School of Communication

Most wouldn’t expect a middle-aged man wearing a set of pastel-blue women’s scrubs, a floral scarf and a so-obviously fake wig to be prancing loudly around their public library, with a cameraman capturing his every move. But hey, this is Miami – anything’s possible. Freddy Stebbins, B.S.C. ‘90, a UM alumnus, Miami Dade College sociology professor, and award-winning comedian, is the man in the scrubs, but he isn’t really a cross-dressing, library-disrupting, physician’s assistant. No, Stebbins, along with fellow UM alumni Ben Leis, B.S.C. ’04, and Andrew Schear, B.S.C. ’12, [...]

Eight School of Communication students, three long days and one incredible publishing company – this is the M. Shanken New York City Experience. As one of the lucky few who attended the trip this Spring, I wanted to provide an insider’s look on why you should really consider applying next year. But first, a little background – M. Shanken Communications, Inc. is a world-renowned publishing company that produces Wine Spectator, Cigar Aficionado, Whiskey Advocate and Market Watch magazines, as well as a few newsletters. Founded by Marvin Shanken 45 years [...]

Marvin Shanken, B.B.A. '65, known to many as the founder of M. Shanken Communications and a round-up of prominent niche magazines like Wine Spectator and Cigar Aficionado, struggled and starved just like most journalists starting out. Shanken didn’t even know if he really wanted to be a journalist at first. But, he knew one thing – he loved wine.  This month, the Association of Magazine Media named Shanken the recipient of the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest honors in the magazine media industry. Jonathan Newhouse, chairman and [...]

By: Karina Valdes Four nonprofits founded after last year's mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas are better equipped in their fight for gun control reform and mental health awareness after the School of Communication's 25-hour PhilADthropy event last weekend. More than 100 University of Miami students and 32 alumni volunteered their time to create social media campaigns, merchandise, websites, logos and much more on behalf of the four organizations founded by MSD students and parents. “I didn’t know what to expect, but you guys took the frontier for us," said Kai Koerber, [...]

What started out as a typical day of high school ended in tragedy after a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD) killing 17 people and forever changing the lives of so many in the Parkland, Fl community. That fateful February day turned survivors of the tragedy into activists working to combat gun violence through various efforts, including the establishment of nonprofit organizations. On February 22, students of the University of Miami School of Communication will be given the demanding, yet rewarding, opportunity to apply their knowledge [...]

By: Karina Valdes Alumni Weekend and Homecoming at the University of Miami is a time when alumni return to their alma mater to celebrate what it means to be a ‘Cane. This year, the School of Communication invited Patrick Cunnane, B.S.C. ’10, to share with students his journey since graduating. In a conversation moderated by Jack Miller, assistant professor of professional practice, Cunnane spoke about his experience at UM, applying to intern at the White House, and how that opportunity led him to a career as a writer. But he [...]

The Cannes Lions Experience infuses students with inspiration that lends itself to the University of Miami School of Communication’s program of exploration and excellence. But this year, inspiration flourished into action.   Societal Reform Corporation, Branches of Bravery and Change the Ref, organizations established in response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, shared tear-jerking experiences during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. UM SoC students returned to Miami with clear objectives to uplift those affected by the Parkland tragedy. “As part of the youth, I feel the need to stand up for myself and my peers. [...]

A message from Jeffrey L. Duerk, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost When Gregory Shepherd joined the University of Miami in July 2011 as the new dean of the School of Communication (SoC), Instagram was barely a year old, and “fake news” was simply referred to as propaganda. At the time, the school needed a leader who would skillfully navigate the rapidly changing world of communication. Today, eight years later, we can say with certainty that Greg did not disappoint. Greg has informed me that this will be his [...]

By: Karina Valdes On Aug. 16, the University of Miami School of Communication welcomed its new class of graduate students. Graduate orientation for the fall 2018 semester introduced students to the school, faculty, and staff, as well as provided them with a wealth of information to make the transition to graduate school as smooth as possible. “It is exciting to see these new graduate students start their programs in the school. They are going to enjoy their stay at UM,” said Cong Li, associate dean for graduate studies. This semester [...]