On May 20, 2024, the Valenti School of Communication commemorated the one-year anniversary of the passing of Lance Funston, a cherished donor and influential figure within the Valenti School of Communication community.
Funston's legacy lives on through the Media Production Center he generously donated, a gift that has profoundly impacted thousands of students since its founding.
Funston's Gift to Media Production Students
Funston's relationship with Jack J. Valenti was one of deep commitment and mutual respect. The donation was a testament to the profound impact Valenti had on Funston, both as a mentor and as an inspirational leader in the field of communication.
"This particular gift was because of my affection for Jack Valenti," Funston said in an interview with The Cougar in 2009. "He was a very important influence in my life."
After completing his studies at UH, Funston became the third alumnus from the university to gain admission to Harvard Business School, a milestone he attributes in part to Jack Valenti.
Funston was a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist whose contributions to media and communication were widely recognized. His pioneering efforts in the industry laid the groundwork for numerous advancements in media production and education.
The center has since become a cornerstone of Valenti, offering students opportunities to develop their skills and bring their creative visions to life. The Media Production Center boasts cutting-edge technology and facilities that have become integral to the Valenti School's curriculum.
“Lance Funston will always be remembered for his dedication to supporting our media production capabilities, which provided countless students with hands-on learning experience while following their passions and creating meaningful projects,” said Daniel P. O'Connor, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. “His legacy lives on through our alumni, who are leading successful careers in film, broadcast and beyond.”
Established in 2009, the center includes two state-of-the-art studios equipped with the latest film production technology. Additionally, the center includes three HD editing suites running Final Cut Pro X and two audio editing rooms. It also offers field production services and equipment checkout, supplying students with HD cameras, lighting and sound equipment.
The center has facilitated the creation of numerous student films and has hosted large-scale community events, serving as a hub for creativity and collaboration.
“Thousands of students have improved their educational experience in these studios,” said the Valenti School’s media production manager, Ward Booth. “To me, that's the legacy, improving the educational experience. The impact of that gift has been transformational.”
Funston Family Visit to the Valenti School
In honor of his memory, the Valenti School recently reconnected with Funston's family. In May, Christina and Quinn Funston visited and toured the center and met the leadership team and media production faculty. They were accompanied by family friend and UH former Board of Regent chair, Welcome Wilson Jr., and his wife, Anita.
The visit was a poignant occasion for the Funston family to witness firsthand the lasting influence of Lance's gift.
"Mr. Funston’s donation helped solidify the production curriculum by creating a more modern and up-to-date facility for our students to learn and hone the skills needed to succeed in the television production field," media production assistant professor Craig Crowe said.
The impact of the center on teaching media production has been profound, providing students with a professional environment to hone their craft and produce work of the highest quality.
“Our students obtain careers based on the technology we have been gifted from the Funston family. The technology allows us to build a curriculum where students learn hands-on how to produce media," Crowe said.
Funston's generosity has opened doors for many students, giving them the platform to share their stories and make a difference.
“Having the experience and opportunity to partake in Valenti media production has helped me with my experience on camera as a journalism student. I was able to create content to share with professionals and companies with whom I am choosing to pursue my career,” media production graduate Sydney Commerford said.
In celebrating the life and legacy of Funston, the Valenti School reaffirms its commitment to fostering a community of innovation, creativity and excellence in media production.
"All of this is possible because of Mr. Funston’s generous donation and vision of creating a Media Center for our students and our school," Crowe said.