About the Lecture
The Parry D. Sorensen Distinguished Lecture was established in the Department of Communication
in 1993 by Parry and Margaret Sorensen in order to hold an annual lecture to teach
special topics and to provide scholarships for students.
The Parry D. Sorensen Distinguished Lecture was established to honor the life, legacy,
and ongoing impact of Parry D. Sorensen, reporter and writer, university leader, beloved journalism professor, and passionate
Utah Man. Created by students and the Sorensen family in 1993, their endowed fund provides
opportunities for students, faculty, alumni, and community members alike to learn
from leading journalists through the annual Parry D. Sorensen Distinguished Lecture.
Parry D. Sorensen was born in Manti, and attended the University of Utah where he
was editor of the Chronicle and a campus reporter for the Deseret News. He went onto
a successful career in journalism, served as a special agent in the FBI, and became
the first Director of University of Utah Relations in 1946. He was a prominent figure
in the community and at the U, serving in the administrations of Presidents Olpin,
Fletcher, Emery, and Gardner. He wrote for the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Examiner,
the Los Angeles Times, the National Observer, Fortune, and People. He received an
honorary Doctor of Humanities from the U in 1990 and was a favorite professor of journalism
who influenced countless students before his retirement in 1992. Parry was at his
computer writing a feature article right up until the day he died.
Margaret Christensen Sorensen was born in Logan and grew up in Provo, where she received an undergraduate degree
from Brigham Young University. Along with raising five children with Professor Sorensen,
she was deeply involved at the U for more than 60 years, serving as president of the
University of Utah Women’s Club. She was also a longtime member of the state's Women's
Legislative Council.
About the Lecture
The Parry D. Sorensen Distinguished Lecture has two components in order to best serve
upcoming journalists and the greater community.
Student Speaker Session
Distinguished Lecture
Distinguished Guests
The Parry D. Sorensen Distinguished Lecture provides an opportunity for the Department
of Communication to invite local pillars in journalism to educate students and speak
to the community at-large. Click the tiles below to learn about our recent lectures:
To support the Sorensen Endowment's Distinguished Lecture and student scholarships,
click to donate here.
