“Do you really want to look back on your life and see how wonderful it could have been had you not been afraid to live it?” – Caroline Myss – Author

 

“Happiness is a quality of the soul … not a function of one’s material circumstances.” – Aristotle – 384 BC-322BC – Greek Philosopher

 

“Knowing the right thing doesn’t mean much if you don’t do the right thing.” – Eleanor Roosevelt – 1884-1962 – Former First Lady of the United States

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson).

 

Paul introduced his guest, Lisa Crain.   

 

Books 2 Prisoners, Mary 9, 6-8 PM – volunteers needed

 

Bottom Line Diaper Drive – Mary 14-21 – volunteers needed

 

Sola Gratia workday – May 28

 

Newspaper folding for the Humane Society – June 18

 

 

 

PROGRAM

Charlie introduced Jordan Dziura, who spoke on the subject of Illinois Media and the state of student media.  Jordan volunteered on the Daily Illini during college and returned in 2021 as Executive Director.

 

The student paper began publishing in 1871 under the name of “The Student”.   Today, they publish 7,000 copies weekly and consider themselves to be a digital first website, updating 24/7.   The website dailyillini.com had almost a million new users last year, including 63,000 Asian users.

 

Illinois Media publishes the “Illio” Yearbook, originally called the “Sophograph”.  They also own WPGU 107.1 FM, “Champaign’s Alternative”, featuring music, news and sports talk.   Their aging transmission tower, located at 3rd and Green, needs updating.

 

Today, with revenues in decline, media companies are consolidating.   Just 3 companies own all of the radio stations in our country.  After the recession, Illini Media sold its building at 512 E. Green and moved into the Y.  During the pandemic, they accepted PPP and government loans.  They also apply for, and receive, $1.85 per student in student fees.  The paid staff, 15.5 positions in 2008, is down to three today.  All wear multiple hats.

 

Celebrating their 150th anniversary, they restarted the Illinois Media Hall of Fame, bringing back graduates who have achieved success in journalism.   Dan Balz was the keynote speaker for their April 10 celebration honoring 20 inductees.   All 16 of the living inductees returned to campus with their families for the event.

 

Jordan asked us to help spread the word that Illinois Media is looking to alumni to help them survive.   Donations can be made through the U of I Foundation.

 

—

  May 5th May 12th May 19th May 26th
Introductions Jen Shelby Lou Simpson Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith
Reflection Tod Satterthwaite Jarrod Scheunemann Jen Shelby Charlie Smith
Greeters Jen Shelby Lou Simpson Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith
Mary Hodson Larry Johnson Bob La Charite Phyllis Mischo
Notetaker Conforti Perry Hodson Conforti

—

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee member responsible listed in parentheses)

 

May 5th – TBD

May 12th – Scott Schwartz, Curator and Archivist for the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music, University of Illinois Library (Joe)

May 19th – Major General (ret) William L. Enyart (Mary)

May 26th – Jacque Kalipeni, representing the Kalipeni Foundation that helps communities in Malawi

June 2nd – TBD

June 9th – Dr Donald Wuebbles, Professor Emeritus in the University of Illinois Atmospheric Sciences Department will discuss climate change

June 16th – TBD

June 23rd – Pass the Gavel

June 30th – TBD

July 7th – TBD

July 14th – Rick Davidson will speak about the new District Foundation and a new Global Grant

July 21st – TBD

July 28th – TBD

August 4th – TBD

August 11th – TBD