The aspiration to study overseas during college and establish global connections is frequently impeded by the significant expenses associated with traveling and residing in a foreign nation. Fortunately, due to the kindness of dedicated supporters of the Cronkite School at Arizona State University, Dr. Adelaida V. and Barry S. Severson, numerous students can now engage in international studies without financial concerns.
The establishment of the Severson Cronkite Media Global Experience Fund, made possible by the benevolence of the Severson Family, represents the largest contribution ever received by the Cronkite School. This fund aims to assist students in pursuing their global ambitions and endeavors.
Adelaida Severson, an esteemed alumna of ASU and a member of the Cronkite School’s Alumni Hall of Fame, initiated this fund alongside her spouse, Barry Severson, who together own Bushtex, Inc., a company specializing in satellite communications.
Having obtained her Master of Mass Communication degree from the Cronkite School in 1995 and subsequently completing her Ph.D. in Public Administration at Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions in 2006, Adelaida Severson conducted her Ph.D. dissertation project while on a study abroad program in Cuba.
Motivated by her personal affinity for journalism and international studies, Severson and her family generously contributed to enable Cronkite students to pursue impactful storytelling and foster positive global change through connectivity and narrative.
The Seversons advocate for student growth based on what they term the four Rs: resourcefulness, relationships, resilience, and relevance. Aligned with the Cronkite School’s mission to empower students, this philosophy inspired the establishment of the Severson Cronkite Media Global Experience Fund, which aims to shape students into adept journalists and communication professionals with a global perspective.
Encouraging a spirit of curiosity and fearlessness in students, Severson emphasizes the transformative potential of international experiences, urging individuals to seize opportunities that can profoundly alter their perspectives and lives.
Through the Severson Cronkite Media Global Experience Fund, the Severson family will continue facilitating international study opportunities for Cronkite students. This summer, over 25 students will benefit from hands-on learning experiences abroad, including destinations such as Cuba, Argentina, Cannes, and the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Adriana Gonzalez-Chavez, a graduate student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, exemplifies the impact of the Severson Family’s philanthropy. As a bilingual journalist set to graduate in May 2024, Adriana participated in the inaugural study abroad trip to Cuba in 2023, joining a cohort of students who have reaped the benefits of the Seversons’ generosity.