Media, Film & Journalism at DU

is proud to celebrate four outstanding seniors who are graduating this spring! 🎉🎓 Shivani Durvasula, Laila McLeod, Kailey Aponte, and Alyssa Avila have been recognized for their academic excellence, professional growth and contributions to their respective programs. The department will celebrate these students' achievements and showcase student films on June 11, 2026 in Sturm Hall's Davis Auditorium, beginning at 5:30 p.m. MT.

🌟Check out their reflections on being an student & what's next after by visiting : https://loom.ly/cDX99CQ

Graduating this spring with a bachelor's degree in and , Alyssa Avila has spent her time at the as editor-in-chief of the DU Clarion, a founding member of DU's Association of Latino Professionals for America, and a storyteller dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. After graduation, she has her sights set on law school and a vision for how journalism and law can work together to cultivate real change.

⭐Read more about Alyssa's student journey by visiting : https://loom.ly/8fE9J3g

With the department’s new high-end RED and Sony cameras, students are training on the same equipment used in professional Hollywood productions, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.🎥

“Having access to these types of cameras helps me feel more confident as I prepare for a career in the industry," current student Connor McCarthy said.

🌟Learn more about classes offered at the : https://loom.ly/ztz66uk

Meet Citlaly Quiroz, a first-year graduate student pursuing a master's degree in international and intercultural communication, with a certificate in public diplomacy from the . Since joining the department, Citlaly has built meaningful connections with professors, formed lasting friendships, and discovered a campus culture that feels like home.

🎓 Interested in pursuing a master's like Citlaly? Check out our graduate programs: https://loom.ly/Vtg_qQA

For Joe Brown, associate professor at the , film is a key storytelling tool because of its impact on people: “Film can access multiple senses within the audience,” Brown said, “and that’s why it is quite powerful.”🎥

🌟Read more about Joe's teaching philosophy and various award-winning works by visiting : https://loom.ly/kPOEZ8s

Congratulations to these students and alumni, whose works were recently nominated for a Heartland Emmy!🏆 We are so proud of our student storytellers for being recognized for their incredible work this year.🌟

📁Category: Nonfiction Long Form
🎬Nominee: "Fly Chicks" — Director Kenzie Claflin

📁Category: Arts/Entertainment/Cultural Affairs
🎬Nominee: "Mercury Cafe closes as its team competes" — Producers Madeleine Lebovic, Clara Normand & Shaundrea Roberts

📁Category: Feature News Report
🎬Nominee: "How one hockey player beat the odds" — Producers Lily Haverstock, Michael Cheuvront & Christian Moreno

📁Category: Solo Storyteller
🎬Nominee: "Navigating elder fraud as scams persist" — Producer/Photographer/Editor Michael Cheuvront

We are proud to have hosted the annual Estlow Lecture and Masterclass this past week, welcoming Wil Haygood to DU's campus!