Alumni & donors

More than 2,000 alumni are proud of the education they’ve received from the Reynolds School. Our graduates are leaders in government, prize-winning media professionals and key players in the retooling of the contemporary communication landscape. On a professional and personal level, relationships formed with classmates and professors last a lifetime.

The Reynolds School values donors and relies on their gifts to enhance educational possibilities and student opportunities.

Alumni & donor news

Mike and Guy smile together outside while wearing cowboy hats.
Guy Clifton: A Nevada life, a Nevada journalism career in full

The former Sagebrush editor leaves a legacy of historical writing and friendships across all of Nevada

E.M. Tomeo and Warren Lerude sitting in an old chairlift
Meet the man behind the decades-long University Olympics connection

Local journalism students have been covering the Olympic Games since 1960 and will continue in Paris this week

Brent Kirkland holding his Emmy Award.
Faces of the Pack: Emmy Award winning documentary filmmaker Brent Kirkland

Journalism alumnus Brent Kirkland was awarded an Emmy for his original short documentary following South Carolina football star Darius Rush

Kari Barber holding a glass trophy for her filmmaker of the year award
Kari Barber named Nevada Woman Filmmaker of the Year

Reynolds School of Journalism Associate Dean and Professor Kari Barber is the tenth woman to earn this title from the Nevada Women’s Film Festival

Dean Yun waving at a drone that is flying up above him in the middle of the Reynolds School atrium.
Reynolds School of Journalism looks back at the spring 2024 semester

Dean Yun recaps the highlights of the semester in the semester in review video

Gianna Hearn holding a microphone up during an interview with a basketball coach.
Journalism alumna shares how she turned her passion for sports into a career

When an injury took Gianna Hearn (‘13) off the field, she set her sights on sports journalism

Conner Board on the news set at her station in Seattle
Journalism Alumna shares her path to becoming a TV news reporter

Conner Board (’16) shares experiences at the Reynolds School of Journalism that set her up for success after graduation

Mckenzie Papa
Journalism alumna earns Certificate in Principles of Public Relations

Mckenzie Papa is the 19th graduate of the Reynolds School of Journalism to earn the distinguished certification

Olive Giner
Journalism alumn earns distinguished certification in public relations

Giner is the newest University of Nevada, Reno graduate to acquire the certificate

Alfred Higginbotham
Reynolds School of Journalism centennial documentary now available to stream online

In honor of 100 years of journalism education at Nevada, the film was produced by Professor Kari Barber and a team of students

Cove Carlson and Jaime Gonzalez-Aguirre
Journalism alumni awarded desired Certification in the Principles of Public Relations

Carlson and Gonzalez-Aguirre are the two newest graduates to obtain the achievement

Noelle Crooks sitting in a red velvet armchair leaning toward the camera.
Journalism alumna publishes debut novel

Noelle Crooks’ (’17) book “Under the Influence” was released this week

Deja Sonju headshot outdoors.
Journalism alumna earns coveted Certificate in the Principles of Public Relations

Sonju is the fifteenth University of Nevada, Reno graduate to achieve the distinction

A black and white photo of the 11-person first journalism class at the University of Nevada.
Reynolds School of Journalism celebrates 100 years of journalism at Nevada

The Centennial Celebration, which will feature a documentary screening, is set for October 26

A black and white photo of Maritza Perez standing in front of the U.S. Capitol building.
The heart work and hard work of a career in social justice

Journalism alumna Maritza Perez elected president of the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia

A headshot of Kelsey Fitzgerald smiling to camera.
Kelsey Fitzgerald joins the Reynolds School as a professor of science communication

Fitzgerald will instruct on science journalism and coordinate the Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science

A headshot of Annie Wagner in front of a white background.
Journalism alumna Annie Wagner earns Certificate in Principles of Public Relations

Fourteen University of Nevada, Reno students have achieved the public relations distinction

A headshot of Taylor Johnson in front of a business lobby.
Journalism alumna shining the light of truth through reporting

Taylor Johnson is working as a summer equality intern at Bloomberg

A headshot of Brian Duggan
KUNR announces new general manager

Reynolds School alumnus Brian Duggan will bring his extensive media experience to the role this August

Madeline Potts stands in front of a blue and purple wall wearing pink Disney mouse ears and holding her arms out to the side.
Journalism alumna follows her passion to work for Disney

Madeline Potts stayed persistent and overcame rejection to land her dream job

On the left is a picture of Faith Evans in front of a brick wall wearing graduation sash. On the right is Alina Croft in front of an autumnal tree.
Journalism students earn national award for global multimedia project

Alina Croft and Faith Evans win a Hearst Journalism Award

A black and white photo of Guy Clifton holding up a newspaper with a Mark Twain impersonator.
Long-time journalist and history buff honored as a Distinguished Nevadan

Guy Clifton to be recognized by President Sandoval during Spring Commencement

Brooke Hess kayaking in a blue kayak in a river near a white water rapid.
Journalism alumna’s thousand-mile journey to save the salmon

Brooke Hess is combining her love of science and writing for The Grand Salmon Project

