A full house at the Cosford Cinema as alumnus Javi Morgado, B.S.C. ’98 takes the stage to emcee the School of Communication’s 40th Anniversary celebration.

Abbie Bernet
4-21-2025

On April 8, 2025, the University of Miami School of Communication celebrated a major milestone: 40 years of excellence in education, innovation, and impact. The celebration brought together students, faculty, alumni, and university leaders to honor the legacy of the School and look ahead to the next chapter.

The day began with an open house, where all five departments showcased student and faculty work. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as guests explored classrooms and studios, interacting with the talent and creativity that have long defined the School of Communication.

“I’ve loved being part of the School of Communication!” said Emily Rottenberg, a senior majoring in Public Relations. “Coming into college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I liked journalism and writing. Being involved in Orange Umbrella has given me so much hands-on experience, and I’ve loved all the professors and classmates I’ve met along the way.”

At the 40th Anniversary Open House, the Department of Strategic Communication showcased student work, past campaigns, and highlights from student organizations like Orange Umbrella.

The celebration then moved to the Bill Cosford Cinema, where attendees, including University President Joe Echevarria, Provost Willy Prado, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Pat Whitely, and former Board of Trustees Chair Laurie Silvers, gathered to reflect on the School’s four-decade journey.

The evening program featured the premiere of a new documentary by Professor Ali Habashi, which traced the School’s history from its earliest days. From a single debate class in 1926 to the thriving, top-ranked School it is today, the film highlighted key milestones, visionary leadership, and the students and faculty who brought it all to life.

Among those honored during the evening was Dr. Josephine Johnson, who led the founding of the School in 1985 and also celebrated her 100th birthday this year. Referred to as the School’s “foundation builder,” Dr. Johnson was recognized for her tireless efforts to transform a collection of communication courses into a unified, forward-thinking academic home.

“Through your determination to develop innovative curricula, recruit distinguished faculty, and build partnerships, you created a foundation of excellence that has flourished for four decades and positioned the School among the top communication programs in the world,” said Dean Karin Wilkins, honoring Dr. Johnson during the ceremony.

The evening also celebrated the impact of current faculty, including Associate Professor Tsitsi Wakhisi, who was recognized for her outstanding mentorship and dedication to journalism education. A two-time recipient of the University’s Excellence in Teaching Award, Wakhisi inspired generations of students, and even introduced two who would go on to marry.

Maribel Perez Wadsworth, B.S.C. ’93 and now President & CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, presented the award to Wakhisi, crediting her with shaping both her professional and personal life. “Professor Wakhisi didn’t just set me up for success—she changed the trajectory of my life,” said Perez Wadsworth.

Nineteen distinguished alumni were honored with medallions at the Cosford Cinema, recognizing their impact across industries and decades of School of Communication history.

Alumnus and event emcee Javi Morgado, B.S.C. ’99, brought humor, warmth, and perspective as he introduced segments and speakers throughout the program. Reflecting on the School’s growth, he told the audience:

“That journey we just witnessed didn’t happen by accident. It wasn’t just about building or technology or even curriculum. Every breakthrough, every student success, every moment of innovation and inspiration was made possible because of the heartbeat of this school: our faculty. These educators don’t just teach communication – they embody it.”

The evening concluded with the recognition of 19 distinguished alumni, representing every era of the School’s history. Among them were Barry Waldman, B.A. ’85, a veteran television and film producer, and Caitlin Atkinson, B.S.C. ’17, now Director of Program Planning & Scheduling at Peacock. Also honored were Carolyn Cefalo, B.S.C. ’76, M.S.Ed. ’83, and her husband Charles H. Horich, B.A. ’63, whose impactful careers began even before the School’s official founding.

“This is a chance to recognize those who took what they learned in our classrooms and transformed industries around the world,” Morgado said. “From newsrooms in New York to film sets in Los Angeles to classrooms in Cairo, these alumni are innovators, truth-tellers, and visionaries.”

Throughout the celebration, stories and reflections poured in from students, faculty, and alumni.

“I’m really proud of our school,” said Chris Perez, a junior in Electronic Media. “We have amazing people like Carl, our engineer, who’s been here from the beginning. This is easily one of the most technologically advanced schools in the country, and they spare no expense for us.”

“I think 40 is the perfect age,” said Professor Meryl Blau, now in her 18th year at UM. “It’s when you finally gain the wisdom to be truly smart and dangerous in life. For the School of Communication, this is the moment of clarity, when we know who we are and where we’re going.”

“When I graduated, it felt like a small family just beginning to come to life,” said Sara Thomas, B.S.C. ’05. “Over the last 20 years, it’s blossomed – alumni are working in high-caliber jobs, and the depth of experience the school provides is just fantastic.”

Ranked in the top 2.5% of communication schools in the nation, the School of Communication continues to shape the future of media, journalism, advertising, film, and public relations. The 40th Anniversary was not just a celebration of the past, it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when great stories, bold ideas, and passionate people come together.

Javi Morgado, B.S.C. ’98; Dean Karin Wilkins; Maribel Perez Wadsworth, B.S.C. ’93; and Bob Denholtz, B.B.A. ’71 gather for a photo during the School of Communication’s 40th Anniversary reception.