs. Elizabeth F. & Mr. Daniel J. BrudosMs. Kimberly D. BrunLTC Robert B. & Ms. Lorraine BuchananDr. Peggy J. Burke & Mr. Edward J WietechaMr. Joel L. BussertMrs. Sylvia M. & Mr. Hartley L. CarltonMr. Richard A. & Mrs. Sue CarvellMs. Mary P. CaseyMr. Alfredo CeperoMs. Melanie Davis ChapmanMrs. Nancy M. & Mr. Patrick J. ChesleyDr. Clifford & Mrs. Priscilla J. ChristiansMr. Brett D. & Mrs. Jill C. ClarkMrs. Beth A. & Mr. Christopher N. ClemmensenMr. Joseph W. CohenMr. Brian A. & Mrs. Phyleccia B. ColeMrs. Adriana E. ColindresMs. Catherine ConnerMrs. Holly B. & Mr. John T. ConroyMrs. Christine C. & Mr. William L. CravenMr. Robert P. & Mrs. Yvonne M. CrawfordMr. Jeffrey S. & Mrs. Ann R. CurrieMrs. Geraldine L. & Mr. John E. CygnorMr. Gregory J. CzernikMr. Fred & Mrs. Barbara DairmanMr. Stewart K. & Mrs. Judith I. DanMr. Leslie E. & Mrs. Constance M. DeatherageMrs. Teresa L. & Mr. Michael DeBartoloMr. Brett DenuoMrs. Joy A. & Mr. M.P. deVriesMr. Alan DivackMr. Ben DobbinDr. Dennis J. Dombkowski & Mrs. Elvira D. Meza-DombkowskiMr. Joseph R. Dominick, Jr. & Mrs. Carole DominickMs. Tracy D. DouglasMr. Michael & Mrs. Elizabeth A. DrayerMr. Ronald G. & Mrs. Colleen M. DudzikMs. Nadine A. DuerwachterMr. Richard L. EastlineDr. Matthew C. Ehrlich

Mrs. Phyllis A. MahoneyMr. David A. & Mrs. Diana A. Manthey +Mr. James P. MarchioriMr. Joseph H. & Mrs. Roslyn MarkmanMrs. Alice E. Martin & Mr. James L. KuhnMr. Richard M. MarzecMr. Howard D. & Mrs. Charlene MathisMs. Megan MayerMrs. Marlah Y. & Prof. Erik S. McDuffieMrs. Kay S. & Mr. Joseph J. McElroyMrs. Janet V. & Mr. Laurence M. McGrathMs. Sherisse M. McLaurinMr. John D. & Mrs. Fern R. McNamaraMr. John Melchi, Jr. & Mrs. Cheryl M. MelchiMr. Gerald Y. & Mrs. Sandra MeyersMr. Brian MichMrs. Mae M. MichelsMr. Andre D. P. MitchellMrs. Maria T. & Mr. Daniel MooshilMr. Neil F. MoranMrs. Lea K. Morford & Mr. Darren J. HackeyMs. Mary MorganMr. Bruce C. & Mrs. Dorothy J. MosherMrs. Susan K. & Mr. Michael MummMr. Bruce D. & Mrs. Natalie MurdyMr. Robert F. & Dr. Catherine J. MurphyMrs. Nancy A. & Mr. Charles W. MutterMr. Brian G. & Mrs. Sherilyn R. NadigMr. Denis L. & Mrs. Ellen NaylorMs. Kristin L. NeviusDr. Michael C. & Mrs. Elizabeth NielsenMrs. Sharon A. & Mr. John M. NiemetMs. Gayle H. NixMrs. Nancy B. & Mr. Royal L. Norman, Jr.Mr. Paul F. & Mrs. Linda L. NowackMr. Salvatore A. & Mrs. Jill I. NudoMr. John P. & Mrs. Shirley L. O'ConnellMrs. Sandra R. & Mr. Martin M. OffergeldMrs. Shirley M. OlsenMr. Drew T. OlsonMr. Gary A. & Mrs. Ann S. OlsonMrs. Lisa M. & Mr. Daniel A. OrmanMs. Jennifer A. OrwickMrs. Glenna R. & Mr. LeRoy R. OusleyMr. Roman M. Paluta & Mrs. Christine H. EngelsMrs. Anaile S. PapageorgeMs. Ellie PapageorgeMr. Charles B. Parker & Mrs. Laura M. CoyleMr. Joseph R. & Mrs. Jo A. PaszczykMr. Joe R. PatrickMrs. Lynda K. & Mr. Larry J. PearsonMr. Robert A. Pearson & Mrs. Mary G. OmanMrs. Debra J. & Mr. Peter A. PetgesMr. Michael J. PetittMs. Barbara M. PfeiferMrs. Margaret E. & Mr. Kenneth S. Pinsky

