SJMC dean named Rowan’s 2005 Distinguished Alumnus

Dean Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver

Congratulations to Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver, dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, who recently bested 57,000 alumni to become the 2005 Distinguished Alumnus of Rowan University (formerly Glassboro State College). The award will be presented to her in the form of a plaque by President Donald J. Farish at the university’s May 13 graduation ceremony.

Nationally known as an expert on ethics and law as they relate to the scholastic and collegiate press, Kopenhaver has published more than 100 highly regarded articles and three monographs on the subject. Having been the 1998-99 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) president and a member of the editorial board of Public Relations Research Annual, she has extensive experience reviewing books, speaking at seminars and teaching workshops.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the Distinguished Alumnus for 2005 by my undergraduate alma mater,” said Kopenhaver. “I had a wonderful experience at the university and gained my love for journalism there.”

Kopenhaver was named to the National College Media Adviser Hall of Fame in 1994 after having served as its president and vice president, authored its Code of Professional Standards and its Code of Ethics, received its Distinguished Service Award and directed its annual national convention in New York City for 19 years. She was also one of the first women inducted into the Society of Professional Journalists, where she became only the second woman in 77 years to be awarded the highest honor given by that organization each year, the Wells Memorial Key.

Kopenhaver earned her bachelor’s degree at Glassboro State College, her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University.

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