For the third consecutive year, I served as a judge for the Society of Professional Journalists‘ annual Mark of Excellence awards — honors that recognize the best print, broadcast, and digital journalism at large and small colleges and universities around the country.
The honors are handed out regionally each spring. This past weekend, the awards for my region, Region 7, were handed out during the annual regional conference, hosted this year by Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas.
Region 7 comprises Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Little else inspires me as much as the students who win these awards and the faculty who nurture the students’ interests and endeavors. The collective display of drive and determination, and the quality of the work, assure me more than anything that journalism is far from dead, and in fact has a bright future.
This year, Kansas University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Baker University had the most MOE recipients. Kansas came away with a total of 14 awards and Nebraska-Lincoln received 11 among large schools submitting entries. Baker University, a private, Methodist-affiliated institution in northeast Kansas, led the small-school category with 14 awards. Certificates were given to the winners and finalists during a banquet at the conference.
The first-place finisher in each category qualifies for a national MOE competition that includes all 12 of SPJ regions. The national winners will be notified later this spring and receive recognition at SPJ’s 2014 Excellence in Journalism convention in Nashville, Tennessee, Sept. 4-6.
The awards for each region are determined by a team of SPJ judges who each have at least three years’ worth of professional journalism experience. Directors are discouraged from judging their own regions.
Not all categories receive awards. If judges determine that none of the entries rose to the level of excellence, no award is given.
Large- and small-school divisions are based on total graduate and undergraduate enrollment. Each of the large schools has more than 10,000 students; each of the small schools has fewer. Some awards incorporated both divisions. Listed below are the Region 7 winners and finalists in each category. The spellings and titles reflect those that were submitted in the award-entry process.
NEWSPAPERS
Breaking News Reporting (Large)
Winner: “Explosions Shake Students” by Katelynn McCollough, Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University
Finalist: “Police Arrest Suspect in U.S. Bank Robbery” by Emily Donovan, University Daily Kansan, The Daily Collegian, University of Kansas
Finalist: “University Distances Itself from Journalism Professor’s Controversial Tweet” by Emily Donovan, University Daily Kansan, University of Kansas
General News Reporting (Large)
Winner: “Mental Health Issues on the Rise Among College Students” by Jakki Thompson, The Collegian, Kansas State University
Finalist: “Health Insurance on Campus” by Leah Wankum, Muleskinner, University of Central Missouri
Finalist: “UNO Makes History as First U.S. University to Trend on Twitter in India” by Sean Robinson, The Gateway, University of Nebraska at Omaha
General News Reporting (Small)
Winner: “Domino Effect” by Kavahn Mansouri and Spencer Gleason, The Montage, St. Louis Community College-Meramec
Finalist: “CU CARES for Students” by Amanda Brandt, Creightonian, Creighton University
Finalist: “BU Enrollment” by Jenna Stanbrough, The Baker Orange, Baker University
In-Depth Reporting (Large)
Winner: “Human Trafficking Series” by Danielle Ferguson, Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University
Finalist: “$1,163,237: Bookstore Director Admits to Stealing for 10 Years” by Megan Gates, The Standard, Missouri State University
Finalist: “Where Does the Student Activity Fee Go?” by Kristin Gallagher, Muleskinner, University of Central Missouri
Feature Writing (Large)
Winner: “Kirkwood Father Tries To Find Meaning in Daughter’s Death” by Allison Pohle, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, University of Missouri-Columbia
Finalist: “Can My Boyfriend Rape Me?” by Bailey McGrath, Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University
Finalist: “We’re the Working Poor” by Jourdyn Kaarre, Lincoln Journal Star, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Feature Writing (Small)
Winner: “Living the Life He’s Always Wanted” by Steffi Lee, The Simpsonian, Simpson College
Finalist: “Carrying the Weight” by Lauren Bechard, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Finalist: “Sarah Harris at the Boston Marathon” by Jenna Stanbrough, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Sports Writing (Large)
