New at SMPA: Join our events and meet the outstanding new class of fellows
New at SMPA: Join our events and meet the outstanding new class of fellows
Media and Public Affairs Building
SCHOOL OF MEDIA & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
graphic depicting GW and DC landmarks
Frank Sesno
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Alumni,
What makes being a GW student truly unique is the powerful moment in our nation’s history that defines your time on campus. Often, that happens just a few blocks away, at the White House, in the Capitol, on the National Mall or even at the Watergate.
We are living through an exceptionally challenging and consequential time in American politics and media. The nation is divided. Journalism is widely distrusted and “fake news” has become a rallying cry.
Our politics are unprecedented and many of you are on the front lines.
SMPA is and will continue to be a place for ideas and civil discourse, respect and inclusiveness as we examine and pursue political communication and journalism. We will continue to convene media and political leaders, communicators and scholars.
We held a Town Hall on Media and Politics on Sept. 13 co-hosted by the GW College Democrats and GW College Republicans. The audience-led discussion was broadcast live and featured an expert panel including a member of Congress, distinguished journalists and political operatives.
You came to SMPA to think deeply, to connect, and to engage Washington politics, media, and journalism from the front row. We hope you will continue to do that and add to the conversation.
Please don't hesitate to send us ideas and be in contact. Follow us on social media, watch your inbox and check out our new website to stay updated. We know you'll add to the conversation and our students will benefit from your involvement.
Thank you for your support of the SMPA mission and for all you do to make this a better place.
Sincerely,
Frank

FEATURED STORIES

MAKING NEWS AT THE SCHOOL OF MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
DIVERSE & DISTINGUISHED VOICES
ANNOUNCING THE NEW CLASS OF SMPA FELLOWS
The Fall 2017 fellows include a member of Congress and distinguished journalists, diplomats and media executives.
ENGAGING POLITICS FROM THE FRONT ROW & ACROSS THE AISLE
MEDIA AND POLITICS TOWN HALL
We co-hosted the first SMPA Town Hall with the GW College Democrats and GW College Republicans to take on divided politics and distrust in the media.
FRONT PAGE ACCOMPLISHMENT
STUDENTS CO-AUTHOR WASHINGTON POST INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
It all began with a raised hand in a class taught by a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist.
NEW AT SMPA
NEW FACULTY
Welcome to our new associate professor, Peter Loge! Peter is a familiar face who has taught part-time at SMPA for over a decade. He brings over 20 years of experience in communications including a presidential appointment at the FDA and senior positions for Sen. Edward Kennedy and three members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
RESEARCH CENTERS AND PROJECTS
In the past year, SMPA has welcomed three new research centers and projects. We are proud to now house the American Communities Project, run by Wall Street Journal and NBC News journalist Dante Chinni, the Media and Peacebuilding Project, led by Associate Research Professor Babak Bahador, and the Project for Media and National Security, led by award-winning network television journalist, diplomat and a business executive David Ensor.
CLASS NOTES
Jessica Accamando, BA ’03, owns a communications and creative services studio in Los Angeles called Creative Fish Studio - creativefish.studio
Pam Adamchik, BA ’84, traveled the world after graduating, working as a dancer/singer. Then, she earned her MS in Radio, TV, and Film from Syracuse University and went on to become a TV director. Now, she teaches women’s and kids’ self-defense.
Christopher Adams, BA ’91, recently received his master's degree in Media Studies from The New School in New York.  He works at Viacom Media Networks.
Devika Agarwal, BA ’13, recently moved back to San Francisco and started in Strategic Sourcing at Gap Inc. HQ. She says “It's been quite a move from DC but connecting with GW Alumni here has been amazing!”
Debbie Albert, BA ’83, spent decades working in TV news, for CNN in D.C. and 6ABC and KYW-TV in Philadelphia, and in corporate communications. Now Debbie owns Albert Communications, focusing on corporate & change communications, PR, and communications assessments.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
The School of Media and Public Affairs would like to gratefully acknowledge the generous donors who made a gift to the department from July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017. You can view the full list of donors on our website.
SUPPORT THE DEPARTMENT
Gifts to the School of Media and Public Affairs allow us to provide support for faculty and student research and travel, graduate student fellowships, and academic enrichment activities including guest speakers, visiting faculty, and symposia. Each gift, no matter how large or small, makes a positive impact on our educational mission and furthers our standing as one of the nation's preeminent liberal arts colleges at one of the world's preeminent universities.
You can make your gift to SMPA in a number of ways:
  • Securely online.
  • By mailing your check, made out to The George Washington University and with SMPA in the memo line, to:
    The George Washington University
    2033 K Street NW, Suite 300
    Washington, DC  20052
    • By phone by calling the GW Annual Fund at 1-800-789-2611.
    STAY CONNECTED WITH US!
    Connect with alumni in your industry, including Alumni in Media & Communications Network, through virtual and in-person networking programs.
    Get involved with several opportunities from mentoring students to engaging with fellow alumni.
    Join us for over 60 events including the reunions, a dean's reception, the Sunday Political Discourse and more!
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