Ms. Nancy E. RampsonMr. Charles L. & Mrs. Rebecca RasberryMrs. Linda L. & Mr. John R. Rodenburg, Jr.Mrs. Susan L. & Mr. Paul A. SalibaMr. John R. & Mrs. Alma L. SchmitzMr. William E. & Mrs. Beverly J. Steiger +Mr. Bradley C. & Mrs. Susan M. StillmanMr. Joel A. & Mrs. Amy SuchermanDr. Christina D. UrbanMrs. Marian A. ZimmermanMr. Richard ZoglinMrs. Eleanor & Mr. Burton Zoub Friends Circle: $1 - $249Mr. Seymour & Mrs. Sandra E. AdelmanMr. Endre J. AgocsMs. Diane L. AlblingerMr. John C. Ambrose, Jr. & Mrs. Jennifer M. AmbroseMr. Carl D. & Mrs. Diana R. AndersonMr. K. Stephen & Mrs. Saralee H. AndersonMr. Wayne J. AndrewsMrs. Debra E. & Mr. Michael D. AnnesMrs. Karen J. & Mr. Larry A. ApfelbaumMrs. Betty & Mr. Oscar AraujoMs. Ann E. ArellanoMrs. Rhonda K. & Dr. Lance E. ArsenaultMr. Robert C. & Mrs. Linda T. ArterburnMs. Ann F. AspellMr. Ian & Mrs. Lainey AtlasMr. Jason C. AtwoodMrs. Stacy J. & Mr. Andy A. BadeMr. Brian BaderMrs. Dena & Mr. David A. BaggerMr. Blaine BarnesMrs. Marilyn L. BarrMrs. Janet & Mr. James R. BarrettMr. Rajeev R. BatraMrs. Yvonne G. &Mr. Gregory T. BattonMrs. Kim S. & Mr. Andrew BaumanDr. Jules N. & Mrs. Jody A. BeckerMr. James A. BeckwithMr. Michael J. & Mrs. Jacqueline BegounMrs. Amanda R. & Mr. Camille J. BekoinDr. Lary S. BelmanMrs. Linda M. Bergstrom

FY 2016 Giving LevelsDean’s Society: $10K & aboveMr. Daniel J. & Mrs. Nancy J. Balz +*Mr. Brad Frank *Mr. D. Neil & Mrs. Lynn A. Patton Gissler +*Mrs. Helen B. Gray +*Ms. Nancy A. Ronald & Mr. Ronald L. Hartshorn +*Mr. Jack M. & Mrs. Elizabeth Klues +*Mr. Timothy M. & Mrs. Judith M. McAuliff +*Ms. Emily Merjan *Mrs. Jane W. Phillips & Mr. William H. Donaldson +*Mr. Glenn & Mrs. Celeste Pomerantz *Mr. James & Mrs. Amy Schlueter +*Dr. Michael L. & Dr. Pamela J. VanBlaricum +*Mr. Gordon L. Wangers & Mrs. Jennifer A. Schwab +*

Leadership Circle: $5K - $9,999 Ms. Suheily & Mr. George Davis*Ms. Katherine S.C. & Mr. Bradley J. Denny *Ms. Ann Helen McGrath & Mr. Michael Anderson +*Mr. Max Pomerantz *Ms. Cynthia Amadon Schliemann & Mr. Peter C. Schliemann +*Mrs. Veronica A. & Dr. Paul J. Toussaint *

Visionaries: $1K - $4,999Ms. Mary N. AndersonMr. Thomas S. BarberMrs. Mildred L. Barnett +Mrs. Dawn Gareiss BarreraMs. Suzanne W. BatesMs. Jennie BerkMr. Morris R. & Mrs. Ruth Beschloss +Mr. Bryan W. & Mrs. Linda W. Brown +*Mr. Richard J. ByrneMrs. Edna M. Campbell +*Mr. Mike & Mrs. Jana CornellMr. Blake L. Crawford *Mr. Robert O. Endres +*Mr. John R. & Mrs. Sharon A. ForemanMs. Linda D. Friedman *Mr. Aran Hegarty & Ms. Denise Partlow +Ms. Joyce E. Hodel

