A Giant Step Forward An intricate, complex, carefully calibrated dream
This Annual Report provides a snapshot of the Bellisario College of Communications. In this brief recap, you get a sense of our global reach, world-class faculty, alumni engagement and abundance of student resources. We are an unquestioned educational destination for mass communications students.
Top-notch classroom instruction represents the core of our mission. In traditional and non-traditional settings, on campus or online, our award-winning faculty strive to serve students in ways that resonate most with them and lead to their success.
4 university-wide faculty award winners
896 undergraduate students earned degrees in 2020-21
More than three dozen communications-related clubs and organizations offer students the chance to complement class work through networking or practical experience. From the Ad/PR Club and Student Film Organization to CommAgency, CommRadio and Valley Magazine, students in every major have opportunities to hone vital-career related skills outside the classroom.
2 first-place winners: 2020 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards, College/University Student Production Awards
4 national finalists: Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Awards, Region 1
61 episodes available of COMMversations, the college podcast
From the moment students step on campus, our internships and career services team helps prepare them for a career. With a database of more than 4,000 internship sites, three communications-specific job fairs, resume review sessions and workshops, mock interviews, an annual etiquette dinner and more, their support of students is unrivaled.
171 companies at three communications specific internship and job fairs, two of which were conducted virtually
275 Alumni Connection Program Volunteer Mentors
309 for-credit internships completed
Bellisario College faculty members are award-winning teachers and internationally respected researchers and thought leaders. They thrive in the classroom (in person or virtually), in labs, in “embedded courses,” and as experts sought out by the media and potential collaborators.
6 books written
12 book chapters
106 professional presentations
110 journal articles produced
As much as any group, Bellisario College staff members exemplify the commitment and passion that makes Penn State special. They are dedicated to supporting students and helping them succeed.
“We want to go above and beyond in trying to find ways to support, encourage and be positive for students.” – Jamey Perry, Assistant Dean for Academic Services
The power of the Penn State network cannot be overlooked, and the commitment of Bellisario College alumni to supporting each other and students provides an example of that support on a daily basis. Our alumni enjoy interacting with each other and facilitating the success of fellow Penn Staters.
20 military abroad
67 countries where Bellisario College alumni reside
Donors at every level make the success of Bellisario College students and faculty possible. In addition, many opportunities exist to ensure the continued success of our people and programs.
1,937 gifts received
Despite a brief delay because of the coronavirus pandemic, construction on the Donald P. Bellisario Media Center continued during the 2020-21 academic year. The facility—which revitalizes the oldest part of Willard Building while attracting students and encouraging collaboration across disciplines—opened for classes for fall 2021.
