 Robyn Radomski (May 5, 2026) There are times when supporting the Collegian feels like a nice-to-have—something you get back to when schedules open or nostalgia kicks in.
This is not one of those times.
Today, the Collegian needs its alumni—actively, visibly, and consistently. Whether you can give your time, your expertise, or your financial support, your involvement matters more than it has in years.
Building Stability That Lasts
Let’s start with what we’ve already accomplished together.
Over the past months, Collegian alumni have contributed roughly $50,000 to the Collegian AIG Sustaining Fund. That’s not just a number, it’s a foundation. Endowments are designed to preserve principal and generate income over time, creating a steady, reliable source of support that doesn’t depend on annual appeals or moments of crisis.
This year, we anticipate generating about $4,000 in income from that fund. It’s a meaningful start, and a clear signal of what’s possible. With continued growth, that income can become a dependable engine supporting innovation, student training, and the Collegian’s long-term future.
We are currently developing governance documents to guide how these funds will be used, ensuring transparency and impact. The fund will be managed by Ray Schmitt, director of the Penn State Student Media Network, a consortium of student media consisting of The Daily Collegian, Penn State Network Television (PSN-TV), The Lion 90.7 FM, CommRadio and Centre County Report. Both CommRadio and CCR are part of the Bellisario College of Communications. Ray’s leadership and perspective come at a critical moment for student media.
Because the reality is this: Media is being reinvented in real time.
Today’s students must be fluent not just in writing, but in multimedia storytelling—video, audio, podcasts, and data visualization—delivered across digital platforms. Traditional broadcast is evolving into streaming. Newsrooms are hybrid, fast-moving, and increasingly entrepreneurial. Collegian students need exposure to all of it if they are to thrive.
This endowment helps make that possible.
And we’ve done this before.
Our Collegian AIG Scholarship endowment, launched in the 1970s, has grown to more than $300,000 and now funds two $5,000 scholarships each year for Collegian students. That’s the model. That’s the goal. We aim to build the Sustaining Fund to that same level—and beyond.
Your Experience Is Just as Valuable
Financial support is critical. But so is what you know.
We are building opportunities for alumni to engage directly with students. We’re looking for subject matter experts willing to share insights through roundtables, virtual office hours, or informal conversations. Topics could range from breaking into the industry, to building a multimedia portfolio, to navigating a rapidly changing job market.
If you’ve learned it, students can benefit from it.
Rebuild the Collegian Community
There’s another piece to this that’s just as important: each other.
We’re working to create more opportunities for alumni to reconnect, whether through era-specific reunions, informal gatherings, or casual meetups in cities across the country. These aren’t just social events; they’re a way to strengthen the network that has always been one of the Collegian’s greatest assets.
And of course, We Are Weekend remains a cornerstone event—a chance to return, tour the Collegian offices, meet current students, and see firsthand the work your support makes possible. The dates are June 26 and 27.
Answer the Call
The Collegian has always been more than a student publication. It’s a training ground, a proving ground, and for many of us, a defining experience.
Now it’s our turn to ensure it remains that way.
So, stay connected. Show up. Give what you can—time or resources. Share your expertise. Help us find the right leaders. Rebuild the community.
Stand strong, Collegian alumni. The Collegian is counting on you.
By Robyn Radomski
President Board of Directors
The Daily Collegian Alumni Interest Group |
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