Las Vegas, Nevada-- The Society of Professional Journalists honored Trish Hartman of the University of Maryland with the Julie Galvan Outstanding Graduate in Journalism Award.

“She is one of those students who is making a difference through her hard work, enthusiasm and creativity. And the University of Maryland SPJ Chapter and the Philip Merrill College of Journalism are both better organizations because of her,” said her SPJ faculty adviser Sue Kopen Katcef.

Hartman established herself as a broadcast journalist and leader early in her freshman year when she volunteered in the student newsroom of UMTV, the College of Journalism’s cable station, said Katcef.

Hartman has interned for ABCNEWS Radio and Nightline, The Washington Bureau and WPHL Philadelphia. She has also worked as a reporter, contributing writer, production assistant, assignment desk editor and director in several news organizations.

“Watching her at the controls producing our live newscast, I have marveled at her poise and professionalism,” said the department’s Dean Thomas Kunkel. “I have no doubt she is going to make a real mark in the broadcast news industry.”

Hartman was recognized Monday, Oct. 17 during the Mark of Excellence awards luncheon at the 2005 SPJ Convention and National Journalism Conference. The luncheon was held from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Hartman graduated from the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism in May of 2005. She is currently working for KRTV in Great Falls, Montana.

“She is truly a shining example of what we hope for in the way of a student journalist who is well on her way to making her mark in the professional world,” said Katcef.

The Julie Galvan Outstanding Graduate in Journalism Award is presented annually to a graduating student in journalism who is outstanding in his or her class on the basis of character, service to the community, scholarship, proficiency in practical journalism and significant contributions to their SPJ chapter. At the close of the college year, each campus chapter of the Society selects one outstanding graduate in journalism. From this group, the Society’s leaders select one graduate who is considered most outstanding for national recognition.

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.