O'Brien Fellowships awarded annually aim to illuminate a world of untold stories by giving journalists the tools to document inequality, expose injustice, and propose solutions. We produce journalism that matters through rigorous, in-depth reporting.
O'Brien Fellows investigate vital, hard-hitting issues such as climate change, racial injustice, mental illness, criminal justice, education, addiction, and maternal health.
Telling stories like these can change policies and save lives with solutions-oriented public service reporting, while preparing students for the future of journalism.
That's the O'Brien difference.
READ ABOUT THE HISTORY OF OUR MISSION
The Perry and Alicia O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism at Marquette University began with Peter and Patricia Frechette’s commitment to sustain and strengthen the future of investigative reporting.
The couple's $8.3-million gift, honoring Patricia’s parents, Marquette alumni Perry and Alicia O'Brien, launched the Fellowship in 2013 at Marquette's Diederich College of Communication with co-founder the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Every year, this Milwaukee-based Fellowship pairs accomplished reporters with top Marquette journalism students on nine-month reporting projects aimed at holding U.S. institutions accountable and uncovering potential solutions to difficult problems. The Journal Sentinel often provides resources to and co-publishes O’Brien-backed projects.
In 2021, the Frechette Family Foundation announced an additional $5-million sustaining gift to the Fellowship.
O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism
Johnston Hall, 102
1131 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
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