This spring, The Shorthorn was recognized by various student media organizations, including the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Society of Professional Journalists Region 8 and Associated Collegiate Press.
Laurie Fox, Student Publications assistant director and Shorthorn newsroom adviser, said the conventions allow student journalists to connect with other college newspapers and have their work examined by professional journalists. They also provide opportunities to learn and network.
“We don’t know what twists and turns their careers will take when they leave from here,” Fox said. “Sometimes it’s just one thing a professional said to them in a convention that really landed with them, and that’s really powerful.”
The Texas Intercollegiate Press Association hosts annual statewide conventions, offering workshops, live competitions, guest speakers, awards and scholarships. The organization aims to equip and empower Texas college students.
Live competitions simulate real-world journalistic situations, including the feature writing competition, which sent students to downtown San Marcos, Texas, to find a feature article and then write it within an hour.
James Ward, English junior and Shorthorn news reporter, received an honorable mention in the feature writing competition. While most competitors went in one direction toward downtown shops, Ward decided to walk in the opposite direction until he found an independent bookstore to write about.
After gathering the information he needed, he said he got back onto the bus and wrote his story in 30 minutes.
Student Publications director Kevin Cummings and Fox judged different writing competitions at the convention.
“It shows that they have a grasp on those abilities, and that they can, at the end of the day, be confident in themselves, even if they don’t necessarily know it going into it,” Cummings said.
At this year’s Texas Intercollegiate Press Association conference, The Shorthorn took home 58 awards.
Christine Vo, journalism senior and Shorthorn editor-in-chief, received the editor/news director of the year award, which recognizes her comprehensive leadership qualities.
“In my portfolio, it was mostly work that our staff did because I think that’s the most important thing about being a leader, is making sure your staff is growing and is exploring new opportunities and being pushed out of their comfort zone,” Vo said.
The Associated Collegiate Press is a national organization that hosts events, competitions and journalism education services advancing student media. In March, The Shorthorn won eight awards during the spring convention in California.
The publication won the association’s preeminent award, the 2025 student media business pacemaker, which recognizes student media business and operations teams that ensure student media is supported financially.
“It does represent a huge feather in the cap of our advertising students,” Fox said.
The Society of Professional Journalists is a nationwide organization dedicated to protecting the free practice of journalism, high ethical standards and promoting the free flow of information.
The Shorthorn received 10 winners and 15 finalist recognitions in the Region 8 Mark of Excellence awards. Region 8 comprises Oklahoma and Texas. The publication won the Corbin Gwaltney award for best all-around student newspaper and best affiliated website.
Awards show the development of Shorthorn staffers and the newspaper itself, offering opportunities to be challenged and grow, Vo said.
“This is not about the awards, it’s about the work,” she said. “It’s about what we’re passionate about. It’s about representing our community.”
