Updated: June 4, 11:33 p.m.

Oprah Winfrey will attend the dedication of the Newhouse Studio and Innovation Center on Sept. 29.

Winfrey, a talk show host, actress and philanthropist, will speak at the dedication celebration, which will include a daylong series of events, according to a Syracuse University News release. Winfrey will join students, alumni and media executives to celebrate the re-opening of the Newhouse II building, which is currently undergoing an $18 million renovation.

Features of the Newhouse Studio and Innovation Center will include the Dick Clark Studios, Alan Gerry Center for Media Innovation and the Digital News Center.

Wendy Loughlin, director of communications and media relations for the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, said the school was able to contact Winfrey about attending through the Newhouse family and alumni connections.

“Oprah is one of the biggest names in media, and we knew her presence at the event would reflect the excitement we all feel about the new Newhouse Studio and Innovation Center,” Loughlin said.

Loughlin added that Winfrey’s track record of success and ability to keep moving forward in the changing media industry makes her a relevant speaker for the event.

“That resonates with us at Newhouse,” she said, “where we teach students the traditional basics of good communications, but also encourage them to embrace entrepreneurism and prepare to navigate today’s media world, which is changing so rapidly.”

In addition to Winfrey’s remarks, other events that day will include two academic symposia. Loughlin said one will be led by professor Bob Thompson, and will look at Dick Clark and his place in popular culture. The other will be led by Professor Dan Pacheco, and will focus on the future of media.

There will also be a ribbon cutting at the Waverly Avenue entrance to Newhouse II, which Loughlin said Winfrey will also attend, and tours of the new facility. More details about the event, including ticketing information, will be announced later this summer.

 

Published on June 2, 2014 at 11:42 am

Contact Brett: blsamuel@syr.edu | @Brett_Samuels27