JMS News

J. Fred Sadu, an SDSU alumnus and longtime media professional, built a 25-year journalism career before transitioning to tennis media relations, where his passion, volunteer work and respect for others led him to cover major tournaments worldwide.

Graduate student Alex Hopp’s thesis explores how pop artist Chappell Roan’s boundary-setting with fans reveals a cultural shift in celebrity-fan relationships, emphasizing that authenticity and connection can coexist with privacy and self-protection in digital fandoms.

Students attended a Screening Circle at SDSU’s Montezuma Theatre to watch Muslim Matchmaker and discuss media representation, exploring how diverse portrayals of Muslim identities challenge stereotypes and promote cultural understanding on campus.

The School of Journalism and Media Studies opened the Ion | Behar Family Student Lounge and Studios, a new space in Adams Humanities for JMS students to study, connect, and relax — reflecting the school’s commitment to community, creativity, and student-centered spaces.

SDSU graduate student Noemi Portillo is researching how generational differences shape how Latinos interpret political messages, aiming to improve communication with multicultural communities while balancing full-time work and her master’s studies under advisor Dr. Kaye Sweetser.

Dr. Temple Northup, director of SDSU’s School of Journalism and Media Studies, traveled across Asia to build global partnerships and develop new study abroad programs, aiming to make international experiences a key part of journalism education.

Kierstin Rielly, former SDSU water polo player, turned her student-athlete discipline into leadership as CEO of Women on Boards Project, helping close the gender gap in corporate leadership and empowering women to claim their place at the table.

Graduate student Eugenie Budnik studies how well school leaders communicate during crises, examining preparedness gaps and exploring how AI could assist principals in crafting clear, timely messages while maintaining trust and protecting privacy.

San Diego State alumnus Antonio Morales turned his passion for sports writing at The Daily Aztec into a national career. Now a college football reporter for The Athletic, he credits SDSU for shaping his work ethic and journalism foundation.

Alumna Jonnie Wilson (‘76) and University History Curator, Seth Malios, dive deep into the inspiration and importance behind SDSU’s “Dear Doc” event on the USS Midway.