Winner: “Welcome to Woody’s World” by Alex Halsted, Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University
Finalist: “Jeff Withey Finds New Friend in @FakeJeffWithey” by Blake Schuster, University Daily Kansan, University of Kansas
Finalist: “Ukulele-Strumming Faifili Plays Different Tune as KU LB” by Mike Vernon, Topeka Capital-Journal, University of Kansas
Sports Writing (Small)
Winner: “Former BU Punter Puts Best Foot Forward” by Lauren Bechard, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Finalist: “Purdum Reflects on Extension with Jets” by Chris Duderstadt, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Editorial Writing
Winner: Editorial Board, The Campus Ledger, Johnson County Community College
Finalist: Sarah Hayes and Devese Ursery, The Florissant Valley Forum, St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley
Finalist: Evan Holland, Creightonian, Creighton University
General Column Writing (Small)
Winner: Taylor Shuck, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Sports Column Writing
Winner: Mike Vernon, The University Daily Kansan, University of Kansas
Finalist: Josh Sellmeyer, The Journal, Webster University
Best All-Around Daily Student Newspaper
Winner: Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University
Finalist: The University Daily Kansan, University of Kansas
Best All-Around Non Daily Student Newspaper
Winner: Muleskinner, University of Central Missouri
Finalist: The Standard, Missouri State University
Finalist: The Montage, St. Louis Community College-Meramec
MAGAZINES
Non-Fiction Magazine Article
Winner: “Field Notes From Missouri” by the staff of Vox Magazine, University of Missouri School of Journalism
Finalist: “Dennis Dailey: A Decade Later” by Laken Rapier, Jayhawker Magazine, University of Kansas
Finalist: “When Liberty Goes Sour” by Abigail Eisenberg, Vox Magazine, University of Missouri School of Journalism
Best Student Magazine
Winner: DUH Magazine, Drake University
Finalist: Drake Magazine, Drake University
Finalist: OneWorld Magazine, St. Louis University
ART/GRAPHICS
Breaking News Photography (Large)
Winner: “Coach Rhoads’ Reaction to Referee’s Call” by Kelby Wingert, Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University
Finalist: “President Obama” by George Mullinix, University Daily Kansan, University of Kansas
Finalist: “Take Back the Night” by Suhaib Tawil, Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University
General News Photography (Large)
Winner: “ROTC Training During Spring 2013” by Suhaib Tawil, Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University
Finalist: “Bacon Fest” by Kelby Wingert, Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University
General News Photography (Small)
Winner: “Intoxicated Olympics” by Chad Phillips, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Feature Photography (Large)
Winner: “Harrisburg Football Photo Essay” by Kevin Cook and Elizabeth Pierson, Vox Magazine, University of Missouri School of Journalism
Finalist: “Step Show Draws a Big Crowd” by Andrew Mather, Muleskinner, University of Central Missouri
Finalist: “Not Quite Ready” by Steph Anderson Chambers, The Standard, Missouri State University
Feature Photography (Small)
Winner: “Jazz Concert” by Chad Phillips, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Finalist: “Man With One Leg Rides Bicycle 150 Miles in Two Days” by Liz Spencer, The Chart, Missouri Southern State University
Finalist: “Downtown Farmers’ Market” by Liz Spencer, The Chart, Missouri Southern State University
Sports Photography (Large)
Winner: “My Ball!” by Steph Anderson Chambers, The Standard, Missouri State University
Finalist: “One Last Lap” by Steph Anderson Chambers, The Standard, Missouri State University
Finalist: “Pick Party” by Romain Polge, The Legacy, Lindenwood University
Sports Photography (Small)
Winner: “Women’s Soccer Playoff” by Tera Lyons, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Finalist: “Women’s Soccer” by Chad Phillips, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Finalist: “Winning a Point” by Chad Phillips, The Baker Orange, Baker University
RADIO
Feature Reporting
Winner: “‘War of the Worlds’ in Context” by Kalen Stockton, KJHK 90.7 FM, University of Kansas
Finalist: “Max Brooks: Zombies, Vampires and Cultural Anxieties” by Chrissie Noriega, KJHK 90.7 FM, University of Kansas
Finalist: “A Little Help From My Friends” by Kassi Nelson, KRNU FM, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
In-Depth Reporting
Winner: “Backpacks: Tools, Fashion Accessories, Personal Statements” by Justin Wilson, KJHK 90.7 FM, University of Kansas
Finalist: “Vinyl Revival” by Scott Ross, KJHK 90.7 FM, University of Kansas
TELEVISION
General News Reporting
