Journalism alum returns for Master's Week Nov. 7-10

Leary to meet with students and faculty

Warren Leary, '69, is a science correspondent for The New York Times and is based in Washington, D.C. A science writer for more than 30 years, he is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and received an M.S. degree from the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University. Leary began his science writing career with the Associated Press, creating the science beat in the Boston bureau of the news agency from 1971 through 1976, and continuing as a senior science writer for the AP in its Washington bureau from 1976 until 1989, when he joined the staff of The Times. As an award-winning science writer based in Washington, Leary covers space flight, technology, engineering, aeronautics and medical science, as well as policy issues. He is a member and former officer of the National Association of Sciences Writers and serves on the board of the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing.

Leary and three other UNL alumni will be honored at a Nov. 7 welcome reception and a Nov. 9 Medallion Dinner.

Schedule of Events

Wed., Nov. 7

  • 3:30-4:20 p.m. - News 402, Depth Reporting class
  • 4:20-4:50 p.m. - Meet with Professor Johnsen
  • 6-7:30 p.m. - Welcome reception hosted by The Student Alumni Association, Mortar Board and the Innocents Society

Thurs., Nov. 8

  • 9:30-10:45 a.m. - NEWS 302, Beat Reporting class
  • 11 a.m. - Noon - JOUR 102, The Art of Writing class
  • Noon – 1 p.m. - Buffet lunch hosted by The Student Alumni Association, Mortar Board and the Innocents Society
  • 1:30-2:20 p.m. - Public affairs program, Campus Voices, with Professors
    Alloway and Renaud
  • 2:30-3:20 p.m. - JOUR 485, Mass Media History class
  • 4-4:45 p.m. - JOUR 101, Principles of Mass Media class

Fri., Nov. 9

  • 1:30-2:30 p.m. - Personal recollections for inclusion in history of college, interview by Professors Quinlan and Walklin
  • 5:30-8 p.m. - Medallion Dinner hosted by Chancellor Harvey Perlman


Masters Week is a week during each fall semester when outstanding alumni who have shown great promise, success and leadership in their chosen life's work are recognized as "Masters." These Masters return to campus for the week to interact with students and University officials. During their visit, Masters help students realize ways to build successful careers. Masters also update faculty on developments in their fields.

Masters Week began at the University of Nebraska in the 1963-64 academic year, with the first Masters on campus in the spring of 1964. The program was started at the request of then-chancellor Clifford Hardin, who had been invited back to Purdue University to take part in that school's "Old Master Program." The program originally was coordinated by the Student Council, Mortar Board and Innocents Societies and the Chancellor's Office. Today, Masters Week is sponsored by Innocents and Mortar Board, the Chancellor's Office and the Alumni Association.

The three goals for the event are:

  • To help students realize there are many ways to apply formal education to successful careers.
  • To help students learn of current developments in their intended professions.
  • To update faculty on significant trends and developments in their fields.