Dr. Helen E. Katz & Mr. Eric A. Ullman *Mr. Scott & Mrs. Marina Kleinstein *Mr. Robert C. & Mrs. Cathy M. Lachky +Mr. Bruce H. & Mrs. Cheryl Sulllivan Little +Mrs. Susan G. & Mr. Philip A. MarineauMr. Carl W. PergolaMrs. Cynthia Browne Placek +Mr. Jeffrey E. & Mrs. Kathryn PodjasekMr. Richard & Mrs. Susan Pomerantz *Ms. Marcia L. RodgersMrs. Elaine Finney Sagers +*Mrs. Betty A. & Mr. Lloyd G. Schermer +*Dr. Janet S. Slater & Mr. Dan HargensMr. J. Shadley Thomas & Mr. Mark Mueller *Mr. Gregory T. & Mrs. Gloria Welch Towles +Mr. Brandon Weiss *Mr. Kenneth E. & Mrs. Sarah C. White *Ms. Sunita M. & Mr. David D. WhiteMr. Patrick L. & Mrs. Diane K. WilkeyMr. Douglas E. & Mrs. Lynne G. WinterMr. Kurt L. & Mrs. Cara R. Winter

Innovators: $500 - $999 Ms. Lynn S. Barr & Mr. Marvin RudmanMrs. Ellen K. &. Dr. Victor C. Bastron +Mr. Robert S. & Mrs. Michelle R. BrensekeMr. Joseph & Mrs. Tani CaparelliMr. Fernando DiCaprio & Dr. Julia P. Joseph-DiCaprioMr. I. Steven & Mrs. Carol J. EdelsonMrs. Linda J. & Mr. Michael J. FisherMs. Nina GrossMr. Lawrence A. & Mrs. Vicki A. IngrassiaMs. Mary L. Kandyba & Mr. Timothy E. Moore +Mr. Scott R. KaplanMs. Marisa H. MandreaMr. Alan R. MorrisDr. Elizabeth A. & Mr. Kurt T. PetersMs. Karen Lucas Petitte +Mr. Henry E. & Mrs. Laurie R. ReichMrs. Julie A. & Mr. Glendon A. Schuster +Mrs. Pamela T. Sebastian-Ridge & Mr. Gerald A. RidgeMrs. Judy L. Sennett & Mr. Richard Koblin +Mr. Edward J. Sherman & Mrs. Ilene B. Goldstein

Mr. Isadore & Mrs. Mary A. ShrenskyDr. Nancy J. StephensMs. Elizabeth A. TerryMrs. Marcia H. & Mr. Harry R. ThalhimerMr. John J. ToomeyMr. Jeffry S. Unger & Ms. Mary BarrineauMr. William H. & Mrs. Judith WeintraubMrs. Enid & Mr. Kalman WenigMr. Andrew S. & Mrs. Jill M. WernerMr. Gordon L. & Mrs. Irene D. WilliamsCol Robert B. Downs & Mrs. Lynn Wright Advocates: $250 - $499 Mr. Richard L. Adams & Ms. Patricia A. Januszki +Mrs. Joan M. & Mr. William F. AmideoMr. Charles M. BellattiMrs. Laura J. & Mr. Steven J. BensonMr. David L. & Mrs. Carolyn L. BitherMrs. Mary Susan & Mr. John T. BrittMrs. Sandra R. & Mr. Joseph B. Casserly +Mr. Kenneth H. Chang & Mrs. Ling ChenMrs. Patricia A. Chicoine & Mr. James M. SczudloDr. Kristan M. CockerillMr. Marshall L. & Ms. Mickey L. CollinsThe Honorable William E. & Mrs. Cindy K. DuffinMr. Brian EccelstonMs. Janet S. Eisen & Mr. Anthony HalickiMrs. Julie M. & Mr. Earl FarkasMr. Lee M. & Mrs. Deborah FinkelMrs. Barbara Oettel Francis & Mr. David LynnMr. Brian B. & Mrs. Elyse M. GilbertMr. Robert P. & Mrs. Joan R. GundersenReverend Henry O. HardyMr. G. Robert HillmanDr. Ralph S. & Mrs. Janet P. IzardMs. Cari S. & Mr. Kyle W. JamesMr. Bruce J. & Mrs. Jean KandelMr. Jeffrey L. & Mrs. Mollie KatzMarilyn M. Kaytor EstateMs. Marilyn S. Kennedy +Mrs. Nancy & Mr. Garry S. LeonardMs. Shari B. LevineMr. Harley J. & Mrs. Katherine ManningMs. Laura R. Oftedahl

