A Class of '97 journalism graduate from MSU pays it forward to Spartans preparing for her profession.

Jemele Hill, who grew up in Detroit, this week gave $2,000 to a fund drive by members of her alma mater's National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) chapter. Students solicit donations to attend the group's annual convention in Miami next August.



Jamele Hill: "By networking, I don't mean taking selfies." (Facebook photos)

The recently started campaign, with a $12,000 goal to cover $300 registration fees for 40 students, has raised more than $2,600 from 18 donors as of Saturday morning.

Members of the East Lansing chapter "send a HUGE thank you" to Hill on Twitter and Facebook "for the extremely generous and gracious donation."

The 1993 Mumford High graduate and former Detroit Free Press sportswriter (1999-2005) ended a 12-year stint at ESPN two months ago and now is a staff writer at The Atlantic.

She responds to the students' tweet:

The only thanks I need is you all going to convention, taking full advantage of the networking and development opportunities. And by networking, I don’t mean taking selfies. Come back having expanded your pipeline! https://t.co/exhrm6Yxw6 — Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 29, 2018

She was honorary co-chair last summer at NABJ's convention in Detroit, where she was honored as Journalist of the Year.

At their fundraising page on MSU's CrowdPower portral, the aspiring journalists say they'll cover hotel and travel costs for next summer's career-related gathering. Their appeal also says:



Future journalists at MSU

The national convention is one of the most beneficial events that comes with being a student member of this organization. We prepare our members for this event all year, and the only problems we run into are financial. . . .

Your support will help every member by relieving the financial burden that so many of us struggle with. Without the financial stresses, each member has the opportunity to really focus on achieving success at the 2019 National Association of Black Journalists Convention.

This project will allow at least 40 MSU students to learn and explore many different outlets of news and journalism. This convention offers networking and other amazing opportunities with some of the best journalists in the country for current students and recent graduates. The career fair gives everyone the chance to network with working professionals and learn more about career opportunities. The conference also includes workshops to teach students skills for appearances on TV, in print, entertainment and so much more. . . .

Current undergraduate students and recent graduates will get the opportunity to network, look for jobs, internships, and go to helpful workshops centered around their interests.

► Donations can be made here or by check (address at that page).