Loyola University New Orleans Journalism Students Win Big at Society of Professional Journalist Conference
(New Orleans, La. – April 21, 2020) On a roll as they cover headlines and happenings related to COVID-19, journalism students from Loyola University New Orleans’s celebrated School of Communication and Design are celebrating a raft of honors and awards picked up this year at The Society of Professional Journalist Region 12 Conference.
The wins come on the heels of another slew of awards garnered in the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters and Media Editors competition to honor the best in professional and college journalism in 2019.
“At Loyola New Orleans, our journalism and communication students are trained across all platforms so that they may hit the ground running the minute they join their first newsroom,” said Sonya Duhé, director of Loyola’s prize-winning School of Communication and Design.
“Geared to excel in all endeavors, they make their mark as photographers, writers, directors and producers. We are so proud of our students, the communications leaders of tomorrow.”
The Society of Professional Journalists annually presents Mark of Excellence Awards, honoring the best in collegiate journalism. First place regional winners move forward to the national competition.
“These awards celebrate hard-hitting stories and photos about pivotal events of our time,” said Michael Giusti, chair of the journalism department of Loyola. “The SPJ awards annually demonstrate that Loyola journalism students can compete neck and neck against professional journalists -- and shine.”
Awards and recipients presented this year to Loyola journalism students include:
Breaking News Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: “One dead in Hard Rock Hotel collapse” – by Lily Cummings and Andres Fuentes, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: “Sexual battery at The Boot, third incident linked to the bar this semester” – by Erin Snodgrass, Loyola University New Orleans
General News Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 students
Winner: “Student activists move to end condom ban on campus” – by Gabriella Killett and Caroline Budd, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: “Sexual assault suspect released on bond” – by Erin Snodgrass, Loyola University New Orleans
In-Depth Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 students
Winner: “College students turn to wax marijuana concentrates to get high” – by Rose Wagner, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: “Faking it: Students use fake IDs to circumvent drinking laws” – by Erin Snodgrass, Loyola University New Orleans
Feature Writing (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: “Nightmare bar scene plays out Uptown for senior” – by Emma Ruby, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: “Loyola musicians find a home in Tulane’s marching band” – by Rose Wagner, Loyola University New Orleans
Editorial Writing
Finalist: Gabriela Carballo, Loyola University New Orleans
Best All-Around Non-Daily Student Newspaper
Finalist: Loyola Maroon – by Staff of Loyola Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans
Breaking News Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: “Hard Rock implosion” – by Andres Fuentes, Loyola University New Orleans
Feature Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: “Running of the bulls” – by Andres Fuentes, Loyola University New Orleans
Finalist: “Zombie actress” – by Michael Bauer, Loyola University New Orleans
General News Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: “Water main break” – by Alexandria Whitten, Loyola University New Orleans
Sports Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: “Cross country runner” – by Sabelo Jupiter, Loyola University New Orleans
Television General News Reporting
Finalist: “Businesses and residents affected by Hard Rock Hotel collapse” – by Tess Rowland, Loyola University New Orleans
Television Breaking News Reporting
Winner: “One dead in Hard Rock Hotel collapse” – by Lily Cummings, Loyola University New Orleans