May 2, 2018
SVSU student newspaper a top 3 finalist for best college newspaper award
The hard-working journalists of Saginaw Valley State University’s student newspaper, The Valley Vanguard, have earned high praise for their writing, photography and design, and have been judged to be among the state’s best college newspapers.
The Michigan Press Association, an organization with a membership of more than 300 media organizations, named The Valley Vanguard a top three finalist for its 2017 College Publication of the Year Award. The paper competes in the Better Newspaper Contest Division II category, which represents higher education institutions publishing on a weekly basis.
Connor Doyle, the publication's editor-in-chief for the past two academic years, said the recognition was a credit to his staff's journalistic acumen. With a passion for telling SVSU's story to the campus community and the ability to work within the fast-paced environment of a newsroom, the Vanguard staff was able to operate at an award-winning level, he said.
“I am very proud of our staff and the amount of work that went into last year's publication,” said Doyle, a Midland native with a double major in finance and economics. “We made a big step this year, and it makes me very excited for next year.”
The Vanguard staff will learn whether the newspaper placed first, second or third during the 2018 Michigan Press Association Annual Convention May 10 in Lansing. Several staff members earned individual awards, as well.
Kyle Will, a graphic design major from Rockwood, received the first-place award for best sports photo. Steven Bryant, a history major from Bay City, was awarded a second-place honor of best writer. Doyle won a second place award for best news story, and Dylan Powell, a communication major from Owendale, received a second-place award for best column/review.
The second-place award for best non-front page design was awarded to Doyle; Josh Sampson, a political science major from Auburn; and Will. Doyle, Sampson, and Will also earned third place for the best front page award. Sampson received honorable mention in the best writer category.
The Valley Vanguard creates a weekly print edition while operating a website and social media accounts that keep students updated on breaking news. Reporters cover campus topics and issues relating to SVSU through news stories, opinion pieces, reviews and – among Doyle's favorite elements of the publication – feature profiles.
“When we do feature stories, you get an opportunity to tell some really cool stories that would normally not reach the student body,” Doyle said. “I have personally enjoyed the connections I have made with students, faculty and administration by telling their stories.”
To read The Valley Vanguard online, visit www.valleyvanguardonline.com.