University of Memphis Announces Linda and Steve Simon Family Fellowship
June 15, 2017 - The University of Memphis has announced the Linda and Steve Simon
Family Fellowship. A strategic investment to advance the Department of Journalism
and Strategic Media, this gift creates a signature professional faculty position for
outstanding early career faculty in public relations.
Endowments for faculty positions provide support and recognition to those who have
earned distinction in the field, the classroom and the community. Investing in faculty
to ensure the integrity and quality of academic programs is of the highest importance
to the UofM.
"Gifts such as this help us to attract and retain nationally and internationally renowned
scholars from diverse backgrounds to the University of Memphis," said President M.
David Rudd. "I sincerely appreciate the vision of the Simon Family to strengthen our
ability to support young, dynamic faculty."
Linda Simon earned her bachelor of science in elementary education from the University
in 1970. Steve was highly regarded as a public relations pioneer and visionary who
earned his journalism degree from the UofM in 1969. Steve used his experience as press
secretary for the mayor of Memphis and at several executive positions at PR agencies
in Chicago to launch S&S Public Relations Inc. in 1978. The firm specialized in franchise
PR and evolved to support the booming technology industry at the birth of the Internet.
With multiple offices across the U.S., the newly incorporated SSPR, LLC is a nod to
his namesake and thrives on his legacy. The company has grown its client base by adding
numerous prominent brands across many successful and contemporary industries.
The Department of Journalism and Strategic Media has approximately 325 undergraduate
majors and 40 graduate students. Its programs focus on applied journalism to help
students learn the concepts and skills to be effective news, public relations and
advertising professionals.
For more information, contact Katherine Goliver, director of development for the College
of Communication and Fine Arts, at k.goliver@memphis.edu or 901.678.4372.
Photo caption: Attending an event celebrating the Linda and Steve Simon Family Fellowship
were (from left): Donna Nathan, Trish Morris, Fay Jason, Linda Simon, Brenda Gordon,
Carolyn Berkowitz, Marcia Nathan and Carolyn Kusper.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Katherine Goliver
901.678.4372
k.goliver@memphis.edu