Reynolds School of Journalism Dean Alan Stavitsky stands next to Kristen Go as she smiles while wearing the cowboy hat.
Pulitzer Prize winner Kristen Go speaks at Reynolds School of Journalism’s 57th Annual Scripps Dinner

Kristen Go was part of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning team for breaking news at The Denver Post in 2000

A close-up headshot of Katie Hutchings in front of a grey background
How innovative thinking led to a dream job in the film industry

Journalism alumna Katie Hutchings' journey to VP of marketing for Skydance Media

Lukas Eggen smiles to camera in front of a black background.
Journalism alumnus recognized in The Game Awards Future Class

Lukas Eggen shares what made his gaming podcast level up

Liv Moore smiles to camera in front of a white background
Journalism alumna recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30

Liv Moore joins the prestigious list for her work in documentaries and music strategy

A neon sign of two cowboys standing next to each other in red and green light in front of a black background.
Illuminating Nevada’s history with virtual reality

Journalism alumna gives classic Nevada neon signs a new life

Benjamin Engel stands in front of the University of Nevada, Reno's Morrill Hall building in his graduation robe.
Journalism alumnus earns Certificate in Principles of Public Relations

Thirteen University of Nevada, Reno students have achieved the public relations distinction

Frank Mullen
School of Journalism presents Frank X. Mullen as 2021 Laxalt Distinguished Writer

Award-winning journalist, author and actor recognized on Nov. 4

A headshot of Larry Ryckman
Talk and panel on “Local News Matters” Oct. 19 at Nevada Museum of Art

School of Journalism hosts event featuring Colorado Sun Editor Larry Ryckman

Nevada desert at sunset.
KUNR and partner organizations win three regional Murrow Awards

Public radio station on campus recognized for bilingual pandemic coverage, hard news and sports reporting

Heather Ernst surfing in the ocean.
Journalism alumna rekindles love for writing after learning how to surf

Heather Ernst publishes her experience in WMNSurfMag

Rebecca Leroux
Journalism alumna tells dynamic stories locally and internationally

Rebecca Leroux’s video production companies support storytelling in California, Utah and Africa

Reynolds School of Journalism building
Reynolds School alumna and student earn Certificate in Principles of Public Relations

Twelve University students have achieved public relations distinction

Miguel Arucan poses in his home while holding a stylus in his hand. A computer and tablet sit on the table in front of him.
Journalism alumnus creates artwork for Ariana Grande’s Netflix documentary

Reno native uses skills learned during college to reach worldwide audience

Tsanavi Spoonhunter stands in front of a forest backdrop wearing a Native American beaded collar.
Changing representation through documentary film

Journalism alumna Tsanavi Spoonhunter chronicles one tribe’s fight for food sovereignty in short documentary

Luiza Vieira holds a camera to her face in front of a beach with greenery and the sky in the backdrop.
Reynolds School alumna on covering the environment and education in Brazil

Journalist Luiza Vieira reflects on her journey and making meaningful stories

Tim Robb sits in a studio being filmed for an interview.
Reynolds School alum joins the fight against COVID-19

Tim Robb works to protect Nevadans with the new app, COVID Trace

Reynolds School of Journalism building
Reynolds School alumna and minor earn their Certificate in Principles of Public Relations

Eighth and ninth students from the University of Nevada, Reno achieve public relations distinction

James Rutter poses in his home.
Journalism alumnus pursues copywriting in New York City

A Reynolds School graduate’s unlikely path to making it on the East Coast

Rachel Gattuso
Reynolds School alumna uses public relations agency to create social change

Gattuso Coalition works with local nonprofits dedicated to worthy causes

Cambria Roth poses in the office.
A journalism job search during COVID-19

Reynolds School alumna secures contract position at HuffPost

Sudhiti Naskar
Art still matters; covering non-essential communities

Even the art community is impacted by COVID-19

Robert Apiyo, also known as Prince Nesta, sitting in front of a computer and sound mixer.
Reynolds School alumnus wins BEA top paper in audio media division

Prince Nesta recognized for research about impact of podcasting on the changing African narrative

Pen and block letters spelling "impostor" on a table
You are worth more than you think

Combating impostor syndrome in professional and personal life

Ricardo Lopez sitting at a table with a cup of coffee and his laptop
Politics, business and film: The career of a Reynolds School alumnus

Journalism graduate moves from California to Minnesota to cover state politics.

