Description
As a communication major at the University of Utah, Howard Jorgensen (class of ’54) was hard-working and engaged in almost every aspect of student life. Even a quick review of the local and campus newspapers shows Howard was truly a man about campus. He was proud to be a Ute and known for his willingness to always lend a hand, join the committee, support the event, and look out for his fellow students. During his time at the U, Howard earned multiple features in the Salt Lake Tribune, highlighting his leadership as the chair of the Junior Prom, and Hello Week, along with his distinguished role as a military student in the Army R.O.T.C. While balancing his academics, he was actively involved in the theatre program, campus radio, and TV productions, bringing his spirited personality center stage. Additionally, he served as the president of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and ran for ASUU President in 1953.
Howard and his then-girlfriend, Lou Ann Birkbeck – who later became his wife in 1954 – enjoyed taking advantage of U's vast opportunities. They were a true campus power couple. Both were highly involved in student activities and frequently appeared in the Daily Utah Chronicle due to their enthusiastic involvement and desire to make the most of their University of Utah experience. The two ultimately completed their undergraduate degrees together at the University of Utah—Howard in Communication and Lou Ann as in Home Economics with a focus on Fashion Merchandising. Additionally, Lou Ann was one of three students who were the first at the U to earn a Certificate in Industrial Journalism, a then-new program that combined journalism training with another major.
Putting his communication degree to work, Jorgensen became a media and advertising trailblazer, with a successful career in public relations and TV and radio production. He was an associate producer of NBC’s Jonathan Winter’s Show, ABC’s Firestone Hour, CBS’s Stan Kenton Show, and other national television and radio programs. Locally, he was a director for KUTV news and sports, spent a year with KWIC Radio, became general manager of KDYL Radio, and national sales manager of KCPX-TV. He then co-founded his own advertising firm, Barker and Jorgensen, with business partner Desmond Barker, and ran the company for 33 years. In 1998, the Utah Advertising Federation awarded him a silver medal for his remarkable achievements.
Throughout his distinguished career, Howard assumed numerous leadership roles, including president of the Utah Broadcasters Association, chairperson of Ballet West, campaign promotion director for the United Way of Greater Salt Lake, member of the advancement board for the U’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and president of the board for the Utah Museum of Natural History.
Along with busy careers and raising a family, Howard and Lou Ann were dedicated supporters of the U. Howard served as president of the Alumni Board beginning in 1976, and they were lifelong Utah athletics fans. The pair generously supported programs across campus. They were frequently found enjoying themselves at alumni events and were selected as Homecoming Marshalls in 2007.
In 2022, Howard passed away at the age of 89, followed by Lou Ann a year later. To commemorate Howard's legacy at the U, a scholarship has been established in his name to support undergraduate students majoring in strategic communication. A scholarship established in 2011 – the Lou Ann B. Jorgensen Doctoral Scholarship in the College of Social Work, ensures both their legacies will continue to positively impact students.
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The Howard Jorgensen Endowed Scholarship in Strategic Communication
In memory of the late Howard Jorgensen, an endowed scholarship has been established in his name. The Department of Communication invites friends and family of Jorgensen to support the Howard Jorgensen Endowed Scholarship ensuring that aspiring Strategic Communication students can benefit from necessary financial assistance in his honor.