Schieffer Symposium

College anniversary celebrates passion and progress of communicators

By Georgie London, Staff Writer

Published Feb 6, 2024

The panel of journalists at the Schieffer Symposium on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the naming of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication after Bob Schieffer, a TCU Class of 1959 journalism graduate and former host of Face the Nation.

“Bob Schieffer always said that it’s his proudest honor to have it be the Schieffer College of Communication,” said Elizabeth Campbell, field producer for CBS News. “I’m excited to see how it’s going to keep changing. He’s put such an emphasis on it because it has his name and he wants to be a part of it. He wants to make sure it’s up to date and high standards.”

College of Communication Dean Kristie Bunton suggests the naming reminds those who enter the building of the mission for students to uphold high professional integrity, just as Schieffer does.

Schieffer is recognized for his non-biased reporting, mediating of presidential debates and his ability to keep promises, even outside the realm of journalism. Schieffer’s signature purple socks are a product of a promise well-kept. During a pep rally speech, Schieffer made a promise to wear purple socks for the rest of his life if the Horned Frogs won the Rose Bowl in 2011. He has never missed a day in purple socks.

A panel of visiting national journalists discuss current events and the state of the news. (From left: Omar Villafranca, Jeff Pegues, Margaret Brennan, Bob Schieffer, Susan Glasser, Peter Baker) (Lance Sanders)

After years of absence, The Schieffer Symposium returned on Nov. 7 for a conversation on the topic of news and journalism today. Schieffer brought in a panel of renowned journalists which included Peter Baker, Margaret Brennan, Susan Glasser, Jeff Pegues and Omar Villafranca.

Click here to learn more about the panel conversation.

Following the panel discussion, guests were invited outside for the college’s birthday party. The party included birthday cake, photo opportunities and interactive displays.

Bob Schieffer College of Communication’s 10th birthday party. (Georgie London/Staff Writer)

On Nov. 8, Campbell and Schieffer sat down for a conversation titled “Schieffer: Then & Now.” The two reflected on their days at TCU, life after college and their careers at CBS. The audience, mostly comprised of Schieffer students, asked questions regarding internships, work-life balance and personal struggles as a journalist.

Bob Schieffer and Elizabeth Campbell discuss their careers at CBS during Schieffer: Then & Now. (Georgie London/Staff Writer)

The college looks forward to the next 10 years of success and innovation.