Anne E. Swaney Memorial Fund: Medill Media Teens

Our Friend Anne

Anne E. Swaney was a pioneer in digital media, a leader in Northwestern’s alumni community and a friend to all who met her. Those who knew her best described Anne as amazingly kind, unique, beautiful, funny, encouraging, giving, smart, fearless, and loyal.

Anne graduated in 1998 from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. She worked at ABC7 in Chicago for 16 years, starting as their only web employee and eventually becoming the executive producer of online operations.

In January 2016 Anne was tragically killed while traveling in Belize.

An Alumni Leader

Anne was an avid supporter and leader as an alumna of Northwestern, serving as co-chair of the Class of 1998’s 5th, 10th, and 15th reunions. She was also a member of the Chicago regional campaign committee for Northwestern’s WE WILL fundraising campaign, encouraging classmates to support Northwestern every year.

Anne was a mentor for aspiring journalists and a champion for the industry. 

Preserving Anne's Legacy

To honor her memory and continue her legacy, friends and colleagues created the Anne E. Swaney Memorial Fund. Gifts made in her memory provide operating support for Medill Media Teens, a two-year program that pairs Medill undergraduates with Chicago high school students for journalism education, training and mentoring.

Our goal is to sponsor at least one youth through the program each year by raising a minimum of $7,750 annually. Please consider making a gift today to sponsor a student for the 2018-2019 academic year.

As this fund is not endowed, consistent annual donations are the most important component to keeping Anne's legacy alive. If you would like to make a pledge for future years of support, or have questions about the possible endowment of this fund, please contact Carlos Terrazas and Jen Johnson.

Class of 1998 20th Reunion 

As our 20th class reunion quickly approaches, we are asking that you consider a donation to Anne's Memorial Fund to honor Anne which will continue to support Medill Media Teens. There have been four Anne Swaney Scholars who have graduated from the program and they have all embodied her energy and love for journalism. Many thanks for continuing Anne's legacy through the lives of others.