Why I gave a gift to the J-School

By Penny Wagner Peabody
UM School of Journalism, Class of 1961; M.A. 1967

This is my way of giving back for all that the University — especially the Journalism School — did in preparing me for both my professional career and my life-long interest in and commitment to civic affairs.

I have always felt that I benefited enormously from my Montana upbringing, my Montana values and my Montana education. The journalism school’s zeal for making its students well-read, thoughtful and productive writers served me well in all the positions that I had — both as a working journalist and later as a manager, an executive and as a board member.

At the time I attended the University we had the privilege of learning from history, English and journalism professors who were among the finest in their fields. And I realize now that we were experiencing both a first-rate liberal arts education as well as the skills, expertise and high standards of a fine professional school. We had personal attention from our J-School professors as undergraduates and graduate students, and after graduation they were helpful with placement, references, networks — all the support infrastructure that young people just embarking on their careers need so much.

My late father and mother, Claire and Pauline Wagner, worked hard to give me that education, and my husband, Jerry Peabody, has been enormously supportive of my professional and civic endeavors. So in naming a classroom the Wagner-Peabody classroom I feel I am honoring the memory of my parents and the support of my husband.

I chose to fund the classroom next to the Kaimin office because of my fond memories of the camaraderie, the good times and on-the-job training that transpired there. And it pleases me no end to know that long after I am gone, young and aspiring journalists will be learning about their craft, the world and even themselves in that classroom.

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