Contact: Gail Kiles, Assistant Programs Director, 317/927-8000 ext.204 or gkiles@spj.org

New York—The Society of Professional Journalists awarded Ian Marquand the Wells Memorial Key, the Society’s highest honor.

Marquand accepted the award at the President’s Installation Banquet on Sept. 11, during the 2004 SPJ national convention in New York City. The Wells Key recognizes meritorious service to the Society and the journalism profession.

"Ironically, It's no secret that one of SPJ most ardent fighters for open records is Ian Marquand,” said outgoing SPJ President Mac McKerral. “His work has been stellar and often not recognized. He always gets results."

Marquand spent four years as the Society’s Freedom of Information chair. After completing this position, he traveled with an SPJ delegation to Korea, where his knowledge of FOI and Asian culture proved inspiring and invaluable. Marquand also created “Open Doors,” a book described as the best overall guide to FOI in the nation. His tireless efforts on behalf of the Society and the profession epitomize that which the Wells Key recognizes.

The Wells Memorial Key was first presented in 1913. The award was named in honor of Chester A. Wells, Sigma Delta Chi’s second national president. Wells died in office in 1913 at the age of 26. Wells’ brief time in office was marked by an inspiring dedication to the work and ideals of Sigma Delta Chi, and after his death, members decided to award a jeweled key each year in his memory to a member who had performed meritorious service to the Society.

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. The organization is the nation’s largest and most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. 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.

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