Merrill College @ Maryland

Graphic promoting an Admitted Student Open House at the University of Maryland. Text reads: “Admitted Student Open House. Friday, April 10. Virtual: Thursday, April 23. Register ASAP.” Background photo shows two journalism students seated at a news desk talking with each other.

📣 📣 Hello newly admitted students!

The University of Maryland will be hosting two more Admitted Student Open Houses this spring. Registration is now open, so register as soon as possible! #fearlessjournalism

We are so excited to meet you! For more information, visit admissions.umd.edu/page/asoh

Graphic showing stick figures wearing University of Maryland journalism apparel, including sweatshirts and T-shirts, with text announcing the Merrill College merch store is open through April 2.

Picture yourself repping that Maryland pride with #merrillmade merch! 🤔 💭

We think you'd look very cool. 😎

The Spring 2026 Merrill Merch store is OPEN! Check out all the color options and designs at merrillcollege.itemorder.com. #fearlessjournalism

The discussion will feature Smith School faculty members Daniel McCarthy and Bobby Zhou, and American Journalism Project CEO Sarabeth Berman.

REGISTER TODAY: go.umd.edu/BizofJournalismMarch

Graphic promoting the webinar series “The Business of Journalism in the Age of AI.” Featured session: “The Economics of News in 2026,” Friday, March 27 from noon–1 p.m. Presented by JPMorganChase, the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business, the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, and LNN.

JOIN US at noon on March 27 for "The Economics of News in 2026" — the first webinar in the monthly series, “The Business of Journalism in the Age of AI,” from Merrill College and #UMD's Robert H. Smith School of Business.

REGISTER TODAY: go.umd.edu/BizofJournalismMarch

Promotional graphic for “A Conversation for Admitted Students and Parents with Dean Rafael Lorente” from the University of Maryland’s Merrill College of Journalism. Includes a photo of Dean Lorente smiling in an office and event dates: March 11 at 6 p.m. ET, March 25 at 7 p.m. ET, and April 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

🚨TONIGHT!🚨

Admitted students: Get the #insidescoop on what sets Merrill College apart at a virtual chat with Dean Rafael Lorente!

The first Zoom chat is TONIGHT at 6 p.m. ET!

Register for the online sessions here: go.umd.edu/deaninsidescoop2026

Two male students and Professor Alanna Kopania gather around a camera on a tripod during a video production class's lighting demo, reviewing the shot under a studio light in Knight Hall's library.

Three panelists sit in front of an audience while moderator Lucy Dalglish introduce them in front of a classroom.

Panel discussion at the University of Maryland’s Merrill College of Journalism featuring Washington Post sports alumni. Several speakers sit at the front of a classroom while one moderator speaks into a microphone. A screen behind them reads “All Those Mornings at the Post: Reflections on The Washington Post sports section,” with an audience seated in front.

Two female students embrace in a side hug at they look at pizza on a table in Knight Hall's atrium.

Spring break is JUST around the corner and this semester has been a whirlwind! 🌸 🕰️

New admits, join the fun at Merrill! Confirm your enrollment by May 1. More info: merrill.umd.edu/admitted-students

Graphic from the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism announcing “Hall of Fame – Class of 2026.” The design features a dark background with a wall of framed photos and six inductees’ headshots arranged in two rows. Top row (left to right): Tim Brant, Monica Norton and Joe Palazzolo. Bottom row (left to right): George Solomon, Joanna Sullivan and Lee Walczak. The college logo appears at the top above the headline “Hall of Fame” and “Class of 2026.”

JOIN US on March 31 at 6 p.m. in Knight Hall as we induct our 2026 class of Hall of Famers! Celebrate alums Tim Brant ’73, Monica Norton ’87, Joe Palazzolo ’06, Joanna Sullivan ’87 & the late Lee Walczak ’68, as well as faculty honoree George Solomon.

REGISTER: go.umd.edu/MerrillHall26

unpacking the news. literally. #fearlessjournalism

🌟 Ashna Balroop and Katherine Schutzman

Yellow graphic announcing the Merrill College of Journalism merch store is open today, featuring the college’s logo and illustrations of apparel in the background.

📣 The Spring 2026 Merrill Merch store is NOW OPEN!

