Journalism Convocation
June 15, 2026
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
Khuyen Dinh (MSJ)
Land Acknowledgement Video
“The Land We Stand On” Land Acknowledgement video was created and provided by Northwestern Multicultural Student Affairs.
Dean Whitaker Introduction
Mya Copeland (BSJ)
Welcome
Dean Charles Whitaker (BSJ80, MSJ81)
Bachelor of Science in Journalism Student Speaker
Shravya Pant (BSJ)
Master of Science in Journalism Student Speaker
Noah Robinson (MSJ)
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Simone Garber (BSJ)
Keynote Speaker
Julie Pace (BSJ04)
Presentation of Bachelor of Science in Journalism Degrees
Anika Patel
Presentation of Master of Science in Journalism Degrees
Jaime Hermosillo
Closing Remarks
Morgan Norris (MSJ)
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
Daniel MacKenzie
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Special Projects
Keynote Speaker
Julie Pace (BSJ04)
Julie Pace (BSJ04) is senior vice president and executive editor of The Associated Press.
Under Pace’s guidance since 2021, the AP has significantly expanded its digital news and increased its incorporation of AI technologies, leading to the growth of AP’s direct to consumer platforms, which are among the fastest growing in the U.S.
During her tenure, the AP has been awarded four Pulitzer Prizes and produced an award-winning documentary on the Ukraine war that won an Academy Award and a BAFTA.
Pace previously worked as a reporter at South Africa’s only independent television network, and covered politics and elections at the Tampa Tribune and its partner television station WFLA.
Joining AP in 2007 as a multimedia reporter, Pace developed and executed AP’s plans for live video coverage of the 2008 Election Day and President Barack Obama’s inauguration.
Pace then took on the role of AP’s White House Correspondent where she won the White House Correspondents’ Association Merriman Smith award in 2013 for her work explaining the Obama campaign’s complex approach to voter turnout.
Pace was the Washington Bureau Chief for AP during President Donald Trump’s first term in office before assuming her current role. There, she directed the news organization’s coverage of the presidency, politics and the U.S. government.
Keynote Speaker
Julie Pace (BSJ04)
Julie Pace (BSJ04) is senior vice president and executive editor of The Associated Press.
Under Pace’s guidance since 2021, the AP has significantly expanded its digital news and increased its incorporation of AI technologies, leading to the growth of AP’s direct to consumer platforms, which are among the fastest growing in the U.S.
During her tenure, the AP has been awarded four Pulitzer Prizes and produced an award-winning documentary on the Ukraine war that won an Academy Award and a BAFTA.
Pace previously worked as a reporter at South Africa’s only independent television network, and covered politics and elections at the Tampa Tribune and its partner television station WFLA.
Joining AP in 2007 as a multimedia reporter, Pace developed and executed AP’s plans for live video coverage of the 2008 Election Day and President Barack Obama’s inauguration.
Pace then took on the role of AP’s White House Correspondent where she won the White House Correspondents’ Association Merriman Smith award in 2013 for her work explaining the Obama campaign’s complex approach to voter turnout.
Pace was the Washington Bureau Chief for AP during President Donald Trump’s first term in office before assuming her current role. There, she directed the news organization’s coverage of the presidency, politics and the U.S. government.
BSJ Student Speakers
Shravya Pant (BSJ26) is a journalism major and global health studies minor. Pant participated in the Medill on the Hill program, where she covered the health policy beat. She was a print managing editor, section editor, multimedia editor, and writer for nuAZN. She will begin medical school at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine this fall, bridging her passions for patient care and health journalism toward a career as a physician-writer. BSJ Student Speakers
Shravya Pant (BSJ26) is a journalism major and global health studies minor. Pant participated in the Medill on the Hill program, where she covered the health policy beat. She was a print managing editor, section editor, multimedia editor, and writer for nuAZN. She will begin medical school at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine this fall, bridging her passions for patient care and health journalism toward a career as a physician-writer. MSJ Student Speaker
Noah Matthew Robinson (MSJ26) is a documentary journalist, filmmaker, writer, director and sports storyteller whose work reflects the curiosity, discipline and cultural intelligence of a new generation of media makers. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree at age 20, Robinson later studied screenwriting through UCLA’s professional writing program. He is the co-founder of NOMA, a production company and is currently making his feature directorial debut with Redline, a cinematic Formula One documentary. A SAG member, on-air talent, writer, producer, and filmmaker, Robinson represents the future of journalism and storytelling: thoughtful, fearless, visually alive, and deeply connected to culture in motion. MSJ Student Speaker
Noah Matthew Robinson (MSJ26) is a documentary journalist, filmmaker, writer, director and sports storyteller whose work reflects the curiosity, discipline and cultural intelligence of a new generation of media makers. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree at age 20, Robinson later studied screenwriting through UCLA’s professional writing program. He is the co-founder of NOMA, a production company and is currently making his feature directorial debut with Redline, a cinematic Formula One documentary. A SAG member, on-air talent, writer, producer, and filmmaker, Robinson represents the future of journalism and storytelling: thoughtful, fearless, visually alive, and deeply connected to culture in motion. 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