Degree(s): BJ '56

Whereabouts: United States, New Mexico

What do you do?
Due to health reasons, I have been retired since 1978.

How did you get your job?
At that time, the J-School had a small employment office on the second floor. Job openings were posted on a big bulletin board. Students were free to copy those they chose and contact by letter or phone. I selected the editor of the Star-Herald at Scottsbluff, Neb., and contacted him by phone. He asked for references and, since I worked part time in Dean English’s office, he wrote one for me, as did Dean Emeritus Mott and Eugene Sharp, editor of the Missourian. I started working at the Star-Herald two weeks after graduation as a general assignment reporter and covered every kind of news from courts to cities, counties (we served 11 counties), car wrecks, county fairs – you name it, Eventually I also served as the agriculture editor. I was responsible for special editions when two of our older owners retired, and for annual agriculture special editions. And I say with pride that I won several Nebraska Press Women awards and some national ones. It was a sad day when my health forced my retirement.

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?
To pay attention, get the details. On the job I learned that listening to a source, being totally honest with the source and in the writing, will give one more reward than all of the blarney and fanfare some of the present-day “journalists” spout. Journalists need to work on regaining the public’s respect.

What advice do you have for current students?
Be honest with your sources and in your reporting.