Notices
The 草莓社区 community mourns the death of Lee Hood, PhD, associate professor in the School of Communication, who passed away on October 8, 2024. Dr. Hood, a beloved journalism professor at Loyola for over 15 years following a successful career in broadcast journalism, leaves behind a legacy of dedication, passion, and commitment to her students and the field she loved.
Dr. Hood joined Loyola’s faculty in Fall 2009 after an 18-year career in television news. Her newscasts won regional Emmy Awards for hard news and spot news coverage, as well as a Colorado Broadcasters Association Best Newscast award. She also worked in radio and print journalism and taught at the University of Colorado before coming to Loyola. Known for her commitment to student success, she actively connected students with internships and career opportunities, drawing from her extensive industry experience.
In 2018, Dr. Hood received the prestigious Edward L. Bliss Award for Distinguished Broadcast Journalism Education. She also served as the head of the Broadcast and Media Journalism (BAMJ) division of the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) and remained an active leader in the organization throughout her career. Additionally, she was a member of the Chicago/Midwest Board of Governors for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), which presents the Emmy Awards. Dr. Hood also held leadership roles within the School of Communication. Her contributions, both in and out of the classroom, left a lasting mark on the journalism community and her students.
Dr. Hood will be remembered by colleagues and students alike for her tireless dedication, her commitment to her craft, and her ability to connect compassionately with others. Her legacy as a mentor, educator, and advocate will live on in the countless lives she touched.
A memorial service to honor Dr. Hood’s life and contributions will be held at in Wheaton, IL, on Monday, October 14. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., followed by a service at 3 p.m.
In addition to the service, the School of Communication will host a memorial gathering to celebrate Dr. Hood’s legacy. If you would like to attend, please contact Virginia McDermott at vmcdermott1@LUC.edu to receive an invitation.
In lieu of sending flowers to the family’s home, you may order flowers through Philips Flowers in Wheaton by calling 630-510-0401 and specifying St. Matthew UCC as the delivery location. Dr. Hood’s favorite flowers included peonies, roses, lilacs, irises, and carnations, and her favorite color was pink.
Please keep Dr. Hood, her family and friends, and all of the lives she touched in your thoughts and prayers.