Loyola University Chicago

Busy SPJ Chapter Publishes New Issue of The Waterfront
As another school year begins, Loyola University Chicago’s Society of Professional Journalists is starting off by honoring the past year’s efforts. At the 2009 SPJ National Convention held in Indianapolis on August 25-27, the National organization showed the Loyola Chapter some love. As the President, I along with Co-Vice Presidents, Molly Aronica and Kristen Thometz, accepted the Mark of Excellence Award as the best student chapter in Region Five covering ground in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Professional-in-Residence, Beth Konrad, accepted the national award for the Best Campus Advisor for her work with the chapter and the Loyola Phoenix brought home the award for the Best All-Around Non-Daily paper in the country.

This year’s SPJ chapter has a whole batch of new officers and is joined by Professor Don Wycliff as the Chapter Advisor. With his 15 years experience at the Chicago Tribune, Wycliff took SPJ members to the Tribune Tower for a meeting with RedEye Editor, Tran Ha, and an editorial news meeting on October 15. The Chapter is thrilled to work on upcoming SPJ events including the Diversity Panel discussion focusing on Coverage of Intellectual and Physical Disabilities in the Media.

We look forward to another exciting and fulfilling year of exploring important issues in the field of journalism as well as helping students gain and build professional relationships. Enjoy this year’s first installment of The Waterfront and make sure to keep up with SPJ meetings and events.

Sincerely,
Alysse Dalessandro
Loyola SPJ Chapter President

Loyola Wins Big at SPJ Regionals
By Jake Giles, SOC Web site Reporter
During the 2008 Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) National Convention in Indianapolis held August 25-27, Loyola University Chicago received honors in three separate categories of the Mark of Excellence awards. One was an award that went to Loyola’s student SPJ chapter, which took home the award for best region 5 chapter. 

“It was an honor,” said Molly Aronica, senior journalism major and vice-president of Loyola’s SPJ chapter. “The Loyola journalism program has come so far in the past few years and we’re so excited to be involved with SPJ. Winning an award like this from such an esteemed organization means a lot.

Among the reasons for the win include SPJ’s service work with Benito Juarez high school, as well as the development of their own monthly magazine called The Waterfront.

It’s nice to have all of our hard work recognized,” said Alysse Dalessandro, senior journalism major and president of Loyola’s SPJ chapter.

Other winners during the national award ceremony included Loyola’s student run and operated newspaper, The Phoenix, for best non-daily news paper and Professor Beth Konrad for best campus advisor.