Contacts:
Christine Cordial, Program Coordinator, 317-920-4788, ccordial@spj.org
Isaac Taylor, SPJ Communications Coordinator, 317-920-4785, itaylor@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to honor Soni Brown with the 2018 Julie Galvan Outstanding Graduate in Journalism Award. Brown is a 2018 graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she served as president of the SPJ campus chapter.

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 national leadership bestows the award to one graduate who is outstanding in their class based on character, service, scholarship, proficiency in practical journalism and significant contributions to the chapter.

“Soni's perseverance, dedication and infectious enthusiasm for journalism have contributed great things not only to her student chapter and university, but also to local organizations like ours,” wrote Wesley Juhl, president of the SPJ Las Vegas professional chapter.

As chapter president, Brown was a proactive force in seeking career growth opportunities for herself and her peers. She has obtained Google News Tools training for her university, offering training to students and professors. In addition, she organized several campus events, including a weekly “Brown Bag Social Hour” for members to network and learn from professionals.

Brown is also treasurer of the local chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She has used her roles as NAHJ treasurer and SPJ chapter president to bring attention to the needs of students and foster connectivity among chapter members and professionals.

“What differentiates Soni from other such accomplished students, however, is her sheer dedication to the field and her peers,” Juhl wrote. “She has ingrained herself in the local journalism community, and in doing so, she has made every effort to bolster the reputation of her journalism school and SPJ chapter.”

Brown will be recognized at the Excellence in Journalism 2018 conference Sept. 27-29 in Baltimore. 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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