Journalism

Special event marks Journalism’s 60th birthday

October 5, 2018

The Department of Journalism will commemorate its 60th Anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 13, as part of CSUN’s Grand Reunion weekend.

Nearly 150 former editors of The Sundial will be recognized as part of the celebration, which also honors completion of a project to digitize all editions of the flagship newspaper’s history, dating to Feb. 1,1957. Tickets are still available.

The reunion and fundraiser is co-sponsored by the Journalism Alumni Association, the Department’s faculty and staff, and the Oviatt Library staff, who completed the full digitizationearlier this year. Tablets will be available, so attendees can electronically access the archive during the festivities, including specific editions they worked on during their time on campus.

Other highlights include a special silent auction, featuring an online component, already open for bidders. Prizes include:

  • A weekend getaway and round of golf at the Pechanga Resort and Casino.
  • Tickets to Southland amusement parks like the Aquarium of the Pacific and others.
  • Tickets and gift packages from the Dodgers, Angels, Diamondbacks and Clippers.
  • One-on-one lunches with L.A. Times columnists Steve Lopez and Robin Abcarian.
  • Tickets to the L.A. Philharmonic, The Soraya and other entertainment venues
  • Gift certificates to restaurants.
  • Signed books written by journalism alums, like former Los Angeles Times’ sports reporter Steve Springer and pop music critic Robert Hilburn.

Also, planned: a buffet dinner, memorable multimedia presentation, and a chance to purchase a commemorative T-shirt. Tours of student-run media facilities will precede the dinner. On the tour: The Sundial, KCSN News and the television broadcasting newsroom and studios where Matador News, Valley View News and On Point public affairs are produced.

Student journalists have produced a special edition of The Sundial, which will be distributed on campus and at the celebration.

“The Journalism Department has produced more than 4,000 alums who work for newspapers, radio and television stations, online outlets and public relations and marketing firms,” said Bob Rawitch, JAA president, Class of 1965. “They work in business, the law, government and every imaginable field using the writing and critical thinking skills honed in their four (or more) years on campus.”

Rawitch notes it’s not too late to register for the event, in the Northridge Center at the USU, and bring a friend. Tickets are just $50, he said, “and don’t forget to order a Journalism 60th anniversary T-shirt.”

For more information, email Rawitch at bob@rawitchconsulting.com.