During the Chicago Experience, select students majoring in journalism meet with successful industry professionals and have the opportunity to build their professional network prior to graduating. The Chicago Experience would not be possible if not for the generosity of our alumni who provide funding for this trip.

Students travel to Chicago and participate in activities under the guidance of Dr. Ana Garner, Chair of the Journalism and Media Studies Department, Dave Umhoefer, Director of the O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism, and Sharon McGowan, Editor of the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

A typical Chicago Experience trip includes visiting WGN Radio, watching a production of "The Mincing Rascals" which is a political podcast, touring the Chicago Sun-Times, and listening to a live session at WBBM News Radio. The Chicago Experience culminates with a networking event with Chicago 'Comm alumni.

2018 Chicago Experience

The eight students who were selected to participate in the 2018 Chicago Experience are:

  • Dean Bibens
  • Rebecca Carballo
  • Leah Harris
  • Morgan Hughes
  • Amelia Jones
  • McKenna Oxenden
  • Brendan Ploen
  • Patrick Thomas

Alumni and Professionals

Successful professionals who took the time to meet with our students include:

  • Steve Bertrand (JOUR '85) and John Williams of WGN Radio
  • Eric Zorn, Kristen McQueary and Scott Stantis of the Chicago Tribune
  • Carol Fowler, Senior Director of Digital at Chicago Sun0Times
  • Rob Hart (COMM '02), News Anchor at WBBM
  • Jennifer Lay-Riske (COMM '94)