Darrell Sifford Memorial Prize in Journalism

Darrell Sifford Memorial Prize in Journalism

Darrell Sifford, BJ ’53, was a rarity in American journalism: a columnist with the heart of a poet. A staple for readers of The Philadelphia Inquirer and other subscribing papers, his column depicted the personal struggles and triumphs that together make up the fabric of our lives.

Darrell Sifford, BJ ’53

Relationships, children, health, careers, religion, sexuality, money and his own life were the core topics through which he explored the human condition – our fears and our insecurities, our need for fulfillment and happiness, our successes and our disappointments, our vulnerabilities and our courage. Sifford’s insightful and inspirational columns touched readers in such an intimate way that his accidental death in 1992 hit thousands as if they had lost a close relative.

The Darrell Sifford Memorial Prize is funded by contributions from readers of Darrell’s columns. The prize is administered by the Missouri School of Journalism, Darrell’s alma mater. It will recognize newspaper writing that illuminates the daily life of ordinary people and their everyday concerns.

Call for Entries

Send clippings or photocopies of five stories or columns from the calendar year 2011 to:

Darrell Sifford Memorial Prize in Journalism
Attn: Kent Collins
280-D Gannett Hall
Missouri School of Journalism
Neff Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

Entries may also be e-mailed to:

There is no entry fee. Non-returnable entries must be postmarked by Oct. 31, 2012. A $2,000 award will be presented. (The call for 2012 stories, articles and columns will go out early in 2013.)