FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The School of Journalism and Strategic Media, in partnership with the Lemke Journalism Alumni Society, is hosting its annual J-Days celebration April 14-19.

Walter J. Lemke held the first J-Day in 1931, not long after founding the Department of Journalism. Activities provide an opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals, network with alumni and faculty, learn about current career opportunities and practices, gain new perspective on the field of journalism and strategic media and understand their importance to a functioning democracy.

The J-Days headline event, the Roy Reed Lecture, will feature Emmy Award-winning journalist Chuck Todd, host of The Chuck ToddCast and former host of NBC's Meet the Press. Other J-Days' activities include distinguished journalism, advertising and public relations professionals, school alumni and student-focused activities.  

"We look forward to this tradition every year," said SJSM director Bret Schulte. "Our students get to see the wide range of opportunities available in this industry, and it's a thrill to see them interact with J-School alumni and others who support this program and the university." 

MONDAY, APRIL 14

• 2 p.m. — Kimpel Hall, room 148 — Samuel Ajala Guest Lecture
  Professor Gina Shelton's class will host Samuel Ajala, a graduate student in the Department of Communication, who will discuss his Pulitzer Center funded reporting on rock blasting in Nigeria.
•  7 p.m. — Science and Engineering, room 407 — Movie Night
  SJSM and its registered student organizations will host a screening of The Proposal along with popcorn, candy and a dirty soda bar.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Kimpel Hall, 2nd floor atrium — Student Showcase
  "The Power of Words" will showcase work submitted by current SJSM students.
•  5:30 p.m. — Kimpel Hall, room 148 — Art Meripol Reception
  SJSM will host distinguished alumnus and photojournalist Art Meripol in recognition of his recent in-kind donation. Meripol will speak about his storied career and his donated photos from concerts and the Civil Rights Trail. Refreshments will be provided.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

• 7 p.m. — Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House — Roy Reed Lecture featuring Chuck Todd
  SJSM and the Lemke Journalism Alumni Society will host Chuck Todd as he delivers the 2025 Roy Reed Lecture. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of politics, Todd become a trusted voice in American media.

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

• 2 p.m. — Kimpel Hall, room 203H — Dr. Fitz Hill Guest Lecture
  Professor Larry Foley's Sports in Media class will host author, former football coach and Little Rock radio personality Dr. Fitz Hill.
• 10 a.m.-noon — Kimpel Hall, Sue Walk Burnett Center for Journalism and Student Media — Resume Review and Headshots
  SJSM students are invited to visit with alumni and other local professionals about how to present their professional and academic credentials to potential employers. Mentors will review student resumes, and Razorback Yearbook photographers will provide headshots.
• 11 a.m. — Kimpel Hall, UATV studio — Stacey DeWitt Guest Lecture
  Professor Larry Foley's Docrmentary Film class will host documentary filmmaker Stacey DeWitt.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

• Noon-2 p.m. — Kimpel Hall, 2nd floor terrace — Churros and Soda
  The National Association of Hispanic Journalists UARK student chapter will serve Mexican Coca-Cola and freshly made churros from Mo' Tacos and Churros.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

• 9 a.m. to noon — Kimpel Hall, room 148 — Lemke Journalism Project

High school reporters in the Lemke Journalism Project will wrap up their 2025 media literacy training with a celebration featuring docmuentary filmmaker Stacey DeWitt.

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About the Roy Reed Lecture Series: The Roy Reed Lecture Series is the featured event for the school's annual J-Days celebration. The series was created by friends of Reed when he retired from the journalism faculty. Roy Reed (1930-2017) was a reporter for The New York Times (1965-1978), where he wrote more than 1,300 bylined articles. He taught journalism at the U of A for 16 years.

About J-Days: The School of Journalism and Strategic Media hosts its annual J- Days celebration in April. The week includes a scholarship reception, the Roy Reed lecture series and other events. SJSM faculty also host journalists and media professionals as guest speakers throughout the week. Many J-Days events are planned in conjunction with the Lemke Journalism Alumni Society.