Advancing Excellence: Gifts in Support of the College of Media (July 1, 2015–June 30, 2016)The following list represents contributions to the University of Illinois College of Media (excluding WILL) from generous alumni and friends during the 2016 fiscal year. We are grateful for your support of our talented students and faculty and your commitment to the goals and mission of the College of Media. Members of the Presidents Council are designated with (+). The Presidents Council, the University of Illinois Foundation’s donor-recognition program for those who give at the highest levels, is reserved for donors whose outright or cumulative gifts total $25,000 or more. Members of the Chancellor’s Circle are marked with (*). The Chancellor’s Circle honors donors who provide cumulative support of $2,500 or more between July 1 and June 30.

+ President's Council* Chancellor's Circle

Mr. Dale E. & Mrs. Florence SmithMr. Lowell F. & Mrs. Katherine L. SmithMr. Donald L. & Mrs. Mary A. SmithMs. Ramona A. SmithMs. Diane M. SmutnyMr. Norman & Mrs. Roberta SnitovskyMrs. Patricia G. SolomonMrs. Jutta W. & Mr. Ronald A. SpankeMs. Nancy SpeckMr. Jack E. Spudich & Ms. Tamara ColdrenMrs. Elizabeth H. & Mr. Roger A. StaffordMr. Zachary A. & Mrs. Melissa E. StamborMr. Richard J. & Mrs. Louise A. StancliffeMrs. Susan L. Stapleton & Mr. Kurt Magdanz Mr. Cliff M. & Mrs. Gayle A. SteinMs. Deborah H. SternMrs. Lynne M. Stiefel & Mr. Jan SheinsonMr. Bruce L. & Mrs. Shirley StillMrs. Joette G. & Mr. Eugene C. StormMrs. Barbara I. & Mr. Kent StrangeMrs. Carole A. & Mr. William StrongMrs. Joanne I. & Mr. James B. StrongMrs. Eloise D. StuhrMr. Martin J. & Mrs. Judith K. SuffieldMrs. Dorit R. & Mr. Michael B. SuffnessMrs. Carolyn D. & Mr. Lourin J. SurguineMrs. Beth N. & Mr. Mark F. SylvesterMs. Bette N. Terry EstateMr. Geoffrey M. & Mrs. Jami Lynn F. ThomasMrs. Carole C. & Mr. Robert H. ThornberryMrs. Linda F. & Mr. Dirk L. TierneyMr. Thomas J. & Ms. Maureen A. TierneyMs. Helen ToalMs. Jaime E. ToeppMr. Donald R. & Mrs. Marilouise TorrantMrs. Heather S. TuckerMs. Deborah M. & Mr. Peter S. TzakisMr. Timothy J. & Mrs. Karri E. UnzickerMrs. Jenny J. & Mr. R.W. Van TreeseMr. Robert M. & Mrs. Julie A. VanAntwerpMr. Richard WaldMr. Ken & Mrs. Deborah WaldMrs. Nancy B. & Mr. Kenneth P. WalkerMr. Christopher J. & Mrs. Jenny L. WalkerMr. Gene A. & Mrs. Norma A. WallaceMr. Cody M. & Mrs. Amanda C. WardMr. Patrick G. WardMrs. Renate & Mr. George B. WassermanMs. Emily WebbMrs. Nancy E. Webb & Mr. Charles LampeMs. Linda A. WedenojaMr. Mitchell D. & Mrs. Marcy WeinsteinMr. Raymond B. Weiss

