CONTACT:
Larry Messing, SPJ Director of Development, 317-920-4784, lmessing@spj.org
Isaac Taylor, SPJ Communications Coordinator, 317-920-4785, itaylor@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists, announced today that it is changing its name to the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation.

The Foundation’s board of directors approved the name change at its meeting in September 2018 in Baltimore.

According to SPJ Foundation President Irwin Gratz, “The name change makes it clear to our donors that their contributions will educate journalists and the public about the pillars the Society believes professional journalism is built on: A diverse workforce, telling the stories of our shared experience, acting as a watchdog over government and business and seeking the truth ethically.”

The SDX Foundation was founded in 1961 to support SPJ in promoting integrity, encouraging excellence, fostering diversity and protecting freedom of speech and the press. SPJ was founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi on the DePauw University campus in Greencastle, Indiana. This year, SPJ celebrates its 110th anniversary.

SPJ Director of Development Larry Messing noted that many donors overlook giving to the SDX Foundation, unaware of the connection between Sigma Delta Chi and the Society of Professional Journalists. The new SPJ Foundation name should make the connection clear.

Sigma Delta Chi is a vital part of the SPJ history and its name will continue to live on through the SDX Awards program and banquet, one of the most prestigious awards programs in the journalism field. The next SDX Awards banquet will be June 21 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. For more information on getting involved with this event or being a sponsor, contact Larry Messing at (317) 920-4784.

“We'll never forget the foresight of our founders, who, more than a century ago, created the Sigma Delta Chi fraternity to improve the practice of journalism," said Gratz. "But today's challenges demand that we marshal our resources behind the efforts of the Society of Professional Journalists.”

In the past year alone, journalists were targets of horrendous violence and an onslaught of disgraceful rhetoric. It is for this reason — among many others — that SPJ continues to educate the public on media literacy and the importance of free press.

Give to the SPJ Foundation today.

The Society of Professional Journalists Foundation is a public foundation dedicated to ensuring that those who carry on the tradition of a free press are prepared for the challenge. The SPJ Foundation supports educational and professional needs of journalists and journalism students. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Give to the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation.

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