In its 24th year, the University's Journalism Fellows program is bringing a new class of talented professional journalists to campus.
The fellows program, a Rackham initiative, "is designed to give mid-career professional journalists a year of individualized study and research," said Robin Stevenson, program coordinator.
For one academic year, the diverse group of journalists, including five international and 12 American journalists, receives full tuition and stipends. Throughout the year, the fellows will participate on panels and act as guest speakers in classes.
"The fellows derive a lot from interacting with the faculty and students while the faculty gains unofficial advising about how the media works, and gives them access to the media," said Charles Eisendrath, program director.
The program began in 1973 to enable mid-career journalists to enhance their knowledge. In addition, "the program makes journalists better informed which better informs the public," Eisendrath said.
The oldest program, the Newman program, began at Harvard University, and the following two programs were started at Stanford University and the University of Michigan. Eisendrath said the program came to Michigan because, "it is a good, public university with a broad range of subjects."
The fellows are selected for the program based on their past achievements and future promise. They each have a specific focus, and their performance based on their particular interest is looked at critically during the selection process. Through a number of essays and interviews, only the best journalists are chosen.
Dennis Cauchon, an assistant national editor of USA Today, is one of the fellows for this year. His focus of study is the history of false ideas. Throughout the year, he will be attending undergraduate classes such as Madness in History 396 and taking part in independent study research.
"I am interested in taking a year off and studying to gain a broader perspective, a more historical perspective, instead of thinking everything is happening for the first time," Cauchon said. "My favorite part is getting the reactions of the students in my classes."
Although Cauchon has only been in the program for a few weeks, he said, "the program is wonderful, well-organized, and I'm really enjoying it."
Nancy Colasurdo, from the Trenton Times, is studying the female athletic experience. Colasurdo's course load includes a variety of women's studies courses, and she hopes to work with women athletes and coaches at the University.
"The resources are unlimited, and the contacts are endless. I am sure this program will make me a better writer and reporter," Colasurdo said.
Colasurdo added she enjoys being back at school, and is excited about all of the resources and opportunites the University has to offer.
Cauchon, Colasurdo and their 15 peers are reaping the benefits of the Journalism Fellows program - not only are they enhancing their professional careers, but they are having a great time being college students again.
"Now that I have been in the work force for almost 10 years, I have a different perspective on things, but I also enjoy hearing the the students' perspectives. It's like being in two worlds - the adult world and the student world," Colasurdo said.
For its 24th year, the University's Jouws program brings a new class of talented professional journalists to campus.
The fellows program, a Rackham program, "is designed to give mid-career professional journalists a yr of individualized study and research," said Robin Stevenson, program coordinator..
For one academic year, this diverse group of journalists, including five international and 12 American journalists, receives full tuition and stipends. Throughout the year, the fellows participate on panels and act as guest speakers in classes.
Charles Eisendrath, program director, said, "the fellows derive a lot from interacting with the faculty and students while the faculty gains unofficial advising about how the media works, and gives them access to the media."
The program began in 1973 to enable mid-career journalists to enhance their knowledge. In addition, "the program makes journalists better informed, which better informs the public," Eisendrath said.
The oldest program, the Newman program, began at Harvard University, and the following two programs were started at Stanford University and the University of Michigan. Eisendrath said the program came to Michigan because "it is a good, public university with a broad range of subjects."
The fellows are selected for the program based on their past achievement and future promise. They all have a specific focus, and their performance in that area is critically evaluated during the selection process. Through a number of essays and interviews, the best journalists are chosen.
Dennis Cauchon, an assistant national editor of USA Today, is one of this year's fellows. He will focus on the history of false ideas and attend undergraduate classes such as Madness in History 396 and take part in independent research.
"I am interested in taking a year off and studying to gain a broader perspective, a more historical perspective, instead of thinking everything is happening for the first time," Cauchon said. "My favorite part is getting the reactions of the students in my classes," Cauchon said. Although Cauchon has only been in the program for a few weeks, he said, "the program is wonderful, well-organized, and I"m really enjoying it."
Nancy Colasurdo from the Trenton Times is studying the female athletic experience. Colasurdo's courseload includes a variety of women's studies courses, and she hopes to work with women athletes and coaches at the University.
"The resources are unlimited, and the contacts are endless. I am sure this program will make me a better writer and reporter," Colasurdo said.
The 17 professionals are enhancing their careers and having a great time in college again.
"Now that I have been in the work force for almost 10 years, I have a different perspective on things, but I also enjoy hearing the the students' perspectives. It's like being in two worlds - the adult world and the student world," Colasurdo said.