Check out our apparel:
☑️ T-shirts
☑️ Hoodies
☑️ Crewnecks
☑️ Rain jackets
☑️ Stickers
☑️ Keychains

AND MORE!

Get your #merrillmade merch today at merrillcollege.itemorder.com
#fearlessjournalism

Promotional graphic for “A Conversation for Admitted Students and Parents with Dean Rafael Lorente” from the University of Maryland’s Merrill College of Journalism. Includes a photo of Dean Lorente smiling in an office and event dates: March 11 at 6 p.m. ET, March 25 at 7 p.m. ET, and April 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

📣 Calling all admitted students!

Ready to learn more about Merrill College? Join Dean Rafael Lorente in a virtual chat to get the #insidescoop on what sets our program apart. Ask questions, get curious and ignite your inspiration. Become #merrillmade!

Register here: go.umd.edu/deaninsidescoop2026

Black promotional graphic announcing “New Sticker” merchandise from the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism. The design features images of stickers displaying a First Amendment quote, “Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” Text reads “Support the Freedom of the Press” and “Store Opens Tomorrow,” with the Merrill College of Journalism logo included.

🚨 ATTENTION MERRILL COLLEGE 🚨

Our Spring Merch Store OPENS TOMORROW, March 9! The store features several new items, including a new First Amendment sticker. Celebrate freedom of speech & the press with this new design! Perfect for laptops, notebooks, water bottles & more. Check it out Monday!

JOIN US starting March 27 for “The Business of Journalism in the Age of AI” — a monthly webinar series from Merrill and Smith School. Explore how journalism's business model can evolve and how it can thrive in the age of AI.

REGISTER: go.umd.edu/BizOfJournalism

#GivingDayUMD was a smashing success! 🎉

Thank you to all who gave yesterday!!! We raised over $130,000 — a Merrill College Giving Day record 🤩 — to empower #merrillmade students to follow their passions and receive a top-notch journalism education.

You are truly making a difference!

Graphic from the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism announcing “Hall of Fame – Class of 2026.” The design features a dark background with a wall of framed photos and six inductees’ headshots arranged in two rows. Top row (left to right): Tim Brant, Monica Norton and Joe Palazzolo. Bottom row (left to right): George Solomon, Joanna Sullivan and Lee Walczak. The college logo appears at the top above the headline “Hall of Fame” and “Class of 2026.”

JOIN US on March 31 at 6 p.m. in Knight Hall as we induct our 2026 class of Hall of Famers! Celebrate alums Tim Brant ’73, Monica Norton ’87, Joe Palazzolo ’06, Joanna Sullivan ’87 & the late Lee Walczak ’68, as well as faculty honoree George Solomon.

REGISTER: go.umd.edu/MerrillHall26

The final #GivingDayUMD Power Hour starts in 15 MINUTES — and it's your time to shine, #merrillmade students! The unit with the most student donors from 9-10 p.m. wins $1,000!

Help us win additional support for our students by giving to the Merrill fund of your choice: go.umd.edu/GivingDay

The next #GivingDayUMD Power Hour starts in 15 MINUTES — and it's your turn, parents and families of #merrillmade students! The unit with the most of you from 8-9 p.m. wins $1,000!

Help us win additional support for our students by giving to the Merrill fund of your choice: go.umd.edu/GivingDay

The next #GivingDayUMD Power Hour starts in 15 MINUTES — and we need you, #merrillmade alumni! The unit with the most alumni donors from 7-8 p.m. wins $1,000!

Help us win additional support for our students by giving to the Merrill fund of your choice: go.umd.edu/GivingDay

We've reached 100 #GivingDayUMD donors and unlocked our BOV's $40,000 challenge!!! 🎉🎉🎉 THANK YOU to Cathy Merrill, Craig Bengtson, Jennifer Gilbert St. John and all of you!

We're just 25 donors away from unlocking the $50,000 challenge gift from David Ginsburg '75.

GIVE at go.umd.edu/GivingDay

The next #GivingDayUMD Power Hour starts in 15 MINUTES — and it's your turn, Merrill faculty & staff! The unit with the most faculty & staff donors from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. wins $1,500!

