Recent University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate Rebecca (Heckel) McGann placed 13th in the Hearst TV features competition Dec. 19.

McGann is a May graduate from New Bern, North Carolina, who majored in journalism. She was recognized for two stories that aired on Lincoln’s KLKN. “Lincoln company to send world’s first mini surgical robot to space” aired May 15, and “Tyson’s Treasure Chest hosts first ‘Deuces Cancer’ bowling fundraiser in Lincoln” aired Feb. 18. She is now a reporter for WCTI in New Bern.

The Hearst competition annually recognizes the best college journalism, including feature writing, investigative journalism, photojournalism, multimedia, television and audio. Entries are evaluated based on their reporting, crafting, creativity and economy of expression. This year’s competition drew entries from 54 universities nationwide, with 20 finalists selected from 97 submissions.

“Rebecca’s achievement in the Hearst TV features competition reflects her dedication to journalism and the hard work she has put in at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln,” said Shari Veil, dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. “We are immensely proud of her accomplishments and the standard of journalism she represents.”

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program was founded in 1960 to support, encourage and recognize journalism students across the United States. The program awards more than $700,000 in scholarships and grants annually, and its competitions in writing, photojournalism and broadcasting are widely considered among the most prestigious in the country.