Indiana University School of Journalism

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Photo by Thomas Miller

The newest group of Media Scholars met one another and their advisers during a reception Thursday in the lounge. During the year, the students visit media outlets and plan other special events as a group.

Surrounded by mementos of Ernie Pyle’s legacy, a group of faculty and administrators welcomed a new class of Media Scholars. The incoming freshmen were introduced to professors, advisers and one another at a reception in the Ernie Pyle Hall lounge Thursday.

Visiting professor Marty Pieratt advises Media Scholars, a program that gives high-achieving journalism students direct admission to the school so they can get started as soon as possible on their journalism paths. As a group, they meet with special speakers, work on projects outside class and visit media organizations. They also have fun together, such as talking about news or careers over cook-outs.

“We’re here for support, we’re here for fun, and we’re here to talk to you about what happens outside the classroom,” Pieratt told the group during the reception. School of Journalism Dean Brad Hamm and Director of Recruitment and Experiential Learning Kathleen Lee also greeted the new students.

This second group of Media Scholars includes 15 students, many of whom said they were excited about the opportunities the program offers.

Freshman Ali Medellin wasn’t sure what area of journalism she wants to pursue, but that’s what excited her most about the Media Scholars program.

Photo by Thomas Miller

Visiting professor Marty Pieratt advises Media Scholars. Last year, he took the group to try their hand at broadcasting at an area radio station.

“This is my time to explore,” she said. “I want to try everything.”

The Media Scholars program gives students an opportunity to take advantage of IU’s large size, while giving them the personal attention of a much smaller school.

“Individually, you will have every opportunity available to you,” Hamm said. “You get to experience Big 10 sports, the opera and some of the best speakers every bit as much as anyone else, and then you get to have lunch with those same speakers.”

Last year, Pieratt took the group to a radio station to give them a taste of the type of work there, with some students going on the air. Activities like this, as well as visiting other Indianapolis or Cincinnati news organizations, enrich the experience, he said.

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