Journalism students honored for their achievements

By Sarah Schuch

Edited by Amanda Crabtree, Meredith Mayberry and Kelly Morse

Journalism students and faculty were able to gather in one place on Wednesday to honor the successes in the journalism field.

An awards luncheon was organized to officially hand out scholarships to students and acknowledge individuals who have received awards throughout the year.

“It’s a point of pride,” said Tim Boudreau, assistant professor of journalism. “We could just cut them a check and send them on their way, but (the awards banquet) is good for them and the department.”

Boudreau, a scholarship committee member, said a lot of students work quietly all year. This is a way to step back and recognize some of their top students.

Ken McDonald, journalism instructor and scholarship committee member, said 15 students received scholarships this year. Even though only about 20 students applied for scholarships, there were a lot more applications to go through since each student could apply for more than one.

The three-person committee went reviewed all the applications and picked the most qualified for each scholarship.

Besides lunch and the awards presentation, a distinguished alumnus who excelled in the professional world spoke and shared his experiences, McDonald said.

Terry Foster, sports writer at the Detroit News, was a 1981 Central Michigan University graduate.

McDonald said the banquet allows students to meet someone like Foster.

“He has ties to the university and has a stellar professional career,” McDonald said. “It’s a good connection for people who are going into his kind of work.”

McDonald hopes students will be inspired by Foster’ success story and say, “Hey. I can go on from here and excel in my craft.”

Foster encouraged the journalism students to stick with the profession and its changing atmosphere.

“It’s all about survival,” Foster said. “If you can get through the rough times, do it.”

Boudreau said the awards luncheon gives the opportunity to brag as a department. The Provost and others outside of the department were also invited.

"This year (the awards luncheona0 was made more student friendly," Boudreau said. It was a lunch instead of a dinner and having it at the university made the tickets cheaper.