Alex Newman holds a microphone near a small pig.
Multimedia as a form of journalism

Reynolds School alumna reflects on the beauty of storytelling through visual communications

Five university alumni pose in front of a stadium tunnel at the College Football Playoff.
Journalism alumni provide social media expertise for the College Football Playoff

Former Nevada Athletics interns share another moment together while working at the CFP National Championship

Student holding up Argentina cardboard frame
Faces of the Pack: University alumna receives Fulbright Student Scholar Grant

Natalie Van Hoozer travels abroad to Argentina to pursue passion for connecting Spanish- and English-speaking communities

A man poses indoors.
Journalism alumnus relies on writing portfolio to land job at IndieWire

Reynolds School grad offers advice about entering the entertainment industry as a reporter

A woman poses indoors.
Reynolds School alumna earns Certificate in Principles of Public Relations

Lizbeth Alvarez is the seventh University graduate to complete the certification

One woman interviewing another
A desire to support the community leads to a career change

Reynolds School alumna moves from digital marketing to work for Vegas Strong

A woman speaks into a microphone on stage with another woman sitting nearby.
Long-form journalism from inside a camper van

Author and journalist Jessica Bruder speaks as 2019 Laxalt Distinguished Writer

Two people holding a trophy and smiling
Reynolds School graduate alumna wins EDAWN award

Double Scoop arts publication wins microenterprise business of the year award

Brian Duggan is pictured smiling in front of a blue background smiling while wearing a light blue and red plaid button up.
From the student newsroom to the city newsroom

Reynolds School alumnus shows that one of the most valuable experiences in one's career is during college.

A group of men pose on a red carpet holding Emmy Awards.
Addressing the opioid epidemic with film

Reynolds School alumnus and team win Emmy Award for best documentary

Woman poses inside a New Balance shoe store.
Digital marketing in New York City

Reynolds School alumna finds love for project management of national brands

Woman speaks into a microphone indoors.
Using storytelling to empower and educate

Reynolds School alumna shares her experience reporting on the western region.

A woman smiles for the camera.
Teacher, lawyer, advocate: Reynolds School alum helps underrepresented communities

Maritza Perez, spring 2019 commencement speaker, works as a senior policy analyst advocating for criminal justice reform and civil rights

Two men on a stage, one of which is putting on a black cowboy hat.
Reynolds School of Journalism hosts 55th Annual Scripps Dinner with Pulitzer-Prize winner Leonard Pitts Jr.

Leonard Pitts Jr. was awarded a Pulitzer for commentary in 2004 for his column in the Miami Herald.

A woman smiles for the camera, holding a large camera over her shoulder.
Up, up and beyond

Former Reynolds School of Journalism student proves success is about building relationships.

A boxer stands in a ring.
RSJ alumnus awarded at international film festival for his documentary “Dreamer”

Jordan Berns wins the Vincentian Prize for Social Impact at the Big Shoulders International Student Film Festival.

A woman stands in a parking lot.
Following the smoke trail

Reynolds School alumna reports on the California Camp Fire.

Reynolds School of Journalism building
Two Reynolds School graduates earn Certification in Principles of Public Relations

Ackerman and Boorman become third and fourth alumni to earn the distinction

A young boy wearing a football jersey poses with a football.
Passion for football leads to career as a sports broadcaster

Alumnus Alex Stewart reflects on his love for football, gives advice to students in sports broadcast field.

A blonde woman smiles for the camera.
Working on Oscar and Emmy award campaigns at Netflix

Reynolds School alum Liv Moore works with the Netflix Awards team.

A man stands at a desk.
Reporting for daily radio news in New York City

Reynolds School alumnus shares his journey of getting a job at WNYC's The Takeaway.

A small editing studio, where two pairs of headphones are seen hanging off of a microphone.
Starting podcasts allows Reynolds School students to tell unique stories and explore their passions

There are a plethora of student-led podcasts to listen to.

A man and a woman in graduation robes.
Think about tech: Reynolds School alumna reminds journalism grads to look for careers in technology industries

RSJ students aren't limited to news organizations or public relations agencies.

Frank McCulloch gesturing
Frank McCulloch, a towering figure in American journalism, passes away

The 1941 graduate of the University showed all American journalists the path in war, and in peacetime

A group of people pose for the camera, with one man holding an award.
Reynolds School alumnus receives highest award given to public university educators

The Missouri Governor's Award for Excellence in Education is the highest award given to Missouri public university educators.

Graduates taking selfies at commencement
McCulloch, Anderson Bock named Distinguished Nevadans

Legendary journalism grad and transformational figure in tourism industry to be honored at Commencement

A hand can be seen typing at a laptop.
Reynolds School alumni give tips to become a successful freelancer

These RSJ alums help you make that side-hustle actually work.

Sally Denton poses for a photo.
Journalist Sally Denton to be honored as 2017 Laxalt Distinguished Writer

Elko native and University alumna’s contributions to investigate journalism to be recognized

Jake Highton in an office.
A professor who made us all better: An appreciation of RSJ professor Jake Highton

For 30 years, Jake Highton reminded his journalism students to always ask more, not less, of themselves

Man poses inside a news studio.
An interview with RSJ alumnus Landon Miller

Miller is an evening anchor for KTVN Channel 2 News.

George Ross, Journalism's 'man on the mountaintop' passes away at age 98

Legendary Oakland sports editor played influential role in bringing championships to Oakland in '70s

Daily Show feature cites RNR editor, Reynolds School grad student project

Crowd sourcing used to create first searchable, national database on people killed by police

RSJ alumna wins prestigious regional Edward R. Murrow Award

Liz Margerum wins small online news organization category for best video-news documentary

Lerude pens biography on Robert Laxalt

“Robert Laxalt: Story of a Storyteller” sheds light into the less illuminated corners of Laxalt’s personal and career sagas