Mr. Martin J. & Mrs. Elisabeth WeissMrs. Mary K. & Mr. Richard K. WelgeMr. Jeremy M. WernerMrs. Kristin J. & Mr. Brian M. WestendorfMr. Michael C. & Mrs. Sandra J. WhalenMrs. Roberta R. WhitworthMr. Romayne C. & Mrs. Linda M. WicklundMr. Robert K. & Mrs. Janice B. WilliamsMr. Thomas E. & Mrs. Bonnie L. WinskiMs. Jody WolfeMrs. Anne M. & Mr. Stephen G. WoodwardMs. Whitney WyckoffMr. Ervin E. & Mrs. Joyanna H. WyneMr. Richard R. & Mrs. Lorecei C. ZakerMr. Eugene F. Zelek & Mrs. Margaret A. ChristieMrs. Susan L. Zimny & Mr. Alan J. SchmittMs. Marcia L. ZuckermanMrs. Judith A. & Mr. Glen A. Zumwalt

Corporate GiftsDean’s Society: $10K and aboveFidelity Charitable Gift FundThe Ian Fleming FoundationJack M. Klues and Elizabeth F. Klues Family FoundationJewish Community FoundationMarajen Stevick Chinigo FoundationMoonalpha Holding LimitedSchwab Charitable FundTulsa Community Foundation

Leadership Circle: $5K - $9,999 The Boeing CompanySigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity

Visionaries: $1K - $4,999Adler Schermer FoundationBank of America Charitable Gift FundThe Cardiff GroupThe Chicago Community FoundationCrown Imports, LLCDeloitte FoundationDLA Piper US, LLPErnst & Young FoundationGE FoundationGlass Box Research CompanyThe Hill-Snowdon FoundationKraft Foods Group, Inc.Northwestern Mutual FoundationU.S. Charitable Gift TrustWilliam Randolph Hearst Foundation

Innovators: $500 - $999 Endicott CollegeHSBC Bank USAJewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Legacies & EndowmentsPenn State UniversityTCF FoundationWells Fargo & CompanyYourCause, LLC

Advocates: $250 - $499 Baxalta US IncChicago Tribune FoundationEquitable Resources, Inc.Event Photography GroupIBM International FoundationJoem Chem, LLCMcGraw-Hill Education, LLCScripps Howard FoundationThe Urban Charitable Trust

Friends Circle: $1 - $249Detail Home Inspection, Inc.Exelon CorporationHampton Press, Inc.JanPro CorporationJohn Deere FoundationLFI Solutions, Inc.Lockheed Martin CorporationMetLife, Inc.Monroe and Florence Nash Foundation, Inc.Procter & Gamble Companysalesforce.com FoundationTampa Bay Times Fund

C O L L E G E O F M E D I A16 17

Mr. Duane R. & Mrs. Nancy J. PlackoMs. Paulina PolekMrs. Barbara S. & COL Gary L. Poleskey +Mr. Daniel M. Logue & Mrs. Ana Popoca-LogueMrs. Beth L. & Mr. Mark F. PorstMs. Gwen E. PotucekMrs. Maureen C. & Mr. Gary W. PratscherMr. William L. & Mrs. Joan W. PrentissMr. David M. & Mrs. Patricia T. ProcterMrs. Anne E. Rago & Mr. Terry M. HackettMs. Janet L. & Mr. Robert ReedDr. Leonard N. & Mrs. Sharon L. ReidMrs. C. W. & Mr. Howard ReinhardtMrs. Francine P. & Mr. Harry J. RichardMr. James M. & Mrs. Sue E. RickMs. Nancy A. RidgewayMrs. Jennifer J. & Mr. David I. RoenProf. Karen M. & Mr. Michael E. RoloffMs. Kim M. RootMs. Margaret RoseMrs. Lisa S. & Mr. Marc L. RothMr. William M. & Mrs. Patricia H. RotzMr. Gary N. & Mrs. Linda K. RoweDr. Jenna & Mr. Joshua N. RubensteinMs. Karen A. RugenMr. Keith F. & Mrs. Diane M. RyanMr. Irwin J. & Mrs. Janice G. SaltzMr. Lawrence A. & Mrs. Miriam SandlerMr. L E. & Mrs. Dorothy E. SarbaughDr. Cryl D. & Mrs. W.J. SchickMr. Daniel J. & Mrs. Diane L. SchickMrs. Judith K. & Mr. Jack J. SchindlerMr. Bernard A. & Dr. Kim Y. SchoenburgMs. Georgia M. SchreinerMr. Jerrold S. Schwartz & Mrs. Nina B. OvrynMr. Clark SchweersMr. Geoff & Mrs. Maryellen SeboldMr. Joel A. & Mrs. Kathy SegallDr. Kimberly A. & Mr. Greg SelberMr. Charles A. Sengstock & Mrs. Norma HalsethMr. Lawrence ShapiroMrs. Joni M. ShapiroMr. Randall E. SharpMr. David C. & Mrs. Annilee A. ShaulMrs. Rebecca L. & Mr. Robert E. ShawMr. Jeffrey A. & Mrs. Marilyn M. ShermanMrs. Danielle M. & Mr. Brian ShortMr. Michael D. & Mrs. Sallie M. SienzaMr. Steven J. SilvermanMs. Jeanine D. SimnickMr. Jay M. & Mrs. Brenda L. SimonMrs. Rebecca S. & Mr. Michael J. SimpsonMrs. Moira K. & Mr. Steven J. SkinnerMr. David L. SladerMr. Michael S. & Mrs. Robin SlavikMrs. Rosetta M. & Mr. Thomas J. SlavinMrs. Janelle H. & Mr. Robert E. SlockbowerMr. Stanley L. & Mrs. Joyce A. Slusher

