SCSU Mass Comm student and chapter take top honors at Society of Professional Journalists Conference

Kevin Hurd was the winner of a Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. The Sigma Delta Chi Awards date back to 1932, when the Society first honored six individuals for contributions to journalism. The current program began in 1939, when the organization awarded the first Distinguished Service Awards. The awards recognize the best in professional journalism in categories covering print, radio, television, newsletters, art/graphics, online and research from across the United States. Kevin Hurd did a piece entitled “Cash, Credit and Saving while in College.” It is a 30 minute story that looks at the need for young people to be smart with their money from the perspectives of an economist, local bankers and peers. The piece was judged best among radio stations in 101+ size cities across the United Sates in the Radio Documentaries category. It aired on KVSC-FM in 2009. The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s largest journalism organization dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism.

Kevin Hurd with SPJ's Sigma Delta Chi Award for radio documentary.

For the 2nd year in a row, the SCSU chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists was named the best student chapter in the region. The award is given to a student chapter each year among chapters in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Members of the SCSU chapter of the SPJ traveled to the SPJ National Convention in Las Vegas, NV in October to receive the award.

SCSU MC Students pictured (l to r) Arum Yang, Kevin Hurd, Nick Lenz and Jennifer Austin.

St. Cloud State to offer mass comm course at Maple Grove Graduate Center

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Those interested in the politics and economics of international communications and the role of mass media in shaping the emerging global society have an opportunity to further their education.

The St. Cloud State University Department of Mass Communications is offering its first graduate-level course at the Maple Grove Graduate Center, 6401 Sycamore Court N., Maple Grove, off of Bass Lake Road and I-94. Beginning Jan. 10, Seminar in International Mass Communications will be offered from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays, taught by Roya Akhavan.

The course looks at international politics, international affairs and uses a critical and analytical approach with an international dimension of different cultures. The class is relevant to professional enrichment in a broad range of careers.

St. Cloud State offers the only accredited graduate program in mass communications in Minnesota.

The St. Cloud State Department of Mass Communications provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become socially responsible, professionally successful mass media communicators. Mass Communications majors can specialize in advertising, journalism, public relations, or television or radio broadcast.

For more information, contact Roya Akhavan at rakhavan@stcloudstate.edu or (320) 308-4202.

Attention Friends and Students SCSU Mass Communications :: Guest Speaker

John J. Murray, Executive Director, of the Midwest Regional Emmy and producer of the Awards Gala will be giving an insider’s view of competing for Emmy Awards and NATAS Emmy Student Production Awards. He will provide valuable, unique insight into the award application process, and explain influential factors in successful award competition.

Join us in Stewart Hall Rm 115 on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. Topics will include Emmy Student Production Award proposed changes for 2011 (more entry possibilities may be allowed by national), Emmy Student volunteer opportunities, and the Emmy Mentorship Program.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. in SH 115.