We also have a record number of SOJC majors and pre-majors. As of Spring Term, there are 503 major and 678 pre-major undergraduates and 55 graduate students in the J-School.

And, every year in recent years, the SOJC ranks among the top five majors in the number of new students entering the UO. This past fall, 350 new students declared themselves to be Journalism pre-majors. All indications are that journalism and communication will once again be among the most desired majors on the UO campus in Fall 2002.

While we need to keep these numbers in perspective—the J-School remains among the smallest schools and colleges on campus—the increased interest raises an interesting question: Why is the J-School so popular?

We are a destination program—students enroll at the UO because they want to attend the J-School. Although we are just beginning to do the research to find out why this generation of students perceives us as their best choice, we have a good idea why our graduates value their years at the J-School:

Tim Gleason, Dean

Faculty: Alumni tell us that professors defined their J-School experience. The J-School has a long history of talented, dedicated faculty who bring a passion for their field and student success into the classroom. Every term students tell me about J-School professors who made a difference in their lives.

Students: Students learn from other students. Good students create a learning environment where excellence is valued. It is truly humbling to see what our students both past and present are achieving. Attracting the best students is our highest priority.

Educational Philosophy: Professional education grounded in the liberal arts is the heart of our philosophy. Ninety years ago, Eric Allen came to the UO campus with a vision of journalism education that integrated a strong liberal arts education with a professional education in journalism. His philosophy still guides the School. We integrate theory and practice in journalism and communication with extensive coursework in the liberal arts and sciences.

High Standards: It is not easy to become a journalism major, nor is it easy to graduate. SOJC admission-to-major requirements are as tough as any on campus, and we challenge students to excel. Our majors report with pride that our classes are demanding and that it takes a strong commitment to succeed in the J-School.

We Teach Writing: Professional writing is at the heart of our curriculum. A few weeks ago longtime Portland television news reporter and anchor Mike Donahue, '68, was given a "Spotlight Award" by the Portland Chapter of the UO Alumni Association. In his remarks, Mike said, "Some schools teach you how to do broadcasting and some teach you how to write. I'm so glad I went to a school that taught you how to write." It was a wonderful endorsement of the emphasis we place on writing.

These are just a few of the reasons that the J-School continues to attract outstanding students to Allen Hall and to the University of Oregon.

Finally, a personal note of congratulations to the Class of 2002 and to Everette Dennis, '64, and Brent Walth, '84, who were honored at Commencement 2002 with the University's Distinguished Service Award and the UO Alumni Association's Outstanding Young Alumnus Award respectively.

Ev is a member of the School's Hall of Achievement and is both a graduate of the J-School and a former dean and professor. Brent is a Pulitzer Prize winning reporter from The Oregonian and the author of a wonderful biography of former Oregon governor (and J-School Hall of Achievement member) Tom McCall.

— Tim Gleason