Contacts:
Abbi Martzall, SPJ Awards Coordinator, (317) 920-4791, amartzall@spj.org
Anna Gutierrez, SPJ Communications Coordinator, (317) 920-4785, agutierrez@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to honor Maggie Gottlieb with the 2017 Julie Galvan Outstanding Graduate in Journalism Award.

“What makes Maggie a wonderful candidate for the Julie Galvan Outstanding Graduate in Journalism Award is her commitment to serve without needing to be asked,” said John Sonnheim, bureau chief of the Cox Media Group news bureau in Washington.

Gottlieb has worn many hats in SPJ – an active member, vice president and president of the student chapter at the University of Maryland, and a student representative on the national SPJ board of directors.

During her time as chapter president, she assembled a standing-room-only gathering for students so they could learn how to stay safe while reporting on the shooting deaths of journalists in Virginia, and negotiated with a government agency to receive records – originally quoted to cost $100,000 – for several hundred dollars.

“She embodies what SPJ stands for, and her contributions to students and faculty at the University of Maryland will have a lasting impact,” said Deborah Nelson, associate professor of investigative journalism and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. “She also has exhibited a skillful devotion to helping her fellow students, to pursuing the rights of journalists and to promoting high standards in the profession.”

After her tenure as president, she continued to volunteer on behalf of the college by presenting information to new freshmen, recruiting prospective students and giving tours of the journalism facilities, said Associate Dean Olive Reid. Gottlieb worked as a TA and oversaw a public records project with the Student Press Law Center. She's currently working as a producer at Fox13 Memphis

“Maggie leads by example. She has always put her love for SPJ before outside commitments,” wrote Becca King and Michael Stern, UMD Chapter board members, in their nomination letter “When Maggie put her mind to a task, the entire chapter board knew the event would come out flawlessly.”

The award is named in memory of Julie Galvan, former president of the San Jose State University SPJ Campus Chapter, who was killed in a car accident in 1996 while on her way to an internship. At the close of the college year, SPJ accepts nominations for someone who is outstanding in his or her class based on character, community service, scholarship, proficiency in practical journalism and significant contributions to the chapter. SPJ national leadership selects one graduate who is considered most outstanding for national recognition.

Gottlieb will be recognized at the Excellence in Journalism 2017 conference Sept. 7-9 in Anaheim, California. Click here for a list of past winners.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund, or give to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

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