By Alex Burke
The University of Maryland Alumni Association hosted a conversation Tuesday featuring trailblazing journalist and alumna Connie Chung. As the first Asian American and second woman to anchor an evening news program, she shared her accomplishments in journalism, shared her life story and promoted her new book, “Connie: A Memoir.”
The event was held in the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center, and UMD alumnus and award-winning producer Jay Kernis, class of ‘74, moderated the discussion.
Chung graduated from UMD’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism in 1969 and worked as a news anchor and reporter for news networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and MSNBC. Known for reporting on the Watergate scandal and breaking the gender barrier in a male-dominated industry, Chung inspired the room of over 400 UMD students and alumni with her personal stories.
University President Darryll Pines introduced Chung by saying: “The greatest part of being President is having the opportunity to bring back distinguished and accomplished Terps and have them share their wisdom and life stories.”
Pines praised Chung’s decades-long career while highlighting the challenges she faced, which inspired a generation of Asian Americans and women to break into the field of journalism.
“She overcame tremendous sexism and, in fact, racism,” Pines said. “Connie was truly a trusted voice who helped countless Americans learn to grapple with the issues of the day. She inspired countless women to follow in her footsteps.”
During the conversation, Chung recounted her experiences working in the newsroom upon graduating from UMD.
“I found myself among what I call a ‘sea of men,’” Chung said. “The reporting competitors of mine, all men. At the White House, at Capitol Hill, Pentagon, State Department—all men. This was a very typical scene.”
Chung discussed the sexist behavior and comments she faced while working in male-dominated newsrooms in the 1960s and ‘70s, including being told she would never make it in the journalism industry.
Despite these challenges, Chung recounted how she adopted a sense of confidence that allowed her to command respect from her male colleagues.
“I’ve watched people get beaten down by various situations,” Kernis said to Chung. “That particular situation, it got to you, but it didn’t harm you.”
The event then transitioned to a discussion on the thrill of working in the journalism field, emphasizing the excitement that comes with it.
Chung noted the dramatic changes in the journalism industry, specifically the rise of opinion-based media.
“You’re intoxicated with journalism because uncovering information, gathering information, reporting it accurately, is a wonderful little journey,” Chung said. “It’s changed so dramatically from the time that Jay and I were working in those earlier days. There’s a lot of opinions that I don’t agree with”.
When asked what advice Chung would give to minority students looking to launch a career in the professional world, she emphasized the value of local stories and the impact of unique reporting.
At UMD, Chung wrote for The Diamondback and reported at WMUC radio.
“Whatever happens locally is of national value,” Chung said. “It’s the story that you brought home to roost, and then you eliminate the gender and the color.”
Featured image by Alex Burke, October 8, 2024.