For Immediate Release:

Contacts:
Lauren Rochester, SPJ Awards Coordinator, 317-927-8000 ext. 210,
lrochester@spj.org
Christine DiGangi, SPJ Communications Coordinator, 317-927-8000 ext. 205,
cdigangi@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to honor a select group of campus chapters for their outstanding work. Among 12 chapters being recognized, the Ithaca College group was named the national Outstanding Campus Chapter of the Year.

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. From these 12 chapters, one chapter is selected by SPJ’s Vice President for Campus Chapter Affairs as the Outstanding Campus Chapter of the Year.

The regional honorees are:

Region 1 Ithaca College
Region 2 Elon University
Region 3 University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Region 4 Ohio University
Region 5 Eastern Kentucky University
Region 6 St. Cloud State University
Region 7 Drake University
Region 8 University Of Oklahoma
Region 9 Southern Utah University
Region 10 Pacific Lutheran University
Region 11 University of La Verne
Region 12 University of Memphis

To see a map of the regions and campus chapters, click here.

Ithaca’s chapter was chosen because of its well-executed and varied programming. The chapter hosted 17 events, one of which incorporated the video-calling service Skype as a means to engage an out-of-town expert for a program on Freedom of Information. Program topics at the chapter also included question-and-answer sessions with local journalists, discussions about social-media use and programs on SPJ resources and internship guidance.

SPJ will honor the Ithaca College Chapter at the Student Union event at Excellence in Journalism 2012, Sept. 21 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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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