Alumni Newsletter

Vern Henry, corporate editorial director, retired from Advanstar in mid-February. Henry, who is in the department’s Hall of Fame, is an alumnus from the 1960s. He has been a friend to the department providing mentoring to students, alumni and faculty as well as internships. Henry worked in newspapers for a long time before switching to magazines and was close to several retired faculty members.

 The following comes from Melissa Dezso, Henry’s long-time assistant.     

“It is with the highest regard that I announce that Vern Henry, Corporate Editorial Director, will retire, effective February 16.

 Vern created and led Advanstar's Editorial Audit & Review program which has become the industry standard for an ongoing editorial improvement process.  Over the years, the Editorial Audit program has helped our editors and publishers deliver editorial that is relevant and of the highest quality for our audiences.  Vern played an integral role in making sure that we delivered on our editorial commitment to our customers.

 In addition to his work on the Editorial Audits, Vern has assisted in the development of several start-up publications, initiated an ongoing editorial training program, developed and implemented the Magazine of the Year competition and created a college student intern program in conjunction with American Business Media.

 Under his watch, Advanstar has compiled an impressive record in the Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Awards. Since 1994, Advanstar has had 27 winners and 55 finalists, including a Grand Neal and a Grand Neal runner-up.

  Some highlights of Vern's career include:

• 2005 American Business Media Crain Award for a distinguished editorial career
• Recipient of the American Business Publication Editors Lifetime Achievement Award, 2001
• Twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize
• Inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame

 Vern's contributions to Advanstar have been invaluable and I want to thank him for his more than 25 years of dedication and hard work. We will all miss his passion for journalism and wealth of editorial expertise.

 Please join me in wishing him all the best.”