SPJ cites dynamic speakers and events programming

POUGHKEEPSIE (July 15, 2015) – In only its second full year since reactivating its charter, the Marist College chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists was named the Campus Chapter of the Year for Region 1 in 2015. The organization will present the Marist chapter’s leaders with the official award certificate at the 2015 Excellence in Journalism conference in Orlando, Fla. in September.

SPJ’s Region 1 encompasses much of the northeastern United States, from Central and Eastern Pennsylvania up through Maine. Other colleges and universities with active chapters in the region include Boston University, The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Rutgers University, Syracuse University, Penn State University, and Columbia University.

Rebecca Baker, Region 1 Director of SPJ, wrote that the Marist chapter "rose to the challenge and produced a flurry of impressive programs and events that promote SPJ’s mission."

In 2014–2015, under the leadership of chapter President Alex Spiess '15, Marist SPJ brought to campus filmmaker and journalist Sebastian Junger (below) for a screening of his war documentary Korengal as well as a talk and book signing and James Brabazonfor a screening of his documentary tribute to his friend the late photojournalist Tim Hetherington. SPJ also organized newsroom tours of Democracy Now!, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Daily News and hosted a series of grammar and punctuation workshops open to the entire campus.

"This is a terrific and well-deserved honor, which recognizes Marist's journalism students, who are already making a difference in the profession," said Assistant Professor of Communication Kevin Lerner, who is the chapter's faculty adviser.

For more information on the Marist College chapter of The Society of Professional Journalists, email chapter adviser Kevin Lerner.