Students in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications earned numerous awards in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Region 7 competition.

“These awards highlight our students’ outstanding work and dedication to pursuing excellence in journalism,” said Shari Veil, dean of the college. “We are committed to providing our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, and these awards are a testament to the success of our program.”

The competition honors the best in student journalism, with most categories judged on the regional level. First-place finishers in each region advance to the national competition. The national winners will be showcased on spj.org, and a Best in Show award will be given for the best overall entry.

Following is a full list of Husker student winners and finalists, listed alphabetically by hometown (when applicable), with their year in school or year graduated, major(s), category or categories, and project name(s).

Winners

• Elkhorn: Audrey Hertel, 2022 graduate, advertising and public relations, and journalism, Food/Restaurant Journalism, “More than a meal: Omaha couple unites connection with cooking”

• Elm Creek: Hallie Gutzwiller, senior, broadcasting, Radio News Reporting, “Wildfires burn across Nebraska”

• Lincoln: Jordan Opp, 2022 graduate, Feature Videography, “Daydream and draw: Cartoonist continues to create new work every day out of a passion for his craft”; Zach Wendling, senior, journalism and political science, Breaking News Reporting, “Lawmakers denounce Herbster after eight women accuse him of sexual misconduct”

• Ogallala: Emma Krab, senior, journalism and English, Podcast (Narrative), “In Our Nature: Nebraska”

• Apple Valley, Minnesota: Jill Lamkins, senior, broadcasting, and sports media and communication, Television General News Reporting, “UNL forensics”

• KRNU, Best All-Around Radio Newscast, “Election night newscast”

Finalists

• Beatrice: Holly Fischer, senior, political science, broadcasting, and advertising and public relations, Radio Feature, “Libraries: Parental consent or censorship?”

• Bellevue: Nathan Hawkins, senior, sports media and communication, Television Sports Reporting, “Matt Rhule comes to Lincoln”

• Lincoln: Kloee Sander, senior, broadcasting, Breaking News Reporting, “Home to history”; Jenna Thompson, 2022 graduate, journalism and English, Podcast (Narrative), “Overdosed: Digital drugs”

• Omaha: Grant Hansen, senior broadcasting, and sports media and communication, Sports Writing, “Broadcasting in a pandemic: Four sportscasters reflect on two years of chaos”; Radio Sports, “Rob Stone profile”

• Nebraska Nightly staff, Best All-Around Television Newscast category, Dec. 2, 2022 newscast

• Nebraska News Service staff, Best Affiliated Website, Nebraska News Service

To learn more about the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence awards, click here.