CONTACT:
Lou Harry, SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards, 317-920-4786, lharry@spj.org
Ashlynn Neumeyer, Communications Coordinator, 317-361-4133, aneumeyer@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists has named Nicholas Hirshon as the recipient of the David L. Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser Award for a second time. Hirshon is a journalism professor at William Paterson University in New Jersey, where he also advises and co-founded the SPJ student chapter.

The Eshelman Award is presented annually to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the campus chapter for which he or she serves as SPJ adviser.

In 2020, the chapter hosted nine ‘Reality Check’ events, which Hirshon moderated, each one focusing on a different topic in journalism. The chapter had many guests who gave advice about items such as sports reporting, reporting during the pandemic, balancing creative writing and journalism, truth in journalism and more.

The chapter also hosted five workshops/discussions to promote journalism and an interest meeting for potential new members, along with an AP Style Workshop, Democratic Watch Party and a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser throughout 2020.

“Dr. Hirshon has been the root of acquiring all these professional journalists through his connections and [helped] build these connections with students and those journalists,” WPSPJ President John Conlow said. “He has pushed these members to the limit to make sure that they are prepared for the journalism field with the help of the executive board. He deserves this award because this organization would not be where it is, especially during the pandemic, without his hard work and dedication to both students and other journalists.”

In addition, Conlow said Hirshon helps provide a rich journalism experience to student members and gives valuable, life, career and leadership advice.

Hirshon will be honored during SPJ21 Sept. 2-4.

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 SPJ Foundation.

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