Presented by Columbia Daily Spectator

Secure the Spec DC: 150th anniversary preview and panel discussion (student journalism and Columbia in crisis)

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About This Event

As the Columbia Daily Spectator approaches its 150th anniversary, we are launching an ambitious effort to secure its future — and strengthen its position as the best student newspaper in America.* 

Join us for a special Washington, D.C., preview of the $1 million SECURE THE SPEC campaign and what it will accomplish, from financial aid to new reporting prizes and fellowships that help graduates launch their careers. We'll also strengthen an endowment that's nearly the smallest in the Ivy League.

This is a free, "no ask" event. Light refreshments will be served. Questions? Email giving@columbiaspectator.com.

Speakers

  • Welcome from SARA JUST '88, the senior executive producer of PBS NewsHour Productions and a WETA senior vice president
  • MARCUS BRAUCHLI '83, the former executive editor of The Washington Post and the cofounder of North Base Media, will interview three recent editors-in-chief: TSEHAI ALFRED '27, SHEA VANCE '26, and ISABELLA RAMIREZ '25. They'll discuss Columbia's years of crisis, from campus occupation to its clash with the Trump administration, and the importance of independent student journalism.

*Society of Professional Journalists, May 2025

Spec is grateful to Josh Hurvitz '03 and his firm, NVG, for hosting this event.

About This Event

As the Columbia Daily Spectator approaches its 150th anniversary, we are launching an ambitious effort to secure its future — and strengthen its position as the best student newspaper in America.* 

Join us for a special Washington, D.C., preview of the $1 million SECURE THE SPEC campaign and what it will accomplish, from financial aid to new reporting prizes and fellowships that help graduates launch their careers. We'll also strengthen an endowment that's nearly the smallest in the Ivy League.

This is a free, "no ask" event. Light refreshments will be served. Questions? Email giving@columbiaspectator.com.

Speakers

  • Welcome from SARA JUST '88, the senior executive producer of PBS NewsHour Productions and a WETA senior vice president
  • MARCUS BRAUCHLI '83, the former executive editor of The Washington Post and the cofounder of North Base Media, will interview three recent editors-in-chief: TSEHAI ALFRED '27, SHEA VANCE '26, and ISABELLA RAMIREZ '25. They'll discuss Columbia's years of crisis, from campus occupation to its clash with the Trump administration, and the importance of independent student journalism.

*Society of Professional Journalists, May 2025

Spec is grateful to Josh Hurvitz '03 and his firm, NVG, for hosting this event.

Getting There

1640 Rhode Island Avenue NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20036
United States