On April 24, attendees of the “What is Research?” conference gathered to celebrate 30 years of the SOJC Ph.D. program at McMenamins Kennedy School. The event was headlined by Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Leslie Steeves, who leads the annual Media in Ghana study abroad program. 

Dr. Steeves thanked the audience for celebrating over three decades of research produced through the Ph.D. program, adding that it has produced over 100 successful alumni around the world. 

“I’m proud of what we’ve built so far,” Dr. Steeves said during her speech. 

Steeves also spoke on behalf of Dr. Julianne Newton, director of communication and media studies master’s and Ph.D Programs. 

“Many students commit to this program with a clear idea of research and what they want to study,” Newton wrote in a letter read by Steeves. “That journey requires a passion to learn.”

The celebration continued with dinner served to all participating guests, many of whom are in the SOJC Ph.D. program.