The college is named for J. William Diederich, a former executive at Landmark Media Enterprises, and his wife, Mary.

In May 2005, Bill and Mary Diederich, both graduates of the university, donated $28 million to support the college.

[2] Since 1975, the college has been housed in Johnston Hall, one of the oldest buildings on Marquette's campus and the only one owned by the university to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

[3] In 2017, the college celebrated 100 years of student media, including print and digital news reporting, literary writing, television and radio.

[4] The Diederich College of Communication offers bachelor's and master's degrees as well as accelerated and dual-degree programs.