Development News-Rutgers School of Communication and Information, Spring 2022

Development News

Spring 2022

Note from Rob Eccles

Assistant Dean for Development

While the weather is just beginning to warm, we are halfway through the spring semester here at SC&I. The university is gradually returning to normal, and it is awesome to see so much activity on campus. With the change in weather comes change at SC&I. You have likely heard that after seven years with the school, Dean Jonathan Potter recently announced that he will be stepping down as Dean at the end of this academic year. Dean Potter has been a tremendous partner to the development office—and to me personally—during my time here, and he will be missed. But, in his words, "I have loved my years on the job—SC&I is exciting, dynamic, and forward-looking. It has outstanding faculty doing leading-edge and creative research across a range of topic areas drawing on different theoretical perspectives…the future is bright."

As change seems to be contagious, I too have news to share. After almost five years with SC&I, I will soon be transitioning to a new role at the university. On Monday, April 4, I will join the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences as Senior Director of Development, overseeing a team of development professionals and directing the overall fundraising efforts of the school. While I am excited for this new challenge, I am sad to leave SC&I. I am proud of the work I've done here and grateful for these past five years. Through highs and lows, challenging times, great successes, and tremendous loss, the SC&I community remains strong. The school and its faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and donors will retain a special place in my heart. I won't be far, and I look forward to staying in touch.

I'm very happy to announce that Stephanie Lauro '04, a SC&I alumna and former staff member, recently returned to the school as our development specialist. Please help me welcome Stephanie and know that you will be in good hands with her during this transition in the development office. Finally, as I look back fondly at my time with SC&I, join me in looking back at the quotes below from a few of our "Why I Support SC&I" stories and know that your committed support of the school and our students is deeply appreciated.

Rutgers Giving Day 2022

Rutgers Giving Day was a tremendous success! On March 23, 2022, the Rutgers global community united in a daylong celebration of Rutgers' excellence. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, families, and friends of Rutgers showed their scarlet pride, supported their favorite Rutgers causes, and helped create a brighter future for the next generation of leaders. We're thrilled to share that Rutgers Giving Day 2022 amassed almost $3 million dollars from over 6,500 donors. Thank you to everyone who contributed! If you missed it, it's never too late to lend your support. To learn more please contact, Stephanie Lauro.

SC&I Events

Thursday, May 12: SC&I Graduation Convocation

Sunday, May 15: Rutgers University 256 ^th Anniversary Commencement

Information Sessions

Master of Communication and Media: April 5|May 3| June 7

Explore SC&I’s Master of Communication and Media (MCM) program, now offering a specialization in Corporate Purpose and Social Impact. For more information and to register for a session, please visit here.

Master of Health Communication and Information: April 13 |May 11 |June 15

Explore our Master of Health Communication and Information (MHCI) program, which focuses on the communication, information, and media aspects of health-related policies and practices. For more information and to register for a session, please visit here.

Master of Information: April 14 |May 19|June 9

Explore SC&I’s ALA-accredited Master of Information (MI) program, one of the top-ranked programs in the country. For more information and to register for a session, please visit here.

*Visit SC&I Events for the most current information on programs.

Why We Support SC&I

In the early days of the pandemic, the Development Office created this newsletter as a way of keeping in touch. As you know, gifts to SC&I are vitally important—they support our students, drive research discoveries, and bring ideas to life. Behind each gift is a donor and an inspirational story. In the fall of 2022, we shared the first installment of Why We Support SC&I.

As we eagerly anticipate in-person commencement exercises in May, we're feeling particularly hopeful, grateful, and reflective. In that spirit, enjoy these wonderful quotes from our featured SC&I supporters.

"For many at Rutgers, any and all amounts of financial support make a huge difference. Our SC&IAA board members recognize the significance of these scholarships, advocate for as many alumni contributions to these grants as possible, and are dedicated to continuing to help future SC&I students through this program. Every minute volunteered and every dollar provided goes to help strengthen both our SC&I network and the overall Rutgers family."—Jennifer Sneed '03, SC&IAA board member

"From the time you start earning a living, put money away so that you can give to whatever floats your boat. Make philanthropy part of your DNA. As you continue down life's road to success, remember to give back to those who come after you, and of course, go RU!"—Steve Magidson RC'70

Steve attended Rutgers College and earned his bachelor's degree in journalism in 1970. Cynde attended Douglass College and graduated with a degree in psychology. They established the Steven and Cynthia Magidson Scholarship and support other student-specific programs.

"Rutgers provided me and many others with a basis of knowledge that will take us anywhere and everywhere. The courses that I took here expanded my mind way beyond my imagination. Every step of the way, I had somebody here that supported me no matter what. I'm so grateful for that. I'm hoping that with a little contribution to the till, it will help some students move our whole lives forward."—Ina Woodson-Brown '82

Ina attended Rutgers School of

Communication, Information, and Library Studies (now SC&I) in the early 1970s, earning her master's degree in 1973 and returning to complete her doctorate in 1982. She established the Douglas N. Woodson Sr. Endowed Scholarship in memory of her loving husband. Watch Ina's video interview here.

"I believe that one of Rutgers' great strengths is its position to help give a great education to families who are experiencing that for the first time. We're happy that this donation does that and helps the students in New Jersey. It's all about paying forward. I encourage others who can to do so."—Tom Mattia RC'70

Long-time SC&I supporters Tom Mattia RC'70 and his wife, Marti Mattia, established the Tom and Marti Mattia Endowed Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications and

donated $25,000 to Scarlet Promise Grants, a program that provides financial aid and emergency support to university students for whom a Rutgers education otherwise would be impossible. Read Tom's interview housed in the Rutgers Oral History Archives.