Advancing Excellence is a publication of the Office of Advancement, College of Media, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Fall 2016

Associate Dean for Advancement: Marlah Bonner-McDuffie

Director of Development: Nancy Rampson

Assistant Director of Advancement: Erika Lowe

Assistant Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations: Jeanine Simnick

Visiting Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Special Events: Cari James

Office Administrator: Colleen Hammel

Questions or corrections? Email: media-giving@illinois.edu

Website: www.media.illinois.edu

The College of Media Legacy Society: Creating a Legacy of ExcellenceThe College of Media Legacy Society acknowledges and honors those who have chosen to include the College of Media through a bequest, charitable trust or other planned gift. Donors who remember the College of Media in their estate plans provide critical funding to establish scholarships, awards, fellowships and other student and faculty support.

The College of Media would like to recognize the following alumni and friends as members of the Legacy Society:

You may establish an estate gift (via will, trust, IRA, etc.) for the College of Media by including the following language:

I leave (% of estate, $ amount, residue) to the University of Illinois Foundation (37-6006007), to be used for the College of Media (add department or program) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

We invite you to become a member of the Legacy Society by including the College of Media in your will or other planned gift. We encourage you to share your plans so that the intent of your gift is properly executed and recognized. If you would like information on how to establish a bequest or other planned gift to benefit future generations of students in the College of Media, please call 217.244.5466, or email marlahb@illinois.edu.

Dr. Jules & Mrs. Jody BeckerMr. Charles BellattiMr. Morris R. BeschlossDr. Dennis D. BielbyMs. Marian Boruck BrodyMr. Clarence O. EricksonMr. Dennis G. Frary

Dr. Richard H. GentryMrs. Helen B. GrayMr. Jack M. & Mrs. Elizabeth K. KluesDr. John Laddie LastovickaMr. David A. & Mrs. Diane MantheyMs. Ann Helen McGrathMr. David A. Pearson

A D V A N C I N G E X C E L L E N C E 2 01 6

Mr. Harry O. RichardsDr. James E. RossMr. Martin H. SnitzerMr. David R. & Mrs. Susan D. WeigandtMr. Joel D. & Mrs. Analee WeismanMs. Jeanne E. Zasadil

8 C O L L E G E O F M E D I A

7

roger ebert's film festivalRoger Ebert’s Film FestivalFounded by the late Roger Ebert, University of Illinois Journalism graduate and a Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic, Roger Ebert’s Film Festival takes place in Urbana-Champaign each April for a week, hosted by Chaz Ebert. The festival presents 12 films representing a cross-section of important cinematic works overlooked by audiences, critics and distributors. The films are screened in the 1,500-seat Virginia Theatre, a restored movie palace built in the 1920s. A portion of the festival’s income goes toward ongoing renovations at

FILM CIRCLE SPONSORS: $25,000 + Roger & Chaz EbertChampaign County Alliance for the Promotion of Acceptance, Inclusion, & Respect Steak ‘n ShakeShatterglass Studios

