Trailblazing television anchor Connie Chung ’69 is one of University of Maryland’s most prominent alumni. The release of her memoir in September 2024, just as the fall issue of Terp would drop, presented a terrific opportunity to highlight her to our audiences. After reading the advance copy, writer Karen Shih and photographer Stephanie Cordle traveled to meet her in New York City, where Shih quickly established a rapport with Chung and asked questions that produced revealing insights spanning her earliest days as a cub reporter during Watergate to the pinnacle of her career as a CBS news anchor, as well as her later-in-life journey to becoming a mother and her struggles with her legacy.
From the Judges
Empowering. Visually compelling. Thoughtfully written. This entry stands out because it goes beyond the usual celebrity alumni profile by weaving in Connie Chung’s personal reflections, ethnic background, and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry. It caught our eye due to its strong narrative and visual execution. The use of bold photography, paired with tight, impactful writing, made the piece both engaging and memorable. The depth of Connie’s personal journey, especially her resilience and networking savvy, created an emotional connection that lingered after reading. By highlighting Connie Chung’s experience navigating a male-dominated field, it touches on broader issues of equity, visibility, and perseverance that resonate across education and alumni communities. The story built community pride, inspired students, and strengthened alumni engagement through relatability and representation.