Winner: “Unknown Circumstances Surround Lincoln Homeless Man’s Death” by Haley Herzog, NewsNetNebraska, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Finalist: “Charter Bus Problems for JCCC” by Heather Dace and Andrew Tady, JC3 Student Video, Johnson County Community College
Finalist: “Sex Trafficking in Nebraska” by Madalyn Gotschall, Time-Warner Educational Access Channel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Feature Reporting
Winner: “Nebraska’s First Male Color Guard Member Lives His Dream” by Jenna Jaynes, Time-Warner Educational Access Channel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Finalist: “Profile of Andreas Brandenberger” by Heather Dace and Nichole Schafer, JC3 Student Video, Johnson County Community College
Finalist: “Exotic Vet” by Aimee Durham, Mediacom Cable-22, Missouri State University
In-Depth Reporting
Winner: “Medical Marijuana in the Ozarks” by Riley Bean, Mediacom Cable-22, Missouri State University
Finalist: “Nebraska Law Enforcement Hit By Colorado’s Legalization of Marijuana” by Haley Herzog, NewsNetNebraska.org, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Finalist: “A Closer Look at the Affordable Care Act” by Brittany Velasco, LUTV, Lindenwood University
Sports Reporting
Winner: “Henry Josey: Road to Recovery” by Mihir Bhagat, KOMU-TV, University of Missouri-Columbia
Finalist: “Helias Players Get Second Chance at State and Life” by Jack Wascher, KOMU-TV, University of Missouri-Columbia
Finalist: “Don’t Blame Andrew Baggett” by Mihir Bhagat, KOMU-TV, University of Missouri-Columbia
News and Feature Photography
Winner: “Owen/Cox Dance Group Project” by Zoe Allen, Bernie Verhaeghe and Nichole Schafer, JCAV TV, Johnson County Community College
Finalist: “100 Missouri Miles” by Erica Semsch, Mediacom Cable-22, Missouri State University
Finalist: “KC Trends” by Stephen Cook, JC3 Student Video, Johnson County Community College
Best All-Around Newscast
Winner: “LCTV News” by the staff of Loras College Television, Loras College
Finalist: “Ozarks News Journal No. 801” by the staff of the Ozarks News Journal and Mediacom Cable-22, Missouri State University
Finalist: “Star City News” by the staff of the Time-Warner Educational Access Channel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
ONLINE
News Reporting
Winner: “Breaking the Cycle: Meth Addiction in Council Bluffs” by Katie Kuntz, IowaWatch.org, University of Iowa
Finalist: “Lincoln’s Homeless Population Struggles with Cold Temperatures” by Casey Sill, NewsNetNebraska.org, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Feature Reporting
Winner: “Matters of Faith” by the staff of VoxMagazine.com, University of Missouri School of Journalism
Finalist: “Graffiti: The Art of Expressive Vandalism” by the staff of IowaWatch.org, University of Iowa
Finalist: “A Baker’s Dozen” by Katie Thurbon and Taylor Shuck, The Baker Orange, Baker University
In-Depth Reporting
Winner: “Matter of Seconds: Tougher Farm Safety Regulation Hard To Come By In Iowa” by Sarah Hadley, IowaWatch.org, University of Iowa
Finalist: “Former Student Attends Class with Pending Default on Student Debt” by Daniel Bauman, The Journal, Webster University
Sports Reporting
Winner: “For Amateur Mixed Martial Artist, a Long Road to Fight” by Maricia Guzman, NewsNetNebraska.org, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Finalist: “Freshman Softball Star Rachel Franck Dedicates Season to Younger Brother” by Sam Masterson and Josh Sellmeyer, The Journal, Webster University
Finalist: “Six Former Wildcats Chase NFL Dreams” by Chris Duderstadt and Brad Barnes, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Best Use of Multimedia
Winner: “Little Known Secrets” by the staff of VoxMagazine.com, University of Missouri School of Journalism
Finalist: The Road to the 29th Presidency” by Sara Bell, The Baker Orange, Baker University
Finalist: “Marquis Addison MSSU Basketball Feature” by Samantha Zoltanski and Sydney Marsellis, The Chart Online, Missouri Southern State University
Best Affiliated Website
Winner: NewsNetNebraska.org by the staff of NewsNetNebraska, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Finalist: Kansan.com by the staff of the, University Daily Kansan, University of Kansas
Finalist: KJHK.org by Marc Schroeder, Sarah Brennan, Taylor Umbrell and the staff of KJHK 90.7 FM, University of Kansas
Best Digital-Only Student Publication
Winner: Vox iPad app by Breanna Dumbacher, Vox iPad, University of Missouri School of Journalism
Finalist: Urbanplainsmag.com by the staff of the Urban Plains, Drake University
Finalist: Think-mag.com by the staff of Think, Drake University
SPJ is an 8,000-member professional organization that 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 of the press.