2026 J-Days Celebration Kicks off April 6

The School of Journalism and Strategic Media, in partnership with the Lemke Journalism Alumni Society, is hosting its annual J-Days celebration April 6-10.

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 documentary filmmaker and beloved journalism professor Larry Foley. Other J-Days activities include distinguished journalism, advertising and public relations professionals, school alumni and student-focused activities.  

Monday, April 6

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Kimpel Hall, 2nd floor atrium — Student Showcase
  SJSM will showcase work submitted by current students.
• 11 a.m. — Kimpel Hall, room 145 — Crisis PR & Modern Public Relations
  Professor Jee Young Chung's class will host Lars Rosene, president and co-founder of Clario Group.

Tuesday, April 7

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Kimpel Hall, 2nd floor terrace — Churros and Soda
  The National Association of Hispanic Journalists UARK student chapter will host guest speakers SJSM professor Bobbie Foster and FOX24 evening anchor Joshua Pineda and serve Mexican Coca-Cola and freshly made churros from Mo' Tacos and Churros.
• 11 a.m. — Kimpel Hall, room 203H — Dale Carpenter Guest Lecture
  Professor Larry Foley's class will host documentary filmmaker and SJSM professor emeritus Dale Carpenter.
• Noon-1 p.m. — Kimpel Hall, room 113 — Know Your Rights
  Student Media, the Center for Media Ethics and Literacy, and the Society of Professional Journalists will host an interactive workshop for student journalists featuring Rachel Sanches-Smith, associate producer at WBUR in Boston and SJSM alumna, Gina Shelton, director of the Center for Media Ethics and Literacy, Cooper Gant, president of the Society of Professional Journalists and editor-in-chief of The Arkansas Traveler, and Hilary Gambel, SJSM instructor and alumna.
• 2 p.m. — Kimpel Hall, room 148 — Future of Journalism
  Professor Gina Shelton's class will host Alex Golden, Axios reporter and SJSM alumna.

Wednesday, April 8

• 7 p.m. — Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House — Roy Reed Lecture featuring Larry Foley
  SJSM and the Lemke Journalism Alumni Society will host Emmy-winning documentarian and beloved professor Larry Foley as he delivers the 2026 Roy Reed Lecture: The Truth Matters.
  Retirement party to follow.

Thursday, April 9

• 6 p.m. — The Barn at the Stonebreaker Hotel — Lemke Hall of Honor
  The Lemke Journalism Alumni Society will host its 2026 Hall of Honor induction ceremony. Inductees: Denise Beeber, Maurice Britt, Michael Frazier, T.J. Holmes and Rusty Turner. Tickets available.

Friday, April 10

•  7:30 p.m. — Chi Omega Greek Theatre — J-Days Movie Night
  SJSM will host a screening of The Devil Wears Prada with popcorn, candy and soda. Register on HogSync to be included in refreshments. Movie starts at 8 p.m.