An Evening to Remember	Faculty member Judith Hendry and her band, Sage, perform for guests at the reception before the dinner.

Guest speaker Dan Herrera speaks about how much the role of media has changed since he first started at C&J.	Guest speaker Jennifer Riordan talks about special memories she made while at C&J in the 1990s.	Guest speaker Janice Arnold-Jones describes the importance of the many things she learned while at C&J.

C&J celebrates 60th anniversary
with faculty, staff, alumni and friends

To commemorate its 60th year at the University of New Mexico, the UNM Communication & Journalism Department held the C&J 60th Anniversary Celebration on April 17, 2010.

The night started with a reception in the recently renovated C&J Building, where guests mingled while snacking on wine and cheese and took tours of the building. C&J faculty member Judith Hendry’s band Sage performed for guests in the lobby. After the reception, guests proceeded to a dinner and program in the Student Union Building ballroom.

A C&J alum adds some personal stories to the timeline history of C&J.

John Oetzel addresses the dinner crowd.

“The 60th Anniversary Celebration was a grand success,” said Dr. John Oetzel, chair of the department for the anniversary celebration. “We had 125 guests listen to three distinguished alumni speakers — Janice Arnold-Jones, Dan Herrera and Jennifer Riordan — and hear about the Department’s focus on excellence in communication and journalism. We look forward to another 60 years of excellence.”

Oetzel acted as master of ceremonies and led guests through the past, present and future of the Communication & Journalism Department by providing stories, descriptions and plans for the future.

Jennifer Riordan, Wells Fargo’s director of Community and Media Relations, graduated from UNM C&J with a B.A. in communication in 1999. Riordan spoke of how much the C&J Department has meant to her and shared stories of some of the memories while attending classes in C&J.

Dan Herrera, editorial page editor at the Albuquerque Journal, graduated from UNM C&J with a B.A. in journalism in 1978. Herrera emphasized how much the world of media has changed since he received his degree at C&J.

Carolyn Gonzales (right) mingles with guests at the reception. Next to her is C&J Professor Emeritus Jack Condon.

State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones, candidate for governor of New Mexico, graduated from UNM C&J with a B.A. in speech communication in 1974. Arnold-Jones spoke about the importance of communication, what she learned while at C&J, and the role her education played in her career and accomplishments.

Former C&J Chair Karen Foss surprises John Oetzel with a special recognition.

Former Department Chair Dr. Karen Foss surprised John Oetzel with a toast to his accomplishments as current chair of C&J. Oetzel stepped down as chair in July.

Thirty undergraduate and graduate scholarship and award winners were also recognized for their achievements.

During the 60th anniversary year, about $100,000 was raised through cash and in-kind donations. Thanks to Willie Romero and Margaret Ortega at UNM Annual Giving, Student Affairs Vice President Eliseo “Cheo” Torres, Susan MacEachen at the Young Alumni Association, Yolanda Dominguez at College of Arts and Sciences Development, Student Union Building Director Walt Miller and Southern Wine and Spirits, the event was a success.

Special thanks go out to event sponsors, Clear Channel Radio and New Media, Citadel SW, New Mexico Business Weekly, JoAnn Mercer and to C&J student event coordinator Audrey Johnson and C&J faculty member Karolyn Cannata-Winge for planning the event.

Student award winners stand to be recognized. Several student winners of scholarships and other honors attended.

Our Sponsors Page with Clear Channel's stations 100.3 The Peak and 94 Rock, as well as Citadel's radio station 770 KKOB, New Mexico Business Weekly, and also JoAnn Mercer.

--Logo design by C&J student Audrey Johnson
--All photos by UNM student Lindsey Allen