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Photo Origin: Foellinger Foundation |
Helene R. Foellinger In the 1930s, following graduation from the University of Illinois, Helene Foellinger worked for her father’s newspaper, The Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. She became owner after her father’s sudden death in 1936. Foellinger was the youngest publisher of a major newspaper in the nation, and one of the few women in that position. She was up to the challenge, increasing the newspaper’s circulation about 20% in five years. Helene Foellinger established a joint-operating agreement with the rival morning newspaper, The Journal Gazette, and in 1958 she purchased the WGL Radio Station. Foellinger continued to serve as president of News Publishing Co. until her death in 1987. In addition to her dominant presence in the media world, Foellinger made many generous contributions to the field of journalism and to the University of Illinois, her alma mater. She created the Foellinger Foundation in 1958, to provide financial support and guidance for aspiring journalism students. She also established an internship program for journalism students. At Illinois, Foellinger is perhaps best known for her generous contribution to the Foellinger Auditorium, a campus landmark that serves as a large lecture and concert hall. Helene Ruth Foellinger was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1910, and earned an A.B. from Illinois in 1932. |
