The End of an Era: Loyalist College’s Renowned Photojournalism Program Closes After Nearly Four Decades

After 38 years, Loyalist College’s photojournalism program, the only one in Canada offering a diploma in the field, is closing its doors. A program that once drew in roughly 100 students had only five second-year students enrolling in September 2024. Loyalist College announced in 2023 that it would no longer be taking new applicants for the program in the coming year. This decision means that the first-year students of 2023-2024 will be the last cohort to graduate from the program.

Dr. John Peterson established the program in 1986 with the intention of adding a visual component to the college’s journalism curriculum. Over time, the program gained recognition for the outstanding talent of its graduates, particularly from 2005 to 2015—a period that longtime faculty member Frank O’Connor considered its peak in enrollment.

Both O’Connor and Scott Whalen, the last photojournalism coordinator, state that a number of factors led to the program’s closure. According to O’Connor, one contributing factor was the COVID-19 pandemic, which made individuals less likely to socialize, posing a serious obstacle for an industry that relies on face-to-face interaction. Whalen noted that photojournalism may now be seen as less relevant, with potential students viewing it as limited to print media.

This closure is especially disappointing given the program’s legacy of producing successful photojournalists such as Darren Calabrese, Giovanni Capriotti, Chris Donovan, Lana Šlezić, and Farzana Wahidy. The program also boasts an extensive list of accomplished graduates who have won prestigious awards, including the World Press Photo Awards.

“For decades, the Loyalist Photojournalism program has helped produce some of the strongest visual storytellers anywhere,” Whalen said. “These wonderful students focused their commitment, boundless energy, and world-class skills into their photographs, multimedia stories, and written articles.” 

One of the final five students, Pheonix Giroux, noted that the closure of the photojournalism program is a part of a broader trend. “Many art programs are being shut down everywhere, and it breaks my heart that no one else will experience how the program has changed my outlook on life and the possibilities that are out there for me.” 

O’Connor described his time with the program as a “distinct honour and privilege.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a broad and talented group of people, including advisory board members from the industry, who all contributed to a program that had an incredible impact. 

The Program’s Advisory Committee expressed heartache over the closure; however, they were pleased that the program was committed to providing the final class with a quality education. Some partially retired faculty returned to ensure the last year was “done properly,” according to O’Connor. 

Via Abbott, one of the final graduating students in the Photojournalism Program, said, “I am saddened by its closure, but proud to graduate alongside four exceptional photojournalists. The need for photojournalism continues, as skilled storytellers are still essential for capturing powerful narratives through images.”

Although the Loyalist College Photojournalism program has closed its doors, its legacy lives on through the countless successful visual storytellers it has nurtured over the years. The impact of their powerful narratives and compelling images will continue to resonate, ensuring that the spirit of this award winning program endures.