Cassandra Forsyth Receives Recognition in 2014 Society of Professional Journalists Regional Mark of Excellence Awards

2015 Apr 16

Buena Vista University (BVU) student journalists, its media publication, The Tack, and its FM radio station KBVU received recognition in the 2014 Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) regional Mark of Excellence Awards.

Cassandra Forsyth, a senior digital media, graphic design and visual communication major from Griswold, and other students in BVU's campus media organizations - KBVU and The Tack - took home awards in the categories of print, radio, television and online collegiate journalism for their media efforts in 2014.

Entries are first judged on the regional level, with first place regional winners advancing to the national competition. BVU was one of only two small, private colleges recognized in the regional awards for Region 7 of SPJ, which includes students from Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.

Recognized as regional winners, advancing to the national competition:

• Best Independent Online Student Publication - The Tack
• Best All-Around Radio Newscast - KBVU Did You Know News: Madeleine McCormick, a freshman digital media major from Huxley and Susan Haack, a junior digital media major from Le Mars
• Radio Sports Reporting - KBVU Sports Homecoming Week: Tanner Hoops, a sophomore digital media and communication studies major from Storm Lake

Recognized as regional finalists:

• Radio News Reporting - Buenafication Day Special Coverage: Annie Reiva, a senior history major from Sioux City; Elizabeth Fay, a senior biology major from Good Thunder, Minnesota; Kelsey Mitchell, a senior mathematics major from Decorah; and Cassandra Forsyth, a senior graphic design and visual communication and digital media major from Griswold
• Radio News Reporting - Warped Tour Special Coverage: Scott Locati, a senior digital media major from Omaha, Nebraska, and Susan Haack
• Radio Sports Reporting - KBVU Sports Beaver Nation Week: Tanner Hoops

"BVU's Digital Media student leaders have enjoyed state and national successes this year, and we are happy to add regional accolades to that list. It is always gratifying to see their hard work recognized by professionals in the field," said Dr. Andrea Frantz, associate professor of digital media at BVU.

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation's most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.