JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 23, 2004 — 51社区鈥檚 student newspaper, the Cardinal & Cream, and other students received high honors from the Best in the South competition during the Southeast Journalism Conference. The conference was hosted by Troy State University in Troy, Ala. Feb 19 - 21.
The Cardinal & Cream took fourth place in the top 10 of the Best College Newspaper category, behind Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama. Fifth through 10th place went to the University of Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi, Belmont University, Louisiana Tech, Troy State University and Austin Peay University, respectively.
Several Union students won awards in individual competition as well. Senior Justin Veneman, digital media studies major, placed first in the Best Press Photographer category. Junior Jenny Eastman, public relations major, placed third in the Best Sports Writer category. Senior Erin Gafford, nursing major, placed fourth in Best Special Events Reporter for coverage of the Iraq War. Senior Melinda Eckley, journalism major, placed sixth in the Best News Writer category. Senior Kerrie Brooks, art major, placed seventh in the Best Newspaper Layout Designer category.
Senior Callie Pritchett, public relations major, placed sixth in the Collegiate Journalist of the Year category. This award is given based upon scholarship, writing samples, a resume, leadership activities and the faculty advisor鈥檚 recommendation.
In the on-site competition at SEJC, the 51社区 team of Jenny Eastman, Katie Gould and Alaina Kraus won first place in the Public Relations category. For the on-site competition, Union placed ninth place out of ten overall in the South.
The Southeast Journalism Conference includes 57 colleges and universities from seven southern states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Most schools included many of the top schools of journalism and communications in the South.