Thelma Thurston Gorham is heralded at the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) as the pioneer of the journalism program at Florida A&M University (FAMU). While a professor in FAMU’s English department in the ’70s, Gorham began leading a vanguard of students eager to learn journalism through her newly created tract in the English department. Her fervent efforts led to the development of the University’s first journalism degree, with the first graduating class earning a Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 1978.
The Thelma Thurston Gorham Distinguished Alumni Award salutes outstanding alumni for their professional and personal accomplishments, community contributions and support of the school. Their work and service exemplify the mission and spirit of SJGC.
01. Keith Miles
Selection Year: 1994
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1979
02. Joe Oglesby
Selection Year: 1995
Major: English/Journalism
Graduation Year: 1970
03. Joyce Evans
Selection Year: 1996
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1996
04. Rick Oppenheim
Selection Year: 1997
Major: Public Relatons
Graduation Year: 1979
05. Betsy Helgager
Selection Year: 1999
Major: Public Relatons
Graduation Year: 1990
06. Annetta Wilson
Selection Year: 2000
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1978
07. Carmen Cummings
Selection Year: 2001
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1984
08. Tola Thompson
Selection Year: 2002
Major: Newspaper Journalism
Graduation Year: 1984
09. Kimberly Godwin
Selection Year: 2003
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1984
10. Denise Hendricks
Selection Year: 2004
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1992
11. Carolyn Fennell
Selection Year: 2005
Major: English/Journalism
12. Avido Khahaifa
Selection Year: 2006
Major: Newspaper Journalism
Graduation Year: 1984
13. Africa Price
Selection Year: 2007
Major: Newspaper Journalism
Graduation Year: 1992
14. Kathy Times
Selection Year: 2008
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1988
15. Peter McKay
Selection Year: 2009
Major: Newspaper Journalism
Graduation Year: 1997
16. Jennifer Wiggins
Selection Year: 2010
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1994
17. Audra Strong Burch
Selection Year: 2011
Major: Newspaper Journalism
Graduation Year: 1988
18. Keisha Lance Bottoms
Selection Year: 2018
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1991
19. Tiffany Greene
Selection Year: 2019
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1993
20. Rana Cash
Selection Year: 2022
Major: Newspaper Journalism
Graduation Year: 1992
21. Elise Durham
Selection Year: 2022
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1991
22. Cheryl Smith
Selection Year: 2022
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduation Year: 1980
24. Staci R. Collins Jackson
Selection Year: 2023
Major: Public Relations
Graduation Year: 1996