DIAMOND SPONSORS: $10,000 +Betsy Hendrick Leone AdvertisingHollywood Foreign Press AssociationL.A. Gourmet Catering The News-Gazette *

PLATINUM SPONSORS: $5,000 +President & Mrs. Timothy L. KilleenJeanene & Rick StephensBusey Big Grove Tavern

GOLD SPONSORS: $2,500 +Carol Livingstone & Dan GraysonJennifer ShelbySAGIndiePresence HealthLaura Welch, Welch Family Foundation

SILVER SPONSORS: $1,500 +Marsha Clinard & Charlie BoastNell Minow & David ApatoffScott & Nancy SlonimLinda & Charles TabbDOUG LOVES MOVIESStan Lanning & Colleen QuigleyBrand FortnerPatty & Jon McNussenCobalt Digital, Inc.Words that Work by Mary ShoresChuck & Eileen KuennethMaxine & James KalerJim Johnson & Coleen QuinnChipman Design ArchitectureSharon Shavitt & Steven ZimmermanDon TingleRobeson Family Benefit Fund Peter & Wanda TracyDavid GrahamJoe Bennett & Aaron HinesAnn Benefiel & Joseph KunkelElliott Counseling GroupFraeda & Gary PortonC-U Adventures in Time & SpaceAromaSeven SaintsGuido’sJupiter’s Pizzeria & Billiards

PATRONS: $750 +Carol Spindel & Thomas J. BassettMarsha WoodburyMarge PerrinoGreg & Anne TaubeneckTom & Regina Galer-UntiAshley Rodman & Matt Gladney Bill & Wilma O’BrienOne Main DevelopmentAnn BeddiniDon & Suzi ArmstrongPNC BankEric & Shirley PiersonPaul Kane

FESTIVAL FRIENDS: $500 +Prairie Sky ConsultingGary T. & Constance WikoffDianna K. ArmstrongYvette Scheven

FESTIVAL ASSOCIATES: $250 +Philip NymanRobert & Beth ZeidersEd & Nancy TepperCandlewood SuitesHoliday Inn ExpressTroylene Ladner

MEDIAIllinois Public MediaThe News-GazetteSmile PolitelyWAND TVWCIAIllini Radio GroupWIXY 100.3MIX 94.5REWIND 92.5WYXY CLASSIC 99.1OLDIES 97.9EXTRA 92.1HITS 99.7

GIFTS-IN-KIND Leone Advertising, Website L.A. Gourmet CateringFleurishEinstein Bros BagelsHerriott’s Coffee CompanyStella ArtoisCarter’s FurnitureCarltonBruettDesignThe Daily IlliniChampaign Park DistrictVirginia TheatreNews Talk 1400/Lite Rock 97.5 Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD)Thompson.McClellanCommunity Concierge MagazineChampaign County TentAdams Outdoor AdvertisingSun Singer Wine & Spirits, LTD.Ralph & Joe, Garcia’s Pizza in a PanCream & FlutterMIGAPower n Soul ProV. PicassoDish Passionate Cuisine

* The News-Gazette has made a one-time donation of $50,000 toward the remodeling of the Virginia Theatre's projection booth.

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by the numbers

$31,486cost of attendance for Fall 2016 - Spring 2017

(full-time advertising student, Illinois resident, Tuition: $12,816 + Housing, books, misc.: $15,008 + fees: $3,662)

109number of College of Media students who received scholarship aid for 2016-17

562number of student scholarship applicants

17%received support

163donors gave more than

$346,000to scholarship funds in FY 2016

$359,760in scholarship awards provided by the income from endowments and current-use funds

$8,129unmet need = cost of attendance - expected family contribution - total aid received

Scholarship funds for the College of Media continue to be a priority. Gifts toward college-wide scholarships provide the most flexibility in recruiting an ever-growing, diverse student population.

Please note, the word “scholarship” used in this context represents aid that includes internship assistance and graduate student awards.

the theater. The festival brings together the films’ producers, writers, actors and directors to help showcase their work. A filmmaker or scholar introduces each film, and each screening is followed by a substantive on-stage Q&A discussion among filmmakers, critics and the audience. In addition to the screenings, the festival hosts a number of academic panel discussions featuring filmmaker guests, scholars and students. Roger Ebert's Film Festival is a special event of the College of Media at the University of Illinois.

Roger Ebert’s Film Festival donors