Gift Provides Experiential Opportunities for Aspiring Journalists

The Lakewood Ranch, Florida, couple's $50,000 gift will establish the School of Journalism and New Media Student Experience Endowment to help offset expenses for students who want to pursue internships or attend conferences.

"Students often say internships and study-abroad experiences are transformative," said Andrea Hickerson, dean of the School of Journalism and New Media. "With this gift from Heidi and Kevin, our students who need extra financial support will be able to pursue such experiences.

"This gift will also make it possible for our many wonderful alumni across the United States to mentor and help our students network."

The Gillens learned about the journalism school during their daughter Carlin's senior year of high school.

"We were impressed with the school and the Student Media Center during our visit to campus and what both offered in terms of career connections and real-life experiential opportunities," said Kevin Gillen, whose son Sean is a 2019 UM graduate and on the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation staff.

"The school gives students so many different options for career paths, and we've seen our daughter experience such a passion for what she's learning in her classes and gain a better sense of direction for what she plans to pursue as a career."

Carlin Gillen, a junior journalism major at Ole Miss, is working as an intern at The Observer in Sarasota, Florida, this summer and credits her college education for preparing her for the position.

"My classes have been a tremendous help with my internship at The Observer, especially the classes that required me to go on location and interview people, attend town meetings, take portrait shots of strangers and learn AP style," she said. "Although at times it was nerve-racking and scary, it truly prepared me for this internship."

She also expressed gratitude for what the university has provided her and brother, and for her parents' support.

"My parents are the most generous people I know, and I am so blessed for the example they have set for me and my siblings," she said. "I hope students who are rewarded with their endowment will use it with the same hard work, dedication and perspective that my parents have instilled in me and my family."

The School of Journalism and New Media Student Experience Endowment is open to support from businesses and individuals. Gifts can be made by sending a check, with the fund's name noted on the memo line, to the University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655, or by giving online at https://give.olemiss.edu.

For more information about supporting the School of Journalism and New Media, contact Sloane Reid, associate director of development, at sloane@olemiss.edu or 662-915-3523.

Top: Kevin (left) and Heidi Gillen are helping ensure Ole Miss students in the School of Journalism and New Media have the resources needed to pursue educational experiences outside the classroom. The have established an endowment to assist students with internships and conferences, boosting their career preparation. Photo by MacKenzie Ross/School of Journalism and New Media