Journalism Convocation
June 16, 2025
While the University respects the rights of all to express their views, we request that any such expressions during these Commencement proceedings neither disrupt the ceremony nor prevent others from enjoying it.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Program
Introductory Remarks
Simone Roberts (MSJ)
Land Acknowledgement Video
“The Land We Stand On” Land Acknowledgement video was created and provided by Northwestern Multicultural Student Affairs.
Dean Whitaker Introduction
Tom O’Connor (MSJ)
Welcome
Dean Charles Whitaker (BSJ80, MSJ81)
Bachelor of Science in Journalism Student Speakers
Jade Thomas & Selena Kuznikov
Master of Science in Journalism Student Speaker
Nicole Johnson
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Yash Markendey (BSJ)
Keynote Speaker
Edith Chapin (BSJ86)
Presentation of Bachelor of Science in Journalism Degrees
Anika Patel
Presentation of Master of Science in Journalism Degrees
Jaime Hermosillo
Closing Remarks
Angela Zhang (BSJ)
Recessional
Medill Administration
Charles Whitaker (BSJ80, MSJ81)
Medill Dean
Tim Franklin
John M. Mutz Chair in Local News and Senior Associate Dean
Beth Bennett (MSJ97)
Associate Dean of Journalism
Vijay Viswanathan
Associate Dean of Integrated Marketing Communications
Stephanie Edgerly
Associate Dean of Research
Dorina Aguilar Rasmussen
Associate Dean of Administration and Student Affairs
Julie Collins
Assistant Dean of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid
Jacqueline Babb (IMC09)
Director of IMC Full-Time Program
Keynote Speaker
Edith Chapin (BSJ86)
As a top editorial leader at National Public Radio, Edith Chapin guides an award-winning team of journalists and newsroom executives around the world across several platforms and oversees the newsroom’s strategic coverage priorities. Chapin is acting chief content officer, senior vice president and editor-in-chief.
Prior to joining NPR in 2012, Chapin spent 25 years at CNN and worked her way up from intern to vice president and deputy bureau chief of CNN’s Washington D.C. bureau.
She served as CNN’s New York bureau chief and managing editor during the time of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Before that, in the early ‘90s, she produced groundbreaking reports across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Chapin’s coverage of Hurricane Katrina for CNN earned her the 2005 Peabody Award. That same year, she also won an Alfred I. DuPont Columbia University Award for CNN’s reporting on a catastrophic tsunami in South Asia.
In 2017, Chapin was inducted into the Medill Hall of Achievement, the highest honor bestowed on alumni. She also serves on the Medill Board of Advisers.
Keynote Speaker
Edith Chapin (BSJ86)
As a top editorial leader at National Public Radio, Edith Chapin guides an award-winning team of journalists and newsroom executives around the world across several platforms and oversees the newsroom’s strategic coverage priorities. Chapin is acting chief content officer, senior vice president and editor-in-chief.
Prior to joining NPR in 2012, Chapin spent 25 years at CNN and worked her way up from intern to vice president and deputy bureau chief of CNN’s Washington D.C. bureau.
She served as CNN’s New York bureau chief and managing editor during the time of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Before that, in the early ‘90s, she produced groundbreaking reports across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Chapin’s coverage of Hurricane Katrina for CNN earned her the 2005 Peabody Award. That same year, she also won an Alfred I. DuPont Columbia University Award for CNN’s reporting on a catastrophic tsunami in South Asia.
In 2017, Chapin was inducted into the Medill Hall of Achievement, the highest honor bestowed on alumni. She also serves on the Medill Board of Advisers.
BSJ Student Speakers
Jade Thomas (BSJ25), is a journalism major and French minor. Thomas was recently the web editor-in-chief of BlackBoard Magazine and previously served as the executive editor at North by Northwestern, among other roles. She remained active in the greater campus community as an office assistant at Multicultural Student Affairs and as a peer adviser. Thomas is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. 
Selena Kuznikov (BSJ25), is a journalism major and Latina and Latino studies minor. Kuznikov worked at The Daily Northwestern as a print managing editor, arts and entertainment editor, in focus editor, special stipend coordinator and assistant city editor. She also served as a Medill ambassador and as a summer research assistant for the Medill Investigative Lab. Kuznikov is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. BSJ Student Speakers
Jade Thomas (BSJ25), is a journalism major and French minor. Thomas was recently the web editor-in-chief of BlackBoard Magazine and previously served as the executive editor at North by Northwestern, among other roles. She remained active in the greater campus community as an office assistant at Multicultural Student Affairs and as a peer adviser. Thomas is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Selena Kuznikov (BSJ25), is a journalism major and Latina and Latino studies minor. Kuznikov worked at The Daily Northwestern as a print managing editor, arts and entertainment editor, in focus editor, special stipend coordinator and assistant city editor. She also served as a Medill ambassador and as a summer research assistant for the Medill Investigative Lab. Kuznikov is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. MSJ Student Speaker
Nicole Jeanine Johnson (MSJ25), is a graduate student. Johnson’s career includes having served as a Chicago Public Schools teacher and running for alderman for the Chicago City Council. She brings a wealth of experience to her work as an investigative journalist, focusing on education, race and politics. She was born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the National Association of Black Journalists Chicago Chapter. MSJ Student Speaker
Nicole Jeanine Johnson (MSJ25), is a graduate student. Johnson’s career includes having served as a Chicago Public Schools teacher and running for alderman for the Chicago City Council. She brings a wealth of experience to her work as an investigative journalist, focusing on education, race and politics. She was born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the National Association of Black Journalists Chicago Chapter. WiFi and Closed Captioning
WiFi: Guest-Northwestern
Social Media: #MyMedillStory
Northwestern Alma Mater
Hail to Alma Mater!
We will sing thy praise forever;
All thy sons and daughters
Pledge thee victory and honor.
Alma Mater, praise be thine,
May thy name forever shine!
Hail to Purple! Hail to White!
Hail to thee, Northwestern!
Music Credits
Music courtesy of the Bienen School of Music for all selections except:
Pomp and Circumstance
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by
Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra 2020-21
Dr. Robert G. Hasty, Conductor
~
Northwestern University Alma Mater
The Bienen Contemporary/Early Vocal Ensemble 2019-2020
Donald Nally, conductor