Help us win additional support for our students by giving to the Merrill fund of your choice: go.umd.edu/GivingDay

The first #GivingDayUMD Power Hour starts in 15 MINUTES — and you're up, #merrillmade alums! The unit with the most alumni donors from 9-10 a.m. wins $1,000!

Help us win additional support for our students by giving to the Merrill fund of your choice: go.umd.edu/GivingDay

Promotional graphic for “A Conversation for Admitted Students and Parents with Dean Rafael Lorente” from the University of Maryland’s Merrill College of Journalism. Includes a photo of Dean Lorente smiling in an office and event dates: March 11 at 6 p.m. ET, March 25 at 7 p.m. ET, and April 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

📣 Calling all admitted students! 📣

Ready to learn more about Merrill College? Join Dean Rafael Lorente in a chat to get the #insidescoop on what sets our program apart. Become #merrillmade! 🥳

Register for the online sessions here: go.umd.edu/deaninsidescoop2026

Support Philip Merrill College of Journalism | Giving Day I’m ready to support Philip Merrill College of Journalism on March 4, 2026 during Giving Day. Learn more about Philip Merrill College of Journalism and all the other areas participating in Giving Day.

A portion of St. John’s gift is designated toward the BOV's $40,000 #GivingDayUMD challenge, which will unlock Wednesday once 100 people have donated to Merrill College at go.umd.edu/GivingDay!

LEARN MORE: go.umd.edu/StJohnFund

Jennifer Gilbert St. John sits at a classroom desk on the University of Maryland campus, smiling and engaged in conversation with students seated around her.

THANK YOU to Jennifer Gilbert St. John, a member of our Board of Visitors, for donating $30,000 to establish the Jennifer St. John Broadcast News Fund in Journalism at Merrill! The fund will provide support to enhance our Capital News Service broadcast bureau with critical equipment upgrades.

💥 Eileen Chamblee and Andrea Chamblee ’83 will match all gifts to the John McNamara '83 Endowed Sports Journalism Scholarship, up to $10,000!
💥 Professor Deborah Nelson will match, dollar for dollar, all gifts from faculty, staff and students to any fund up to $5,000!

This is your chance to multiply your gift to Merrill with a number of challenges and matches:
💥 When we reach 125 donors, a $50,000 scholarship gift will be unlocked thanks to David Ginsburg ’75!
💥 Members of our Board of Visitors have committed $40,000, which will unlock once we reach 100 donors!

A student videographer wearing a media credential and earpiece films an event with a professional broadcast camera inside a brightly lit arena. A red graphic in the top left reads “Maryland Giving Day,” and a banner along the bottom says “March 4, 2026 > givingday.umd.edu.”

#GivingDayUMD is TWO DAYS AWAY on March 4!

Support Merrill College and the #UMD community as we move forward and strive to make our unmatched experiential journalism education accessible to as many students as possible. BOOKMARK Merrill College's Giving Day page at go.umd.edu/GivingDay

Merrill College's Spring Merch Store is opening in ONE WEEK!

Want to rep your #merrillmade pride? Or get your grad a sweet graduation gift? Get ready to check out the NEW and returning items at the merch store! Keep an eye on our socials for a sneak peek 👀

Store opens March 9.

The Business of Journalism in the Age of AI Webinar Series | Robert H. Smith School of Business “The Business of Journalism in the Age of AI” aims to teach news leaders worldwide how to reinvent themselves to best serve the public. In this midday webinar series, experts from the University of…

Merrill & Smith experts team with industry leaders to explore how journalism's business model can evolve into something more sustainable and show how to thrive in the age of AI. The 10-session series runs March 27 through December. All are Fridays at noon.

REGISTER: go.umd.edu/BizOfJournalism

The news business needs to reinvent itself to best serve the public, and “The Business of Journalism in the Age of AI” — a new monthly webinar series from Merrill and #UMD's Smith School of Business — will teach news leaders how to take part in that transformation.

go.umd.edu/BizOfJournalism

Graphic about registering for UMD Admitted Student Open Houses on March 7 and April 10 in-person and virtual April 23 with a photo of five students on a panel in front of a classroom.

📣 📣 Hello newly admitted students!

The University of Maryland will be hosting three Admitted Student Open Houses this spring. Registration is now open, so register as soon as possible!

Come check out the UMD and Merrill College! For more information, visit admissions.umd.edu/page/asoh