William Paterson Student Journalists Garner Major Award

WAYNE, NJ — The Society of Professional Journalists selected William Paterson University as an Outstanding Campus Chapter, the organization announced.

The award "honors chapters for their commitment to SPJ’s mission and to the journalism profession," according to a news release.

William Paterson SPJ presented a series of 18 programs called "Reality Check," which covered a range of topics, and continued a "shadow" program, which started last year.

Students shadowed a theater critic and a professional basketball announcer.

This year’s runner-up is DePaul University for its public newsroom series that brings student journalists and the public together.

These honorees were chosen "from a select group of campus chapters for their outstanding work in supporting the Society’s missions, members and journalism."

Each year, SPJ’s 12 regional coordinators and directors select a campus chapter in their region that has shown overall excellence.

Outstanding Campus Chapter finalists are:

• Region 1 – William Paterson University
• Region 2 – George Mason University
• Region 3 – Florida International University
• Region 4 – Cleveland State University
• Region 5 – DePaul University
• Region 6 – University of Minnesota
• Region 7 – N/A
• Region 8 – University of Oklahoma
• Region 9 – Colorado State University – Pueblo
• Region 10 – Western Washington University
• Region 11 – California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
• Region 12 – University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The winner and finalists were announced and recognized virtually at the first SPJ Student Summit.