The High School Journalism Institute has provided a space for students and educators to develop their skills since our first session in 1947. We have upheld the principles of journalism for over 75 years and will continue to entrust them to new generations.
1946 – Head of IU Department of Journalism John E. Stempel launches the High School Journalism Institute.
1947 – On July 21, John E. Stempel hosts the first HSJI session, inviting future director of HSJI Gretchen A. Kemp. Forty-three high school students attended.
1948 – Gretchen A. Kemp attends the second HSJI session as its new director.
1954 – Ernie Pyle Hall officially opens, and it becomes the new home of HSJI with the Department of Journalism.
Gretchen A. Kemp, the first full-time director of the High School Journalism Institute, began her career as a high school teacher of English and journalism. She was dedicated to the development of journalism education and helped set the standards for how it should be taught in high school. She tracked down some of the best high school journalism teachers in the country to teach at HSJI, creating a unique and rich experience for those who attended. In 1987, the Gretchen A. Kemp Teaching Fellow award was established in her name, annually recognizing a professor who has demonstrated outstanding teaching throughout the year.
1973 – Gretchen A. Kemp retires after 25 years.
1974 – Mary Benedict becomes the second full-time director of HSJI.
1979 – Future director Teresa White attends HSJI as a student.
1986 – Mary Benedict retires after 13 years of service, and Professor Jack Dvorak takes over as the third director of HSJI.
1996 – HSJI celebrates its 50th anniversary.
HSJI has been a part of my life since 1979, when I attended the news writing workshop as a high school student. Little did I know then that I’d spend over 20 years teaching and eventually directing the workshop that has given me the opportunity to celebrate and nurture scholastic journalism.
Teresa White, HSJI director
2008 – Jack Dvorak retires after 22 years of service, and Teresa White becomes the director of HSJI.
2014 – Telecommunications, journalism, and communications and culture programs merge to establish The Media School, HSJI included.
2016 – HSJI, with The Media School, moves to operate out of Franklin Hall after a $21 million renovation.
2021 – Around 30 HSJI staff and alumni gather virtually on July 14 to celebrate the Institute's 75th anniversary. The conference is held virtually July 12-15.
