ASU California Center plays host to LA's first city-wide media party in years

February 17, 2023

Los Angeles saw its first city-wide media party in years, hosted by Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, The Los Angeles Times and the Center for Los Angeles and New Urban Leadership.

The party took place at the ASU California Center, located in the historic Herald Examiner Building, and brought together a who’s who in media, politics and culture. Los Angeles Times Executive Editor Kevin Merida and Battinto Batts, dean of ASU's Walter Cronkite School for Journalism and Mass Communication, at a media party hosted at the ASU California Center. Photo by Gary Leonard Download Full Image

Said one attendee, “I've been to a lot of 'media parties' over the years, especially during the years I was active on the board of the LA Press Club, but that one last night was spectacular. The guest list was simply amazing, from the A-list reporters and editors to top local officials.”

The old-school, off-the-record gathering of city-wide politicos and the press who follow them was reimagined for the 21st century with LA-inspired drinks, culture, music and a special poetry reading from Sophie Szew, featured at the inauguration of LA Mayor Karen Bass.

Battinto Batts, dean of the Cronkite School, and Kevin Merida, executive editor of The Los Angeles Times, each took a few moments to discuss ASU’s new presence in LA and commend the role journalists and journalism plays in sustaining a city — LA and all cities.

Guests included: Sheriff Robert Luna and his wife Celines; Council President Paul Krekorian; KNBC political reporter Conan Nolan; LA Times Executive Editor Kevin Merida; Dean Battinto Batts, Cronkite School; Alissa Walker, NY Magazine/Curbed; Nick Melvoin, LAUSD School Board; Rob Eshman, senior contributing editor, The Forward; LA Times' Jim Rainey, Ben Oreskes, David Zanheiser, Paul Pringle, Nick Goldberg and Lila Seidman; Jesus Sanchez, publisher of Eastsider LA; former LA city councilmember Mike Bonin; Stacy Lieberman, executive director of the Library Foundation Los Angeles; Gene Maddaus, senior media reporter, Variety; Kim Masters, editor-at-large, The Hollywood Reporter; John Cho, assistant editor, Korea Times; Brenda Verano and Daniel Vasquez, Calo News; Josephine Ramirez, executive vice president of The Music Center; Mandalit del Barco, NPR West; Jon Regardie and Eric Mercado, LA Magazine; co-founders of the Center for Los Angeles and New Urban Leadership Donna Bojarsky, Sarah Dusseault and Aaron Paley.

People smiling for a group photo at a media event.

From left: Ben Oreskes, LA Times; former Councilman Mike Bonin; Center for LA Co-Founder Sarah Dusseault; and Miguel Santana, CEO, Weingart Foundation.

Photo by Gary Leonard

Two men speaking and gesturing with their hands.

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna in conversation with LA Times’ Kevin Merida.

Photo by Gary Leonard

Woman and man gesturing with their hands and speaking to each other.

Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA and LA City Council President Paul Krekorian.

Photo by Gary Leonard

Two men posing for a photo at a media party.

Aric Johnson of ASU's Cronkite School with John Cho, managing editor of The Korea Times.

Photo by Gary Leonard

Dean Battinto Batts and LA Chief Deputy Controller Rick Cole.

Photo by Gary Leonard

Two people posing for a photo at a media party.

Jaerin Lee of SBS International with Eric Mercado of Los Angeles Magazine.

Photo by Gary Leonard

ASU students smiling for a group photo at a media event.

ASU students in the historic Julia Morgan-designed lobby of the Herald Examiner building.

Photo by Gary Leonard

Two women smiling and posing for a photo at a media party.

ASU’s Katie Paquet and Center for LA Co-Founder Donna Bojarsky.

Photo by Gary Leonard

Front page of a newspaper that reads "Herald Examiner - Los Angeles Shook by Next LA Citywide Media Party!" and shows a man wearing a suit and hat holding a sign that says "Don't quote me."

Center for Los Angeles Co-Founder Aaron Paley at the Snap Yourself photo booth.

Photo by Gary Leonard

Exterior of the Herald Examiner Building in Los Angeles.

The historic Herald Examiner building, now home to ASU in LA.

Photo by Gary Leonard

ASU’s endowment reaches $1.39B and top 100 list for fiscal year 2022

Exterior shot of ASU building with a sign that reads "Fulton Center" and palm trees.

The Arizona State University endowment outperformed many of its peers during fiscal year 2022 and reached the industry’s list of top 100 endowments by size for the first time.The endowment, which is managed by the ASU Foundation for A New American University, rose 17 spots to No. 99 during fiscal year 2022 out of 689 institutions in the National Association of College and University Business Off...

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ASU’s endowment reaches $1.39B and top 100 list for fiscal year 2022

February 17, 2023

The Arizona State University endowment outperformed many of its peers during fiscal year 2022 and reached the industry’s list of top 100 endowments by size for the first time.

The endowment, which is managed by the ASU Foundation for A New American University, rose 17 spots to No. 99 during fiscal year 2022 out of 689 institutions in the National Association of College and University Business Officers-TIAA Study of Endowments annual study. ASU ranked ahead of the following PAC-12 schools: University of Arizona Foundation (No. 115), Oregon State University Foundation (No. 167), Washington State University (No. 117) and University of Utah (No. 104). Exterior shot of ASU building with a sign that reads "Fulton Center" and palm trees. Fulton Center, home to the ASU Foundation. Download Full Image

A combination of strong investment returns and increased philanthropy bolstered the endowment’s market value from $1.25 billion to $1.39 billion at the end of fiscal year 2022, which ended June 30, 2022. According to the survey results, the 2.4% investment return for fiscal year 2022 places ASU's endowment in the top decile of peer institutions with endowments of $1 billion or more.

“We've made several strategic enhancements to our investment approach in recent years, including building on internal investment resources, capitalizing on proprietary investment opportunities, enhancing our partnership with BlackRock and strengthening the alignment of our investments with the mission of ASU,” said Jeff Mindlin, chief investment officer for the ASU Foundation. “We saw strong outcomes from our innovative, sustainable approach in areas such as renewable power, clean tech and education technology.”

More than 100 new endowed funds were added to the ASU endowment in support of students, faculty and other programs. The ASU endowment is made up of more than 2,300 endowed funds that are restricted to a specific use or distribution schedule and are permanent gifts that are invested as a pooled fund to provide long-term financial support to ASU for scholarships and fellowships, professorships and chairs, research, athletics and other enrichment activities.

“As a public enterprise, Arizona State University looks to its visionary and dedicated philanthropic network to help support its growth and success,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “Through the incredible confidence and generosity of donors at all levels, ASU has seen unprecedented investments during the past six months, and our community is deeply appreciative and inspired to keep this momentum.”