The Society of Professional Journalists Selects the School's Chapter as One of the Best in the Nation

Charles Davis Journalism Studies Faculty Holly Edgell Radio-TV Journalism Faculty

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2009 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute Society of Professional Journalists University of Missouri

Indianapolis (Aug. 18, 2009) -- The Society of Professional Journalists has selected the Missouri School of Journalism's student chapter as one of the best in the nation.

Annually, each of SPJ's 12 Regional Directors selects one chapter in his or her region that has performed outstanding service to the Society, their campus and the journalism profession.

The Missouri chapter of SPJ will receive its award on Friday, Aug. 28, at the 2009 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference in Indianapolis.

"I am so proud of the chapter and its leadership," said Charles N. Davis, associate professor of journalism and SPJ chapter adviser. "They make the adviser's job really quite easy, and they care so much about SPJ and its mission. It's quite a reflection on the chapter's student leaders."

The University of Missouri Chapter is one of the largest student chapters in the country, with more than 130 members, and sponsors a variety of meetings and programs throughout the year, from panel discussions on professional development to last year's inaugural Reynolds Fellow Speakers Series, in which the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute's six fellows discussed technological innovations in the news media and advertising with SPJ members and the public.

The regional awards will be presented during regional meetings on Friday, Aug. 28, at the 2009 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference in Indianapolis.

In addition to recognition for the University of Missouri Campus Chapter, SPJ will recognize student Kyle Stokes, who will receive a national Mark of Excellence Award for his radio story, Lincoln School Memories. Stokes will receive his award at the Mark of Excellence luncheon during the national convention on Saturday, Aug. 29.

"Year in and year out, the University of Missouri Chapter performs at the highest level of service to student journalism," said Holly Edgell, director for Region 7, which consists of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. "The chapter meets and exceeds all the benchmarks set by SPJ, providing programming and resources for journalism students at Mizzou. The leaders and members show a professionalism and commitment to journalism that's way beyond their years."

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. For more information about SPJ, please visit www.spj.org.

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